You may want to strike up a conversation about your book with one of these:
1. What does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
2. Does the author of your book fulfill Faulkner's definition of the "writer's duty"?
3. What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
Happy blogging!
Mrs. Myers
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They Poured Fired on Us From The Sky
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he sucessful?
This book is unique in that it is written by three authors. It is a true story compiled from the journals of three of the lost boys from Sudan. The reader is given the account from three different experiences and points of view. Knowing the authors are writing from their own lives makes the story even more compelling and real to the reader. The descriptions that are used are told from the perspective of children and very simple. The authors are successful simply because the story is so powerful and reveals the events as they were from boys who actually lived through the horrible experience.
Re: Sarah.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
I agree with you, Sarah. I love the fact that as the novel goes on, the writing styles of each author changes as they grow older. in the beginning, the three boys were very young so their imagery and memory was slightly limited. But as the reader becomes connected to the three boys, the reader learns to look into their (for lack of a better word) simple writing to see a more complex idea. Do you think that this was deliberate on the authors' part?
They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky
ReplyDeleteDo the authors fulfill William Faulkner's definition of the writer's duty?
With a story so horrendously sad- it is hard to imagine feeling anything but distress after reading about the suffering of the lost boys. And yet, sadness is not all that I'm feeling. Their courage is inspiring. Even though I am years older than the Benjamin, Alepho, and Benson were when they made their journey across Sudan, I cannot even begin to fathom how I would survive. The very fact that they have the courage to make this journey gives me courage in the seemingly nominal challenges that I face. It is amazing that without any concept of what the writer's duty was, the boys perfectly fulfill it with their stories. Anyone else agree?
Re: Kimberly
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Kimmy. While the story is so horrible the book itself is not sad as it is inspiring. As I read the book I constantly could not believe that these events really happened. I know what you mean when you say the writer's duty is fulfilled by the story itself. The writers did not have to try to make the story interesting or fulfill any purpose because the truth of the events that they lived through is enough. Their lives inspire the reader and make them appreciate their own life.
Am i doing this right? If not, sorry.
ReplyDeleteOh, hey it worked. So I better start talking about Freakonomics now. I have not finished reading the book yet, but the ideas and the math backing them are fascinating to me.Is anyone else reading it?
ReplyDeleteThe Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
ReplyDeleteDoes the author of the Book fulfill Faulkner's definition of the "writer's duty"?
In this book Walls presents the story of her childhood. A childhood that is full of hardships and instability mostly due to her parents. Her story stands to remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, because she was able to rise up above her circumstances and live what would be considered a normal life by our views. While Walls' story may remind some that parts of our nation still live in very poor conditions, it really is meant to defend the idea that, with enough determination and effort, anyone can improve their life and live with out the weight of their past pulling them back. The message is meant to help prop up man like Faulkner believes writing should.
They poured Fire on us from the sky
ReplyDeleteThe stories of these boys is amazing to me. they can describe their struggles in such simplisitc terms that they alomost seem to think that thier lives were normal.
It was not until last night did i realize that I was alive during this time. In 1996, while they were in kenya suffering from famine, i was 5 years old and in kindegarten. And in 2001, while they were given the best oppurutnities of thier lives, I was in 5th grade complaining about homework!
This is the root of William Faulkners message. These boys endured death, starvation, exodus, and beatings, yet thier attributes of hope, desire for knowledge and surivival demonstrate the abilities of the human spirit.
Freakonomics
ReplyDeleteHey Kimmy, I am reading Freakonomics also. I really find this book interesting how Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner compare two things that do not seem similar on the outside. For example, they argue how the Ku Klux Klan is like a group of real-estate agents or why drug dealers still live with their moms. To support their argument, they use a lot statistics and mathematical data. It amazes me how two men can look at two apparent opposites and somehow come up with a similarity between the two.
Blink: The Power to Think Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
ReplyDeleteHey is anyone else reading this book? I’m kind of confused as to how I answer those questions Myers gave; the book seems to be more just a bunch of experiments that Gladwell then comments on…
The Glass Castle
ReplyDeleteDoes the author of your book fulfill Faulkner's definition of the "writer's duty"?
