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The newspaper staff at The Crusader Connection understands the immense value of the written and spoken word, especially in the modern era. Reading and appreciating good literature, whether books, poems, essays, or the like, has the capacity to greatly, positively impact personal and cultural identity. Share what you're currently reading for a chance to be featured, and help us keep a love for literature alive! #thatslit !
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Book Review by Charlie Okeke
Even though this is the Love issue, not everyone is experiencing those emotions this Valentine’s season. Of course, if you are in the mood for more romance, I’d advise you check out author, Emily Henry (People We Meet On Vacation literally changed lives). Carrie Soto Is Back is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest work of historical fiction. The “Battle Axe,” Carrie Soto was the best women’s (actually just best) tennis player in the world. However, five years after her retirement in the early 90’s she is called back. Her seemingly impossible record for most Grand Slam Titles has been shattered. Can Carrie return to the sport that has shown her so much love in previous years? Is she even able to keep up with this newer game that she helped usher in? Even if you are not the biggest fan of tennis (which I certainly am not), Carrie’s grit and determination will inspire you to take on any of life’s challenges. Read the story of the most cut-throat and brutal tennis player during the most loving and emotional season of the year. (Also yesterday was my birthday, which means you have to read this book as a gift to me!)
Romanticism : Not Necessarily Romantic
Romanticism : Not Necessarily Romantic
by Emilie O'Connor
The Kiss
The Kiss
Francesco Hayes
Francesco Hayes
The Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her last berth to be broken up
The Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her last berth to be broken up
J.M.W. Turner
Surrounding the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day, there is definitely lots of talk about romance and romantics, but what truly is a Romantic? Romanticism, although typically synonymous with love, actually describes the artistic and literary movement of the 18th-19th century, which emphasized inspiration and individualism within society. The Romantics shifted attention towards intense emotion which was seen as an escape from the more realistic Enlightenment movement.
Romanticism was most obviously reflected in pieces of art that historians have been able to analyze. One of the more recognizable Romanticism paintings would be The Kiss (1859) from Francesco Hayez, a leading Romantic artist in 19th century Milan. This work depicts a couple kissing while overwhelmed with emotion which was contrary to the socially accepted principles of public affection. The Kiss perfectly depicts the neglect for rationality promoted by Romantics. Another reflection of the Romanticism era is seen through J.M.W. Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her last berth to be broken up (1838) painting. This work of art depicts a once glorious Royal Naval warship being dragged back into the harbor by a tugboat. The almost heavenly depiction of this ship’s return, although striking, is most definitely idealistic. The sunset and its thoughtful coloring symbolize themes of rebirth and would carry a nostalgic tone to Turner’s audience of the time, who would know the tragedy of the historical Battle of Trafalgar and the role which this ship played. Despite simply being painted during the Romantic period, this painting was recently voted the UK’s favorite painting by the BBC, proving its long lasting ability to evoke emotion within an audience – a key component of Romantic era art.
Literature from the Romantic period has also been closely examined over the past 200 years to determine the most likely purpose of these authors. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, perhaps the most famous novel from the Romantic period, would likely never have been described as a Romantic book by most. However, Shelley’s overarching theme of experiencing the beyond rational perfectly encapsulates the innovation and societal growth present during Romanticism. Finally, the original Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm highlight the other-worldly and imaginative ideals of the Romantic thinkers. The famous ‘happily-ever after’ endings of fairy tales became closely related to the Romantic era, due to creative authors such as the Grimm brothers. This part of the Romantic period is likely the cause for why the intense emotion and idealistic nature of Romanticism became so synonymous with romance and love, but it is certainly important to note the difference.
While Romanticism’s individualistic nature and idealistic philosophies were massively impactful on the culture of the 1700s-1800s, one can certainly still see its impact in more modern works. For example, John Lennon’s song Imagine contains language connoting idealistic views towards the future and can be deeply emotional for the listener. Romanticism, as well as romance, is evidently a major element to our modern culture, yet more importantly Romanticism itself is not necessarily romantic.
Kujichagulia
Kujichagulia
A short story by Imani Gardner, '23
I had a conference call in five minutes. Nia had my meeting papers laid out along with some fresh pens, Post-its, and a notepad all ready for me. At least I thought I was ready until I walked in and spilled my Starbucks down my white blouse and all over my desk, papers, and keyboard. Who would have thought that a grande covered so much horizontal space? This was my moment to shine and it felt ruined.
