The Awakening

A book that feels alive and current and that is so much better than I remembered it. Just as important: it was a hit with my students.

I’m not sure the significance of the protagonist’s rejection of others’ expectations and her embrace of her own choices really registered when I read the book the first time. I was too young and still thought I’d live as principled and free as she does. I think most young people assume the same.

It’s taken time and experience to realize how few of us make and stand by choices in the way she does.