Rain’s Digitally Lit Journey so far, with bonus QnA!

Hi, I’m Rain—or as I’m known online, rainsbookreviews!

I’m a former Literacy Champion and current Youth Ambassador for Digitally Lit, where I’ve been volunteering for about six months. While I’m still getting the hang of things, it’s been a fun and rewarding journey every step of the way!

With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to reflect on my experiences and express my gratitude for this incredible organization. After all, what better way to embrace the season of giving than by sharing the joy of doing what I love with all of you?

This post is my chance to reflect on what I’ve learned to help set some goals for the New Year. I also contacted my fellow Youth Ambassadors and Literacy Champions for questions about my journey. I’ll answer them, and we can discover more about the values we proudly uphold at Digitally Lit!

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Growing up, I was immersed in books like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. Paired with my love for visual arts and music, I’ve always been drawn to literary and non-literary texts. As a child, I was always inspired by the worlds I encountered in stories, and when I was “in the zone,” I was utterly absorbed— stuck in an all-too-familiar-to-my-peers, unblinking, immovable trance. (Freaky, eh?)

But as life got busier as I got older, I found less time for creative pursuits. I felt stuck. I thought I had lost that childhood spark…

Until I discovered Digitally Lit, thanks to my lovely family!

A community where I could read and review Atlantic Canadian books for free? Share my thoughts through creative expression? Amplify the voices of regional authors? Meet like-minded book lovers and get recommendations for more books? JACKPOT! I knew right away this was the opportunity I’d been craving—an outlet to reconnect with myself and my passion for books in a meaningful and productive way. I was sure this was the perfect fit for me—and guess what? I was right!

Being part of Digitally Lit has allowed me to reconnect with worlds I had missed for so long, bringing new joy and excitement. It’s allowed me to express myself creatively, blending art, music, and the inspiration I get from books. I’ve also discovered Canadian authors whose stories have surprised me with their emotional depth and philosophical power. Some even brought me to tears. It's impressive that these books have only been around for half a year!!

As a writer and lover of textual analysis, I find joy in delving into the meanings, authorial choices, and impact behind each work. Unraveling the layers of intention and effect is incredibly satisfying, offering emotional fulfillment and a mental challenge that sharpens my skills.

Through this journey, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for Canadian heritage and literature. I’ve connected with authors and fellow book lovers across Atlantic Canada—some even from my province of New Brunswick! Together, we support one another in promoting literacy among youth and creating a thriving, collaborative space where we can grow, learn, and share our love for Canadian stories.

My journey with Digitally Lit has been transformative. From reconnecting with my love for reading and creativity to forging meaningful connections with authors and fellow community members, every step has been filled with growth. I’m constantly reminded of the power of literature and its impact on our lives. As I continue treading this path, I will continue to be excited to see where it takes me and how I can contribute to the world of Canadian literature and beyond! :-)

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I will now answer the questions that my fellow Literacy Champions and Youth Ambassadors have posed for me to reflect on! I got some fascinating (even juicy!) ones, and I can’t wait to answer them to the best of my ability. Thank you so much for them, I appreciate it! Now, I won’t keep you waiting; let’s go!

Julia Crocker (thebookishworm2) asks: “What is your favourite genre and why?”

Oooh, thanks, Julia! Starting off with a fun one.

While I haven’t yet had the chance to explore either for Digitally Lit, my favorite genres of literature are philosophical and dystopian. Some standout titles I’ve enjoyed include The Giver, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, Nineteen Eighty-Four, The Alchemist, The Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, and, to an extent, Some Hellish—which is why I gravitated to it as my first read here.

I love these genres because they not only challenge you to question what’s happening within the storylines—often confusing, disturbing, and thrilling in their own right—but also push you to reflect on the societal and political issues mirrored in their pages.. Perhaps it’s my passion for debating and advocating on global social issues, or my fascination with the human psyche and its role in society, but I find these genres uniquely compelling. They deliver their messages in a way that’s nuanced, thought-provoking, and often more impactful than straightforward, linear storylines.

Essentially, I love how they encourage critical thinking about the world and refuse to sugarcoat the harsh truths for the sake of societal norms.

