Well, I must say, it's very interesting and gratifying to read all your posts and comments. I like the connections you are making with your own books and with those of your peers. Max, is autobiography one big anecdote? If so, our question becomes with each anecdote, why this one? What's the purpose of sharing this story?
I have so many questions to ask that it's hard for me to choose this week. I'm going to list a few and you can choose which one you would like to respond to.
Have a good time finishing your book and enjoy your holiday.
1. What is the single most important passage in your book (include it in your post) and why? Think of a passage that without it, your book wouldn't the book it is.
2. Explain what purpose or role you think non-fiction serves or plays in American literacy today. Compare and contrast that role to the non-fiction we have read in class so far. Which do you prefer to read and why?
3. How do you think your book connects to any of the movements that we have studied? Do you see any connections to Native American, Puritan, or Age of Reason writing or writers?
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2. In American literature today, I think that non fiction pieces serve as a guidebook or a companion for the general public. I feel this way because my author had described why she had written A Rip in Heaven. She said it was because not only did she want to help those who had gone through what her family and her brother had, but to also make sure that it wouldn't happen again. She wanted people (who had gone through same experiences) to know that they were not alone and that they was a way out, but it was a difficult one. The non fiction pieces that we have read in class have served as a guidebook to the revolutionists and philosophers of today. Those pieces often had a life lesson or a moral to them that we use in everyday life today. Current non fiction pieces however usually inform or open up people's life and experiences. Some of those people are famous, some aren't. All non fiction pieces, old or new, open up the readers to something new and most importantly something real. The situation can be easy to connect to or very hard, but either ways, the author usually tries to get their readers to experience their emotions!
ReplyDelete(Responses to last week's post)
ReplyDeleteJake,
Thanks! It is really interesting and also very emotional. I have to warn you though, it's pretty graphic. The details she goes into are really horrifying because they are real and they do happen!
Betty,
Yes, pretty much. Also another major theme of the book is the victim's family's trauma and how their pain doesn't ever go away.
Jennifer,
She does let the murderers explain themselves, but she is bias in how she incorporates that in the book. She has their testimonies and court trials all recorded, but every time that she tells their side of the story, she ends up blaming them for something. Also it does go into the family's reactions while they are waiting for the murderer's to be found. This is because when the murderers are loose, her brother Tom is in jail because he was a suspect. She talked about how she couldn't eat for days, kept throwing up and hated her life during that time.
Sarah Arnold,
She went into great detail when she talked about what the victim (Tom) and the families of Julie, Robin and Tom went through. She talked about how everyday was a living hell for her family and herself.
In today's American literature, I believe that non-fiction writing serves as an inspirational and motivational device that can give people a new outlook on their life. Many non-fiction pieces such as biographies tell of a challenge or hardship that the person had to overcome to get where they are today. The non-fiction pieces that we have read in class so far, such as the piece about Ben Franklin, also show the beginnings of people who became prominent figures in society. I think that as I stated earlier, the Ben Franklin piece serves to show the modest beginnings of Ben Franklin's rise to prominence. Non-Fiction can be fun to read, as I learned through my book choice, but I still prefer fiction. Fiction provides a refreshing escape from reality and allows your mind to get more involved in the story as well as to be more creative.
ReplyDeleteTasha,
ReplyDeleteI like your perception of a biography serving as a companion or a guidebook. I think that is similar to being inspirational as I posted in my response. Also, based on your closing statement of your post, what are some ways that the author of a non-fiction piece tries to get the reader to experience their emotion?
There are many passages in my book that really make the book what it is. The one i chose is towards the end of the book. "What is the American dream if it isn't about the possibility that someone, anyone, can go from walking to the streets of the Tenderloin and wondering how to take the net step to being able to help provide sage affordable housing in that same neighborhood for working folks? After all, studies have shown that approximately 12 percent of all the homeless people in America have jobs and go to work everyday. More and more Americans are seeing the dream slip away from them and that's wrong. And, by the way, the attainment of wealth that we all want to strive for shouldn't be about the attainment of money. In fact, I've often been asked how many money equates to real wealth. My answer is always the same. By my definition, money is the least significant part of wealth" I picked this passage because it really digs deep and i find to be very true. The book wouldn't be the book without this quote because this quote states that the American dream is all kinds of different, depending on the person. If it's not about wealth than what is it about? this quote really expands a lot of information to think about
ReplyDeleteBy far, the most important passage(quote) in malcolm x's autobiography was something he was told while he was in prison: "The white man is the devil." His brother, Reginald, told him this message when he was informing Malcolm about Islam. Without this quote, the book would be completely different from this point because the rest of the book is based on that statement, and malcolm x basically uses this statement the rest of his life in his attempt for equality for african americans.
ReplyDeleteLandis,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that non-fiction is VERY inspirational/motivational. You see the struggles that the people go through and how they overcome their problems, and it makes you want to be successful like them; that is how my book made me feel.
Zartasha,
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Landis, i agree that non-fiction books have a heavy emotional connection because you are seeing things directly told from their point of view, and you know almost exactly how the feel/what they are thinking. I like autobiographies because they are much more insightful than fiction pieces.
My book connects to only the Puritan movement and the is only for the fact that Pelzer needed some hope of escape. It was that god would save him, but at the same time he did not always trust in god so it is not a strong tie to Puritan movement.
ReplyDeleteLandis I have to disagree slightly. While non-fiction does provide inspiration and background on those who have had success in life it, in my opinion, focuses more on telling their story from their point of view. While some would say its the same thing I have to say you don't always know if its entirely true. The fact that we are reading stories of a persons whole life makes you wonder if they just made it up and long as there is that doubt non fiction cannot always inspire.
