Book Recs from Samhita Adapa

5 Book Recs

After coming off from a HUGE reading slump, I went to Barnes and Noble a while ago and spent almost 200 on a huge load of books and even though I’m still getting through them today, here are 5 books that I read and really enjoyed recently 

1. The Martian by Andy Wier 

This is going to double as a film review because it’s just as great as the novel. I wanted to read this novel for a while but after watching Project Hail Mary, I decided I needed to bump it up my list of priorities(Hail Mary was insanely good, by the way, everyone should go watch it). The Martian is about botanist and astronaut Mark Watney that gets stranded on Mars after he is presumed dead. The book follows his struggle to survive alongside NASA’s mission to get him back to Earth. This book is great if you like science and I found the botany aspect of it especially interesting. Though a lot of it was advanced, I felt like it was explained pretty well. Another thing I really liked was Mark himself. His radical optimism was so contagious and the dude is just hilarious in general. No matter how many bad situations he got into, his humor stayed intact and I had a blast reading his chapters. The movie is just as good because I think Matt Damon perfectly encapsulates Watney’s charisma and humor, and is so great as him. Ridley Scott does a great job of adapting the book and film does take a few liberties compared to Project Hail Mary, which I feel was very close to a 1:1 adaptation of the novel. 

2. There is No Place For Us by Brian Goldstone 

This book won the Pulitzer prize for non-fiction last year and in my opinion, it was absolutely deserved. Goldstone follows 5 families in Atlanta and tackles the secret, underrepresented class of homelessness, those who have jobs but are constantly undermined and sabotaged by society and the circumstances they are in. This book at times had me tearing up because it’s so emotional and at times, a rough read because no matter how hard these women tried, things did not seem to get better. I saw a lot of my own family in the families represented in the book and it goes to show how easy it is to end up in the same position. It’s important to have empGoldstone also explains a lot about our government and the history of homeless laws that were passed. He also goes over the predatory practices of rental offices, which definitely opened up my eyes. This book made me rethink and definitely made me more grateful for the life that I have. 

3. Empire of AI

This was a great read, especially if you aren’t that knowledgeable about the ramifications and origins of chatgpt. I was pretty surprised to learn how far back the development goes, though chatbots seem like a relatively new thing. After reading this, I not only hate AI more, but I am also an educated hater. The book covers Open AI, but also the different players and how they all came into competition with each other to monopolize on this rapidly growing industry. Reading through this, you can tell that Hao put a great ton of effort into this book, with extremely thorough research and great tone. My only gripe with this book is that it felt extremely long and definitely could have been shorter. Nevertheless, it was a great and informative read. In my opinion, a staple if you want to learn more about Chatgpt and AI in general. 

4. Fire and Blood 

With the new House of the Dragon season airing right now on HBO, I decided to read the book to keep up. It is surprising how much this book reads like a textbook. It genuinely feels like I’m reading through a history textbook with dates and people to memorize. It definitely isn’t a chill, easygoing read, though. There were times where I had to write names down to keep track of who is who and when things were happening. However, the book was extremely engaging and not boring at all. One aspect I really liked about the book was that it very much had sort of an unreliable narrator. Many of the events were told through the perspectives of maesters, who probably rewrote history to fit into the boxes that they liked. You can see this particularly with how the book recounts and describes women. It’s insane how rich the history of Westeros is and it’s crazy to me that this isn’t even half of it. There is a planned sequel called Blood and Fire that is supposed to come out after Winds of Winter, which means it’ll probably be another 50 years till we see it. 

5. Heaven 

This book is no heaven, at ALL. The beginning is a little slow but as it went on, I started to get heavily invested. Fair warning though, it does get a little violent and is a bit tough to read in some parts.  Kawakami’s prose is very simple but extremely intimate. I got super attached to the main character, like he’s my close and personal friend now. The nameless protagonist’s relationship with his only friend Kojima is devastating to say the least. Kojima keeps saying that the bullying is happening for a reason and that at the end there'll be a point to all this. It’s all an idealized version of her in her head, a way for her to cope with all that she’s been through. It’s both fascinating and sad to read about. There are lines that stuck with me after finishing the novel, “Listen, if there is a hell, we're in it. And if there's a heaven, we're already there. This is it.” One of the bullies, Momose, says this to the protagonist in a conversation. Later, the protagonist then thinks, “Everything was beautiful. Not that there was anyone to share it with, anyone to tell. Just the beauty.” Overall, this book was probably one of my favorite reads of the year and absolutely devastating. 10/10, would recommend.

