Reading Reflections: The 57 Bus

Entry by: Dash

Non-fiction books mostly left a negative and dull impression on me. If anything, they would be the last types of books on my "to-read" list. I have always associated non-fiction as a dull, detailed description of an event or science. Fiction books, on the other hand, always captivated me with their unique plots and fantasies, which made me want to read on and on. As a result, I found it pointless to read another genre and avoided nonfiction books.

In addition, opinions and morals vary from person to person, and non-fiction books sometimes presented opposing views that conflicted with my beliefs; this was another reason why I disliked reading non-fiction. After reading The 57 Bus, however, my perspective on non-fiction books has changed. Even though non-fiction doesn't necessarily present fantasy like literature, it teaches me about the reality of the world around me, while fiction pulls me into an imaginative world. I now have a broader and deeper understanding of different cultures and the history of different ideas and places in my own world.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater had an universal message that connected with me heart-to-heart. Even if Richard Thomas, an African-American junior in high school, lit Sasha Fleischman's skirt on fire and made Sasha, who identifies as agender, have several third degree burns, they were still forgiving of Richards' hate crime. Throughout the course of reading this book, the events that lined up with one another almost made it seem as if Richard could have never been forgiven for his actions. To my surprise, however, Sasha forgave Richard, claiming to appreciate the fact that Richard didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Sasha's clemency tangled up my emotions into one big ball of mess. Why did they forgive Richard when they were literally on the verge of life and death? Who knew if Richard genuinely meant his apology? At that point, it became clear to me that even though people might endure the toughest points in their lives because of someone, forgiving them revealed the person inside of them. Sasha was willing to accept Richard's apology even after all the trouble they went through, which showed their willingness to move on, heal, and accept the fact that everyone made mistakes, even if Richard's mistake was overboard. Their forgiveness also helped Richard indirectly with understanding his mistake and that love for him existed even when he committed a crime.

The 57 Bus teaches me this art of forgiveness, and I can apply this to my daily-life as well. Even though I may get into arguments with my friends and hold them accountable for their actions, it never stops me from getting out of that circle unless I forgive them. It sets me free from cultivating pain, allows me to acknowledge my emotions, and develop stronger and more healthier relationships when I forgive others, and this mutually benefits the other person as well. This book truly holds a special place in my heart for the emotions that uncontrollably sprung out: anger, happiness, and an assurance for the gift of healing. The events documented in this book shed light about understanding someone else’s struggles and situation, a lesson that increases empathy and compassion.

Image credits:

The 57 Bus | Dashka Slater | Macmillan