In the day since Salinger's death, there has already been a lot of speculation about what will happen to the alleged safe full of manuscripts, the rights for a Catcher in the Rye movie, and Salinger's decision to live in solitude for the last five decades of his life.
Amidst all of this, I have noticed a surprising amount being written about the impact that his fiction, not just Catcher, but predominantly that novel, had on students, teachers, and readers in general.
Below are some of the more interesting links I found.
New York Times "Taking a Walk Through Salinger's New York":
The New Yorker's homage to Salinger, including links to all 13 of the stories he originally published there (two of which, "Franny" and "Zooey" later became a novel)
The Huffington Post created a forum for people to blog about Salinger, his work, etc. The forum poses and addresses the questions "How did "Catcher in the Rye" change your life? Where were you the first time you read "A Perfect Day For Bananafish?" Who did you fall more in love with: Franny or Zooey?" It requires a log in but other projects like this that I've seen on the Huffington Post have been really interesting.
And finally, from The Onion (a satirical newspaper)...Bunch of Phonies Mourn JD Salinger
Feel free to comment on our blog as well.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Animal Farm by George Orwell
"Animal Farm" is a very peculiar, yet engaging book, and while it seems to be a story of fantasy, being based around a farm run by animals, its message is one to carry on into our own society. The story centers on a farm known as the Manor Farm, which is run by an evil and cruel man known as Mr. Jones. He mistreats the animals day in and day out, frequently getting drunk and forgetting to feed them. In the barn, the patriarch of the animals is a prize boar referred to as the Major, and he is slowly nearing his death. He decides to spread his acquired knowledge and wisdom with the farm, telling them of a time when there will be a revolution, and the animals will rule the farm and rid themselves of the humans who do nothing except cause them problems. The Major dies soon after, and the animals prepare for the revolution, only to find that it occurs sooner than expected. This leaves the manor in charge of the pigs, especially the two leaders named Snowball and Napoleon, who work to improve life on the farm and increase the standard of living. They create animalism, a new philosophy that includes seven commandments, one of which says that "All animals are equal". However, as life on the farm goes on, there are unexpected twists and turns that affect its inhabitants drastically, and tension brings about some surprising new developments...
The novel itself was written as an allegory to the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union as a whole, as the plot and characters correlate to certain people and events of the period. However, it is really a critique on all society. It portrays a very important message, that equality will never be a realistic possibility, because while all may be equal, some may "be more equal than others". Also, it shows what happens when one individual gets too much power. The initial intentions may be good, but greed is inevitable, and the power will eventually turn them into the very thing they detest the most. It was also very interesting to see how Orwell used the idea of rewriting the past in this novel. This was a prevalent notion in his other novel, "1984", but it was shown in "Animal Farm" as well. Orwell demonstrated how using terror as a weapon, it is possible even for the past to be revised to match the present, a notion that he seemingly feels to be a huge factor in totalitarianism. Individuals can be convinced that their memories are false, as long as they are threatened, and Orwell clearly finds this point to be significant.
Overall, "Animal Farm", like "1984", is a critique on government, and also in a way a warning to the consequences of becoming mad with power.
The novel itself was written as an allegory to the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union as a whole, as the plot and characters correlate to certain people and events of the period. However, it is really a critique on all society. It portrays a very important message, that equality will never be a realistic possibility, because while all may be equal, some may "be more equal than others". Also, it shows what happens when one individual gets too much power. The initial intentions may be good, but greed is inevitable, and the power will eventually turn them into the very thing they detest the most. It was also very interesting to see how Orwell used the idea of rewriting the past in this novel. This was a prevalent notion in his other novel, "1984", but it was shown in "Animal Farm" as well. Orwell demonstrated how using terror as a weapon, it is possible even for the past to be revised to match the present, a notion that he seemingly feels to be a huge factor in totalitarianism. Individuals can be convinced that their memories are false, as long as they are threatened, and Orwell clearly finds this point to be significant.
Overall, "Animal Farm", like "1984", is a critique on government, and also in a way a warning to the consequences of becoming mad with power.
Under the Dome
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Dome-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1439148503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262660665&sr=1-1
Stephen King's Under the Dome is novel that deals with how the inhabitants of a small town in Maine try to survive after a mysterious, impenetrable dome unexplainably appears over it, blocking them off from the rest of the world. Though they can still communicate with outsiders via phones and internet, nothing can be done for their safety as citizens begin to strive for power and do anything it takes to stay alive.
The novel deals with humanity as a whole and how we define ourselves as human beings by showing the survival efforts that the people of the fictional Chester's Mill make and how all of them are justified in their own way, simply because each person is just trying to continue his or her own existence. Certain characters hold grudges from before the dome incident against other characters and then battle those same characters since they now see their enemies as legitimate threat to their own survival. Meanwhile, seemingly good people ally themselves with more evil characters when they see that those evil characters hold more power and it would be much safer to be on their side. But it isn't only that, for the main characters soon begin to see themselves as the victims of some cruel, unknown game and believe that the dome was put forth only as a form of torment, much like a group of young children would torment a small animal for fun. Once this realization is made, the novel demonstrates the paradox of being human: we're still animals and are no different from any other species. Like a colony of ants being set aflame by a magnifying glass, in our moments of helplessness most of us will do whatever it takes to survive and abandon all concern for anyone else. Through a few main characters that do end up being selfless and try to help others, King shows that in order to be human in the mental sense, we have to let go of all of our survival instincts and take the time to help those who can't survive. Otherwise, we're just like any other animal.