I believe, a poem by Rishi Patil

 I believe

That everything happens for a reason

And that people

Eventually

Will get what they deserve

And this only strengthens my resolve to be better

Be kinder

Work harder

But at the end of the day

It’s so hard to believe

So hard to just trust that things will go right if I keep fighting for it

Because at the end of the day

There is no reason for me to believe

People suffer every day

No one deserves that

And people can live lavish lives without lifting a finger

They don’t deserve that

And in this world

With so much injustice

There is a kid

Claiming that everyone gets what they deserve?

It’s ridiculous

It’s stupid

It’s naive and it’s really just dumb

Why should I even believe?

And that is a question I don’t have the answer to

But I can do one even better

Why shouldn’t I believe?

What’s the problem in tricking yourself into being better?

I’m working hard and sometimes I’m still failing

Not every day is amazing

But if I can trick myself into thinking that I’m going to get better

Why wouldn’t I want to get even better?

Even kinder

Even stronger

Even smarter

And if you keep believing that it’s just a matter of effort

Then it’s really a self-fulfilling prophecy

Because you will become better

And your life will turn around

And you won’t need to trick yourself

When you’re back your feet climbing closer and closer towards success

The Power of Mindset by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

The Power of Mindset by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Most believe the brain and mind are one—

a single system, fixed and bound,

a quiet machine of thought and nerve,

wired to follow what it’s found.

But the mind sits higher, just out of reach,

unseen behind the waking eye,

pulling silent strings in shadowed rooms,

where doubts are born and truths can die.

It is the cunning voice behind the glass,

the restless figure in the control room,

pacing softly in endless circles,

casting light that feels like gloom.

It whispers doubt at the worst of times,

when confidence begins to rise,

it twists your thoughts, distorts your path,

and dresses fear in clever disguise.

It plants its seeds in moments of stillness,

turns calm into a brewing storm,

builds walls from nothing but fragile thoughts,

until anxiety feels like the norm.

It bends your truth, reshapes your view,

makes small concerns feel vast and wide,

and every step you try to take

feels shadowed by a voice inside.

Yet hidden deep beneath its chaos,

beneath the noise it loves to weave,

there lies a secret few uncover,

a quiet truth most won’t believe:

The mind is powerful, yes—but flawed,

a master skilled in smoke and art,

not all it says is meant as truth,

not every fear comes from the heart.

For the one who pauses, who steps back,

who questions every whispered claim,

who sees the patterns in its tricks

and calls each bluff out by its name—

that person learns to shift the balance,

to take the reins once tightly held,

to silence storms before they rise,

to calm the chaos once it swelled.

The one who dares to blindfold it,

to outwit its endless maze,

to stand unmoved within the noise

and not be lost within its haze—

is the one who takes command at last,

who breaks free from its quiet reign,

who turns the voice into a guide,

instead of chains that bind the brain.

And in that moment, clear and still,

a different power comes to light—

not one of force, but steady will,

not one of fear, but inner sight.

For the mind may speak in endless loops,

but you decide which truths remain—

and in that choice, you find your strength,

and learn to master your own domain.

The Evolution of TV by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

The Evolution of TV by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Television has gone through many changes since it was first created, transforming from a simple

invention into one of the most powerful communication tools in the world. Over time, television

has improved in quality, accessibility, and technology, allowing people to share information,

learn about events, and connect with others across the globe. From the first black-and-white

broadcasts to today’s smart TVs and streaming platforms, television has played a major role in

shaping how people communicate.

The development of television began in the early 20th century when inventors worked on ways

to transmit moving images through electronic signals. The first experimental televisions were

very basic and produced low-quality images. By the 1930s, regular television broadcasts started

appearing in some countries. These early televisions had small black-and-white screens, and

only a limited number of programs were available. Even with these limitations, television was

revolutionary because it allowed people to see events and information instead of only hearing

about them through newspapers or radio.

In the 1950s, television became more popular as more families began buying TV sets for their

homes. Television quickly became a central part of daily life, bringing families together to watch

shows, news programs, and important events. During this time, television became an important

source of communication because it could deliver information to millions of people at the same

time. For example, people could watch speeches from leaders, learn about national events, and

follow major world events without needing to be there in person.

One of the biggest advancements in television was the introduction of color TV. Starting in the

1960s, color broadcasts became more common, making programs more realistic and engaging.