Or… maybe I just like over-analyzing things like a conspiracy theorist, haha!! Who knows… but that’s just a theory! A book theory! ;-)

Ariela White (arielaonthego) asks: “Has anything from what you’ve read with Digitally Lit challenged you? (Both in terms of reading different genres and in your thinking)”

Hmm, great question, Ariela! While nothing I’ve read with Digitally Lit has necessarily challenged my beliefs or thinking so far, I have to admit that I found it particularly difficult to get through the real-life tragedies depicted in Life Sentence by Amy Bell and One Strong Girl by S. Lesley Buxton. Reading about how someone’s father defended two murderers, only to lose the case and spiral into despair, or to hear the parent’s perspective of how their child suffered and slowly passed away from a disease with little to no research— was heartbreaking. The raw humanity and the sheer weight of these stories really hit me hard.

But here’s the thing: once I moved past the initial shock, I began to see how even amidst such profound turmoil, the authors found ways to keep pursuing what they loved. That resilience became a kind of light in the darkness, and it helped me shift my perspective. They reminded me that no matter how difficult life gets, there’s always a silver lining to uncover, even if it’s small.

In the end, while these stories were emotionally challenging, they left me stronger, with a lasting takeaway: “Life goes on and doesn’t wait, so you’ve just gotta rise back up and run with it”

Devananga Sharma (quillsandchapters) asks: “Oooo! How do local books create a deeper understanding of the world around you?”

Thanks, Devananga! That’s quite a sweet question. Reading local books has truly deepened my understanding of the world in several meaningful ways.

I never realized just how much talent could exist so close to home. It’s eye-opening to think that incredible stories and perspectives are being created right here in my province or in nearby areas.

It’s sad to know that oftentimes local authors are often overshadowed by big names like Stephen King (I admit I do love his books though LOL, though he’s just as an example) or other mainstream writers, simply due to their location or accessibility within the book market. Discovering these local gems has made me realize that amazing literary talent can thrive anywhere, including where we are, and I find that just incredibly inspiring since we can do that too thanks to them!

I’ve also gained insight into unique aspects of Canadian life I didn’t know much about before. For example, in Bill Culp’s Have Guitar, Will Travel, I learned about the journey of the process and lifestyle of Canadian musicians, and to hear about the challenges faced for all of them during the pandemic but found solace in Canada’s peaceful and inclusive communities.

I’ve come to see just how underrated these works are. I wish—and firmly believe—that more people should have the chance to discover and celebrate the incredible narratives created by local authors.

I think we can all agree that these authors deserve so much more recognition!

Savannah Ferris (sav_reads76) asks: “Which of Digitally Lit’s core values do you value the most and put most into practice?”

My, Savannah! Thank you for such an insightful and wonderfully thematic question!

Digitally Lit embodies an array of positive core values—critical thinking, creativity, empowerment, equity, collaboration, and integrity—which I’m proud to see reflected throughout our community. While I deeply value each of these principles and recognize their importance in our work as Youth Ambassadors, the two that resonate most with me and shape my contributions are integrity and creativity.

Integrity is a cornerstone of my approach. I aim to be honest and transparent in my reviews and creative works, ensuring my opinions reflect my genuine thoughts while remaining respectful of the experiences and viewpoints of other Youth Ambassadors, mentors, and authors. Additionally, I strive to help foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, where everyone feels seen and heard. I love hearing from all your thoughts (hence this QnA) and it’s always a pleasure for me to interact and support others to build our community together!

Creativity, however, is where I feel I truly shine. I love expressing my artistic side by creating drawings, tributes, or even music inspired by the books I read. It’s a joy to uncover works that may not have received much attention and craft tributes to give them a moment in the spotlight. I find great purpose in creating content that is unique, heartfelt, and capable of standing out in meaningful ways.

Together, these values guide my work and interactions within Digitally Lit; It’s a balance that has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring!

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In conclusion, my journey with Digitally Lit has been an incredible and transformative experience, reigniting my passion for reading, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature. The thoughtful questions from this amazing community have pushed me to reflect on my values, explore new ideas, and share my journey in ways that I hope inspire others as much as they’ve inspired me.

A huge thank you to the Digitally Lit community and everyone who asked these insightful questions. I’m beyond grateful for the experiences I’ve had so far and am thrilled to see what lies ahead as I continue to contribute to this vibrant and creative initiative.

Here’s to our next chapter, and happy holidays! ;-)

Rain.