Mack Cooper I see why you say that's important and it also answered a question I had
2.) I wish I could pick one passage from this book; but there are many passages that make this book the book it is. For example, there is one passage that really stuck out to me in a good way. It talks about why Jeannette Walls titled her book “Glass Castle”. Her father, Rex, had a dream about a house for his family to live in. Him, being the engineer he is, drew out a blue print of a glass house with all the latest technology. Unfortunately, the dream wouldn’t go any farther than the blue print. The kids realized this after they dug out a hole where the foundation would be. Her father never gave up on his dream, but it will lead him nowhere. Another passage I really liked was about her father. Rex has really grown onto me. My first impression on him was that he was a bad father and an alcoholic. Reading on, I realized how much of a parent he was to his kids. Even if he only showed it rarely, he was the only parent the kids really had. For example, one day Jeanette went up to Rex and told him she was short $1000 on her college tuition. He came back to her a couple days later with $950 in his pocket from winning a poker game, and he turned it all over to his daughter. "'Dad,” I said, “you guys need this money more than I do.” “It’s yours,” Dad said. “Since when is it wrong for a father to take care of his little girl?'” One more passage that stuck out wasn’t a very good experience for Jeanette and her siblings, but without this passage, you will not be able to see how moving Walls experience in her childhood was. One evening as Rose Mary's, Jeannette's mother, kids tried to keep their minds off their empty bellies after not having eaten for two days… "Mom kept disappearing under the blanket on the sofa bed. At one point, Brain looked over. “Are you chewing something?” he asked. “My teeth hurt,” Mom said, getting all shifty-eyed, glancing around the room and avoiding our stares. “It’s my bad gums. I’m working my jaw to increase the circulation.” Brian yanked the covers back. Lying on the mattress next to Mom was one of those huge family-sized Hershey chocolate bars, the shiny silver wrapper pulled back and torn away. She’d already eaten half of it. Mom started crying. “I can’t help it,” she sobbed. “I’m a sugar addict, just like your father is an alcoholic.” She told us we should forgive her the same way we always forgave Dad for his drinking." This shows how Jeannette Walls had to take care of herself and siblings because the only parent around most of the time, her mom, was not worthy enough to take care of her own children. Life is rough, but you can change it. That’s what Jeannette did, and that was her point across this story. Life can begin ugly but only you can change the ending to a beautiful one.
ReplyDeleteTasha,
ReplyDeleteWow I couldn't say it any better myself. I really never thought of it that way. I'm really glad you shared that because now I see American Literacy in a different percepective. Thank you.
CT,
We are just now getting to the topic of Malcom X in American History. I found the quote you used very interesting. I always though Malcom did all of his work on his own, but knowing his brother helped, in a way, makes a little more sense to me.
I dont think there is any passage in my book that really stands out to me, mainly because the entire book was enjoyable. Non-fiction books play an important role in today's literature because without non-fiction books we wouldnt really have anything to read that would help us better understand the past. I think I enjoy todays non-fiction books more though. I dont think my book really connects much with any of the movements we have studied so far.
ReplyDelete2. In today's society, non-fiction books are one of the few ways to receive complety accurate information. Internet sites can be made and read by anyone so it can be difficult to assess their validity. The role of non-fiction books is to allow people to find out facts that cannot always be found other places because non-fiction books are often times expressed directly from the source. The only non fiction story I can think of that we have read in class was the piece from Ben Franklin's autobiography. After reading that I was able to really understand how remarkable of a man he was and his superior knowledge and wisdom. That is exactly what I expect to learn when I read non-fiction books today. The only difference between non-fiction books from the past compared to now is the availability to learn things on the internet. People must be careful when filtering information online whereas I believe we can trust non-fiction books without doubt. I must admit I tend to favor newer non-fiction books. I get enough old non-fiction from my history book.
ReplyDeleteLandis! Oh my gosh dude well written post! Effective use of vocabulary haha. I have to disagree with your view of fiction books filling your head with bogus thoughts, its all about the facts!
ReplyDeleteTasha, excellent comparisons to the books we have read in class. I wish I could remember them as well as you do! Great job
ReplyDeleteI think my book connects with the movements we have learned about so far in subtle ways. It uses language that would defiantly not be suitable for the puritan period, so it could be seen as a rebellion against censorship which can be contributed to the Age of Reason. Torres also incorporates the need to share knowledge which is familiar in the Native American period. He wants Ali’s story told, but instead of by mouth it’s through his book.
ReplyDeleteLandis,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that non-fiction can be enjoyable, but a lot of times in today’s time it serves to educate or inform. Fiction is also my favorite. It provides an escape.
Scott,
AP World killed non-fiction books for me! This is the first time I picked one up sine that class. I also find myself questioning more and more things I read on the internet until I read it in a hard copy.
1. The passage I picked was one that showed Anthony's recovery. Once he actually saw how bad his addiction was and hit reality when he got kicked out of his band, he decided to go sober:
ReplyDelete"During my stay at the Salvation Army, I realized that if I didn't want to keep doing what I had been doing that I'd have to let go of Jennifer. I really wanted to stay sober, and I wasn't blaming her for my problem, but I knew that if I was with her, my odds of staying clean would be diminished. I kept going to meetings while I was at my mom's house, and I learned about alcoholism/drug addiction is a bona fide illness. When you recognize that there's a name and a description for this conditio, and now you can do something about it."
Basically, the reason why I picked this passage was because it was his turning point. After this, he was invited to rejoin and band. Yes, when he rejoined it he started doing some drugs again. But it was not nearly as bad as before when he would sell his things just to get an once of herion or some scraps of coke. My book without this passage would make no sense. There would be no reasoning when he got sober and the timeline would be out of place. This book is about his turn around from his addiction and his lifestyle, without the passage, the book would be imcomplete.
1. The single most important passage in the biography of Stonewall Jackson is one that defines the man himself, and sets the tone for the rest of the book. "But then Tom was not like other people and didn't study their behavior to learn how to act. He decided very early that he had to find rules for his life and then follow them strictly. He wasn't going to let life just happen to him... He was going to be in charge." Most of the passages that follow would be affected if this were not included in the book. It defines Thomas Jackson, and through West Point and his military career that passage shows in what he does, how he lives, and how he defines himself.
ReplyDeleteCT, I like how your book is influenced by such a short, simple, passage. Mine is similar, it is something that is reflected upon throughout the book.