Color television improved communication because it allowed viewers to better understand what

they were seeing, especially in news reports, educational programs, and documentaries. Events

such as sports games, cultural celebrations, and scientific discoveries became easier for people

to experience from their homes.

During the late 20th century, television continued to advance with the introduction of cable and

satellite television. Instead of only having a few channels, viewers could access hundreds of

channels focused on different topics such as news, sports, science, history, and entertainment.

This expansion allowed people to receive more information and communicate ideas with larger

audiences. Educational channels helped students learn outside of school, while news networks

provided updates about events happening around the world.

In the 2000s, television technology improved even further with the creation of high-definition

(HD) and flat-screen televisions. These advancements made images clearer and improved the

overall viewing experience. The introduction of smart TVs connected television with the internet,

allowing people to access websites, social media, and streaming services directly from their

screens. Streaming platforms changed the way people watch television by allowing viewers to

choose what they wanted to watch and when they wanted to watch it.

Today, television continues to be an important method of communication. Modern TVs allow

people to watch live news, video calls, educational content, and entertainment from almost

anywhere in the world. Television helps spread important messages quickly during

emergencies, informs people about current events, and allows different cultures to share their

traditions and stories. It has helped connect people who may live thousands of miles apart by

giving them a way to experience the same events and ideas.

Television has also influenced education and learning. Programs about science, history, nature,

and technology have helped people gain knowledge outside of traditional classrooms. Students

can use television and online video platforms to learn new skills and explore topics they are

interested in. This has made information more accessible to people around the world.

Overall, television has progressed from a simple black-and-white device into an advanced

communication system that connects billions of people. Each improvement, from color screens

to internet-connected smart TVs, has made television faster, clearer, and more useful.

Television has changed the way people receive information, share ideas, and understand the

world, making it one of the most influential inventions in modern communication.

Fire, a poem by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Fire, a poem by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan  

Prometheus stole it for us.

Zeus tried to keep it from our hands.

What kind of power holds such worth

that even gods would guard its flame?

What force could stir the wrath of heaven,

invite the chains, the endless pain,

just to place within our fragile grasp

a light that would outlive the gods’ domain?

Now it lives within our every day,

a quiet force we rarely name—

resting in embers, roaring in furnaces,

dancing at the edge of every flame.

A flicker, a blaze, a burning line

between survival and the grave,

a fragile glow in darkest nights,

a fierce defender, wild and brave.

It crackles softly in the silence,

yet roars when given breath and space,

it warms the hands that gather near,

yet scars the ones who misplace grace.

It cooks our food, it lights our path,

it forges steel, it shapes the land,

it turns the coldest dark to life

with just a spark from careful hands.

Of all the wilds we cannot tame,

this one bends, yet never breaks;

it listens, waits, then leaps to life

with every risk a human takes.

A living spark, a gift, a curse,

a power balanced thin and tight—

it builds our homes from ash and dust,

then tears them down in a single night.

It carved the path from beast to builder,

from shadowed caves to cities bright,

it fueled the dreams of early minds

who dared to challenge endless night.

From torch to kiln, from flame to engine,

from hearth to rocket’s blazing core,

it carried us beyond our limits,

to places none had reached before.

Yet still it whispers ancient warnings,

in every forest set alight,

in every spark that leaps too far

and turns control to helpless fright.

For fire remembers what it once was—

untamed, relentless, fierce, and free,

a force that bows but never yields,

a shadow of what it could be.

And still we hold it, close and careful,

this stolen gift, this burning art,

a symbol of both our creation

and the danger within the human heart.

For in its glow we see ourselves—

our hunger, brilliance, fear, desire—

the power to build, the power to break,

all mirrored in a single fire.

So we guard it now, as gods once did,

not with chains, but watchful eyes,

knowing its worth, its endless hunger,

its truth no myth can fully disguise.

A spark, a flame, a legacy—

our greatest tool, our oldest escape,

the line between what was and is,

the force that helped our future take:

fire.

A Change of Views by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 When I started playing tennis, I was never scared, too young to understand that it was a

competition. Walking onto the court, I imagined myself as a professional tennis player stepping

onto the Centre Court of Wimbledon. The crowd in my head was loud, the moment felt

important, and every swing carried a kind of confidence that didn’t need to be earned—it just

existed. I wasn’t thinking about winning or losing. I was just playing, fully, freely, without

hesitation.