Jeannette Walls easily fulfills William Faulkner’s recommendation for exceptional writing through her unforgettable memoir, The Glass Castle. In his 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Faulkner explains his interpretation of the “writer’s duty”. He states that it is the writer’s privilege to write about the conflicts within the human heart because these kinds of struggles are worth the toil and the torment that comes with good writing and only through these can a writer’s voice become one of the pillars that stand tall to help man prevail. Throughout her novel, Walls describes her eventful childhood with her three siblings and “hippie” parents as they hop from small town to small town in search of a fortune that could never seem to be found. Growing up in a dysfunctional and yet, ultimately loving, family, Walls’ remarkable story brings forth passions such as love, compassion, and sacrifice in her effort to remind the reader that, no matter how humble a person’s beginnings, with a little determination, anyone can push beyond the scope of their parents lives and persevere without being haunted by the past. Through this story of faith in one’s family and hope for the future, Walls’ voice becomes a column of support for her readers. By appealing to emotions such as empathy and sacrifice she allows her voice to shine through the darkness of the broken of her parents to remind us of the true meaning of family.
Bill Bryson's A Short Historyf Nearly Everything. What does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
ReplyDeleteBryson uses excesive support throughout his novel which gives it an interesting feel. The examples he uses are experiments that were done by himself and a number of other well-renowned scientists. These experiments give the book a real life application to those readers who have ever wondered about how the universe was created or in-depth details about such a thing. In addition, Bryson also uses stand out facts/ numbers that can even draw the attention of a reader who may not even be interested in such facts (ex: the universe is something that can fit in your hand, except 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times bigger.) Wow!
Freakonomics
ReplyDeleteBy Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Do the authors fulfill the “writer’s duty”?
I really liked reading this book because of all the hard facts that Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner use as support for their argument. But the authors do not fulfill the “writer’s duty” in the same way as The Poisonwood Bible or Things Fall Apart. I think that Levitt and Dubner fulfill the duty because they do create props and pillars to help man endure. They do not do it in a very obvious way, though. As I read and reread this question, I could not find a very good answer (at first), but I think I know now. By digging deep in different aspects of society (as I explain more in other comments), they show man, not only the skin of society, but they cut down to the core (where you might find an orange instead of an apple.) Throughout the book they constantly amaze me on the ways they study the society and the economy. Levitt and Dubner do not just record the recent criminal numbers, but they search through the subject to find out “where all the criminals have gone.” They do not just record current events, but they dig deeper to find a meaning in the events that can help man endure throughout his life. Levitt and Dubner also research what makes a perfect parent, which is one of the main questions in our society today. They compare different types of parenting styles to show the reader what really shapes a child’s personality and lifestyle, and allows the reader to create his/her own judgment. If you like to study the economy and like to look at statistical data, you may like this book. It is very fascinating and as one of the reviews said, “Prepare to be dazzled”—Malcolm Gladwell.
Freakonomics
ReplyDeleteBy Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
What the author does to make the book interesting...
Personally I love that Levitt and Dubner teamed up to combine math and literature into a thought provoking book. Levitt's career in economics crafts the subjects that the book addresses. Dubner took charge in actually writing Freakonomics, which he based around Levitt's curiosities and backed by mathematical data and factual statistics. I find Levitt's questions important, and in many cases comical in their presentation. With Dubner's strong voice and smooth transitions from topic to topic, Freakonomics is an easy read. I enjoy that fact that the book provides data to back their claims and it makes me "participate" with the text more. So basically it's a good book, fun to read, and informative.
The Post-American World
ReplyDeleteBy Fareed Zakaria
What does the Author do to make the book interesting...
In The Post-American World, Zakaria uses amazing rhetoric to inform the reader of the new movement happening in the world. Zakaria has extensive knowledge of international economic policies and current events that are happening, which allows the reader to have factual evidence before making conclusions. Along with Zakaria's extensive knowledge of present, he uses great historical references. Zakaria uses historical references to compare and contrast to the current international policies. With all of the support he uses, Zakaria is able to not only attract the reader, but connect the reader with the text. The Post-American world is an AMAZING commentary on the entirety of our current world infrastructure of economics, politics, and social standings.
