1. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay- Michael Chabon
I discovered the book when I discovered a new trend, The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge which requires the competitor to read every book Rory Gilmore is seen reading on the popular show ABC Family. A fan of the show, I was intrigued. I learned about the book which follows two friends who escape Hitler controlled Prague and begin writing comic books about a hero, the Escapist. They use the comic book to not only make money but also strike a blow at Hitler.
2. Into the Wild- John Krakaeur
During a book discussion at Arkansas Governor's School, a friend Mackenzie brought up the book. Into the Wild follows the story of Chris McCandless who abandoned his conventional life and sought out a new one. Though I already know the ending, I'm fascinated by the journey.
3. Lord of the Rings- J.R.R Tolkien
I recently became a fan of the movies and considering the movies never do justice to the books, I feel obligated to read these. The books follow the journey of Frodo Baggins as he ventures to Middle Earth to destroy the "One Ring to rule them all." I normally don't gravitate towards fantasy novel but this seems to be a staple to have in my reading repertoire.
4. The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby follows the self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby's rise to glory and fall from grace and his love with Daisy Buchanan. It's a novel from the Jazz Age, which I love and I'm curious about the novel that has recently become a popular theme for Pinterest weddings, which I also love.
5. The Diary of Anne Frank
Even though I've already read this, I was too young to fully grasp the story. I'd love to revisit the story of this young Jewish woman in hiding during the reign of Hitler. A horrendous period of time in our world's history, the haunting tale of one who lived through it.
6. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man-James Joyce
I actually found this when I googled 'books to read before you die' to seek inspiration for this assignment. Though it's supposed to be a challenging read, I'm more than willing to give it a shot. The book is a semi-autographical novel about a boy raised in a devout Catholic home but begins to question his upbringing. I love coming-of-age novels, so naturally I'll love this one.
7. The Poetry of Pablo Neruda- Pablo Neruda (edited by Ilan Stavans)
I've read a few of his sonnets and love poems and was blown away. The poetry literally drips off your tongue. I'm dying to read more of his work about his life and growing up in poverty. But the romantic in me just wants to read more love poems.
8. Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen
Again the romantic in me, I fell head over heels over the movie. Keira Knightly, my favorite. But nothing ever quite compares to a good romance novel. I've had tons of recommendations and it's finally time I sit down to
9. The Savage Detectives- Robert Bolano
This novel, written all in poetry, follows a massive cast over a span of decades as they grow old and experience loss and share their tales. I'm so intrigued by this novel and it's style. Honestly, I need to read this now.
10. Fight Club-Chuck Palahniuk
A few years ago, I read a book called The Mission, about a boy whose brother is killed in Afghanistan and goes to San Francisco to get Chuck Palahniuk's autograph in his memory. The book so haunted me and left me with an urge to read one of his works. This being his most famous seems the obvious starting point.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Rebel Without a Cause
James Dean takes the screen in one of most famous films of his short career as Jim in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), directed by Nicholas Ray and written by Steward Stern. The story follows the troubled teenager, Jim Stark, as he escapes his past by moving to a new town. But where Jim goes, trouble follows as he encounters a tough gang of teenagers and as most typical teen movies go, make him an outsider.
Along the way though, Jim does develop an unspoken attraction for one of these tough guys, Buzz's, girfriend, Judy, played by Natalie Wood, and a friend, Plato, played by Sal Mineo. The three are an unlikely trio but share a common bond with bizarre family problems. Jim's father is a spineless husband who allows to be knocked aside by his wife. Judy only wants her father's love which she is refused of due to his possible sexual attraction to her which he tries to stifle and hide. The story of Plato's family changes everyday. He's raised by a black nurse but his continuous lies suggest deeper mental problems.
Jim's cause for rebellion is unclear throughout the movie. It's neither race and civil injustice or war resistance. But is rather unfocused rage. Dean's emotions seem urgent yet, they're ambiguous and unclear, almost hypnotizing to the view, desperate to understand him.
Along the way though, Jim does develop an unspoken attraction for one of these tough guys, Buzz's, girfriend, Judy, played by Natalie Wood, and a friend, Plato, played by Sal Mineo. The three are an unlikely trio but share a common bond with bizarre family problems. Jim's father is a spineless husband who allows to be knocked aside by his wife. Judy only wants her father's love which she is refused of due to his possible sexual attraction to her which he tries to stifle and hide. The story of Plato's family changes everyday. He's raised by a black nurse but his continuous lies suggest deeper mental problems.