There was something simple about it back then. Every point felt like an opportunity, not a test. I

chased every ball, swung without overthinking, and moved with a kind of belief that didn’t

question itself. The court wasn’t a place to prove anything—it was a place to enjoy the game. I

didn’t keep track of mistakes or let them define me. If I missed, I moved on. If I lost a point, I ran

for the next one. Everything felt light, and because of that, I played with a kind of natural

confidence that I didn’t even realize I had.

As time went on, I began to notice more—the scoreboard, the reactions of others, the

importance placed on results. Matches started to feel different. Points weren’t just points

anymore; they felt like judgments. Slowly, without a clear moment of change, the way I thought

about the game began to shift.

However, that impression started to fade as the purpose for playing tennis began to change. As

I grew older, the game slowly became more serious. Matches started to mean something.

Scores mattered. Expectations—both from others and from myself—began to grow. The same

court that once felt like a stage for imagination started to feel like a place where I was being

judged, where every point carried pressure.

Without even noticing it, my mindset shifted. I stopped picturing Wimbledon and started thinking

about outcomes. Instead of playing to experience the moment, I started playing to avoid

mistakes. I became more cautious, more aware of what could go wrong. The freedom I once

had began to shrink, replaced by hesitation. Every missed shot felt heavier, every lost point

harder to ignore. I started replaying mistakes in my head instead of letting them go, turning

single moments into lingering doubts.

And that shift made a difference. When I played with doubt, I held back. When I focused too

much on the result, I stopped trusting my instincts. The same shots that once felt natural started

to feel forced. I hesitated on swings I used to take without thinking, and that hesitation changed

everything. I wasn’t playing the game anymore—I was thinking my way through it, and that

made everything harder.

Looking back, I realize the younger version of me had something I didn’t fully understand at the

time. It wasn’t skill or experience—it was mindset. I played without fear because I wasn’t

thinking about failure. I believed without needing proof. And that belief allowed me to play in a

way that was free, confident, and real.

That’s the lesson: the biggest difference between who we are and who we aspire to be isn’t

skill—it’s mindset.

If I want to reach those big aspirations, to stand on my own version of Centre Court one day, I

don’t just need better technique or more practice. I need to rediscover that fearless

mindset—the one that believed before it doubted, that dreamed before it worried. Because in

the end, greatness doesn’t start with winning—it starts with believing that you belong there in

the first place.

Bright Side, a poem by Rishi Patil

 Why do we just love complaining?

Why is it so much easier to criticize than it is to compliment?

And why are we always negative?

Why do we constantly talk about the faults in the world?

Say that everything is going wrong?

Why?

Why do we subject ourselves to hating everything?

When everything would turn around if we simply look the other way

Look at the bright side

Spend an extra moment to appreciate everything

And with love and praise

The world will heal

And all we have to do

Is believe

Goodbye, a narrative by Rishi Patil

   Goodbye, a narrative by Rishi Patil

I walked out of the hallway with all my friends in my grade, more or less ready to leave middle school for good. Teachers were raising packs of tissue papers as they got ready for the onslaught of sadness that would come over everyone. I didn’t take any. I don’t cry that much for stuff like this.

     However, as I walked through the halls and saw people I have made countless memories with move past my line of sight, I realized what was really happening. I was leaving. And it was going away. All of it.

     All too fast, I made it through the seventh graders without a tear dropping from my eyes, somehow, some way. That all changed as I stepped foot into the sixth grade hallway full of people I had met only that year. People who were going to do amazing things without me. One long hug was all I needed for tears to fall. My voice turned mushy and my vision went blurry. By the time I was down the hall, I was a mess. I gave a last hug to some of my teachers and stepped out of middle school for the last time, still bawling my eyes out.

     But honestly, I didn’t want to stop crying. It’s weird to say that the feeling of sadness I felt was unlike anything I felt. The bittersweet feeling that enveloped me was truly just beautiful. A physical manifestation of all the connections I had shared and moments that I cherish with all these amazing people that I was so blessed to meet. It was incredible how much these guys meant to me. Miss you guys.

The Stranger Who Changed My Day by Nandan Kamalakannan

 The Stranger Who Changed My Day by Nandan Kamalakannan

It was an ordinary afternoon. I was sitting in the library trying to finish my homework, surrounded by

books, notes, and a growing feeling of frustration. I had been staring at the same problem for almost

twenty minutes, and nothing seemed to make sense.

I looked around and noticed how quiet the library was. Everyone seemed busy with their own lives. A

student was typing on a laptop, someone was reading a novel, and an elderly man was carefully choosing

books from a shelf. Everyone had a story, but I knew nothing about any of them.

