In the article 'Reading fiction 'improves empathy', by The Guardian, shares the idea that books can influence a person's personality. It quotes "Burying your head in a novel isn't just a way to escape the world: psychologists are increasingly finding that reading can affect our personalities." They used the 'Twilight' series to show that the books make us feel like vampires. The description Edward gives Bella on being a vampire, influences our daily behavior. Also, vampire related questions are often asked. Psychologists studies, prove that these popular books are read for social acceptance and are being taken too literal. The article then closes by saying reading fiction helps you understand other people and try to make the world a better place. 

The Guardian uses statistics and studies to prove their point. They took an extremely popular book and had multiple studies on it to prove their theory. It also used the Harry Potter series and compared it to the Twilight series. Both books ended in the same results, personality and influence wise. The authors also used words like 'limited' and 'constant', which gave you a feel of how they measured what they're talking about. 

I actually agree with the author's claim. I do think that books influence a person and how they behave or treat the world. When I read 'The Fault In Our Stars' by John Green, for a while I would treat each day like my last and I would always say goodbye and hug and kiss everyone when I was leaving. Sometimes I get so lost into my book I imagine myself as the character. The line "its a clear psychological effect on reading fiction" stood out to me, because the author is saying it like its an obvious thing. 

The God Box

Have you ever sat in a room, surrounded by people, knowing that they’ll judge you if they ever found out your secret? Dakota in The God Box by Alex Sanchez taught me that if you strongly believe in something, regardless if what others say, you should express it and stand behind it. Manuel is a new kid that arrives from Texas, and he’s been neglected and ignored by many churches and people because he’s gay. He’s been called “fag” and “queer” in the halls and at lunch, by exceedingly religious students. When Dakota was in Bible group, she stood up for gays and supported them throughout the discussion.

            In chapter 5 (pages 22-27) there was a Bible group session going on. There was soon a conversation about gays and who supported them. Dakota used both the bible and common human rights to defend gays. For example, “Jesus loves us all.” “The bible also states that Jesus was known for hanging out with outcasts and sinners. “ Dakota then states that if Jesus is accepting all of us, what makes same-sex couples different? Also, during school Manuel kept getting threats and excluded from the students. Dakota would allow Manuel to sit with her at lunch without questioning it, despite the strange looks and rumors going around. This is important because Manuel is a new student who is comfortable with his sexuality while Paul is still confused about his. If someone can accept gays, then Paul can see how paranoid he was and come to grips with who he really is.

            What I’m really trying to say is if you are passionate about something and believe that others should know about it, you shouldn’t feel bad for feeling the way that you do. Dakota stood up for Manuel in bible group, and allowed him to sit with her at lunch, regardless of what people were saying. Dakota is inspiring for teens because of her strong character. Hopefully Paul can accept himself once he realizes that people will accept him for being him, just like me friend. Going back to the very first sentence, Paul doesn’t have to feel alone in a room surrounded by people. He doesn’t have to feel ashamed of his secret of being gay. He should embrace it with the people he loves. I have a friend who’s been accused of being gay. People made fun of him and made him feel really bad about himself. Although there’s some curiosity in me to know his sexuality, I want him to know that there’s always going to be acceptance for him. Paul is still in the denial stage, just like my friend- but if I can take the role as Dakota, then maybe there wouldn’t be questions about social acceptance.