The Handmaid's Tale.

Kaitlyn recommended The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. I finished it in about three days because I couldn't put it down and for the longest time I just wanted to discuss or write an essay about it or something. Thanks Mrs. Coghill! I had never heard of it before but I am so glad KG showed me. It's similar to 1984 in how it makes you feel, but it also hits a lot closer to home because it you are with the main character the whole way. It's present tense first person so you really feel connected to the main character. You are embarrassed when she is, and her hopes are yours. Not to mention the description and detail are amazing.

I considered skyping Kaitlyn about it, but it wouldn't be the same. That is definitely one thing I miss about home. Being able to climb into the car and go for a drive down PCH or going to Starbucks to just talk. Talk about books, talk about life. Here, I can talk to my English friends, but it is so hard to have a discussion in French. I can talk about facts, I can talk about simple things. But to really communicate, I am definitely not there yet, I don't know if I'll ever be there.

Not to mention I am sick again so I have been a social recluse in my room. I am going to blame my chronic colds to being around foreign viruses and being constantly around kids. Not just my kids either, now I am babysitting for three different families with three kids regularly and I am teaching English on the side.

Last update, we are looking into going on a trip to Italy in February. Then in March we are definitely going to Amsterdam for a few days.