After a few more minutes of struggling, I decided to take a short break. As I walked toward the water

fountain, I dropped some of my papers on the floor. Before I could pick them up, the elderly man I had

noticed earlier helped me collect them.

“You look like you’re working hard,” he said with a smile. “Don’t forget to take breaks. Sometimes our minds

need a little rest before they find the answer.”

It was a simple sentence, but it stayed with me.

I thanked him and returned to my table. Instead of feeling defeated, I looked at my problem differently. I

took a short break, came back, and eventually figured it out.

The interesting thing was that the man probably forgot about that conversation within a few minutes. For

him, it was just a small act of kindness. But for me, it became a reminder that even a few words from a

stranger can make a difference.

We often imagine that changing someone’s life requires a huge action. We think we need to do something

extraordinary to matter. But sometimes, the smallest gestures are the ones people remember the most.

Holding a door open, helping someone pick up dropped papers, giving encouragement, or simply asking

someone how they are doing can brighten a person’s day.

In a world where everyone is busy and focused on their own goals, kindness can feel rare. But kindness

does not require money, special skills, or a lot of time. Anyone can practice it.

That day in the library taught me an important lesson: we may never know how much a small action means

to someone else. A few seconds of kindness can become a memory that lasts much longer.

Maybe the next time we have a chance to help someone, we should take it. We might become the stranger

who changes someone’s day.

Why I Recommend Reading The Catcher in the Rye author Jerome David Salinger , article by Kavin Sivakumar

 Why I Recommend Reading The Catcher in the Rye By Jerome David Salinger

by Kavin Sivakumar

The Catcher in the Rye written by Jerome David Salinger is a novel that focuses on the coming of age and the importance of accepting change. Although the story was made in the 1950s the themes that the story covers are still relevant today. The story takes place during the late 1940s, and follows 16 year old Holden Caulfield as he faces the challenges of growing up, and taking on responsibility. I believe that this story will let you see that accepting change is necessary in order to grow as a person, and refusing to accept change will only lead to more problems later on.

One of the main reasons I recommend reading The Catcher in the Rye is because of the characters that are in the story. As I mentioned before, Holden is the main character however, there are many other characters that Holden meets as he goes on his journey through New York. In addition, there are many characters that Holden meets that help him realize that change is important in order to grow up such as his siblings, his teachers, and his roommates. I believe that these characters are important to the story because each character symbolizes something. For example, Holden’s sister, Phoebe, symbolizes innocence that Holden wants to protect. 

Another reason I recommend reading this novel is it illustrates the point that you can’t hold on to innocence forever. The story shows Holden’s attempt to hold on to his innocence, and it explains why it is impossible to hold on to your innocence forever. Also, the story shows how certain people in your life can help you protect your innocence, and this is important because Holden wants to be one of those people that can help protect children’s innocence. I believe this is why he talks and does certain actions when he is in front of his sister, so he can protect her innocence.

The novel is engaging and exciting because the story is well paced, and the way that the story is written makes it interesting to read. For example, the vocabulary that is used by Holden is something most people don’t use. I believe this is what makes the story interesting, and it requires a little more thinking to understand what Holden meant. In addition, the events in this story don’t seem to happen too late or too sudden. I think this makes the book enjoyable to read since the events happen in a timely fashion.

Overall, The Catcher in the Rye is an amazing novel to read if you have some free time or if you are looking for a new book to read. The characters in the story will help keep you invested in the book, and in their lives. The lesson of accepting change can help us see growing up in a different way. Also, the vocabulary that the story uses helps keep us thinking while we read. All of these factors are what make The Catcher in the Rye such an amazing novel to read.

Blink, a poem by Rishi Patil

Blink by Rishi Patil 

You blink for a second

And you’re not a kid anymore

You stay up later

Unlike that little kid you once were

Accidentally falling asleep early on New Year’s Eve

You listen to songs with cuss words

Not Kidz Bop

You’re taller now

You are the same age and height as those kids you thought were cool

When you and your friends went to the park

But you don’t feel cool

You feel stupid

And behind

And that you aren’t like those older kids

Those kids who are probably in good colleges

You like going on walks

And you think more

More than just what’s for breakfast or what’s for dinner

You think about life

All the time

To the point where you wish you would stop

You love talking to your friends

But before doing anything but playing games with them was torture

And you can no longer keep track of time

You still think you’re a little kid

No older then twelve

And still not tall enough to reach the top of the doorframe

But you’re not

Blink again and you’ve graduated

Ready to leave your childhood behind

And do… something

Something you don’t really know

New Leaf, a poem by Rishi Patil

 New Leaf by Rishi Patil

Change

Is Okay

Straying away from your roots is scary

But is that not what ‘your roots’ are in itself?