Jim's cause for rebellion is unclear throughout the movie. It's neither race and civil injustice or war resistance. But is rather unfocused rage. Dean's emotions seem urgent yet, they're ambiguous and unclear, almost hypnotizing to the view, desperate to understand him.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Political Monsoon: An Analysis of Put up Hurricane Shutters
Political elections often have a way of sneakily attacking American citizens. In his article "Put Up Hurricane Shutters for the Political Wind," Barry's humor criticizes America's apathetic views of issues until in involves one's self. Barry utilizes exaggerations and satire to compare this American fault to the Florida clamor of hurricanes.
In the beginning of his essay, Barry describes Florida citizens that don't believe "[hurricanes aren't] going to affect" their lives until "local TV weather people" begin tracking the storm and urging citizens to prepare at the last minute. Like wise, citizens "didn't pay attention" to political candidates until the "horrible truth" hit the citizens that the candidates would be arriving there soon for primaries. By comparing these caucuses to hurricanes, Barry establishes a connection with the readers who are most likely Floridians. This humorous comparison also addresses citizen's ignorant inability to prepare for significant events in society. This idea is further emphasized as he describes the caucuses in Iowa, a "distant place" that is "always [confused] with Kansas" and other midwestern states. Barry exaggerates America's inattentiveness to imply citizens' ignorance to the outside world. They feel more comfortable in a tiny bubble.
Barry continues to breakdown his analogy as he describes Florida residents who "wisely prepare" for hurricanes but even with "plenty of warning," citizens "sit around like morons" as it "slams directly" into them. Barry's humor criticizes the American way of preparing thoroughly for events that have a history of being less catastrophic than what they are believed to be but the inability to prepare for a democratic event that occurs regularly. This criticism also emphasizes the idea that citizens aren't holding up the American ideals. Barry persists this idea using satire by claiming the only way to "protect yourself from a presidential primary" is to fasten plywood "firmly to every TV screen." There is no way to avoid presidential primaries. They must be faced head on. Instead of ignoring the political world, Barry implies that American's should be informed from the very beginning to comprehend the situation when primaries arrive in their state.
Barry concludes his essay by advising readers to "have a plan" before the next time "[they] get nailed again." Barry indirectly suggests to the reader to become active and engaged in politics next time around to avoid confusion and to have an understanding off all political candidates. His ends his essay with more advice to assist the "millions of innocent Americans" in the path of the presidential storms, even Barry himself is "willing to donate...canned meat." Barry's consistent use of humor again encourages his audience to end their passiveness and become involved in politics.
Barry encourages his audiences to become active, ideal American citizens to have a trickle effect on the nation. These ideal citizens will be well informed of public issues and politicians and influence other passive citizens to also become engaged in the community outside their bubble. By seeing past the horizons, America will be much less ignorant and capable of making informed decisions and managing priorities.
In the beginning of his essay, Barry describes Florida citizens that don't believe "[hurricanes aren't] going to affect" their lives until "local TV weather people" begin tracking the storm and urging citizens to prepare at the last minute. Like wise, citizens "didn't pay attention" to political candidates until the "horrible truth" hit the citizens that the candidates would be arriving there soon for primaries. By comparing these caucuses to hurricanes, Barry establishes a connection with the readers who are most likely Floridians. This humorous comparison also addresses citizen's ignorant inability to prepare for significant events in society. This idea is further emphasized as he describes the caucuses in Iowa, a "distant place" that is "always [confused] with Kansas" and other midwestern states. Barry exaggerates America's inattentiveness to imply citizens' ignorance to the outside world. They feel more comfortable in a tiny bubble.
Barry continues to breakdown his analogy as he describes Florida residents who "wisely prepare" for hurricanes but even with "plenty of warning," citizens "sit around like morons" as it "slams directly" into them. Barry's humor criticizes the American way of preparing thoroughly for events that have a history of being less catastrophic than what they are believed to be but the inability to prepare for a democratic event that occurs regularly. This criticism also emphasizes the idea that citizens aren't holding up the American ideals. Barry persists this idea using satire by claiming the only way to "protect yourself from a presidential primary" is to fasten plywood "firmly to every TV screen." There is no way to avoid presidential primaries. They must be faced head on. Instead of ignoring the political world, Barry implies that American's should be informed from the very beginning to comprehend the situation when primaries arrive in their state.