Scott, how you feel about books and the internet reminds me of talks we've had in APUSH. Thats besides the point, I like how you see non-fiction books and how we receive information, because it is true.
1) The passage I chose is something most people don't know and need to listen to. When we as Americans think of Afghanistans or Iraqis, we stereotypicly think of aggressive, violent scum that all hate Americans and are out to get us. The passage I have chosen from the book "Horse Soldiers", explains what the Afghan Taliban really is and what they really think of Americans and why they fight us.
ReplyDelete""The Taliban are like slaves," he said. "They are slaves because they are forced to fight. They threaten to kill a soldier's family if he does not fight."
He explained that many Afghans in the Taliban army, which numbered as high as 50,000, were farmers, teachers, shopkeepers. Men conscripted into service. Men who fought because they were scared. The foreign Taliban, on the other hand, the Pakistanis, the Saudis, the Chechens, even the Chinese, they were fierce men. Ferocious fighters. They had infested the country from radical madrassahs in Pakistan. They were often joined by bin Laden's Al Qaeda army. Bin Laden's men pulled out hand grenades and blew themselves up rather than be captured. They called themselves the 055 Brigade, a crack squad of 500 to 600 storm troopers. They were not accepted by the Taliban ranks, who considered them "foreigners." In camp, they did not mix; each group kept to itself. They did not fight for Afghanistan. They fought to convert the world to Islam. The Taliban fought to change Afghanistan.
"When we capture the Afghan Taliban," said Dostum, "they switch sides and they start fighting for us. And we let them live."
"As for the Arab Taliban," he went on, "the foreigners, they perfer death. You can't capture them. You must kill them. They never give up."
1. In the biography about George Washington Carver there isn't a single most important passage. Many passages lead to something else that without it would completely alter his life. There is one passage, however, that inspires millions from the time period including Carver. The passage is a real speech by Booker T. Washington. The speech is too long, but you can read it at the following address: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/. It's a very good speech emphazing interracial relationships. Because of this speech Carver moves to the South and thus starts a whole new part of his life.
ReplyDeleteLandis
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that non-fiction can sometimes be alright to read {in terms of fun
], but a lot of times it serves as just to educate. Fiction is most my style of reading because it allows an escape from the real world for a while.
Scott
I disagree on the basis of what non-fiction book are written. They are not just written to inform but to give real life point of view. They are written to give input on what the author believes. But yes, non-fiction books are probably more reliable than the internet.
I think that nonfiction's purpose in American Literacy today can basically be summed up as to inform. Nonfiction is mostly used in school and for studying these days, and they are the most reliable source of information. I believe they play an important role in America's education system. Thomas Paine was trying to persuade the country to unify and fight against the British in "Crisis No. 1." Literary phamplets and speeches like that have generally been replaced by army commercials and holidays. Thomas Paine used nonfiction for more than just to inform. But Nonfiction appears to also continually try to get an emotional response from the audience in many cases. Thomas Paine expected an emotional response and I'm certain that Alana Stewart, the author of "My Journey With Farrah," was looking for an emotional response.I occassionally read nonfiction recreationally, but I definitely prefer fiction. It's more enjoyable to me because anything can happen and it's more unpredictable. It's an escape from reality.
ReplyDeleteThe most important passage of the book "Trail of Crumbs", is when the author talks about being left behind. "My Omma , My mother, had left me a tiny fistful of food that had crumbled in the three days and nights of waiting- endless hours of darkness with huge shadows and no promise of return". It sets the tone for the book, and how she overcame everything. It makes you wonder, how hard it must have been to realize, that her mother was never coming back. Before I read on, I inferred by this passage that it would be hard to trust people after being left behind by her mother; the one who was supposed to be there for her. As you read on, you realize this passage is needed in this book. You wouldn't understand where she was coming from when writing this with out it. She always thinks about it, and if this wasn't in there, it would totally destroy the purpose.
ReplyDeleteScott: If i had choosen the prompt about non-fiction i think it would sound a lot like yours. I think its very true that the internet can be a sketchy source, although it's getting better, and that if we have the choice we should read a book to get information rather than online.
ReplyDeleteDylan: I thought that passage was very inspirational. I find it very admirable that Jackson could carry out the ideas of this passage so well. It's definitely something very hard to do. I wish i had that kind of discipline.
I choose to respond to the second prompt. I think that the role of non-fiction is extremely important because it keeps the stories of real people alive through writing. Non-fiction books in American history give us a glimpse into how our nation was shaped thoughout the years as well as non-fiction books written now which will tell future generations of Americans of our present culture. The role of non-fiction in our class so far has mainly shown up in the Revoltionary voices whe writing of ideas as well as politics. Personally I would always prefer to read fiction because of the fact that the purpose (in my case) to read is to relax or escape. Reading history doesnt do that very well.
ReplyDelete2. I think like all literature, non-fiction evolves over time to reflect changing American values. Native American literature emphasizes the people's connection to the earth, because that's what their lives revolved around then. Puritan writing is heavily based on religion, because again that's what they lived for. Revolutionary writers spoke passionately about freedom, because that's what dominated their lives then. Today, I think society is more focused on idolatry; we crave the personal story behind the outer image, which is why we have things like tabloid magazines. A lot of the biographies mentioned in this blog reveal the personal stories and opinions of famous people or people with disabilities, because we are naturally curious about anyone who stands out. In the end, I think we simply enjoy the phenomenon that they're just people, like the rest of us. Modern non-fiction simply serves to fulfill that aspect of human nature. I prefer today's non-fiction because I am an American living in today's society.
ReplyDeleteTasha: I agree that autobiographies serve as a way to relate to others. I think that's a large part of the purpose non-fiction serves today.
Landis: I like how you say non-fiction serves as an inspirational/motivational device. I know that the autobiography I read for this project has inspired me to look at life from a different perspective.
Jessica- Wow, that book sounds amazing. Those passages seem to illustrate the characters life really well. I feel like I already know a lot of stuff about the character just based off of your response.
ReplyDeleteTasha- I totally agree with your response. My nonfiction book is filled with a great deal of emotion. I think that is something most nonfiction literature will always contain because it is real and people can easily connect with reality.