A jumping off point?

A point made to be branched off from?

Because if you stick to your roots

Never take a risk

Then you’re nothing but a ever-dormant plant

Someone who was too scared to become anything at all

Too nervous to commit to anything just because one door closes when you open another

So don’t be scared to turn a new leaf

Because doing nothing is worse than failing

If you fail you learn

And if you learn you succeed

And you will become a beautiful flower as long as you keep growing

Series of Haiku's by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Series of Haiku's by  Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Fall

Scarecrows scaring birds

A falling spree of leafage

Harvest starts right now!

Spring

“Chirp, Chirp,” spring is here

Buds blooming, squirrels darting

a Vivaldi art

The Gates Open

“Ring,” time to wake up

Parents dragging kids to school

Summer’s over, “What!”

What is there to complain about? by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 What is there to complain about? by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Each creature has its gifts, no doubt.

Animals are built to survive,

With traits that help them stay alive.

Yet every strength has limits too,

Working only when conditions suit.

To truly change, to shift your way,

Takes generations, day by day.

But humans hold a different power—

Our minds can solve within an hour.

In less than time it takes to grow,

We shape new paths and learn to know.

Still, we forget what nature gives,

The simple ways the world still lives.

A blazing day, no cooling air?

Just find a tree—there’s comfort there.

All things carry loss and gain,

A mix of sunshine, joy, and pain.

It’s this balance, strange yet true,

That makes each being something new.

If oceans wished the sky were low,

The forests would have no place to grow.

If the Moon burned bright like the Sun,

The Earth would end—its days undone.

So nature speaks in quiet gifts:

Be glad for what your life uplifts.

For what you have, though small it seems,

May shape another’s hopes and dreams.

A Timed Race by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 A Timed Race by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

The clocks ticks

Waiting for friends, “Won’t Stop.”

Want school to end, “Won’t Stop.”

The adults say, “Life is a Race.”

But what if there was no pace.

No place where you had to be.

Don’t let the universe decide your pace,

Let dreams be your pace and time be your chariot.

Ride through rough forests, snap your lariat.

Test your limits, what’s there to lose?

Time won’t wait, so why should you?

Sisyphus by Rishi Patil

 Sisyphus by Rishi Patil

What is the meaning of this world

Where people suffer and are tortured at every corner?

While some didn’t have to move a finger for anything they have?

One may be tempted to give up due to what they are subjected to

For seemingly no reason at all

“We are destined for absolutely nothing”

But if so

Why do we feel joy?

Or love?

Or nostalgia or pride or inspiration?

We feel because we are inherently our own meaning 

We feel because we are humans

And in this life slowly draining us

We have to fabricate the light at the end of the tunnel

To be willing to keep going

Why I Recommend Reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerlad by Kavin Sivakumar

 Why I Recommend Reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerlad 

Kavin Sivakumar

The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerlad is a novel that is filled with surprising events, and follows deep themes such as why recreating the past is dangerous. Although the story was published in 1925 the themes that are learnt throughout the story are still relevant, and can still apply to many people today. The story takes place in the 1920s  in New York, and the story follows Nick Carraway as he meets his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. I believe this story will let you see that happy memories in the past should stay in the past, and trying to recreate it will only lead to consequences.

One of the main reasons I would recommend reading The Great Gatsby is because of the characters that are in the story. I mentioned two of the major characters, Nick and Gatsby, but they’re still many major characters that impact the story greatly. I find this important because when you first meet the character they seem minor, and not important to the story, but as you read on you will see the “minor” characters end up having a big role and impact on the story. In addition, the emotions, and personality of the “minor” characters play a major role on the main characters actions, and motives. I believe this is what makes The Great Gatsby different from most novels.

Another reason I would recommend reading this novel is it shows the danger of recreating the past. The story shows how even if you have all the money, and power in the world, trying to recreate the past exactly will lead to failure and disappointment. The story shows how people's emotions can change, and that trying to ignore your true emotions in order to try to recreate the time you were happy will only lead to you feeling disappointed. Also, the story highlights the point that you have to accept that people change, and refusal to accept change will only lead to disappointment later on in life.

​​ The novel is engaging, exciting because the story is well paced, and the events in the story don’t seem too sudden or too late. I find this point important because many people don’t like reading classic novels because they are considered to be paced slowly, however in The Great Gatsby the events happen in a timely fashion, which makes it enjoyable to read.