Stephen King's Under the Dome is novel that deals with how the inhabitants of a small town in Maine try to survive after a mysterious, impenetrable dome unexplainably appears over it, blocking them off from the rest of the world. Though they can still communicate with outsiders via phones and internet, nothing can be done for their safety as citizens begin to strive for power and do anything it takes to stay alive.
The novel deals with humanity as a whole and how we define ourselves as human beings by showing the survival efforts that the people of the fictional Chester's Mill make and how all of them are justified in their own way, simply because each person is just trying to continue his or her own existence. Certain characters hold grudges from before the dome incident against other characters and then battle those same characters since they now see their enemies as legitimate threat to their own survival. Meanwhile, seemingly good people ally themselves with more evil characters when they see that those evil characters hold more power and it would be much safer to be on their side. But it isn't only that, for the main characters soon begin to see themselves as the victims of some cruel, unknown game and believe that the dome was put forth only as a form of torment, much like a group of young children would torment a small animal for fun. Once this realization is made, the novel demonstrates the paradox of being human: we're still animals and are no different from any other species. Like a colony of ants being set aflame by a magnifying glass, in our moments of helplessness most of us will do whatever it takes to survive and abandon all concern for anyone else. Through a few main characters that do end up being selfless and try to help others, King shows that in order to be human in the mental sense, we have to let go of all of our survival instincts and take the time to help those who can't survive. Otherwise, we're just like any other animal.
The Interrogative Mood by Padgett Powell
Ahh I'm sorry this is so late!!
Wow? Is this an absolutely wonderful book? Do I recommend that everyone read it? Yes?
Alright, so although The Interrogative Mood is not a quality piece of literature, it is most definitely worth reading. When I heard about this novel I was more curious than anything, simply because I had never encountered a novel comprised entirely of questions. I was not expecting the mind-opening experience it provided.
Powell's questions are not organized in any way other than when certain questions branch off into related questions or dig deeper into the original thought. Some questions are completely random and ridiculous, while some are incredibly insightful and make you feel especially alive even before you have attempted to answer them. One of my favorite ridiculous questions is "How do you stand in relation to the potato?" (Powell, 1). Then "Do you like it when people sing "Happy Birthday" to you?" (130). The previous question is one of many that made me feel a little more connected with the rest of society, because if the answer was an obvious "yes", Powell would not have asked the question, which means that I am not the only person who feels awkward when people sing them "Happy Birthday". Then there are the questions that most readers could easily write an entire essay on. A few examples are "Do you realize that people move on steadily, even arguably bravely, unto the end, stunned and more stunned, numbed and more numbed, by what has happened to them and not happened to them?" (28) and "How did we go so wrong? Wasn't there a day on earth when not every sould was possessed of his or her own petty political and personal-identity agenda?" (18). Many questions throughout the novel force the reader to truly think, and also to make confusion their friend: "Is there enough time left? Does it matter that I do not specify for what? Was there ever enough time? Was there once too much? Does the notion of "enough time" actually make any sense? Does it suggest we had things to do and could not do them for reasons other than that we were incompetents? Did we have things to do? Things better done than not? Thus, important things? Are there important things? Are we as a species rolling together the great dungball of the importantly done into itself and making thereby a better world for the dungball rollers to follow us?" (12). I found myself failing to find the answers to many of these questions, and I realized that being aware of questions you can't answer is rewarding in itself.
The Interrogative Mood also contains allusions to literature we have read, thus deepening understanding of the texts it refers to. The introduction is an excerpt from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself", one questions asks "Is a body catching a body coming through the rye regarded a good thing or a bad thing?" (7), and another asks "Would you like to go to Pondicherry?" (57). Powell may or may not have been referring to Life Of Pi with that last question, however that was the only reason I could think of for making a trip to Pondicherry.
Although it is nothing like the literature we deal with in school, the questions that make up The Interrogative Mood cause you to question everything from yourself to your beliefs to your society. I highly recommend this novel.
Wow? Is this an absolutely wonderful book? Do I recommend that everyone read it? Yes?
Alright, so although The Interrogative Mood is not a quality piece of literature, it is most definitely worth reading. When I heard about this novel I was more curious than anything, simply because I had never encountered a novel comprised entirely of questions. I was not expecting the mind-opening experience it provided.
Powell's questions are not organized in any way other than when certain questions branch off into related questions or dig deeper into the original thought. Some questions are completely random and ridiculous, while some are incredibly insightful and make you feel especially alive even before you have attempted to answer them. One of my favorite ridiculous questions is "How do you stand in relation to the potato?" (Powell, 1). Then "Do you like it when people sing "Happy Birthday" to you?" (130). The previous question is one of many that made me feel a little more connected with the rest of society, because if the answer was an obvious "yes", Powell would not have asked the question, which means that I am not the only person who feels awkward when people sing them "Happy Birthday". Then there are the questions that most readers could easily write an entire essay on. A few examples are "Do you realize that people move on steadily, even arguably bravely, unto the end, stunned and more stunned, numbed and more numbed, by what has happened to them and not happened to them?" (28) and "How did we go so wrong? Wasn't there a day on earth when not every sould was possessed of his or her own petty political and personal-identity agenda?" (18). Many questions throughout the novel force the reader to truly think, and also to make confusion their friend: "Is there enough time left? Does it matter that I do not specify for what? Was there ever enough time? Was there once too much? Does the notion of "enough time" actually make any sense? Does it suggest we had things to do and could not do them for reasons other than that we were incompetents? Did we have things to do? Things better done than not? Thus, important things? Are there important things? Are we as a species rolling together the great dungball of the importantly done into itself and making thereby a better world for the dungball rollers to follow us?" (12). I found myself failing to find the answers to many of these questions, and I realized that being aware of questions you can't answer is rewarding in itself.