What does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
ReplyDelete-The Glass Castle is made interesting through the author’s personal insight and determination in telling her story without grieving over the harsh conditions she was brought up in. As stated by an unknown critic, “The Glass Castle is truly astonishing—a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar, but loyal, family. Jeannette Walls has a story to tell, and tells it brilliantly, without an ounce of self-pity.” Walls’ lack of self-pity in describing her heartbreaking childhood deeply affects the reader in a way that William Faulkner would have marveled at. Her clarity and precision fills the reader’s mind with her story and brings out both the good parts and the bad of her nomadic childhood with her deeply dysfunctional and shockingly devoted family. Her tale is filled with struggle and bravery as she allows the honesty of her childhood memories to shine through the darkness of the poverty and near starvation she endured with her family. Walls makes her novel interesting by showing the reader her life through a child’s eyes, allowing us to grow up with her and helplessly watch her overcome every struggle. This memoir not only explains the conflicts found within her own family, but also gives the reader faith in humanity as her story supports all of those families who will never know a “cookie-cutter-all-American” lifestyle. Walls set out to tell her story honestly and it can easily be seen that she has effortlessly succeeded.
TPFOUFTS
ReplyDeleteQ: What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
I would say that the best books I have ever read are: “The Things They Carried,” and “The Lovely Bones.” I like both of these books for different reasons- “The Things They Carried” because O’Brien’s realistic account of the horrors of Vietnam are shocking and remind me of the suffering of those who came before us and “The Lovely Bones” because it is a suspenseful novel that is told through the eyes of a young girl after she is murdered by her neighbor, she is essentially telling her family’s turmoil as she sees it. I would rank “They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky” very close to both of these novels. It is kind of like a combination of the things I like about both of these books- the accounts of the truth and a suspenseful story. I like a book that will make me think and recollect on myself after I read it. All three of these books accomplished that for me.
What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
ReplyDeleteIn my eyes, picking a favorite book would be like picking a favorite child. It would be impossible. As Drew Barrymore stated in her role as Danielle in the film “Ever After”, Andy Tennant’s romantic fairy tale version of Walt Disney’s Cinderella, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star among the heavens.” Despite this serious problem I have with choosing the best book I have ever read, The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, has effortlessly made its way into my top ten favorites. I agree with Kyle when he says that, “while [her] story may remind some that parts of our nation still live in very poor conditions, it really is meant to defend the idea that, with enough determination and effort, anyone can improve their life and live without the weight of their past pulling them back.” Novels such as Walls’ stand as a reminder and an inspiration to hold my head up when I am having a bad day and to realize that my bad day may be the best day of someone else’s life. It all depends upon perspective. The stories that stay with me and inspire me, such as The Glass Castle, are the ones that I hold on to. As Barbara Kingsolver states in her essay, Small Wonder, “I believe in parables. I navigate life…[holding] tight to the ones that tell me new kinds of truth…We are all beasts in this kingdom, we have killed and been killed, and some new time has come to us in which we are all called out to find another way to divide this world. Good and evil cannot be all there is.” I agree completely with Kingsolver’s idea that the stories to hold onto are those modern-day fairy tales that provide a truth about humanity that has either been forgotten or never called upon. Jeannette Walls’ novel The Glass Castle is one of those honest tales that call upon the reader to remember a faith in humanity that has been lost to many and I hold onto her story as one of my favorites.
Katie M
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell
The author makes this book interesting through his repeated use of historical and experimental evidence. He supports his claims with countless examples of instances where not only does instant though or intuition help the peron experiencing it, but also where it hurt them or others. He then teaches the reader how to tell the difference between the two experiences and also how to hone one's intution and instant thought. Another way that he makes the book interesting is by using little tests and quizzes to illustrate to the reader their own prejudices that they probably weren't even aware that they had. In one particularly memorable one he revelled to the reader their own deep set racism against black people, which he claims is a product of our raising. Gladwell then teaches the reader how they can overcome their racist natures by daily training themselves to see others as our equals and even our superiors. The example he used was the track and feild events of the Olympics, an event usually dominated by Africans and African Americans. By exposing ourselves to things that illustrate a so-called "infereior" race as a superior one, Gladwell teaches us to overcome our prejudices and make better snap second judgements.