Most nonfiction read today is not the boring research-type stuff that most people probably think of when they hear the word "non-fiction." Many are political books or other opinionated books, and some are motivational books (you know, like chicken soup for the ____ soul or whatever. A bunch of autobiographies are motivational at the same time as well). They all seem to have one thing in common, though, no matter the book: They seem to recommend to you a way of thinking. Whether it be a book dedicated entirely to the conclusion of years of research, like that stupid book we had to read in Human Geography "Guns, Germs, and Steel," or Stephen Colbert's "I am America (and so can you!)," (Which is obviously a joke, but still,) most nonfiction books today try to sway and direct your thoughts. Compared to the extremely small sample we have read in class, this actually compares well. The Puritan literature occasionally tried to reinforce people's connections with God. The Age of Reason writers wrote out against the British and tried to get people to rise up. Ben Franklin's autobiography and aphorisms were directed at self-improvement and living your life the right way. To answer the last part of the question, I'm gonna say I like both of the styles the same, since I'm attempting to claim that they were very similar. *subliminal message* give me extra credit *subliminal message*
ReplyDelete1. There are a number of important passages in the book Open that express the theme of finding yourself and the important things in life, but i think a passage from the beginning of the book really establishes the basis for the rest of Andre's career. It illustrates the dilemma he dealt with everyday, from early in childhood to his thirties.
ReplyDelete"I'm seven years old, talking to myself, because I'm scared, and because I'm the only person who listens to me. Under my breath I whisper: Just quit, Andre, just give up. Put down your racquet and walk off this court, right now.. Wouldn't that feel like heaven, Andre? To just quit? To never play tennis again? But I can't. Not only would my father chase me around the house with my racquet, but something in my gut, some deep unseen muscle, won't let me. I hate tennis, hate it with all my heart, and still I keep playing, keep hitting all morning, and all afternoon, because I have no choice. No matter how much I want to stop, I don't. I deep begging myself to stop, and I keep playing, and this gap, this contradiction between what I want to do and what I actually do, feels like the core of my life."
Dylan,
I like how your book's message seems to be defined very simply and is exemplified in a short passage. My book is very different from that, but not necessarily in a bad way.
Landis,
I prefer fiction as well. But I think that non-fiction tends to inspire more, as it seems like something that could really apply to your own life. Fiction is nice for a get-away, but its message often doesn't go far in the real world.
Landis, you say that you think fiction allows more creative thinking and leaves more to the imagination but would you agree that fiction would be more important because you're reading about real people?
ReplyDeleteChristian, that's pretty interesting. To hear that the Taliban are actually human or something. Crazy.
ReplyDeleteLandis - totally agree that that kind of stuff is a huge part of nonfiction today.
There are many passages that could describe the book, but I think I have found the most important passage. "I looked up at the thin swirls of clouds high in the blue Arizona sky, keeping my eyes fastened on those distant clouds, I took a breath and said, "do you think you could maybe stop drinking?" It was Jeannette Walls tenth birthday and she wasent expecting anything at all because her parents rarely remembered the kids birthdays, and when they did the kids were lucky to get a new pack of underwear. This birthday her dad took her outside and asked her what she wanted most in the world. Most kids might ask for the coolest toy or a pony or something but Jeannette knew he was asking what he could do to make the last days of her childhood everything she dreamed. She asked him to stop drinking. Throughout the whole book it talked about the dads addiction and how more and more it was pulling the family apart. All she wanted her whole life was her family to be happy and have food instead of dad buying alcohol out of every pay check. The wish she had asked would change everything for the better. I feel like in a way this passage can relate to the title. The story of Jeannettes life was a big dream. Dad always had a dream to make The Glass Castle, just like jeannette had a dream for her father to stop drinking to have to time to commit to The Glass Castle.
ReplyDeleteI think the single most important passage in my book "Poster child" was when Emily said "The body has a remarkable ability to displace pain. First it's in the abstract, then it's in your skin as a feeling, before it moves into your mind as a story, but sooner or later the pain ends up in your heart. And that's where it stays." This is the most important passage because it really lets you understand how she is feeling, she is over the physical pain but the emotional pain will always be in her heart. She has gone through so much that there will be scars over her heart that will not be healed.
ReplyDeleteJessica-
I really liked the quote about her dad and the $950. It showed that he really cared and tried the best he could even if it wasnt much.
Emily-
I liked what you had to say and really agreed about the whole writing about what is the main issue or subject.
Scott, would you consider George Washington Carver one of the great icons (along with Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.) when speaking of breaking down barriars created by race?
ReplyDelete2) In my opinion, non-fiction reflects the American life in the time that it is written, and as America changes over time so does the non-fiction being written. This change over time is important because it gives readers today insight into American life throughout the years. For example, in class we studied and read pieces by Native Americans and in doing so we learned the importance of earth and its creation to the Native Americans. I do not have a preference to any specific non-fiction we have studied in class, but the book I am reading, Travels With Charley, is very appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I am reading the same book you are and i agree with your passages. They are very important for the book. The book has so many passages showing the familys poverty and struggles so i found it hard to pick just one to discribe the whole book. Its so sad and hard to believe that a parent could be so selfish to watch there children starve.
ReplyDeleteAshlei,
Your book sounds so interesting. The passage that you gave is so deep and i can really get a sense of the emotion from your book. I love where you were comming from.
The single most important passage of this portion of Pelzer's story is this. "I held my breath for a fleeting second, then before my courage disappeared I blurted out,"You, sir! I want to live with you! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to tell! I didn't mean to cause any trouble!". This was his statement in the custody trial that landed him into the foster care system. If he had never made this statement he probably would have found himself back at home being abused once again. This is an act of bravery that is scary. Something a lot of people can not do. They can't go against all odds, but Pelzer did it and that is where his journey began. With this statement!
