Independent Reading
Blog Post Assignment---please use the following questions to craft your blog post. Also, please make thoughtful comments on two of your classmates' posts as well. Plus, be sure to add several helpful links and pictures. Think of this as an online book group!
- Identify title, author, genre, and theme.
- Share your personal reactions , including what it made you feel and think.
- Summarize what happened and what it meant (but don’t spoil the ending for the rest of us!).
- Note characters or points that you loved or hated and why.
- Describe the writer’s style (descriptions that pulled your senses into the story, the moral, character or argument development, dialogue, etc.).
- Reflect on the time, culture, or perspective in which it was written or set.
- Conclude why it is or is not worth reading.
The Invisible Man (Cole Richardson)
ReplyDeleteThe Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, is about a prominent figure in society during the 1920s and 1930s who acts as an advocate for African American and women's rights. He is anything but invisible with his rousing speeches, involvement in the Brotherhood (a secret society for oppressed people), his adventures with electro-shock therapy, and exploding paint tanks.
I would've liked to read about an actually invisible man. I feel as if the problems that Ellison delved into when he wrote this book were insightful and revolutionary at the time, they are seemingly archaic now, (at least to a protected, private school student). Sure, there is still racism in the world, but in most places, it isn't as prominent or horrible as it was back then. I highly doubt blindfolding young black men and making them fight is a common practice today. It may have been when Ellison wrote the book, but now it is just a reminder of what happened back then. I've found that most famous "classic" books I've read or heard about, seem to bore me. That's mainly because I honestly don't care about the problems. Race is simply not a problem for me. I really do no care what color your skin is. I could care less about women's rights; they can do whatever they want. If anything, reading these books make me (and possibly other readers) angry with society, which could potentially cause more problems with real-time racism and other rights. I've read multiple classics over the years, and the only one that has stuck with my is The Catcher in the Rye. That's because there will always be teenagers with crazy thoughts and rebellious attitudes.
Anyways, The Invisible Man is about an African American man that feels invisible because others choose not to see him (this is aimed at white people). The beginning and end of the book are the same. He is living underground with over a thousand lightbulbs and listening to jazz. The story operates in a flashback style, with the narrator recounting his experiences with (what I find to be predictable in a classic book) rowdy rights activity, death, and sex. He makes speeches on multiple occasions (and is actually chastised for making so many. Brothers from the Brotherhood think he wants to be self-distinguished). He sees someone die because of race (who is a BLACK man without a permit to sell his dolls. He gets shot by a WHITE cop. Sound familiar?) Lastly, women seem to fantasize about having sex with a black man. Sounds about right for the ingredients to make a classic novel.
This book is not worth reading to anyone born in the 90s. The only interesting parts are when there is action, like towards the end of the book when there is a huge riot. This book is not for any audience. Anyone concerned with oppression should read this book, but I am not. I also can't relate to the topics as well as someone who is older than me.
A great NPR page that contradicts me:
http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/05/30/317056807/ralph-ellison-no-longer-the-invisible-man-100-years-after-his-birth
A cool article on Ellison's second novel (or lack thereof): http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2013/06/ralph_ellison_s_invisible_man_follow_up_why_did_he_never_publish_it.html
Cole - I like the way you wrote this, and I agree with you, it doesn't sound like a very interesting book, because these issues are not as prevalent in our society today as they once were. I also find it somewhat hilarious that you always bring these things back one way or another to Catcher in the Rye. Very good post.
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ReplyDeleteJennifer Xu
ReplyDeleteMrs.Arnold
English 10
17 May 2015
Tuesdays with Morrie
Tuesdays with Morrie is a biographical novel by Mitch Albom tells the true story about the class with his teacher. This book shakes me a lot, I love this book. It makes me think a lot about my own life and the people around me. Every lesson they had makes me learn a lot such as if I really happy spend the time on checking my phone instead of having a great talk with the people that I love. If I just have several days left, will I feel repentant for my life or happy… Here are several quotes that I really like. “ Death is as natural as life. It's part of the deal we made.” Morrie told Mitch that death is not that horrible, it is just a deal. There is nothing to be afraid of if you don’t afraid the death. “ You are not a wave, you are part of the ocean.” Morrie told Mitch that he doesn’t need to afraid life, everyone is good, the only difference is how you think about your life. There are many other great quotes that I can learn a lot from. I was deeply moved by this book and I will recommend to my family and my friends.
His teacher, Morrie was a psychology professor who had ALS. Doctor told Morrie he would die in two years which he knew it would be shorter. Mitch was one of his favorite students, also is his last student. Mitch was an editor of a sports newspaper but he didn’t feel happy. Later, he got the bad news about Morrie’s disease. He went to Morrie’s house every Tuesday as a “student” for the last class. They talked about death, fear, family, world, money, job, emotions and the meaning of life. Mitch changed a lot after the classes, he learned a lot from his professor till he passed away.
The main character in this book is Morrie and Mitch. I like Morrie a lot because he is a great teacher and philosopher. Morrie saved every seconds that he could to love the people that he loved. Positive energy and think, live in present, be compassionate, be responsible, do right thing are what I learn from him. I really appreciate his appearance which just like a bright light in the dark.
Mitch, the author’s style is very sincere and honest, but touched me a lot. What the story talked about were some deep talks but the way that he described and what he thought were really clear and easy to understand. I think it is really need.
The book was written in 90s, it is close to our life so it is easy and comfortable to read. What Morrie said and what he did moves me and I would love to read it again. It is really worth to read with a cup of warm coffee. Listen to what Morrie told you, fell it, then you will learn a lot from the novel.
To life, with tears.
Image and review website:
http://manhardeep.com/2015/03/21/leaves-you-with-more-than-it-claims-review-of-tuesdays-with-morrie-by-mitch-albom/
From this blog, I am so moving. I am so interested in This teacher and his students's conversation I would like to read this book
DeleteI have a great interest in reading the book. It sounds like tear jerking story. I would pay a lot of attention on the connection between the student and the teacher while I am reading it.
DeleteChristopher Frydenborg
ReplyDeleteMrs. Arnold
H. English 10
17 May 2015
For my independent reading I chose to read The Art of War written by Sun Tzu and translated by Lionel Giles. I don’t truly know what genre I this book is, because it is truly an overview of military tactics, it is more of a blend between fiction and nonfiction, if that's even possible. It was very interesting to read, many of the things that were talked about in the book are not only used in war, but can also be used in my life with interactions with other people. It made me feel very stupid honestly, because Sun Tzu was able to look at the incredibly complicated idea of “war” and make it into a basic set of guidelines. There weren’t any characters in this book, which made reading it very odd. Sun Tzu wrote the treatise in a very matter-of-fact, and to the point manner, there was no fluff, he said what he wanted to say, and moved on. There wasn’t any true moral, other than how to command soldiers, and win a battle. This treatise was written in Ancient China, more than 2000 years ago. This was a time in China where the military, and war especially were very important and prominent aspects of culture. Officers and generals were also deeply respected, and regarded with a high amount of honor. So, it makes perfect sense that this treatise was written during this time period. For anyone interested in war tactics, or just war in general, this is a great book to read. It teaches you not only how to win in battle, but also how to win when you have a conflict with another person. Also, for anyone planning on joining the military, this is a must.
Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMNaULHLH9c
I had a picture in there as well, I'll share the google doc I made with you, I had no option to post on the main site for some reason.
ReplyDelete