3. What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
ReplyDeleteTPFOUFTS
My all-time favorite book. Gosh, it's really difficult to choose just one, but if I had to, I pick ROOTS by Alex Haley. The whole book deals with generations and how important it is to learn about your own history. The author actually traced his history back to a small village in Africa. He creates an interwoven story about his great-grandfather, his grandfather, his father, and finally ends with his personal account. THEY POURED FIRE compares with Roots by being a personal account about the authors' history. Benson, Alepho, and Benjamin tell of what they have experienced and know personally, Haley does as well. Both books give a great depiction of African life and the hardships that individuals face culturally and socially.
Three Cups Of Tea
ReplyDeleteGreg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
"Does the author fulfill Faulkner's definition of the writer's duty?"
Through this long writing project by the two commrades, they do, in fact, fulfull the writer's duty. The whole book is about the huge ammount of things that one man can accomplish. It emphasises that one person is powerful, that we can do more than just "endure" but charting Mortenson's path from a poor mountain climber to the manager of the Central Asia Institute. It reiterates his compassion over and over talking about how it speads to others through his work. The fact that this is a work of nonfiction gives it even greater power because these things are not just theoretical, or made up by some guy, but actually happened. This is possibly the books one redeeming quality, inspiring all people.
Rachel Critelli
TPFOUFTS
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best book you have ever read? And how does this book compare?
One of my favorite books (note: not the best, because I cant choose), is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Francis, a little girl living in Brooklyn during the heart of the depression, witnesses her family destroyed, some of the horrors of human life, and the lifestyle of the poor, all while trying to grow up. Although fiction, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is comparable to They Poured Fire on Us From The Sky. In both books, children tell the story of growing up and losing their childhood. Francis must learn how to survive in a city and family that is tormented with depression, and the three boys Benson, Alepho, and Benjamin share the events and their thoughts that gave them the will to survive through dessert, war, and starvation. What is interesting to me is that although Francis is considered poor and lives in horrid conditions, she still has more than any of the three Dinka boys had with them on their journey.
I am reading The Devil's Highway: A True Story and the author Luis Alberto Urrea makes this novel interesting by including tales of notorious legends. Many of the these tales actually are told in Mexico so i found that to be pretty cool. Also the author displays a nice sense of humor in the text. For example, " For a while, the Mexican government offered the walkers survival kits with water and snacks....Mexico city officials put condoms into the boxes. Of course Mexico City claimed this was a gesture of deep consideration for the health of all involved. Gringos were deeply alarmed that the illegals were not just coming over to work, but to get laid. They're coming for our daughters!....They're coming to party, party, party!"
ReplyDeleteI laughed during this passage because I found it to be ironic how one perspective can take one situation so wrong from what it is supposed to be seen as.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
ReplyDeleteby Anne Fadiman
1.. What does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
Overall, I think this book is amazing. The author switches between the points of view of each individual that goes in and out of the life of Lia the Hmong child. It gives a broad view of not only just one side but from all sides. Through these points of view you can see the arrogance of others and the resistance to believe another culture can have an equal effect as yours. We are always taught that what we learn is the right way, and in this novel you can really see the collision of our culture with that of the Hmong. She uses logos, ethos, and pathos to bring out true emotion as well as deep thought on these controversial ideas.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
ReplyDeleteby Anne Fadiman
2. Does the author of your book fulfill Faulkner's definition of the "writer's duty"?
I feel that as this book is written about something that really happened gives it another layer that relates to the reader. I think this would be considered to fulfill Faulkner’s “writers duty.” Throughout the book the author demonstrates the extreme emotional pull the family, as well as the doctors, feels through Lia’s epilepsy and the detrimental effects it has on her. It shows so deeply the difference in culture as did poisonwood bible but on a more personal level that makes you feel deeply for Lia’s family. You even feel sad for the doctors, for with the language barrier as well as cultural barrier makes it hard for them to communicate to get proper treatment for the sickness. It truly shows compassion and sadness as well as any emotion possible through this whole book and makes you almost part of the story.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
ReplyDeleteBy Anne Fadiman
3. What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
The best book i have ever read is by far Shogun. No book could ever compare to that. That being said, don't be discouraged because this book is also very interesting. It really brings you in to the story and you can beast the whole book out very quickly. It definitely leaves you sad, but satisfied. The novel is one of true emotion that i would recommend people to read as it gives you great insight into the Hmong as well as their situation here in America.