The Interrogative Mood also contains allusions to literature we have read, thus deepening understanding of the texts it refers to. The introduction is an excerpt from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself", one questions asks "Is a body catching a body coming through the rye regarded a good thing or a bad thing?" (7), and another asks "Would you like to go to Pondicherry?" (57). Powell may or may not have been referring to Life Of Pi with that last question, however that was the only reason I could think of for making a trip to Pondicherry.
Although it is nothing like the literature we deal with in school, the questions that make up The Interrogative Mood cause you to question everything from yourself to your beliefs to your society. I highly recommend this novel.
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, LOveship, Marriage by Alice Munro
Although the continuous changing of characters, stories and times may be less appealing and confusing to others, I loved Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Mariage by Alice Munro. Each chapter consists of a completely new story, a new main character, a women, and is taken place in a new time period then the previous. All of the stories have similar stories though, all about life, the dificulties like death and illness, mariage problems and states of sheer confusion. The fact that every chapter has new characters, new issues and problems than the last, and flops between present and past within its own story makes the book more complicated, but enjoyable. While reading i could relax and get into the book, but also had to think, and keep my mind going in order to keep up the newest women, the newest affair, death or illness.
Mimosa
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mimosa-True-Story-Amy-Charmichael/dp/087508821X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262655476&sr=8-3
Over December break, I chose to read the book Mimosa. The book is written by a missionary - Amy Charmic
hael, and it discusses the true story of an Indian girl who chooses to defy the social standard and beliefs and begins to live a Christian life style.
I made a concious decision to read this book, even knowing that it was, perhaps, not the best 'literature.' While this could be interpretated as 'slackerish', that was not my intention. Not only was I interested in the topic, but I actually made a purposeful decision to read a book that was not as involved literature-wise as a means to compare and better understand the difference between 'literature' and 'writing'. In doing so I was able to come to better understanding what constitues a literary work.
Going off in that direction. I think its interesting to note that the book is not like any other memoir or novel I had previously read. While it was a true story it had a certain element of 'dream' in it, a sort of poetic stream of conciousness feel. The reader is neither introduced to the characters nor surroundings - but rather they are expected to gain an understanding as the events occur. In a sense, it is as if you picked up someone's diary and began to read it.
In terms of literary analysis, the book is not compleely empty. In fact, the thing that perhaps suprised me the most about this book was its parallel to our previous unit. Looking back it should have been more obvious from the beginning - the book speaks of a Christian girl in a non- Christian nation. Yet it dealt with something even slighly deeper than that. It spoke, in a sense, of her inner reconciliation. It dealt with the struggle she had - whether it was in fact, worth, the effort and time for her to go against the standards of society. I believe some of these themes came up in previous books we read, but weren't directly addressed in the same direct way - perhaps again because of the literary style.
It also addresses something that we perhaps didn't discuss as much - the idea that the struggle between the individual and society is not only timeless (as Larissa and I mentioned in our project) but also cross-cultural. In other words, many of us in 21st century USA deal with the same conflicts as Mimosa does in 20th century India. Not only do we struggle inwardly coming to terms with our own decisions, but outwardly as we suffer either praise or punishment for our own actions.
Other ideas and themes such as guilt and fear are evident in the text, as one would expect from a book which deals with struggle. However, it is also filled with provision, joy, and loyalty that comes with the reward of defiance of society. (It is evident in almost all the texts we read that to defience of society is praised).
Overall, while Amy Charmichael sometimes leaves the reader a little lost (as it occassionally lacks elaboration), I overall thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Over December break, I chose to read the book Mimosa. The book is written by a missionary - Amy Charmic
hael, and it discusses the true story of an Indian girl who chooses to defy the social standard and beliefs and begins to live a Christian life style.I made a concious decision to read this book, even knowing that it was, perhaps, not the best 'literature.' While this could be interpretated as 'slackerish', that was not my intention. Not only was I interested in the topic, but I actually made a purposeful decision to read a book that was not as involved literature-wise as a means to compare and better understand the difference between 'literature' and 'writing'. In doing so I was able to come to better understanding what constitues a literary work.
Going off in that direction. I think its interesting to note that the book is not like any other memoir or novel I had previously read. While it was a true story it had a certain element of 'dream' in it, a sort of poetic stream of conciousness feel. The reader is neither introduced to the characters nor surroundings - but rather they are expected to gain an understanding as the events occur. In a sense, it is as if you picked up someone's diary and began to read it.
In terms of literary analysis, the book is not compleely empty. In fact, the thing that perhaps suprised me the most about this book was its parallel to our previous unit. Looking back it should have been more obvious from the beginning - the book speaks of a Christian girl in a non- Christian nation. Yet it dealt with something even slighly deeper than that. It spoke, in a sense, of her inner reconciliation. It dealt with the struggle she had - whether it was in fact, worth, the effort and time for her to go against the standards of society. I believe some of these themes came up in previous books we read, but weren't directly addressed in the same direct way - perhaps again because of the literary style.
It also addresses something that we perhaps didn't discuss as much - the idea that the struggle between the individual and society is not only timeless (as Larissa and I mentioned in our project) but also cross-cultural. In other words, many of us in 21st century USA deal with the same conflicts as Mimosa does in 20th century India. Not only do we struggle inwardly coming to terms with our own decisions, but outwardly as we suffer either praise or punishment for our own actions.
