Fiction can be funny that way. Even if it’s not literary genius, it still has the power to take you places, and in the end you’re as worn out as the main characters come the book’s conclusion. It’s a bittersweet thing really because you are happy to know these friends of yours have now at long last found peace. But I know as my eyes took in the final words of The Hunger Games’ epilogue, I was sad to see it end.

This feeling will pass as it always does when I finish a book series, but a part of me really wants to revel in it while it still holds me in its grips. 

Truthfully, as odd as it may sound, I’m thrown into deep melancholy. The kind that can only come from a work of art. Someone has masterfully drawn me into their fantasy, and I played my part as the observer, taking every bit of it in. 

I was excited. I was sad. I was happy. And now, I’m simply tired. That’s a sign of a great work of art. Great movies, paintings, books, they take you away from reality, and when you’re finally sent back down to earth, it’s no surprise to find that a small bit of you has changed. 

And as I reflect on this, I’m exhausted. 

I forgot that this is what it feels like to really dive into a work of fiction. Undoubtedly, The Hunger Games is reminiscent of that feeling that came along with the close of my adventures with Harry Potter and our final battle in The Deathly Hallows — though admittedly maybe not as strong — it’s hard for a week’s worth of reading to compete with those novels’ growing up with me. I’m reminded of how I felt at the end of The Great Gatsby and many other books beside. However, in my three years of college, I haven’t really had the opportunity to let my soul soar with these easy stories authors share within the genre of juvenile fantasy.

Caught up with giants of theology, philosophy, and social commentary a hundred times more poetic and powerful in the university setting, I underestimated the simple truths only children’s stories can tell. 

It’s as one of those giants I’ve studied at college, GK Chesterton, once said, “Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessary… Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

Katniss and Peeta have slain another dragon, and I for one am thrilled for their victory but am sad to see them go.

Much better theology from my man here this time.

(Source: elleleahb)

breakingnews:

Lesbian couple get first kiss at Navy homecoming

It’s a time-honored tradition at Navy homecomings – one lucky sailor is chosen to be first off the ship for the long-awaited kiss with a loved one.

Today, for the first time, the happily reunited couple was gay.

[Read more.]

Photo: Brian Clark, The Virginian-Pilot

Christmas Story

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Two full days to go.

I got this.

(Source: decently-d0pe)