Let me go back to the beginning before this disaster started. Hi, my name is Kujichagulia. It means self-determination. My parents thought it was a good idea to name me this to keep me motivated to fight my way through life. I am a 20 year old junior attending Morgan State University. The time is summer break and I have to intern for one of my majors, Pre-Law. I recall my first day like it was yesterday. The time was five in the morning, I woke up to the obnoxious sound of my alarm. I got out of bed, stretched, and contemplated my life choices before walking to the bathroom. I completed my morning routine and headed off to the gym for an ardent workout.
The muscles in my body had a belligerent burning sensation. Yet, I still continued to fight through the pain and complete the workout. I finished and headed back to my condo and proceeded to get myself ready for my first day of work. I was feeling as anxious as a freshman at orientation. I grabbed a pantsuit with fancy sneakers to finish the look off. Somehow I began to run late so I had to throw my hair in a ponytail and run out the door. I began to think:
“It is your first day of work, you need to make a good impression.”
“You got this, your mother did not name you self-determination for nothing.”
“We can do this, ready now, time to walk with confidence.”
I walked in and all eyes were on me. The air was stiff and felt like it was being taken out my lungs. But I proceeded onward to the manager's office to introduce myself. The office was quaint with a colorful display of decorations on the wall. Once I was able to breathe again, the air smelled of fresh roasted coffee brewed earlier that morning. In the distance the coworkers were whispering with curious tones.
This was it! I was there and once the door opened, to my shock, the person behind it looked like me. The tone of her voice was stern but welcoming. Her hair was as voluminous as it was kinky, beautiful in my opinion; she was having one good hair day. As my thoughts continued to wander, there was a blurred voice calling my name. It was my new manager:
“Kujichagulia, are you with me, love?” Audrina asked me.
“Yes," I answered. "I am present ma’am. I could not help but notice your name. The meaning, strength, is beautiful,” I said.
“Ah, thank you yours as well, Miss self-determination herself,” Audrina replied.
Little did I know she would become my guardian angel in the darkest times. There was a picture of a lotus flower on Audrina’s wrist and it all the more gave me hope in the mental battles I was facing. I was not feeling welcomed here and this feeling pervaded like girls at a sixth grade recess. Everyone just started talking and never engaged me, with the exception of one lady named Navin. Navin wore a power suit with sneakers as her shoe choice. Her hairstyle choice being a messy bun with the addition of a few minimalistic accessories was very picturesque. She walked with grace but power and as she walked she did not give any of the insolent staring eyes the satisfaction of her gaze. I was delighted to meet her. Her aura was authoritative but exuberant and graceful. She welcomed me to my cubicle then proceeded to ask to go to lunch to get a better understanding of each other. She then turned to the rest of the people staring and said:
“Anybody want to actually talk to her instead of chatting to yourselves about her? No? I didn’t think so." She turned to me, "I will see you at lunch, love.”
She walked away, with a bunch of blank stares following in her wake. I approached my manager about the current situation I was going through. She assured me with the addition of wisdom from Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou:
“'There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race - scientifically, anthropologically.' '[You] are a woman. Phenomenally, Phenomenal woman, that’s [you], [love!]'”
This has stuck ever since and helped me get through the tough days that I have. As the days went on, the responsibilities began to roll in and the fears were gone as easily as they came. The office air became more breathable and the sky seemed to have lifted the clouds from over my eyes. I was promoted and was even offered a full-time position, which I accepted. As I became more present and active in the workforce, the intentions and actions of others did not bother me as much as they used to. Ever since Navin made the decision to engage with me on that first day, it paved the way for me in that office.
The time is now 2030 and I own a company with my partner Navin. Our business plan is there is no such thing as race. In our company, everybody is welcome. The building smells of flowers with decorative decor representing peace and resilience. Our Nia, purpose, is to empower others to complete their recovery journey with a stronger, more confident stance than before. As I grow more in life, my philosophy never wavers. A smile can make a difference and everybody deserves a chance. That will never change.
Calling all poets, creative writers, artists, and designers!
Calling all poets, creative writers, artists, and designers!
Catalyst, the literary/arts magazine published each spring, is an outlet for students in the Lansdale Catholic community to share their creative voice. All artwork, creative videos, short stories, poems, essays, or the like can be submitted to the staff throughout the year via email. Submissions will be accepted until March 31st. Our new digital format additionally opens the doors for further creative design opportunities & we welcome new staff members to work towards this endeavor!
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