Blink: The Power to Think Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, Gladwell attempts to show the reader how to simplify their way of thinking by reducing the amount of unnecessary information and only taking in knowledge that is truly important. He shows this through a reason/example structure involving cases of “thin-slicing,” sorting through the static of everyday information in order to make quick, sound decisions. In a society where our minds are bombarded with information daily, Gladwell provides a method for us to pick out the necessary facts.
Three Cups of Tea
ReplyDeleteGreg Mortinson and David Oliver Relin
"what did the author do to make your book interesting?"
It seems to me that the author(s) did very little to spice up their book, and expected the story to be so strong that there was no need to really do anything extra. On the one hand, the only attempt at doing anything even midly interesting as far as the writing is concerned is found in the endless quotes that proved too long and unnecessary. On the other hand, there were descriptions on traditions, people, terrain, and everyday life that were quite interesting to me. But i am always interested in anything of that sort, so all of those passages weren't really read with a discriminating mind and were probably just as badly written as everything else. Kind of bleak. Sorry about that.
-Rachel Critelli
Re: Rachel
ReplyDeleteThree Cups of Tea
Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
What did the author do to make your book interesting?
Hey Rachel, I’m so glad you’re reading this too. I understand what you were saying about the way that David Relin was writing about the account of Greg Mortenson’s life. When he is recalling tales that make up Mortenson’s life, the descriptions are dreary, which is making getting through the book a tedious task. I feel like I can’t quite get a grasp of the surroundings that are consuming Mortenson. As far as the descriptions of the culture, traditions, etc, I find them only slightly more amiable than the other passages. A slight bummer seeing as we chose this one rather than it being assigned, right?
Freakonomics
ReplyDeleteSteven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner
Rep. to Bryan L.
Hey, I am so happy your also reading the book.
I know what you mean about the way Levitt and Dubner join two dissimilar groups or situations and then build in connections between the two by using statistics.
Have you finished the book yet? And if so what was your overall opinion of it.
Despite their very different backgrounds, Levitt and Dubner make a great team. Logical mathematical data to reinforcing interesting and creatively presented ideas...fabulous!
Re: Rachel
ReplyDeleteThree Cups of Tea
Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Did the author fulfill Faulkner’s definition of the “Writer’s Duty”?
I’m reluctant to say that I only half agree. If Relin fulfilled the “Writers Duty”, it was by the skin of his teeth and only for the mere fact of the subject he was writing about. Yes, Greg Mortenson’s journey through life was incredible and uplifting but that is the only thing that made it the reader feel like there was something large achievable in life. Relin’s writing nearly made the enormity of Mortenson’s life reduce to the size of a pea.
Rep. to Mike
ReplyDeleteWhy is Shogun your favorite book? Weren't you reading it while we were in Creative Writing?
I was curious what it is actually about.
Blink: The Power to Think Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
Gladwell makes Blink interesting through his use of interesting historical examples to express the three main tasks of the book: to convince the reader that snap decisions can be just as good as cautiously made ones; to show when we can trust our instincts and when we should be wary of them; and to teach the reader how to control and educate those first impressions. What I found very interesting about Blink was that, even after tests and experiments, it is complicated “to find out what people really think.” One example I found really intriguing was the “Coke vs. Pepsi challenge;” even after sip tests proved that Pepsi was more popular than Coke, when Coke attempted to alter its flavor to taste more like Pepsi, it failed miserably. As Gladwell goes on to explain, people cannot always accurately judge what they want based off of a sip, and sometimes it takes and entire bottle to realize which they prefer. By using interesting and relatable examples, Gladwell allows the reader to become drawn into his novel and to connect with his ideas.
The Post-American World
ReplyDeleteBy Fareed Zakaria
Does Zakaria fulfill the writer’s duty?
