Nonfiction

This is NOT Education
“I promise to question everything my leaders tell me. I promise to use my critical faculties. I promise to develop my independence of thought. I promise to educate myself so I can make my own judgements.” Carl Sagan
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq2 years ago in BookClub
Heaven's Sister
Fortunately, I went home right away that day. However, if I had hesitated until the next morning, I wouldn't have been able to see my stepmother for the last time. She was lying on the bed, still awake and able to talk, but her belly was swollen as if she was about to give birth, and her skin was pale. My aunt said she had end-stage cirrhosis and ascites, and the clinic had sent her home the previous night.Luyen sat next to her mother, holding her hand tightly. I didn't know if she was being brave and refraining from crying to avoid making her mother sad, or if she was hiding in some corner and shedding all her tears. Her face looked tired from staying up all night, taking care of her mother, worrying, and fearing. My grandmother cried profusely, saying that having a "daughter" like her mother was the greatest blessing of her life, the happiness of my father, Cang, and the whole family.Feeling lost and unsure of what to say or do, I went outside and sat with a heavy heart, contemplating the situation. After a while, my aunt came out and called me into the room so my stepmother could see me. She held my hand tightly, whispering to me that I must study well and pass my exams so that I could take care of Luyen in the future. She sobbed a few times and closed her eyes. Luyen witnessed this and let out a heartbreaking scream, crying out in anguish. My entire family and the neighbors who had come to visit also wept, their faces buried in their hands. I couldn't hold back any longer, and I tightly held my mother's hand, uttering, "Mom... mom...". It was the first and last time I called her "Mom" instead of "Mother." The word that had seemed to have died inside me long ago...My mother didn't give birth to me, but she carried me on her shoulders, enduring the humiliation of being a stepmother, raising and caring for the daughter she found in the ditch as if she were her own child, turning her into my little sister. My mother's love was immense and vast, but I didn't fully realize it until she passed away—it was too late. Even in her final moments, she wanted to shield me from worry and anxiety, asking the family not to tell me about her condition, fearing it would affect my studies. Sometimes, I overheard someone comforting my sister, saying, "For generations, stepmothers love their children as if they were their own..." It reminded me of my mother, her loving embrace, and the affectionate look she gave me when she first met me, saying, "This is Cu Bi, he looks like his dad..."After the funeral, I returned to town to pack my things and then promptly came back home. I made the decision to drop out of school and join my uncle in logging. Even if I wanted to continue my education, I couldn't afford it, and who would take care of Luyen? I stayed at home for about ten days, and as I saw Luyen gradually calming down, I told her during dinner, "Tomorrow, I'll go with Uncle Bay to work. You stay at home and focus on your studies. I'll come back once every two weeks." Hearing this, she forgot her sorrowful expression and exclaimed, "No, you can't drop out of school. If you do, you'll be an unfilial person who doesn't listen to your parents. You have to go to school, starting tomorrow. You already have me at home, worrying about you." She spoke with authority, like an adult, and very decisively. I was taken aback by her words, but I gently told her, explaining my reasons. Eventually, she couldn't argue anymore and simply said, "I dropped out of school after Tet. From tomorrow, I'll sell cakes for my mother. You just go to school... I'll listen to you... You focus on studying." She firmly believed that I should continue my education, and she, as a girl, believed that her studies wouldn't lead her anywhere. She had been helping her mother sell cakes for several months now... At that moment, I was deeply shocked. The bowl of rice in my hand suddenly felt heavy, and I was left speechless. She was the top student in my school, surpassing everyone within just six months. I realized then why I had such high expectations for her, but because of me, because of a person who wasn't her blood relative, it was always a struggle. It was only much later that I discovered, when my mother fell ill and knew she wouldn't survive, she told Luyen to gradually stop going to school and learn to sell cakes, so that in the future... she could use the money to continue her education.The next morning, when I woke up, Luyen had already left to sell cakes. She left me a smallnote, expressing many things. My clothes were neatly folded in my backpack, and there was some money wrapped in newspaper, carefully enclosed in plastic. It was the money my mother had left for me, with the help of my aunts, uncles, and neighbors. It was enough to cover my school expenses for two months.Wiping away my tears, I shouldered my backpack and headed to school, determined to continue my studies. I left behind my little sister, who carried the weight of her responsibilities every day, traversing the steep slopes of the mountainous market, with burdens both physical and emotional.