Other ideas and themes such as guilt and fear are evident in the text, as one would expect from a book which deals with struggle. However, it is also filled with provision, joy, and loyalty that comes with the reward of defiance of society. (It is evident in almost all the texts we read that to defience of society is praised).
Overall, while Amy Charmichael sometimes leaves the reader a little lost (as it occassionally lacks elaboration), I overall thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Road-Movie-Tie-Vintage-International/dp/0307476308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262648309&sr=8-1
Although there were aspects of the novel that i did not particularly love, overall The Road by Cormc McCarthy was enjoyable and compelling to read. As Ms. Parrish and i somewhat talked about in class today, the sentence structure is extremely simple, although the language itself is poetic and beautiful and uses unique, complex word-choice. This, i suppose, is what i did not like about the book. Sometimes i felt the short and abrupt sentences took away from the beauty of the writing itself. Then again, i think this was a deliberate choice by McCarthy as it went hand in hand with the idea being grappled with throughout the novel regarding love, hope and desperation and their ability (or inability, depending how you see it) to coexist.
I loved the ideas and questions that the novel posed however. Because the story is of the long physical journey of a boy and his father towards the south, following a road, in search of something better, people like them, there is both a sense of hope as well as desperation which can be felt throughout the story. This gave it both a sense of optimism but also a depressing feeling of hopelessness. This father and son are building a bond, love and trust in one another as they move on towards the end of their journey and suffer through starvation, freezing temperatures and many more hardships along the way. I love depressing books, so maybe that is why it appealed so much to me, but i felt that the sadness engulfed in the happiness made the story extremely emotional and relatable.
One paradox i just wanted to address from the novel once again is that of hope and desperation. The book made me question, does hope evolve from desperation? or desperation from loss of hope?... The entire novel the pair are searching for the light at the end of the tunnel, or the southern coast at the end of their road, yet on multiple occasions each of the two spoke of wishing for death and the appeal that death had as opposed to trudging on through the snow to the unknown. It was as if they wished for death, a stop to their heard journey, yet perhaps death was the light at the end of the tunnel, or the final desired destination and they were simply unaware of that. "Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave."..."People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didnt believe in that. Tomorrow wasnt getting ready for them. It didnt even know they were there." Both of these quotes, i feel, show the central message of ambiguity between hope and despair grappled with in this novel.
Olive Kitteridge
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Kitteridge-Fiction-Elizabeth-Strout/dp/0812971833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262640407&sr=8-1
Because Ms. Parrish also posted about this book, I will try to add to what was already said and not be repetitive. I liked reading Olive Kitteridge because of the complexity and realness of the characters. I agree that Strout uses subtle, and often beautiful language which makes the novel enjoyable. However, I also agree that the town of Crosby, serves as simply a setting. The foundation of the novel that connects the vast population of characters together is Olive, who is linked to each character somehow. The novel is comprised of thirteen different stories, and honestly, the majority of characters besides Olive and her family were interchangeable in my mind. If the purpose is to focus on how Olive pulls the inhabitants of Crosby together, I feel it would be more effective for Strout to describe about four or five of the different people in depth, so we could at least remember them all. I agree that the structure of the novel is unclear, and still question the purpose of the multiple stories of families within Crosby, if Crosby is not central to the novel. Why not focus on solely people that were close to Olive, regardless of where they lived?
Although Olive is a gruff, cranky old school teacher, and most are either are afraid of her or hold a grudge against her, I found myself sympathizing with Olive throughout the novel. She pushes many people away, and suffers from this. She is truly a complex character, and I don't know if I am supposed to understand her, or if Strout wanted to leave her identity open for interpretation. However, I do know that she is capapble of being a heartfelt person. I would recommend this book solely because Olive's story is interesting and complex, but I cannot say that I enjoyed the content of the novel where she wasn't closely connected to the character's lives.
Because Ms. Parrish also posted about this book, I will try to add to what was already said and not be repetitive. I liked reading Olive Kitteridge because of the complexity and realness of the characters. I agree that Strout uses subtle, and often beautiful language which makes the novel enjoyable. However, I also agree that the town of Crosby, serves as simply a setting. The foundation of the novel that connects the vast population of characters together is Olive, who is linked to each character somehow. The novel is comprised of thirteen different stories, and honestly, the majority of characters besides Olive and her family were interchangeable in my mind. If the purpose is to focus on how Olive pulls the inhabitants of Crosby together, I feel it would be more effective for Strout to describe about four or five of the different people in depth, so we could at least remember them all. I agree that the structure of the novel is unclear, and still question the purpose of the multiple stories of families within Crosby, if Crosby is not central to the novel. Why not focus on solely people that were close to Olive, regardless of where they lived?
Although Olive is a gruff, cranky old school teacher, and most are either are afraid of her or hold a grudge against her, I found myself sympathizing with Olive throughout the novel. She pushes many people away, and suffers from this. She is truly a complex character, and I don't know if I am supposed to understand her, or if Strout wanted to leave her identity open for interpretation. However, I do know that she is capapble of being a heartfelt person. I would recommend this book solely because Olive's story is interesting and complex, but I cannot say that I enjoyed the content of the novel where she wasn't closely connected to the character's lives.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Catch-22
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Catch-22-Joseph-Heller/dp/0684833395
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller based on the second half of World War II. It actually took me quite a while to get into the plot, because it involves a lot of military terms and tactics that I had to look up so that I could understand what exactly I was reading about. However, once I reached about the halfway point of the book, I really started to enjoy it, and I would definitely recommend it to others in our class.
