Girl with A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Girl with A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

This is a book I read only because it was recommended to me by a close relative with a great eye for a well-written novel. Griet, a young girl born into a poor family, lives with her younger sister Agnes, older brother Frans, mother and her Father. Due to his recent accident, Griet's father who used to paint tiles was blinded and now the family has no source of money. Frans is already off gaining experience from his apprenticeship and Agnes is too young. Griet is the only option to keep her family afloat. She is sent to the richer part of town to serve as the maid for a well known painter who has specially requested her to clean his studio with as much detail that she does her own house for her blind father. Griet moves into her new house, only visiting her family on Sundays. She soon grows accustomed to her daily chores and the mischievous children but what she doesn't expect is her fascination with her master's painting. When her Master decides to paint her secretly, Griet knows she must be careful not to let this ruin her life. But will she be able to refuse her masters request to wear his wife's pearl earrings? Will this destroy her life forever?
This book delves into the sensitive relationships within a household and touches upon the hidden desires and questions that pull the strings of our hearts.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster explores the meaning between the lines and the symbols behind words. It gives the reader a backstage pass to the original intent of authors. I liked this book not only because I found it extremely interesting and informative, but also because it taught me to look more deeply into the books I had been reading. It was like a cheat code that gave me the inside story, one I’d had no access to before. Instead of glossing over a meal in a novel, I came to recognize it as a communion, because why else would an author take the time to include such an everyday activity into their story, unless it was symbolic!  I really enjoyed this book because now when I pick up a book I feel like a detective looking for clues! Definitely a worth-while read!