Overall, The Great Gatsby is a great novel to read if you have some free time or if you are looking to start a new book. The characters in the story will help drive the plot, and keep you invested in their lives. The lesson of recreating the past the story teaches us can help us see the past in a different way. Also, the pacing of the book makes it easy to read since the book keeps the story going without making the reader wait for a long time for the next major event to happen. All of these factors are what make The Great Gatsby such an amazing novel to read.

It's Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out by Shuxuan Chang

 It's Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out by Shuxuan Chang

      During a recent family gathering, everyone met at my grandma's house. After dinner, the adults began asking me and the other teenagers about our plans for the summer and our future. They asked questions like which college we wanted to attend and what career we hoped to have. Sometimes, those questions made me feel like I was expected to have everything figured out already.

        One of my relatives asked me about my dream college. Whenever I ask her a question, she often tells me, “You should search online instead of asking me.” I always felt confused by that. It wasn’t because she didn’t answer my question—it was because whenever she asked me for help, I always tried my best to answer her questions. I wondered why she couldn’t do the same for me. Later, she called my parents over and asked them about my grades. At one point, she asked them something that I didn’t understand, so I asked what it meant. She simply replied, “You don’t need to know.”

         On the way home, I kept thinking about what had happened. At first, I felt frustrated, but then I realized that not everyone likes to share what they know, and I can’t control how other people respond. What I can control is how I react. I also realized that it’s okay not to have every answer about my future right now. I’m still learning, growing, and figuring things out, just like many other teenagers. Asking questions doesn’t make me less capable—it’s part of learning, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

When Expectations Become Pressure by Shuxuan Chang

 When Expectations Become Pressure by Shuxuan Chang

                   At the beginning of summer break, my father asked me about my plans for the summer. I told him that I could accomplish many things in two months. For example, I wanted to volunteer, explore colleges I was interested in, research universities, and study next year’s classes.

        Every day, I try to complete my daily plan. Sometimes, I feel exhausted because I set too many expectations for myself. I keep telling myself, “I have to finish this today.” Even when I make a plan, I sometimes don’t have the motivation to follow it. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and it makes me feel tired. Sometimes, when my parents excitedly ask me about my progress, I tell them, “I don’t know. I just feel tired because I know I still have a lot of work to do.” Sharing my plans with others sometimes makes me feel more pressure. My parents told me that sometimes it is better to keep my goals private until I make progress.

      I talked about this with my friend, and she said she had experienced the same thing. She realized that sharing every detail of her plans created a lot of pressure because everyone knew what she was doing. After that, she stopped sharing all of her goals with others. Listening to her experience helped me understand that sometimes, keeping some goals private can reduce unnecessary pressure. I also learned that it is important to focus on my own progress instead of worrying too much about other people’s expectations.

       After thinking about this, I realized that having goals is important, but I should not let my goals control my life. It is okay if I cannot finish everything perfectly. Sometimes, taking a break and adjusting my plan can help me move forward. Goals should motivate me, not make me feel trapped by pressure.

Bet on your life pt2 by Samhita Adapa

 

Though Kalshi is primarily used for sports betting, users can gamble on a variety of things on the app, such as weather, legislation, elections, the box office, and even military conflicts. Polymarket does essentially the same thing as Kalshi, giving users the chance to profit off predictions in any field. 

To me, these apps have never been that relevant. I’ve always heard about them in passing, maybe mentioned in a tweet or on Tiktok once in a while. But I think this February, when Iran’s Ayatollah was killed by an airstrike, a headline came out saying that “customers who bet on the death of Iran’s Ayatollah won’t get any of the $54 million wagered”(Somerland). That is when the full extent of the prediction market hit me. It wasn’t a couple bucks being bet on whether Timothee Chalamet finally wins an oscar this year(which actually had a pretty big prediction market in march), but more than 50 millions dollars being bet on a person’s death that will have huge political, social, and economical repercussions on the globe. There are people who treat this like a game and billionaires who are actively profiting off the death of thousands of humans. It makes you realize that there are actively people who are rooting for a person to die just to make a profit.  