ReplyDeleteI believe non-fiction literature plays a significantly less important role in today's society. I think people are less interested in reading in general because there are so many ways to get information and to be entertained. But in the end, if there is a good story to be told, people will be interested. The non-fiction we have read in class hasn't captivated me, but I suspect as we read more I'll find something I like. In general I prefer fiction,(as if you couldn't tell)and according to the poll at the top of the page, so do most readers.
ReplyDeleteScott, I completely agree with you that non-fiction literature is one of the only good ways to learn accurate information. I think it's sad that there are so many web sites now that are in no way reliable.
ReplyDeleteAlisha,
ReplyDeleteThat passage is so true. The emotional pain will always leave a trace or scar even if the physical hurt is gone. That is something that Pelzer (in my book) dealt with a whole lot.
Dylan,
I like how your book seems very difinitive. It seems like it is a strong story. It's a change from a lot of books that I have noticed people are reading.
Zartasha, I really like what you said about non-fiction being a guide book for readers today, I had never even thought of it that way. Now, after reading what you wrote I look back at my story, Travels with Charley, and realize that it indeed has acted as a guide book for me.
ReplyDeleteLandis,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your post. I forgot we read an excerpt from Ben Franklin's autobiography. I did enjoy that. I have no doubt he embellished and placed some elements of fiction in his memoirs, but he was a masterful writer nonetheless.
Kate,
ReplyDeleteThat makes me really sad that Andre Agassi hated Tennis so much. Bummer.
One of the most important passages (since there are SO many) in my book is a passage about winning. "Winning, of course, is as much about how you play the game as it is about who's ahead when the final whistle blows. I'm not about to teach you how to be a good loser; rather, I want to teach you how to think, play, and act like a winner, whether you come out on top or time ran out while you were still behind. Being a winner is a state of mind, both on and off the field." I believe that this is the most important passage because I, along with many other I'm sure, hate losing. Therefore, this passage shows that even though you are losing, how you played during the game can still make you feel like a winner. If this passage was not in the book, the book would be missing something essential, something everyone should think about.
ReplyDeleteIan,
Your situation is similar to mine... I didn't find any passages that really stood out. Therefore, I just picked one of my favorites! I enjoy non-fiction as well!
Graham,
I agree that people read less than in the past. With current technology you don't have to LITERALLY read a book in order to read it (sorry if that's confusing). I also agree that the more literature we read, the more interested I'll become.
1. The passage I picked is the most important in the book because it develops Nic's sense of clarity in his recovery. The realization he has is the new basis for his recovery and the way he models the rest of his life.
ReplyDelete"The focus here is really on loving yourself. That idea is something I never really understood before Ray. He talks to us with such honesty about his own struggles hating himself-not feeling like he was good enough. As Ray shares, I can see so many similarities in our stories. Maybe is was my self-loathing and insecurities that made me act the way I did. that's sort of an amazing realization for me. I never really thought about the fact that I'd have to learn how to really care about myself in order to stay sober. I always thought it was more about learning to care about other people. I never understood that I have to really want to live for myself and as myself- not as anyone else. If I could be content with who I am, I wouldn't have to escape myself always. That sounds simple, I guess, but it seems impossible."
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ReplyDelete1. I think the most important passage in my whole book, "A Child Called 'It'" would have to be when he said, "I started to get up to go upstairs and ask Mother to clean me up. When I was half-standing, I stopped. 'No!' I told myself. 'I don't need that bitch's help.' ...I wanted to be in charge of myself. I didn't want to rely on Mother or give her any more control over me than she already had." I think this is the most important passage because it shows that he has determination, and a will for survival. If he didn't have that he would just easily give up and he probably would have soon died. The only thing that was keeping him going, and keeping him fighting his mother and fighting to keep himself alive was the determination and the desire to get out of there and have a better life. He didn't know how, but he knew, if he could last through his childhood, he could make it the rest of his life. And that goal was all he needed. And if he gave up, he would be dead, and there would be no one to tell his story.
ReplyDeletePrompt two. Non-fiction is decidedly important in today's society for all-around learning. Last I checked, we absorb factual information from our classes (2+2 doesn't equal fish).
ReplyDeleteIn Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, he talks about his life and the experiences within them. That works to verify historical events, but autobiographies about one person do not allow you to learn about the world.
Simply put, the non-fiction we've read in class is strictly autobiographical and historical, and one cannot gain a complete education from studying one dead guy. Meanwhile, most of the non-fiction existing today is found in educational purposes (math, science, biology, etc.)
Andy, I think non-fictional research is what's being read most today. However, you've got a very valid point in all of the other types of non-fiction being read.
Scott, I guess that's why we can't use Wikipedia on papers.
Graham, I agree with you about non-fiction. I think people today don't see the point in reading non-fiction anymore. There are so many other ways to get information that reading in general seems boring.
ReplyDeleteTasha- That's what I thought would happen. Although the author spin the testimony from the murderer at least she gives you some of their perspective. So does show how being a suspect affects people?
The most important passage in the book “Notes Left Behind” is day 255 –August 11th. This is the most important passage because of this statement “Last night as Elena fell into a coma and her breathing became short, we decided to finally tell Gracie about what lay ahead. So there, in the backyard on the steps of Elena’s playhouse that I built for the girls, we told Gracie that her sister was going to die. We explained that Elena was going to be an angle in heaven. And tonight she would have to say goodbye. Gracie in her own fashion asked if Elena would get wings.” This is the most important passage because it shows you how they told Gracie that her sister was going to die. This is important to the book because the parents wrote this book for Elena’s little sister Gracie, so she could remember all the great time she had with her and all the memories would stay with her always. Some day Gracie will look at this passage and remember all of the great time they had together. Also this is an amazing way to end the book for the reader’s hearts. Our hearts much like Gracie’s did not want Elena to leave us. But she did and even though the parents are speaking to Gracie this is how they are telling us as well.
