Luerssen 1

Abby Luerssen

Mrs. Gallenberg

AP Language and Composition

01 September 2016

Different Beliefs, Same Values

Nothing, Something to Believe In is an autobiography written by Nica Lalli. This

nonfiction book tells the story of Nica as she grew up without a religion. She explains her

struggles with her family and her life as she grows up exploring different religions as she tries to

decide what to believe in. Nicas family pushes the idea of atheism upon her but she often has

doubts and questions the beliefs of her family. Throughout the book there were many instances

where my personal life and family compared with the life of Nica and her family, but our

families also differ in many ways.

The idea of religion is a very prevalent theme in Nica Lallis autobiography. Both my

parents and Nicas parents passed on their religions and their beliefs to their children. Nicas dad

was a Catholic while growing up and her mom was a Jew. When her parents met and started a

family they decided that neither of these religions was right for them. So when their first

daughter, Nica, asked Mom? Dad? What are we? Her father replied with Were nothing.

When my parents were growing up they were also different religions. My mom was a very

faithful Lutheran and my dad was raised with no definite religion but was exposed to many

different religions growing up. When my parents met and started their family they decided they

were going to raise their kids as Lutherans. My mom was a Lutheran teacher so growing up I

always knew that I was a Lutheran. Both families started with two people of different religions
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that had to make a decision. They had to decide what they wanted for their future and for their

children.

Even though my family does not have the same beliefs as Nicas family, our family life at

home growing up had many similarities. Nica had a very strong knit family growing up. They

were supportive through all of the struggles Nica had in her life. They helped her achieve her

goals and helped her realize her dreams and aspirations. My family is the same way. They are

supportive through everything that happens. They help me achieve my goals and encourage me

to do everything I want to do.

Most of this support and encouragement came from both of our parents and how they

raised us. Nicas parents and my parents tried to raise good-tempered, polite, independant kids.

Although they told their kids from the time they were young what they should believe in, they

allowed their kids to explore other religions and belief systems to learn what they are all about

and to realize the reason why they believe in what they believe in. Both sets of kids were given

the freedom to explore other beliefs but in the end came back to what their parents encouraged.

Both mine and Nicas families have many similarities despite the differences. One

obvious thing differs in our families which is religion. Even though the beliefs and religions

are different the everyday family life values are the same. Both families have a great support

system, and both sets of parents just want what is best for their kids and even though the

families have different beliefs. Both families have the same values of how the kids should be

raised and how they should live. They have different beliefs but the same values.