Barry concludes his essay by advising readers to "have a plan" before the next time "[they] get nailed again." Barry indirectly suggests to the reader to become active and engaged in politics next time around to avoid confusion and to have an understanding off all political candidates. His ends his essay with more advice to assist the "millions of innocent Americans" in the path of the presidential storms, even Barry himself is "willing to donate...canned meat." Barry's consistent use of humor again encourages his audience to end their passiveness and become involved in politics.
Barry encourages his audiences to become active, ideal American citizens to have a trickle effect on the nation. These ideal citizens will be well informed of public issues and politicians and influence other passive citizens to also become engaged in the community outside their bubble. By seeing past the horizons, America will be much less ignorant and capable of making informed decisions and managing priorities.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
"Kill 'Em! Crush 'Em! Eat 'Em Raw!"
1. John McMurtry's essay begins with a personal anecdote about the results of playing sports- especially football- since childhood. When he can no longer ignore his physical condition, he seeks treatment and is hospitalized. How does the anecdote lend credibility to his argument.
McMurty's anecdote lends ethos to his argument as he his played "college and professional football" and now "[has] to don a brace" and his brother "an outstanding football player in college" had to "[undergo] spinal surgery." This personal experience aren't just "isolated experiences" but are common and are the consequence of football, lending credibility to the argument.
2. McMurtry also addresses the argument that games such as football allow us to discharge our "original-sin urge into less harmful channels than, say, war" (para. 15). Cite passages where McMurtry counters this arugment. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
McMurtry "[sees] little to recommend such a view" that sports are a more peaceful channel. "organized football" only "[suppressed his] natural urges" and express them in "an alienating, violent for." While football can often be a good energy outlet, it often takes peaceful men and turns them into mean, crushing machines.
3. Who is McMurtry's audience? Is it necessary for the reader to understand or care about football in order to understand what McMurtry is saying about society? Explain.
McMurtry's argument could be directed at most anyone is society although it could appeal to adults with teenagers in sports, warning them of the dangers. It's not necessary to fully understand football to understand his argument though a little knowledge does help. McMurtry's comparison of sports to war and sports to the business world helps the reader understand the viciousness of the game.
4. Consider the language of football, especially the words shared by the military. What sports other than football have a militaristic side?
All sports have somewhat of a militaristic side. All have a coach who gives out orders and gives long speeches. All require self discipline and lots of training, though some, like track and gymnastics,are less violent and are more about self than defeating an opponent. Other sports, like hockey, are as equally violent as football, as any northerner can tell you.
McMurty's anecdote lends ethos to his argument as he his played "college and professional football" and now "[has] to don a brace" and his brother "an outstanding football player in college" had to "[undergo] spinal surgery." This personal experience aren't just "isolated experiences" but are common and are the consequence of football, lending credibility to the argument.
2. McMurtry also addresses the argument that games such as football allow us to discharge our "original-sin urge into less harmful channels than, say, war" (para. 15). Cite passages where McMurtry counters this arugment. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
McMurtry "[sees] little to recommend such a view" that sports are a more peaceful channel. "organized football" only "[suppressed his] natural urges" and express them in "an alienating, violent for." While football can often be a good energy outlet, it often takes peaceful men and turns them into mean, crushing machines.
3. Who is McMurtry's audience? Is it necessary for the reader to understand or care about football in order to understand what McMurtry is saying about society? Explain.
McMurtry's argument could be directed at most anyone is society although it could appeal to adults with teenagers in sports, warning them of the dangers. It's not necessary to fully understand football to understand his argument though a little knowledge does help. McMurtry's comparison of sports to war and sports to the business world helps the reader understand the viciousness of the game.
4. Consider the language of football, especially the words shared by the military. What sports other than football have a militaristic side?
All sports have somewhat of a militaristic side. All have a coach who gives out orders and gives long speeches. All require self discipline and lots of training, though some, like track and gymnastics,are less violent and are more about self than defeating an opponent. Other sports, like hockey, are as equally violent as football, as any northerner can tell you.
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