ReplyDeleteThe book I'm reading has a lot of important passages one should take in and philosophies, but one in particular struck to me. "I can't imagine what a mother or a father feels when the people they love the most in the world are suffering, and there is nothing they can do... When a mother can't feed a child. When a father can't provide for his family. When a husband can't protect his wife."(Notes from my travels Angelina Jolie pg 63) I don't really think the author can fully experience what the refugees had been through and feel even thought shes straight up next to them probably because they are in both different worlds, but when she says phrases like these it makes someone be so grateful for every meal given and every rest taken and little things that seem like it shouldn't matter does greatly to another. These passages even so little if taken out would make reading the book not so worthy and not make someone stop and think and realize and not be so sheltered and to realize there is a whole world out there.
ReplyDeleteTasha,
hey I liked your explanation about American Literacy with your book I think you did a good job explaining yourself.
Lee,
Yes very true facts are important and for the most part I greed with what you said like todays non-fictions are mostly used and read for educational purposes
Holly, I really like that passage. I can see how it is very important to the book . It shows that not only is it important to do your best but also try your best. I really enjoyed the part where it says something about being a winner is a state of mind.
ReplyDeleteAlisha, that is a very powerful statement, I enjoyed reading that passage. It is diffidently true. “Sooner or later the pain ends up in your heart” DO you think there are any other powerful statements like that in your book? Do share
In response to question number 2, I think that non-fiction serves as mainly informational reading material. While there are many reasons to read fiction, most people today read non-fiction to learn something or to get specific facts on a person. Today it is often looked upon as unintersting and annoying to read as a genre as a whole. In comparison to the role of non-fiction in the time periods we have read in class, non-fiction has become less prominent. In the Puritan and Revolutionary movements non-fiction was the main source of writing and most people liked to read it. I prefer to read fiction, but I have no problems with reading non-fiction if it is assigned to me or if I have a project or research paper. The reason I like fiction more is because I have always liked stories about adventures, and I can use it as an escape from my life if I need it.
ReplyDelete1) The single most important message in the book, "Easy Company Soldier" is that no matter who you are or where you came from, you should do what you believe is just. In this case Don Malarky goes off to fight for his country in a time of need. This is explained in the following passage:"I (Malarky) believe I need to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors, I will go off to war and I will do it with heart, passion and honor."
ReplyDelete2)The role of non-fiction in today's world shows real life experiences and stories that the people can learn from. I would prefer to read a fiction story, just because it wouldn't be as predictable, it would be more entertaining as well.
3)My book would probably connect more with the revolutionary period, just because it has something to do with patriotism and fighting for what you believe in.
2)Today, I think that the role of non-fiction in American literacy is mainly to inform people who want to be educated. Fewer people read today’s non-fiction. The non-fiction that we read in class was from a time when the only way to get information was to read. They read for their news, for their entertainment, and for their communication. I prefer to read non-fiction from the past because that kind of writing was intended for everyone to read not just educated people.
ReplyDeleteKelsey R-
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with how you think non-fiction is mainly to inform. People don't really read recreationally anymore and when they do read it's probably for some kind of research.
Scott Shores-
I also agree with your position on unreliable information coming from the internet. Anyone who has a computer can say anything they want if it's true or not; and it can be difficult to discern the accurate information from the inaccurate. And thank you for your comment on my blog two weeks ago!
3. my book definitely ties in to question 3 and the Revolutionary Voices time period ( the one i did my project on). The book is Benamen Franklin's autobiography, and he goes into great detail about events occurring before during and after the revolution. As such a prominent figure during the time period, Franklin was very involved in the literature, primarily press. He made widespread newspapers and almanacs commonplace, which would eventually be powerful mediums for propaganda and swaying of public opinion. The shift in public opinion was a major cause of the revolution, so Franklin as clearly involved both directly ( as a foreign ambassador) and indirectly with the outcome of the war.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I think your right in saying non-fiction literature is less popular than it used to be. I dont think non-fiction material is less common, its just conveyed through different sources like television (news programs). Books, however, just cant compete with the likes of Twilight and Harry Potter
Jessica, I understand why the father's failure to recognize his dream was a key event in the author's life, but how does it relate to the imagery of a glass castle? Is it because the house is glass (see-through) and therefore imaginary? It just seems a little hazy to me.
Holly, I think that the passage you picked out really shows her attitude on the sport. I showed this to my sister, because she has read this book too, and she said that this was one of the best quotes in the book and she has used it on her outlook on the sport.
ReplyDeleteNerissa, I have not read your book but I can pretty much tell that this is the most important quote from it. It was great that you compared the readers feelings to those of Elenas sister.
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ReplyDelete1) I believe the single most important passage from my book must be; "Where are you going?" He asked. "To basketball practice," says big mike. "Michael you don't have basketball practice." says sean. "I know" says the boy "But they got heat there, its nice an warm." said the boy. As they drove off, Sean looked over and saw tears running downLeigh Anne's face. and he thought : Uh-Oh, my wifes about to take over."
ReplyDeletefrom that moment the entire story is set in motion. That passage is the inciting incident, which everything else plays off.
Nathan- That is a very interesting passage. It speaks volumes about the author of that book.
ReplyDeleteCT- Your passage is just like mine, everything after that passage can be related to it.
1. “As they approached me, Reese dug his hands into his pocket and extracted what looked like a small chunk of cement. He held it up for me to see, then pulled back his arm as if he were pitching a baseball and whipped it at me. I sprang to my right to avoid being hit, but I wasn’t fast enough. I winced as it smashed into my shoulder. How could Reese do that to me? I had helped him feel included in our crowd by finding sugar-free candy for him. Hot tears stung my cheeks. Suddenly, tiny jagged hunks of mortar were being hurled at me from all sides. My hands over my face, I tried to run home, but the assault was too relentless. ‘Please stop, you guys’, I pleaded. My knuckles and wrists were swollen and bloody. Red welts covered my skin. I didn’t know which was worse, the physical or the emotional agony,” (Blanco 116-117).
ReplyDelete-This passage was important to me because it showed how much abuse she was recieving. "I didn’t know which was worse, the physical or the emotional agony.” This sentence really stuck out because of the emotion she brought with it. She also talks about how her friend Reese was abusing her even though she had helped him.
