“When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Winter quarter has begun. . .a roaring winter quarter. Goodness, this quarter is so difficult. Certainly, it just began, but I can see the difficulty of this quarter before me. Reading this quote has reminded me that although I am at the beginning of the quarter, I already feel like I am at my personal end. I have seven novels to read in a 10 week quarter. This may sound like a breeze for most, but to someone that has 3 kids, a husband and a house to run, it is difficult.

I must remember that” man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success” as these difficulties will only make the end result so much more enjoyable. I must remember that the end is never the full end. I can always tie a knot. “This too shall pass” and I will become a better person because of this struggle.

The novel I am currently reading is “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith. I find this book to be, thus far (I have 100 pages to go and due on Tuesday 1/20/15), amazingly written. Zadie Smith has a beautiful way of incorporating so many themes into a 450 + page novel. Marijuana usage, interracial marriage, arranged marriage, beauty defined by a culture, media, and a struggling curvy teenager. Zadie does not hold back as she explores each character, includes so many historical tidbits in order to understand the events within the book. I will update my full review including my favorite quotes once I’ve completed this book.