Zakaria does not only fulfill the writer’s duty, but addresses the very crisis Faulkner was addressing. Through The Post-American World, Zakaria speaks to the reader in not of fear, but in guidance and awareness of the current world around us. He uses this by supplying specific examples and facts about modern globalization and historical references. While Zakaria fulfills the writer’s duty, he also enforces Faulkner’s criticism of modern literature. Zakaria does not persuade the reader through fear of the unknown and future, rather states that fear it self has brought us to the state in which we are today. Zakaria does this by commenting on how news media uses things like terrorism to make us more fearful than we actually have to be.
TPFOUFTS
ReplyDelete3. What is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
This is extremely hard, but I would have to say that the best book I have ever read would have to be either "Wake Up" by Jack Kerouac or "A Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. Although "They Poured Fire On Us From The Sky" is a great book and an emotional read, my kind of stories aren't so much emotional but the messages are clear and there are morals in place but that might be the only similarities. Aside from that these two books have little in common in terms of how the storis are written and the intentions behind them.
The Post-American World
ReplyDeleteBy Fareed Zakaria
What is the best book you have ever read? how does this one relate to it?
The best book I have ever read is the Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. This book was very fascinating to me because it was able to not only comment on one mans struggle to catch a fish, but it also comments with mans internal struggle against himself and manhood. The Post-American World is not very similar to The Old Man and The Sea but both books are very well written. The Post American uses much more logos to inform and persuade the reader, while The Old Man and The Sea uses a lot more pathos. Both Books are great in their very own unique ways. o and go Steelers!!!
They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky
ReplyDeletewhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is he or she succesful?
Like The Posionwood Bible, TPFOUFTS is written from diffrent characters points of view. It creates an interesting perspective on the events that happened in Sudan, for while we follow the story of one boy traveling through the dessert, another might be living in a camp along a river. The effect of reading the diffrent persepectives from all the boys shares their own personnel story, but also gives the reader a good idea of how any boys life would be.
I identified more with the characterization used in The Poisionwood Bible because they were all in the same place most of the time, so thier comments were all related. However, in TPFOUFTS i had a more difficult time keeping track of what event happened to which boy.
If i were to read it over again, and if anyone wants to start it, i suggest keeping a journal or each night write down what happened to each character so you can reflect alot easier. It's a great book!
TPFOUFTS
ReplyDelete1. What does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
I think that the most stand out feature and certainly one of the most recognized is the fact that the book itself comes from multiple authors and although that has been stated a lot previously, it doesn't take away from the fact that it is the most prominent part of reading the story. It allows for different views, opinions, and stories to create bunches of tiny puzzle pieces that all fit together to create a finished product that you fell satisfied in having finished.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
ReplyDeleteWhat is my favorite book? How does this one compare?
Well I would have to say that before I read this book my favorite was without a doubt The Things They Carried, but after reading this novel I truly feel that interest wise I have never read a better book. No book has puzzled me more or made me say wow while reading it. It was truly amazing to me that there are so many facts that I never would have thought to look for had I not read this fact. And perhaps the even more amazing part is the fact that there are still so many more facts that scientists haven’t figured out yet. So all and all although Bryson did not use colorful syntax or glorified diction, he did provide me with immense and seemingly at times overwhelming amounts of knowledge about the place we live out everyday in.
Blink: The Power to Think Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
I would say two of the best books I have ever read were “The Poisonwood Bible” and “Twilight.” I loved how Barbara Kingsolver used different points of view in “The Poisonwood Bible” to get the idea of cultural arrogance across, as well as imagery and symbols placed throughout the novel. I felt as though, while I could not connect directly with one single character, each person appealed to a separate aspect of my personality, making the book relatable and interesting. I became inspired afterwards to try and become a better person, less ignorant of my surroundings and of the goings-on in the world. Another of my favorite books was “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer. While somewhat simplistic in her writing style, her ability to draw the reader in is remarkable. Meyer’s main character, Bella, speaks to the reader in a down-to-earth tone with sarcastic wit and personal insecurities that many of us can relate to. While Bella’s infatuation with a vampire makes for a somewhat unorthodox love story, Meyer’s novel tugs on the heartstrings of her readers in what has now become the start of a “cult classic.” Although I found Gladwell’s novel intensely fascinating, I could not really find any comparisons between Blink and my two other favorites. “The Poisonwood Bible” and “Twilight” appeal to the reader through characterization, making their stories relatable to us. “Blink” uses a series of examples and experiments to draw the reader in, showing logical reasons to get the author’s points across. Even though I found it difficult to find comparisons between the three, they all possess the ability to fascinate their readers, effortlessly drawing them in and expressing their purposes by appealing to Logos and Pathos. No matter how opposite these genres may be, all three authors capture their readers in their own style, encompassing us within their books, and leaving us changed for the better.