By Quang2 years ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: My Family and Other Rock Stars by Tiffany Murray
Having already read Diamond Star Halo by Tiffany Murray, it was with some excitement that I saw that she was publishing her memoirs, knowing that her novel was based on her own experiences.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in BookClub
The Keto Air Fryer Cookbook: Your Ultimate Guide to Delicious Low-Carb Recipes
Introduction In recent years, the ketogenic diet and air fryers have gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals seeking delicious yet low-carb meal options. Combining these two trends, "The Keto Air Fryer Cookbook" emerges as a comprehensive guide to preparing flavorful and healthy dishes using the magic of air frying technology.
By Nachan A2 years ago in BookClub
Breaking Free from Addictive. AI-Generated.
Title: Breaking Free from Addictive Habits: A Comprehensive Guide *Introduction* Addictive habits can control our lives, leading to physical, emotional, and mental harm. Whether it's substance abuse, compulsive behavior, or unhealthy routines, breaking free from these habits is crucial for a happier, healthier life. In this article, we'll explore the steps to overcome addictive habits and achieve lasting recovery.
By Sunday chukwunwike2 years ago in BookClub
Unrequited love, a feeling of inclusion, and capitalist society: Interpreting the conventionality in The Maxton Hall Series
We all love the romantic trope of enemies to lovers that serves a slow burn, leaving us gasping for air amidst the sizzling chemistry of the main characters, diving us deep into the escapism of their romance. Adolescent angst and feelings take centre stage in this show, which is perfect if you enjoy typical high school teen dramas. Your heartstrings will be pulled by the series' poignant depiction of love. The series is unique because of its sharp lines, which strike a deep chord with us. Amazon Prime’s most recent release Maxton Hall embodies the romantic dramatism of the pro-capitalist enemies of lovers James and Ruby, giving us a breathtaking onscreen presence yet the predictability of the plot and the fine crevices of incompleteness in the evolution of the subplots hampers it from being a massive feature of swoonworhty foes to romantic partners. Let's dive deeper into the nuances of the series
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in BookClub
The Elusive Unicorn: A Quest for the Perfect Onesie
In the grand tapestry of online shopping, amidst the sea of mundane products, there exists a realm where whimsy and absurdity reign supreme. It's a place where one can find anything from inflatable dinosaur costumes to glow-in-the-dark toilet paper. And in this peculiar digital universe, my quest for the perfect unicorn onesie began.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub
Adventures in Online Shopping: My Quest for the Perfect Unicorn Onesie
In the vast and often bewildering landscape of online shopping, there exists a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where the mundane transforms into the downright bizarre. It is in this digital wilderness that I embarked on a quest, a quest for the holy grail of loungewear: the perfect unicorn onesie. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent endeavor would lead me down a rabbit hole of comedic misadventures and unexpected challenges.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub
Confessions of a Shower Singer: My Journey from Bathroom to Billboard
I’ve always believed that my shower has magical acoustics. The moment I step under that cascading water, I am transformed from an ordinary person into a rock star. The tiles reverberate with the dulcet tones of my voice, and the steam swirls around like smoke at a concert. My shampoo bottle is my microphone, and the bathroom tiles my adoring audience. In this sanctuary, I am unstoppable, and little did I know, this was the humble beginning of my rise to stardom.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub
If Inanimate Objects Had Social Media: A Day in the Life of a Fridge Influencer
Imagine a world where inanimate objects possess the ability to create and share content on social media. Amidst the myriad of accounts, one stands out in the culinary cosmos: @ChillVibesFridge, the trendy refrigerator influencer with a personality as cool as its interior. Today, we delve into a whimsical day in the life of this frost-coated star.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub
The Ultimate Guide to Winning Arguments with Your Pets
If you've ever found yourself locked in a staring contest with your cat or trying to reason with a dog who has decided that your favorite shoes are the ultimate chew toy, you're not alone. Pets are adorable, loving, and occasionally exasperating little creatures who often seem to have minds of their own. Winning arguments with them can feel like an exercise in futility. But fear not! With a blend of humor and some clever strategies, you can emerge victorious—or at least maintain your sanity.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub
Why Cats Might Actually Be the Real Overlords of the Universe
Cats. Those enigmatic, furry creatures that have captivated human hearts for millennia. They slink through our homes with an air of indifference, demanding attention on their terms and often leaving us questioning our role in their lives. But what if this behavior is part of a grander scheme? What if, in a light-hearted twist of reality, cats are actually the real overlords of the universe? Let’s delve into this whimsical conspiracy theory and uncover the "evidence" that suggests our feline friends might be more than they seem.
By Alexander Mensah2 years ago in BookClub