This also brings into question how is this even legal? How are markets like Kalshi able to exist? It all comes down to one word, once again proving how much power language has in general. In all of their advertisements, Kalshi uses the word “trade” instead of “bet”. The company says that instead of making an offer or wager on an outcome, you buy shares of the outcome of an event. For example, if you were to predict the weather tomorrow was sunny, you would buy a “yes” share. Every share on the app is priced under $1. So if the “yes” share is priced at $0.40, that means the prediction market is saying that there is a 40% chance of it being sunny tomorrow. And if you do end up being correct, you receive a dollar then you make a profit of $0.60(payout-initial investment). It basically works as a stock market, trading shares with other users, selling shares to other users when the value goes up or cashing out yourself(Petrella). 

As for why it actually isn’t illegal, Kalshi is federally regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission(CTFC) and registered with the Designated Contract Market (DCM), so technically, on paper, you are not gambling. This is basically stopping state laws from outlawing the app since federal trumps state. But no matter how many words you use to dodge the outcome, there is no denying the fact that this is gambling. Users are wagering money on a bet or game or outcome, the literal definition of gambling. What Kalshi essentially does is take advantage of legal loopholes to sustain itself and protect themselves from any lawsuits, though some states, like New York, are trying.

What also expedited the crisis was the number of celebrities promoting prediction markets as well as marketing targeted towards Gen Z in particular. Recently, Chalamet did a Kalshi advertisement, leading many people to call him a “sellout” and “soulless”(Reddit). In preparation for the 2026 Worldcup, Lionel Messi also promoted Kalshi along with his teammates(Cunnigham). Celebrities promoting betting isn’t new. Kevin Hart’s been promoting Draft Kings Sportsbooks for centuries now. But there is something about these predictions markets that are even scarier. 

Kalshi also specifically targets younger adults as well. They use aggressive marketing, oftentimes following the latest trend or meme and trying to seem more culturally relevant. There is also a serious sense of FOMO regarding Kalshi. It’s seen as cool and if you aren’t on the app betting your money, then you’re missing out. Recently, Kalshi has been specifically targeting women as well, trying to expand beyond their primarily male audience. Odds are that if you scroll through Tiktok right now, you’ll eventually hit a Kalshi ad about a girl getting her boyfriend hooked on Love Island and making predictions on Kalshi. These advertisements are very similar to real Tiktoks, the only telling features being the paid promotion label at the bottom of the screen. They know that Love Island is insanely popular with women and is trying to appeal to them through that.

Though Kalshi very strictly makes sure no minors are gambling, sorry “trading”, they are still very resistant to the calls to ban people aged 18-21 from the app. Whereas many sportsbooks are 21+, Kalshi is only 18+. They are reluctant to push that bar higher because they know that younger people don’t have the self-restraint, wisdom, nor experience to control themselves(Cohen). They are the perfect consumer. 

Prediction Markets are terrifying because you can literally bet on anything and everything on these apps. You can make money and lose money on something as stupid as the weather outside. You could lose all your savings just because Enola Holmes 3 didn’t hit #1 on Netflix’s top 10.  The practice is predatory and absolutely should have major restrictions placed on it. And moral and ethical issues aside, there is a whole other can of worms to open regarding insider trading and the government’s role in all of this. 

Works Cited

Cohen, Marshall, and Elisabeth Buchwald. “‘The Ads Got to Me’: College-Age Adults Are Rushing to Prediction Market Sites. Addiction Experts Are Alarmed.” CNN, 28 May 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/28/economy/prediction-markets-kalshi-young-adults. Accessed 13 July 2026.

Cunningham, Mary. “From Chalamet to Messi, Prediction Markets Are Betting on Celebrities to Boost Their Brands.” CBS News, 19 June 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prediction-markets-celebrity-endorsements-kalshi-polymarket-messi/. Accessed 13 July 2026.

Petrella, Steven. “A Beginner’s Guide to Kalshi: A Lightly-Technical Explainer of Contracts & Pricing.” Action Network, The Action Network, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.actionnetwork.com/education/how-to-bet-on-kalshi. Accessed 13 July 2026.

Sommerlad, Joe. “Kalshi Caught up in Firestorm of Controversy over Bets Placed on Death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.” The Independent, 9 Mar. 2026, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kalshi-bets-iran-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-death-b2932018.html. Accessed 13 July 2026.

“Kalshi.” Kalshi.Com, 2026, https://kalshi.com/markets/kxoscaracto/oscar-for-best-actor/kxoscaracto-26. Accessed 13 July 2026.

“Reddit - the Heart of the Internet.” Reddit.Com, 2026, https://www.reddit.com/r/fauxmoi/comments/1u39m14/timoth%c3%a9e_chalamet_sells_out_stars_in_a_new_ad_for/. Accessed 13 July 2026.