It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.

[Arohi Soren]

I recently finished the book A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and this line is stuck in my head. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." The line refers to the time of French Revolution when the people of France tried to end feudalism. It was the best of times for people living in poverty and finally trying to be liberated and it was the worst of times for the people being executed just because of their rank. But taking the line out of context can be applied to our current situation too.

It is the time of a global pandemic. People are dying, the economy is down, there is fear and restlessness everywhere. It is the worst of times. But on the other hand, the Earth is healing. Pollution has gone down drastically. There are clearer water bodies, fresher air, exotic animals and birds that were thought to be extinct are seen now. Families are spending more time together and people are catching up on their lost hobbies. It is the best of times.

How are you dealing with this trying time? Are you brushing up your old interests? And are you drinking enough water?

[Lady-of-Literature]

You ever just really appreciate the opening sentence of a good book? You ever wonder if one day you'll write something that immortal too? That sort of what I felt with when with, The Tale of Two Cities.

[Arohi Soren]

You ever just really appreciate the opening sentence of a good book? You ever wonder if one day you'll write something that immortal too? That sort of what I felt with when with, The Tale of Two Cities.

I agree. The opening sentence of that book just hits different. In fact the whole first chapter of that book is so beautiful that I keep dreaming that someday I will write something that is even half as good as that.

[Grace Bela]

I've only read the beginning of this book, but I saw a lovely example of "the best of times" today. I went to a pier by a beach and saw a school of dolphins only about forty feet from the shore. Typical boat traffic would've made this almost impossible at this time last year. I love seeing how the natural world is healing as a result of decreased human activity!

[Thea Frederick]

I know how hard this pandemic has been for so many people, but I think it is giving us an opportunity to reflect on our personal lives, be less caught up in the craziness of this world and consider how we can become better people. It is giving us the chance to look inside ourselves and do some thinking about how we can improve.
And I know we can make the best of it together! We can bring joy to those suffering, reach out and show people we care, bring happiness wherever we go with our attitude. Even a smile in the grocery store or a good morning on the street can lift someone's spirits. We are being given the chance to unite and show love for each other in a time of need.

[cookiedough]

I agree that opening lining is classic. Quarantine has allowed me to read more and appreciate the time I have with others because you never know what could happen in life.

[TopaAzul062]

There's no forgetting the first few lines of that book as my teacher at the time made sure me and my classmates had it memorized. It's hit and miss and I'm juggling multiple things at once all while trying to remember to stay hydrated as I've forgotten to drink fluids for an entire day which was alarming when it donned on me. I'm reading when I can and I'm trying to knock out some illustrations which I'm seriously behind on.

Fortunately my local libraries have enabled a makeshift drive-thru service for patrons so that they drop off and pick up books without leaving their vehicles. As another pick-me-up they have continued with the Summer Reading Program. Hopefully once everything gets caught up, I can resume sewing tasks.

I'm also trying to garden and have just transferred my cantaloupe plant to a larger pot.

[Sally_Heart]

Unfortunately, I have never been able to finish the book. It is an interesting read though the author did put in too many details which sometimes becomes very tedious for me. It is one of my goals to read this book to the end one day.

[ReadMeow]

I agree that current events mirror a similar state. I do believe now is a great time for many of us to re-evaluate ourselves and our society. We need to ask ourselves a lot of questions going forward, especially knowing that human interaction with wildlife can lead to more diseases with pandemic potential. The reason for that is when we destroy habitats, organisms die so viruses have to adapt to find new hosts such as people. That being said, there are some fun things about quarantine. I have been reading and writing more, I have done some baking, I have really improved in my running and kickboxing. Looking for online work and hoping to pay for college next semester! Yikes! Hope everyone is doing okay and reading something good. Now more than ever you need your best friends, those books you keep coming back to again and again. These books can be cleansing for the soul in such times.

[AGreatUsername]

Yes, online work being more accessible than ever is definitely a big plus! Online schooling too! My family had to move during the pandemic, we were living in increasingly unsafe conditions and did not have a choice. Worst of times to move, but we are safe now and very happy in our new place.