The book is told from different points of view, and this made it a little confusing to read. The majority of the plot is told from the view of Yossarian, the main character. I really didn't like Yossarian at first because he was so odd, but I found that he is actually a very entertaining character to read about. Yossarian is afraid of dying, and he believes that dying in a war fighting for your country is just about the worst way to die. The text is in third person, and it's almost satirical- I found myself laughing out loud a few times at what I was reading. Heller describes the war in a seemingly light mannerin the first part of the book, but in the second half, he reveals the terrors and hardships of war. There is rape, murder, a great number of deaths everyday, and of course the terrible feeling that you are going to die everyday, not to mention the fact that your friends and comrades are dying daily. By the end of the book, Yossarion refuses to fly anymore missions, because he is upset by the death of one of his dear friends. He is then forced to face a court appearance, or simply be sent home with honorable mention. What he decides to do is interesting indeed, and crucial to understanding the morals issued throughout the novel.
Then of course there is the Catch. Catch-22 that is. The Catch-22 is mentioned a few times throughout the book, and each time it is described differently-of course this leads to confusion. It is ultimately a law of paradox and circular reasoning- if a victim is found being illogical, they can be punished for it. The first time it is mentioned, Yossarian (looking for a way out of a bombing) declares that he is insane, but is told that according to Catch-22 he is actually sane by saying that, because of course he would want to save himself from going out on a mission. the second time it states that it is illegal to read-and where is this law found? Why in the writing of the Catch of course! which would involves reading. The last time the Catch is mentioned, it is defined as a law that states that anything a soldier can't prevent the enemy from doing is allowed. What to think of all of this...
I think that overall, the book was a great read and really interesting, but you definitely have to have patience when you're starting it-it will get better! A note on the author's craft- I thought that the telling from different points of view, but yet from one outsider's view was really clever and it certainly made the plot more interesting, even if it was more confusing at the same time. The flashbacks that Heller included helped to explain events that he mentioned previously in the text, and each chapter is titled with either the name of a person, a battle, or a place that is involved in the plot. There are so many different characters that it's at time hard to keep track of them, but they all certainly add to the different levels of what was going on in the text.
p.s. keep in mind that when you are a man in the army, about to die, you are going to be craving sex, apparently all of the time...that's involved a lot in the text (which I didn't know when I picked it out!) The whores in Rome are important characters, even though they sound unimportant. But they are...
The Secret Life of Bees
For my outside reading assignment for December break, I chose to read 'The Secret Life of Bees" written by Sue Monk Kidd. The book was a phenomenal pick and I am guessing that several of you have already read it, because it has been on the New York Bestseller's list for a substantial amount of time.
With its complex arguments and conflicts, "The Secret Life of Bees" demonstrates the burdened lifestyle young Lily Owens, must encounter each and every day. At age four years old, Lily Owens kills her mother in an accidental shooting. Throughout the novel, we experience Lily's journey as she searches for love and compassion that was lost along with her mothers' life. Interestingly enough, the only compassion Lily finds is when she is with her African caretaker Rosaleen and when she runs away from her father with Rosaleen and comes across three African women who are bee keepers and live in a pink house. Lily is forced to make a decision between being loved while shunned because she is a white girl living in a house full of African women, or return home to her father where happiness ceases to exist.
Throughout the novel, Lily finds comfort and strength through religion and bees. Kidd uses these small insects that usually represent fear and panic and instead demonstrates the support these tiny creatures hold for Lily.
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Bees-Monk-Kidd/dp/0143114557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262562782&sr=8-1
Sherlock Holmes
>
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes: The Movie
Holmes never said, “Elementary, my dear Watson”.
The name “Sherlock Holmes” has become one of the most recognizable names in all of history, ranking up there with “Shakespeare”, transcending the name of a single person to become an honored title, withstanding the test of time. There are myriad books, stories, and even movies that deal with the revered detective, so “reading Sherlock Holmes” turned out to be a difficult task. At last, I settled upon a book that presented 12 of Sir Doyle’s stories (the original Adventures):
1. A Scandal in Bohemia
2. The Red-Headed League
3. A Case of Identity
4. The Boscombe Valley Mystery
5. The Five Orange Pips
6. The Man with the Twisted Lip
7. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
8. The Adventure of the Speckled Band
9. The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb
10. The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor
11. The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet
12. The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
Each of these stories is told by an aging Watson, looking back on his notes for each respective case and detailing how his partner managed to solve each and every case using little else but his lens and his brain. The art lies in the way that Doyle manages to challenge the reader – almost taunting us. He warns us to not speed read, or else Holmes will once again show us up. Whether it is something as seemingly trivial as a cane knocking against the pavement (Red-Headed League), or something as blatantly obvious as a hanging rope (Speckled Band), Doyle has the gift to present to the reader all of the details, yet still leave us in the dark.
Ultimately, what Doyle accomplishes is revolutionary – teaching incompetent detectives and people a thing or two about crime and even life itself. Don’t rush through just for the sake of getting through, lest you be bested by others more careful and introspective. This is definitely recommended for anyone who likes to live life in the fast lane as a guide to slowing down and still living an exciting life and is a necessity for those aspiring to be crime detectives.
