Katlin Strzelecki

                From the beginning of the book Lost in Place, the author begins by explaining the main character’s home life and his interactions with the rest of his family. For me, the most important people in my life are my family. They’re the only people who will love you unconditionally and stick by your side from day one. My mother has been the most influential person in my life, doubling as not only my mom, but my best friend as well. The character Mark has a connection with his father in the same way, just a different situation.

                Growing up is the biggest challenge in a person’s life. I’ve gone through many different ups and downs, not to mention a few hundred changes of heart. I don’t have a big family, but I do have the best family anyone could ask for. From the time I was born, I’ve had a mother who stood by me, never wavering, supporting me in everything I’ve ever wanted to pursue or become. Every parent wants the best for their child and then some, so deciding I would go to art school and not be making that huge pay check made my mom a little concerned to say the least. But my mom is incredible, and she has known from day one that I’m not your average person. She has understood that I learn differently, that I see everything around me differently, and most importantly, she has taught me that being different is a good thing.

                As the author introduces Mark, I instantly related to his passion and drive for martial arts. I also noticed the relationship between Mark and his father though. Having such a conservative family, Mark had a hard time introducing the idea that he wanted to become a Buddhist and study martial arts. Parents never want to see their child feel different or alienated, but Mark’s father is almost a role model in showing how different isn’t a bad thing. Although Mark’s father chooses to pursue a rather conservative life, he has a very passionate and artistic side that Mark has observed him delve into throughout his life. I think it really shows that you don’t have to have to be making money to achieve your dreams, you just have to be able to know what you truly do love, to be able to enjoy your life.

                My mother has always wanted to be a writer more than anything. But she has a family for four children and is a single mother. She hardly ever has time to sleep, let alone write a book. And that’s what showed me the instant connection between Mark’s father, and my mother. Mark’s father has passions and dreams of his own, but he loves his family more than himself, therefore making their lives the best they can be is more important to him than painting or studying astronomy. Someday, I want to be able to take care of my mom, so she can finally be able to rest, relax, and to be able to enjoy the rest of her life without having to work 70 hours a week just to make-do. I want my mom to be able to write a book just like she's always wanted to someday. But until then, she knows that she needs to take care of her family. She has my brothers and I who are her main priorities in life because she loves us more than she loves herself. And I think that’s one of the most important things you’ll ever learn in life; if you can love someone more than you love yourself and more than you love your passions, then those people are your family, whether their blood related or not.