I have really enjoyed my book “A Wolf At The Table”, it drew me in on its first two paragraphs “If my father caught me he would cut my neck, so I just kept going. Broken sticks and sharp stones gouged my bare feet, but I didn’t consider the sensation. A branch whipped across my face; I felt the sting and for an instant I was fully blind, but I didn’t’ stop. “His flashlight sliced into woods on either side of me. The beam was like a knife, and I didn’t want it on my back. He was out there, behind me somewhere in these woods”. I chose this passage because it really tells this story best. It tells the great strengths and obstacles Augusten has to face. This book is one of the best books I have ever read and it tells a story that has to be reread for years.
ReplyDeleteNerissa,
ReplyDeletewow that book sounds really sad and it sounds very powerful and a book that you cant put down
Mac,
what is the name of your book? it sounds very intresting i would love to borrow it.
Sarah A.-
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about non-fiction.
Jeun-
I really like the passage you picked.
Without the passage "If one bus lost power, it meant that half the systems in the spacecraft could suddenly go dead. 'Hey,' Swigert shouted down to Huston, 'We've got a problem here.'‘This is Houston, say again please,' Lousama responded. 'Huston, we've had a problem,' Lovell repeated for Swigert. 'We've had a main B bus undervolt,'" the book Apollo 13 would have a totally different story line. Without the failure, the story would have just been a book about another successful mission to walk on the moon. Other than the failure itself the most important line (quote) in the book is when Gene Kranz says "Failure is not an option." Without the determination from him, the rest of the mission control crew and the astronauts the Saturn V rocket may have never made it home.
ReplyDelete1 In The Autobiography of Malcolm X there was a lot of good sentences and paragraphs, but the single most important passage is on page 162. “Human history’s greatest crime was the traffic in black flesh when the devil white man went into Africa and murdered and kidnapped to bring to the West in chains, in slave ships, millions of black men, women, and children, who were worked and beaten and tortured as slaves. The devil white man cut these black people off from all knowledge of their own, and cut them off from any knowledge of their own language, religion, and past culture, until the black man in America was the earth’s only race of people who had absolutely no knowledge of his true identity. In one generation, the black slave women in America had been raped by the slavemaster white man until there had begun to emerge a homemade, handmade, brainwashed race that was no longer even of its true color, that no longer even knew its true family names. The slavemaster forced his family name upon this rape-mixed race, which the slavemaster began to call “the Negro.” This “Negro” was taught of his native Africa tha it was peopled by heathen, black savages, swinging like monkeys from trees. This “Negro” accepted this along with every other teaching of the slavemaster that was designed to make him accept and obey and worship the white man. And where the religion of every other people on earth taught its believers of a God with whom they could identify, a God who at least looked like one of their own kind, the slavemaster injected his Christian religion into this “Negro.” This “Negro” was taught to worship an alien God having the same blond hair, pale skin, and blue eyes as the slavemaster” (pg 162). This basically sums up the message that Malcolm X was trying to get across. He’s trying to say stop looking towards the white people for everything because the whitened out who you really are.
ReplyDeleteCT
I found that quote in the book to be powerful too. It was used throughout the book to make a point and my quote elaborates on it. It was suprising to me when Reignald said that the white man is the devil, but after reading this passage I could understand where they are coming from. Especially after all the examples that were given.
Landis
Non- fiction is definitely motivational and inspirational. After reading the part in my book where Malcolm X started reading and copying the dictionary I felt like I should do that to. Having a wide vocabulary and being able make a speech is important to me.
2. The non-fiction in American literature today is mostly to inform or "help" people. The majority of non-fiction books today are self help books that help people, but there are also books that are just written to inform people of things that they may not know. I don't really like the non-fiction of today because some of the books are just about things that I have no interest in. I would prefer to read non-fiction books from the past because there are so many interesting events and people that were written about in the past.
ReplyDelete2) Non fiction plays a very important role in American literature today. Nonfiction not only contains just factual information, but real, everyday occurrences. Ideas aren't always independent, they are just new ways of looking at something. The framers of the Declaration of Independence, such as Benjamin Franklin, looked to European philosophers for help. They just reformatted their ideas and called them new. This is the same thing authors are doing today. The nonfiction excerpts we have read in class show trends of who each relate to each other. Each show a supreme being, deity rather , that is above all. Throughout each movement, the beliefs slightly change , but the central focus remains the same. On the other hand, each has a different hue that they preferred. The natives liked poems and chants, the Puritans strictly enforced biblical thinking and no plays, and the Revolutionaries enjoyed the sciences and politics. I prefer the political based stories, like that of Benjamin Franklin. They are inspirational and usually full of wit.
ReplyDeleteDylan, I enjoyed your passage and agree that it is very powerful. I like the idea of being able to decide your own fate by your actions and not by others.
ReplyDeleteCT:
ReplyDeleteI like how one little quote can change the entire life of one man
In our society, American literacy plays a major role in books. Everything in these books are based on a true story, giving it the name "non-fiction." When these stories are real, people can relate to them, making the story more interesting. The type of non fiction we read in class is the historic ones and ones about native american's. I prefer to read non fiction because it gives me a true story about someones life.
ReplyDeleteHolly: i agree with the passage that was in your book. "Winning, of course, is as much about how you play the game as it is about who's ahead when the final whistle blows..." All of my coaches teach us this in all sports. Everyone should have good sportsmanship.
Kelsey: I agree with your thinking that non fiction is used to inform. We read non fiction in school so that we learn from the past, and improve on the past's faults. Reading non fiction books should improve your knowledge and allow you to learn something that you didn't know before.
The passage that I chose for my book is what sets off Robert Leleux life story. "In the Dear John letter Daddy left for Mother and me, on a Saturday afternoon in early June 1996, on the inlaid Florentine table in the front entry of our house, which we found that night upon returning from a day spend in the creme-colored light of Neiman's, Daddy wrote that he was leaving us because Mother was crazy, and because she'd driven me crazy in a way that perfectly suited her own insanity." The rest of the story, Robert talked about his life and how he lived without and father and a mother who cared only about himself. If his father hadn't left him and his mother, then his life would be totally different and his autobiography be different as well.