Also, a note on Holmes' character: it seems that society has been all too kind to Sherlock Holmes. He was truly a jerk and a druggie, albeit an intelligent one. Whether he be "alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition", or his speaking in condescending manners to Watson.
An American Childhood- Annie Dillard
An American Childhood is Annie Dillard's memoir of growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950's. I read this book because I had been rampant in thought and engrossed and emotionally invested in Catcher and its themes, and had loved the discussion- I didn't feel ready and simply did not want to leave Catcher in the dust. Here I found a novel that promised a complete and reliable account of growing up (she explores every phase- beginning at 5 and ending when she is getting ready to leave Pittsburgh at 17) that was sure to touch on Catcher ideas ( becoming awake, truth, illusion, leaving childhood etc.) and also come from a truly remarkable and insightful voice, as Annie Dillard's work has always seemed to me.
Dillard tells the story of her childhood "interior life" through a sharp and observant lens that combines her childhood personality and perspective of the time with ominous insight that comes from looking back as an adult. The experiences she recalls are perhaps universal and unremarkable in terms of what childhood is (filling the gaping holes of boredom with imagination: inventing games and ideas, playing in the woods, being with friends, being alone, reading and learning and exploring that knowledge in the real world- She was more intelligent than I am now in many ways at only 9 years old, reading books about insects and birds and rocks and butterflies and adventuring to explore them in the real world, identify them, collect them, explain them as an expert...) but she somehow takes the ordinary and turns all of her experiences into remarkable comments on life. Ultimately, (although it may sound cheesy or cliche) I think the novel celebrates just living life, curiosity, and the wonders of the world- what life has to offer- how we perceive those possibilities as we are young and when we become older, what nature and history and the world can be, the vastness of exploration. She is close to concluding the novel when she writes, "And still I break up through the skin of awareness a thousand times a day" (250). The novel begins when she is 5 and bewildered and entranced by life, and I think it ends in the same way.
I love this book and I know I will revisit it frequently. I do think it is the kind of novel that you can read again and again and at different times discover something new and extraordinary in every read (I feel that I have only absorbed a mere fraction of the books depth in this week), or just purely enjoy it every time, if only to put it down marveling at Annie Dillard as an author herself. While the childhood stories she tells may seem light and unremarkable, the ideas and the insight that come with them seemed to me as profound and heavy, and at times I had to put it down in order to really absorb what she was saying and consider what I thought of it. If anything, her prose give you everything to think about.
Annie Dillard's language in this book is so beautiful and spirited that I found myself reading slower and slower as I went. Her story is the "American Childhood" and I think that most everyone will see a piece of their childhood reflected in hers, or a piece of her anywhere from innocence to adolescence inherent in themselves. The New York Times comments on this book, Annie Dillard is one of those people who seem to be more fully alive than most of us, more nearly wide awake than a human being generally gets to be". This is exactly what the book is like. If nothing else, I would genuinely want to read any and every book that entails being told a story from a like perspective.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/American-Childhood-Annie-Dillard/dp/0060915188
Dillard tells the story of her childhood "interior life" through a sharp and observant lens that combines her childhood personality and perspective of the time with ominous insight that comes from looking back as an adult. The experiences she recalls are perhaps universal and unremarkable in terms of what childhood is (filling the gaping holes of boredom with imagination: inventing games and ideas, playing in the woods, being with friends, being alone, reading and learning and exploring that knowledge in the real world- She was more intelligent than I am now in many ways at only 9 years old, reading books about insects and birds and rocks and butterflies and adventuring to explore them in the real world, identify them, collect them, explain them as an expert...) but she somehow takes the ordinary and turns all of her experiences into remarkable comments on life. Ultimately, (although it may sound cheesy or cliche) I think the novel celebrates just living life, curiosity, and the wonders of the world- what life has to offer- how we perceive those possibilities as we are young and when we become older, what nature and history and the world can be, the vastness of exploration. She is close to concluding the novel when she writes, "And still I break up through the skin of awareness a thousand times a day" (250). The novel begins when she is 5 and bewildered and entranced by life, and I think it ends in the same way.
I love this book and I know I will revisit it frequently. I do think it is the kind of novel that you can read again and again and at different times discover something new and extraordinary in every read (I feel that I have only absorbed a mere fraction of the books depth in this week), or just purely enjoy it every time, if only to put it down marveling at Annie Dillard as an author herself. While the childhood stories she tells may seem light and unremarkable, the ideas and the insight that come with them seemed to me as profound and heavy, and at times I had to put it down in order to really absorb what she was saying and consider what I thought of it. If anything, her prose give you everything to think about.
Annie Dillard's language in this book is so beautiful and spirited that I found myself reading slower and slower as I went. Her story is the "American Childhood" and I think that most everyone will see a piece of their childhood reflected in hers, or a piece of her anywhere from innocence to adolescence inherent in themselves. The New York Times comments on this book, Annie Dillard is one of those people who seem to be more fully alive than most of us, more nearly wide awake than a human being generally gets to be". This is exactly what the book is like. If nothing else, I would genuinely want to read any and every book that entails being told a story from a like perspective.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/American-Childhood-Annie-Dillard/dp/0060915188
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Unbearable-Lightness-Being-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060932139
I thought about how I would summarize the novel but I decided that it was pretty much impossible to really give this novel a summary, so I’ll just tell you the fundamentals of the story and just trust that you understand. Basically it is about these four people and their tangled, intricate relationships with one another in a time where the world is fighting against each other. However, through these four characters Kundera portrays his philosophy of life. Thus, the novel becomes not very plot based but more involved in the workings of the mind and society—especially in the ideas of lightness and weight.
