Amarda Shpata                  

02/19/2023

English Composition 11000

Literature narrative

Literature serves as a doorway to the world of reading, and when children are introduced to it at an early age, they can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and traditions of their peers. As we mature, we discover that literature has a significant impact on our lives, helping us to grasp complex emotions such as love, pain, sadness, and happiness, and understand the incredible power of language.

Personally, literature serves as an escape from reality and enables me to view life through the eyes of the author. Exposure to literature starts early in life, from the first illustrated books to novels and essays. Nowadays, there are many ways for young children to read and learn literacy, such as audiobooks, magazines, short stories, and even games or songs. It is crucial for young children to continue learning and acquiring literacy because it can enhance their problem-solving skills and boost their confidence in reading abilities.  My mother, an Albanian language and literacy professor in Albania, was my first teacher and the source of my literacy. She introduced me to my first books, which allowed me to develop excellent reading and speaking abilities at an early age. By the time I was 12 years old, I had already read over 100 books, with my favorites being the Dante Alighieri trilogy (hell, purgatory, and heaven) rather than the popular “Harry Potter” books that children my age were reading.

    Thanks to my mother, I also discovered my favorite Albanian author, Ismail Kadare, and his book “The General of the dead army.” In addition to my mother, my grandfather on my mother’s side played a significant role in my literacy development. He was a novelist and essayist, and I spent much of my childhood with him in his library, reading and sharing stories with each other.

    My grandfather was my source of inspiration when it came to writing, and I could spend endless hours telling stories and coming up with new ideas while with him. Although my mother taught me how to read and write, it was my grandpa who instilled in me a deep love for art and creativity.

     Every summer evening, I would visit my grandpa’s house, which was conveniently located across the street from my own. I would play with his cat for a while before making a beeline for his library room. Being the inquisitive child that I was, I always wondered about a shelf at the top that my grandpa kept off-limits. Despite my persistent questioning, he would always reply, “it is not the right moment.”

  However, just before he passed away, he gave me a key and told me that I could have many of his books, as he was friends with several writers. He also revealed that it was finally time for me to see what was inside the shelf. Upon my return home from the hospital after visiting him, I hurried to his library and unlocked the shelf. To my surprise, I discovered dozens of books from the communist era in Albania, a dark period in our country’s history that thankfully ended in 1999, four years before I was born.

   As I opened the shelf in my grandfather’s library, I felt a sense of excitement mixed with curiosity. The shelf at the top was always closed, and I knew my grandpa kept some of his most prized possessions hidden there. I had asked him many times to let me take a peek, but he would always say, “it is not the right moment.” However, as he neared the end of his life, he finally decided it was time for me to see what was inside the shelf.

   My mother was by my side as we looked through the dozens of books that were stacked neatly inside. As she handed me one of the books, she began to tell me about the struggles that my grandfather and many Albanian people had endured during the communist era. My grandfather was forced to leave his family and travel from the south of Albania to the north when he was just a teenager. The communist regime did not allow Albanians to listen to foreign radios or televisions, read foreign books, or anything that was meant to be culturally developed.

    My grandfather’s books were not only a source of comfort and joy for him, but they were also a form of rebellion against the regime that sought to suppress the people’s cultural heritage. The books he had in his possession were banned because they showed western life and their cultural developments. The authors of these books were often killed or imprisoned for their innovative, creative, and developed thoughts.

    As I listened to my mother’s stories and read through my grandfather’s books, I began to realize how lucky I was to have access to literacy and the freedom to read whatever I wanted. I started to appreciate the power of language and the significance of cultural heritage in shaping one’s identity. My grandfather’s books not only provided me with a way to connect with him but also allowed me to see the world through his eyes.

    One of the most treasured Albanian quotes I hold dear to my heart is from my grandfather’s book “The Spring Will Come.” The words have been etched in my memory, and I often find myself reciting them in moments of introspection. The quote goes like this, “There is a spring in the human soul. It blooms there, in its depths, in its eyes; it is felt in children’s smiles and loved ones.” These words are a testament to the human spirit, and it resonates with me deeply.

My grandfather’s profound love and understanding of the human soul were evident in the way he wrote. He had a remarkable ability to capture the essence of life in a way that was both beautiful and thought-provoking. His vision for Albania was also inspiring, and his words conveyed the hope he had for a bright future. In the quote, he says, “Do you believe this season will ever come? I believe. There will come a time when people to people will be like a star in all of Albania.”

    Despite the challenges and hardships that Albania faced during the communist regime, my grandfather remained hopeful that the country would one day flourish. He believed in the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle, and his writing reflected that belief. The love and excitement he had for the future of Albania and its people were palpable. He knew that the future generations would be full of positivity and love for each other, and that vision continues to inspire me.

    The impact my grandfather had on my life cannot be overstated. His words and ideas shaped my worldview, and I am grateful for the time I spent with him. As I look back on those moments, I can still remember the twinkle in his eyes as he spoke passionately about life and the future. He was a remarkable man, and his legacy lives on through his writing and the impact he had on the people he touched.

    I strongly believe that literacy has played an integral role in shaping me into the person I am today. From a very young age, I was fortunate enough to be taught the value of reading and writing by my mother, and as a result, I have been able to create a clear vision for my future. But, literacy has done much more than that for me. It has helped me cope with my anxieties and overcome challenges that I never thought I could.

    In sharing my story, I hope to demonstrate to my audience that books are not simply a collection of words on pages, but they hold a much deeper significance. They have the power to shape our characters, enlighten our perspectives, and provide us with the tools to tackle life’s challenges in ways we never imagined possible. In a world where we are often inundated with information and distractions, it is easy to forget the importance of literacy and its role in personal development. Yet, by acknowledging the impact that reading and writing has had on me, I hope to inspire others to recognize the immense value of literacy in their own lives.