Presentation # 50: importance of relating to characters in books

My topic is about the importance of relating to characters in books.

Yes, it is important for youngers to be able to relate to the characters they find in books.
This is because books can help them to feel seen and understood.
When they see characters who are similar to them, it can help them to feel less alone and more confident in
themselves.
It can also help them to understand their own experiences and emotions better.
For example, Ayaan Mohamud, a British Somali author, said that she never met a Somali character in books growing up.
This made her feel like she didn’t belong and like her experiences weren’t important.
When she started writing books herself, she made sure to include Somali characters so that other young people
could see themselves reflected on the page.
The fact that books are meant to transport us to a world outside from our own is also crucial.
Books can also take us into different worlds, which can be helpful for expanding our horizons and learning about different cultures and experiences. However, it is still important for books to have characters that readers can relate to.
This is because books are more likely to be engaging and memorable if readers can connect with the characters on a personal level.
In conclusion, both of these points of view are valid.
Books can be both a way to escape into a different world and a way to connect with our own experiences.
The best books are those that do both of these things well.
For example, the book “Karachi, You’re Killing Me!” by Bina Shah is a coming-of-age story about a young woman
growing up in Karachi, Pakistan.
The book deals with themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of living in a big city.
The main character, Zara, is a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world.
She is torn between her traditional Pakistani roots and her desire to be independent and free.
The book explores the complex relationship between Zara and her family, her friends, and her culture.
These are just a few examples of books that have characters that readers can relate to.
There are many other great books out there that can help readers to feel seen and understood.