Winifred Owens

I pretended that the main character in the story (Anything But Ordinary) was real. So, I wrote a friendly letter to her. What are your opinions on this letter? This is what I wrote...

703 Churchville Road

Bel Air, MD 21014

September 3, 2010

Dear Winifred,

Hey, Winifred! How are you? It’s me, your old high school friend, Xavia. Did you do anything fun this summer? I took a photography course that was pretty interesting. I also took tennis lessons. Did you and Bernie go anywhere on vacation? I went to Ocean City, Maryland Did you and Bernie stay in California for the summer or did you go back home? 

You went through a lot in your first year at college! Also, I am glad you made the right choice in the end of the novel by choosing to be with Bernie. You and Bernie are good together! I am also glad you became your own person again rather than following the crowd. Stay the way you are; don’t change your personality! You should stick with Bernie. He truly cares for you.

I like how the author, Valerie Hobbs, talked about your point of view and Bernie’s. I was able to know what you and Bernie were thinking and why you made certain choices. You were completely realistic to me. You did what almost everyone else would do in the same circumstances. It is tempting to follow the crowd, especially when that makes you popular for the first time in your life. However, I am glad you changed back to the normal “Winifred” instead of “Wini”.

I was just wondering how come, when you just met Sam, Tori, and Calista, you dyed your hair black. Why did you change it? I thought it was fine the way it was. Also, why did you try to break up with Bernie? I know you thought it was Bernie’s fault that you were not ordinary, but it was not his fault. Besides, I thought you didn’t want to be ordinary. You were special just the way you were.

I think I could raise awareness about self-identity by giving public speeches at some high schools in the area, perhaps at one of their morning assemblies. This would let the students know that they are not alone in their struggle to find themselves. Then, I would suggest that they read Anything But Ordinary. I would ask them for their opinion about the topic. I would want to know if the book made them think more about the importance of being yourself. Finally, I would ask them what they think they could do to resist peer pressure. I know that reading this novel definitely made me more aware of the issue and the importance of remaining true to yourself.

You and Bernie should keep dating. You two make a good couple. You should continue your major in nanoscience and get that degree! Someday you will be a great nanoscientologist. I can’t wait to talk to you again! Please write back soon.

Your friend,
Xavia