ReplyDeleteAS a highschool student, I like to read non-fiction books, not only to find out about others lives, but to compare my life to theirs. A lot of times I think that I have such a hard life, mainly because my parents are seperate, but reading books like the one I am now makes me grateful for what I have. I think non-fiction books help people learn about others just as much as they learn about themselves.
Kate s.- I found your passage really interesting, possibly because I can relate. I played basketball for a long time, more so to make my parents happy than myself. Did he stick with it or end up quitting eventually?
Landis- I definately agree with your opinion on non-fiction and fiction books. In non-fiction books it is sometimes neat to see how normal of lives people lived before they became well-known. I am also more interested in fiction books because I like to think a little outside of reality sometimes. I think fiction books help me allow to do that.
John,
ReplyDeleteAssuming you're talking about Michael Jordan, this does seem like the most critical passage. His great motivation to practice while others weren't watching and integrity are really what made him great.
Nerissa, Your book sounds so sad and very touching. I haven't read that book, but that does seem like the most important passage; it's the reason Elena's parents wrote the book.
ReplyDeleteAlisha, your passage is great. It's sad to think how things happen and how we are left with emotional scars for a long time, even after the physical damage has fully recovered.
2. In today's society non-fiction has taken a step towards the back burner. This is evident by the current failing of American newspapers. People are caring less and less about non-fiction literature because it has become cheapened by modern easy-access information. There is certainly an abundance of "news" available, but much of it is so blatantly misinformed that it could almost be fiction. This is not to say that I beleive nobody cares, but more that its no longer truly literature. It's more of a breifing: informing but lacking the finesse of real writing. At the same time, fiction in itself has become diminished as far as literature goes. There is plenty of fictitious works around, but most come in the forms of movies or television. Granted, there are the Twilights and Harry Potters out there as Patrick said, but little beyond them. As a whole I beleive literature has taken a step down as the entertainment of the masses, which is rather obvious really.
ReplyDeleteNon-fiction in American society today I believe is inspiring and admirable. I think for people today it gives them a sense of accomplishment that they have and have not seen in others as well as themselves. Non-fiction pieces that we have read in class such as the Ben Franklin piece I think really came across as strong-willed and independent; which a lot of people stive for today. In my opinion I love to read this style of writing. It shows me how people and situations relate to my own life and really help me understand more about real life. Non-fiction pieces are more realistic which makes me relate more to the specific author or character. Which in turn is more intresting rather than reading about abstract pieces that could never become true. I would rather shoot for something achieveable other than a unrational thought.
ReplyDeleteNathan,
Now that you mention it, I can see where you would think that fiction books are better. Your reason was because they are less predictable. However, real life stories are not always predictable. Life takes you down a lot of different roads and for me thats whats so great about life; is that it is unpredictable. You never truly know where you will end up.
Sarah Arnold,
I agree with you on the fact that non-fiction is for everyone, but I also think that fiction is for everyone too. Just because a people are uneducated or vise versa- reading books, I think, is for everyone.
Christian:
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that people in other countries are treated in this way. It seems that some of the people that we think of terrorist are really being terrorized themselves.
I believe that non-fiction plays a big role in American literacy because with out it we could not relate to any authors of this time period. When comparing and contrasting readings we have had in class there is no surprise that the reading on Benjamin Franklin had a positive impact on non-fiction relating to American literacy. The role of this reading is to give us insight on his way of becoming who he had become, and the struggle that took place on his pursuit to his dreams. I would prefer to read non-fiction books because they tell you the facts not the fake stuff.
ReplyDeletePhilip I agree on the fact that you would prefer to read non-fiction becuase that title of a book can tell you rather it is real or not. Reading non-fiction can help you learn something new about someone, and it can sometimes help you in your life.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI think that too. That non-fiction is meant for educating people, but things written today are not necessary meant for educated people only. Actually I think what we read today, and what available allows for more uneducated people to read.
Max,
That’s true; people today don’t read non-fiction or fiction as much as in the past. We have become lazy, even though it’s more available than ever before.
2. I think non fiction's purpose in American literacy serves to enlighten or give insight to the reader to see and to avoid doing the mistakes of what the author did in his or her life or to show the struggle of what they had to do to get where they are today. And maybe also to get an understanding of what life was like during a certain time or in a certain place. My book's purpose, I feel, is to show the reader where Nash Jr. came from: to show how he became who he is today and to show the causes and effects in his life that led him to be who he was; an extraordinary mathmatician. Slyvia doesn't include any mistakes Nash Jr. made so that'd be a contrasting element.
ReplyDeleteI'm more for fiction. Fiction just takes my mind to other places and I can just relate more to the book(probably because the author is going for that so you'll buy it and more of their books). And I'm okay with reading non fiction, it just has to be something of interest.
Sarah Arnold- Great insight. I never really thought of the old non fiction and the present non fiction like that. And going on the internet subject of how you can't trust any site due to the fact that anyone can make a webpage, isn't it true that anyone can publish a book(for the most part)? So could it also be that people don't want to read non fiction because of fear that they'd be fed the wrong information?
Lee- You say that reading an autobiography doesn't let you learn about the world, but it does. I'm pretty sure Mr. Franklin walked around and probably has said what has happened on a few of his walks. Although his experiences might not give you a detailed description of what was going on in our world, they should give you some information of what was happening through his perspective.
Non-fiction writing in todays American society is not one of great interest to most people. I think it is more informative above all other things whether it be of scientific matters or historical. I consider what we read under the category of being historical but in a more personal way than a text book. A biography or autobiography, in most cases, tells about a person's background and how they came to be who they are. In my opinion people are more interesting than science and fact and so I actually enjoy learning about people. Both categories are very significant and have a huge impact on literature and the education of people.
ReplyDeleteSarah- I agree with your insight on non fiction but consider that there are many different types of purposes to the genre not just of a biography.
Jordan- I really enjoy this style of writing too! I agree that it is sort of inspiring to read the stories of different people, especially that have struggled to get to where they are.
Johnson- I like that you came at the question in a different way and really looked at how as a society we see the genre using good points rather than just opinion.