Does the author of your book fulfill Faulkner's definition of the "writer's duty"?
ReplyDeleteBlink, Malcom Gladwell
This book does fulfill Faulkner's "writer's duty" because its purpose is to educate the reader in order to help them better themselves. He doesn't even tell a story in the book, rather, presents facts and educates the reader on how to achieve the "instant thought" that he describes thoughout the book. The only time fear is even presented in the situation is to illustate how it can ruin snap judgements and unless we teach ourselves hw to hone our instincutal skills, we can end up making terrible errors.
Re: liz
ReplyDeleteThe Writer's Duty
hey yeah i know what you mean about faulkner's duty. i think that he did succeed, but really it had nothing to do with the author. i think Relin just got lucky by choosing a really good subject to write about.
Mountains Beyond Mountains:
ReplyDeleteI would like to preface this by saying that this book is tremendous, both in its subject and its follow-through. Tremendous.
Ok. This book is essentially a detailed viewing of one man's (Dr. Paul Farmer's) life up until the point of publication. Truly a fascinating and awe-inspiring human being, he is both eccentric and grounded in reality. Without giving too much of the book away, he attends both Duke and Harvard, all the while making trips back and forth from Haiti, where he helps to set up a decent medical center. He rarely attends class but aces every test, leading the other students to call him "Paul Foreigner". His life centers around the idea of poverty and its influence upon the problems, both medical and social, that plague our world today.
The main difficulty in reading this book is separating the story-telling from the story. Because the man himself is such a fascinating person, it becomes difficult to observe the writing style apart from the various turns that Farmer's life takes. However, the author, Tracy Kidder, manages to urge the story onward through his attachment and interest in the subject. As the book progresses the student-teacher dynamic emerges, further compelling us to read onward. Masterful telling of a unparalleled individual's life, this book is by-far one of the best I have ever read.
The Glass Castle
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best book you have ever read? How does this book compare?
Is it possible to pick the best book ever? I have probably forty favorite books, but right now I feel that my favorite is “Contest” by Mathew Reilly. When it comes to fast-paced thrillers, Reilly is your man. This story grabs the reader’s focus and propels them at over 100 pages an hour through an intense joy ride of destruction. It is a semi-science fiction novel about a man who is forced to compete in an alien death-match that takes place in the New York Public Library. Ultimately it is a tale about the value of family and the potential for greatness that we all posses.
Jeannette Walls’ story, “The Glass Castle,” does not match the same level of intensity, but it still draws in the reader. Walls’ uses her family’s crazy story in a way that keeps the reader involved by hinting at better future while her situation worsens. Her story is interesting because it is true and the average person would not believe that people could grow up like she did here in America. Walls’ story also has more meaning and delivers a stronger message since it was not written to entertain.
The Glass Castle
ReplyDeleteWhat does the author do to make the book interesting? Is she or he successful?
Jeannette Walls’ story is interesting because it is true. She does not try to hide this and set about telling her story in a straightforward manner that does not inspire too much pity. Readers cannot help to be interested because this is a story about America that is rarely heard. How often do eight-year-old girls shoot a handgun at a bully after he shot her with a BB gun? Also her writing style makes the story seem like something that a relative or close friend would tell after a meal, this encourages a personal connection to her story that makes the reader care. Overall it is an enjoyable read that lifts up the reader’s sprit and helps them see that their problems are surmountable.
One of the problems I had in reading this story is that it was written in the third person instead of by Greg and in the first. However, I came to think that maybe it was good that Relin wrote the book instead of Greg. Greg might have been too modest about his accomplishments and his own part in them. Relin, however, is quite fond of Greg and praises him through out the book. This is quite necessary because it is his incredible scope of accomplishments that allows the author to achieve the writer duty because his story uplifts the soul to teach mankind that one man can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteFor the best book I have aver read I would have to say is a tie between But Can the Phoenix Sing? and also Ireland: A Novel. Between these two I have a hard time choosing but compared to Three Cups of Tea, I am afraid that Three Cups of Tea does not even come close.