The thing that ultimately prompted me to choose this novel was its title. It just seemed so poetical and almost dream-like that I couldn’t resist. Thankfully, the rest of the text followed the title perfectly. Kundera is able to craft a novel on the basis of beautiful, yet horrifying dreams and thoughts, and trigger many emotions and explain many phenomena through his use of striking language.
My one complaint of this novel would be that Kundera is too forward with his interpretations of his characters. I can see how Kundera is exploring his characters and philosophies whilst writing the novel and that his statements of what each action means is just him trying to find the answers himself but, I wish that not all his interpretations would be in the text but rather subtly inserted so that it can be left up for interpretation.
The novel was very thought-provoking and ultimately I believe that Kundera creates a novel that I look at as a masterpiece. I would not however recommend this to everyone. One who reads this novel I believe has to be patient since it is not very plot oriented but rather more focused on the complex ideas of the individual and society. Kundera contradicts the traditional, clear, organized form of a novel and instead crafts a book that acts almost as a record of the stream of consciousness for four characters, with the occasional statement by the author (which reminds us that these characters are rather a continuation of the thoughts that are in his mind).
I thought about how I would summarize the novel but I decided that it was pretty much impossible to really give this novel a summary, so I’ll just tell you the fundamentals of the story and just trust that you understand. Basically it is about these four people and their tangled, intricate relationships with one another in a time where the world is fighting against each other. However, through these four characters Kundera portrays his philosophy of life. Thus, the novel becomes not very plot based but more involved in the workings of the mind and society—especially in the ideas of lightness and weight.
The thing that ultimately prompted me to choose this novel was its title. It just seemed so poetical and almost dream-like that I couldn’t resist. Thankfully, the rest of the text followed the title perfectly. Kundera is able to craft a novel on the basis of beautiful, yet horrifying dreams and thoughts, and trigger many emotions and explain many phenomena through his use of striking language.
My one complaint of this novel would be that Kundera is too forward with his interpretations of his characters. I can see how Kundera is exploring his characters and philosophies whilst writing the novel and that his statements of what each action means is just him trying to find the answers himself but, I wish that not all his interpretations would be in the text but rather subtly inserted so that it can be left up for interpretation.
The novel was very thought-provoking and ultimately I believe that Kundera creates a novel that I look at as a masterpiece. I would not however recommend this to everyone. One who reads this novel I believe has to be patient since it is not very plot oriented but rather more focused on the complex ideas of the individual and society. Kundera contradicts the traditional, clear, organized form of a novel and instead crafts a book that acts almost as a record of the stream of consciousness for four characters, with the occasional statement by the author (which reminds us that these characters are rather a continuation of the thoughts that are in his mind).
The Green Mile (from Greg)
Greg's account was not working so I'm posting it for him:
Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Mile-Six-Box-Set/dp/0451933028/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
The Green Mile By Stephen King
With a mix or brutal tragedy and sophisticated details, The Green Mile by Stephen King will remain one of my favorite books of all time. Set on "death row" in a 1930's prison (Cold Mountain Penitentiary), the story depicts both the miraculous and tragic events that surround one man, John Coffey, one of the rows temporary residents. The story told by Paul Edgecomb, the wings head honcho prison guard, who is reflecting on it some decades later from his own "death row". While the story will undoubtedly stretch your most innermost beliefs, it will do so in a way that is both memorable and emotional. You will be attached both emotionally and physically from cover to cover and beyond.
Another notable aspect of the story is the fact that it deals entirely with the conflicts between individuals and society, as well as individuals with themselves. I suppose that this story is as much a tool of education as it is a tool to provoke thought. Like in Mrs. Parrish's book, the characters were, for the most part, very realistic (you'll understand the "for the most part", after you've read it). One character in particular, Percy Whitmore, is the most dislikable human being I have ever been forced to acknowledge. This is the same for his counterpart, Brad Dolan, who is easily as dislikable if not more so in the end of the story. John Coffey on the other hand, couldn't be more likeable and human despite his gifts. What are these? You ask. You will just have to read to find out.
Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Mile-Six-Box-Set/dp/0451933028/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
The Green Mile By Stephen King
With a mix or brutal tragedy and sophisticated details, The Green Mile by Stephen King will remain one of my favorite books of all time. Set on "death row" in a 1930's prison (Cold Mountain Penitentiary), the story depicts both the miraculous and tragic events that surround one man, John Coffey, one of the rows temporary residents. The story told by Paul Edgecomb, the wings head honcho prison guard, who is reflecting on it some decades later from his own "death row". While the story will undoubtedly stretch your most innermost beliefs, it will do so in a way that is both memorable and emotional. You will be attached both emotionally and physically from cover to cover and beyond.
Another notable aspect of the story is the fact that it deals entirely with the conflicts between individuals and society, as well as individuals with themselves. I suppose that this story is as much a tool of education as it is a tool to provoke thought. Like in Mrs. Parrish's book, the characters were, for the most part, very realistic (you'll understand the "for the most part", after you've read it). One character in particular, Percy Whitmore, is the most dislikable human being I have ever been forced to acknowledge. This is the same for his counterpart, Brad Dolan, who is easily as dislikable if not more so in the end of the story. John Coffey on the other hand, couldn't be more likeable and human despite his gifts. What are these? You ask. You will just have to read to find out.