ReplyDeleteI think some of the readers of Three cups of tea are being a little too harsh on Relin. The book is, I agree, incredibly slow to read, but his purpose wasn’t to entertain the reader it was to record Greg Mortenson’s life, and it’s a good thing Relin wrote it instead of Greg because Greg is too modest to paint himself up like the hero he is. I believe it was Alfred Hitchcock who said, “drama is life with all the boring parts cut out”. Relin is not trying to write a drama he is trying to write the life woks of Greg Mortenson. Given the enormity of that challenge it is no surprise that the book is not as interesting as I would want.
ReplyDeleteFreakonomics
ReplyDeleteRe: Kimmy
Yes, I finished it and I was very impressed with the book. I thought that it was very interesting and it gave me a very different viewpoint of society. I thought they supported their arguments very well, whether it be schoolteachers vs. sumo wrestlers or the Ku Klux Klan vs. a group of real-estate agents. I enjoyed this book and I am very glad I read it!!
The Devil's Highway:
ReplyDeleteI believe Urrea demonstrated Faulkner's greatest duty in his novel because it described a group of Mexican immigrants who attempt to cross the border. Throughout the novel they experienced sacrifice, they developed courage, and all held so much hope for themselves that they would succeed and reach their goals. All of these things that the characters experienced are some of the few things Faulkner believes a writer should cover because they are the only lasting things worth writing about.
Susan Trott the author of The Holy Man incorporates life lessons into little stories that she tells. This book is interesting because you get to see the way that each person solves their problem. Each of these person's problems are problems of everyday life from being envious to losing someone. This book teaches lessons that anyone can learn from and gives examples of people with the same problems. This author is very successful in integrating these life lessons into this novel.
ReplyDeleteThe Holy Man definitely fulfills 'Faulkner's writers duty' in which life lessons are instilled in the reader such as hope, love and growth as a person. This book teaches the lessons of compassion and sacrifice; which is in fact the whole lesson of this novel. The author's purpose is to teach the reader personal growth through everyday problems.
ReplyDeleteThe Sound and The Fury
ReplyDelete1. Faulkner makes his story intersting based on what he doesn't tell us,as much as what we actually know. I've always loved the puzzle of looking through the eyes of a possibly unreliable narrator, and the Sound and the Fury uses this technique through the entire novel. How often are the characters being straightforward? There is no way of knowing how their own minds color what they say. That makes this novel mysterious and intriguing. I also love the imagery used, and the almost poetic rythym of the novel.
TPFOUFTS
ReplyDeletewhat do the authors do to make the book interesting.
Re: Lucy
I would have to agree with Lucy. TPFOUFTS is similar to The Poisonwood Bible in that it takes the reader through differing points of view. The three boys simultaneously relay their account of their trek across the Sudan deserts to find one another. But this can be slightly confusing- it is hard to remember what happened to which of the boys at times because a new danger or tragedy seems to arise with every chapter. Thus, alertness and a journal regarding each character is basically necessary. But the stories woven together is also what makes this book so interesting. The reader isn't just taken through one full account of a lost boys journey across the Sudan- by telling all three stories at once, we realize the struggle to survive and reach family again on a much higher scale. Ultimately, the struggles of the boys are furhter interconnected to one another and to the reader.
Freakonomics
ReplyDeleteBy: Levitt and Dubner
Honestly, I am not really sure if I have an official favorite book. And if I ever were to give an answer it would probably be one of the ones I had read most recently because the ideas of the book are still fresh and alive in my mind. Sometime last fall Aaron read Einstein's Dreams to me. The images and emotions the writing conjured up as I listened to him read were so beautiful that what I experienced was no longer a story, but a separate life in itself. I lived many lifetimes in that world and watched the sorrows and happiness of the people moving about along the cobbled streets.
So no, I do not feel that Freakonomics can compare to Einstein's Dreams. The two books are very different because they were written for very different reasons, with very different purposes. Still, Freakonomis is a wonderful book when regarded independently, as i feel it should be done in this instance.