Treatise On Harmony by Jean-Philippe Rameau
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Treatise-Harmony-Jean-Philippe-Rameau/dp/0486224619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262553110&sr=8-1
As any student of musical composition will tell you, Rameau's Treatise On Harmony is one of thee most important books in the history and development of Western Music. The Treatise was originally published in 1722, during the late Baroque era in which galant-like--chordal (homophonic) melodies that worked to better distinguish the harmonic structure of a piece--pieces were beginning to be introduced. What made Rameau's first Treatise so significant during this period was his introduction of concepts such as that the triad is the most fundamental element in harmony, all melody is rooted in harmony (although this is not to be taken too seriously as Rameau makes it clear that this rule is based more on musical expression rather than the practice of composition), the tonic chord and the dominant chord are necessities in functional, tonal harmony, and chordal inversion in chordal succession that would become the basis of harmonic structure and theory for the next two hundred years.
The Treatise is separated into four books; the first contains mathematical explanations and "proof" of the concepts that Rameau goes on to explain in the other books. The second book is by far the most important and controversial as it explains many of the concepts I previously mentioned and serves as the basis for all tonal harmony. Book Three takes what was explained in previous books and demonstrates how to use such techniques in the practical method of composition. The last book is merely (and I do mean "merely") a practical guide to accompaniment on the harpsichord or organ which contains chapters such as "On how to find Chords on the Keyboard" and then some discussion on reading a figured bass.
The translation from French to English by Philip Gossett makes this book palatable seeing that Rameau's prose is dense, contains errors in syntax and is repetitious and disorganized. Gossett, without taking too much liberty over Rameau's language, makes most of the Treatise easy to understand given that one understands the concepts being explained. However, the first book is extremely difficult to comprehend, even in translation. Acknowledging that this is a result of Rameau's lack of ability to articulate the concepts, Gossett provides a section in the Translator's Introduction in which he explains the fundamentals of Rameau's mathematics and although he himself admits that "In several cases I have not been completely satisfied that I have understood Rameau's meaning, even after consultation with other scholars", I found Gossett's explanation of the basis of Rameau's mathematics to been incredibly helpful (and I'm awful at math so take my word that the math is really only elementary level algebra). Gossett provides his own notes as well as Rameau's notes from the originally included supplementary that prove to be extremely helpful in understanding the text as a whole. Despite the lack of organization of the text--which is accountable to Gossett's own discretion as not to stray too far from the original form of the text--I truly believe that this is the best translation available.
If you are interested in this book, however, I must warn you that it is not a great source to learn compositional techniques and theory from. I would never suggest this book to a beginner; even though the third book provides an adequate explanation of basic theory and voice-leading, I would argue not only that some of Rameau's theories are blatantly false (such as his modal theories and theories concerning the ninth chord) because of the lack of experience with those theories at the time, but that learning theory and composition is not the purpose for this book (not in this time period at least). Rather, one should read this book with at least a basic knowledge of Guidonean and later Medieval music--history and theory--and should have a firm understanding of modern compositional theory as not to be confused by Rameau's arguments. If one has such knowledge, this book's historical significance is more than clear and invites multiple re-readings in an attempt to truly understand the basis of Rameau's theoretical genius. I know I will be forever returning to this text.
As any student of musical composition will tell you, Rameau's Treatise On Harmony is one of thee most important books in the history and development of Western Music. The Treatise was originally published in 1722, during the late Baroque era in which galant-like--chordal (homophonic) melodies that worked to better distinguish the harmonic structure of a piece--pieces were beginning to be introduced. What made Rameau's first Treatise so significant during this period was his introduction of concepts such as that the triad is the most fundamental element in harmony, all melody is rooted in harmony (although this is not to be taken too seriously as Rameau makes it clear that this rule is based more on musical expression rather than the practice of composition), the tonic chord and the dominant chord are necessities in functional, tonal harmony, and chordal inversion in chordal succession that would become the basis of harmonic structure and theory for the next two hundred years.
The Treatise is separated into four books; the first contains mathematical explanations and "proof" of the concepts that Rameau goes on to explain in the other books. The second book is by far the most important and controversial as it explains many of the concepts I previously mentioned and serves as the basis for all tonal harmony. Book Three takes what was explained in previous books and demonstrates how to use such techniques in the practical method of composition. The last book is merely (and I do mean "merely") a practical guide to accompaniment on the harpsichord or organ which contains chapters such as "On how to find Chords on the Keyboard" and then some discussion on reading a figured bass.
The translation from French to English by Philip Gossett makes this book palatable seeing that Rameau's prose is dense, contains errors in syntax and is repetitious and disorganized. Gossett, without taking too much liberty over Rameau's language, makes most of the Treatise easy to understand given that one understands the concepts being explained. However, the first book is extremely difficult to comprehend, even in translation. Acknowledging that this is a result of Rameau's lack of ability to articulate the concepts, Gossett provides a section in the Translator's Introduction in which he explains the fundamentals of Rameau's mathematics and although he himself admits that "In several cases I have not been completely satisfied that I have understood Rameau's meaning, even after consultation with other scholars", I found Gossett's explanation of the basis of Rameau's mathematics to been incredibly helpful (and I'm awful at math so take my word that the math is really only elementary level algebra). Gossett provides his own notes as well as Rameau's notes from the originally included supplementary that prove to be extremely helpful in understanding the text as a whole. Despite the lack of organization of the text--which is accountable to Gossett's own discretion as not to stray too far from the original form of the text--I truly believe that this is the best translation available.
If you are interested in this book, however, I must warn you that it is not a great source to learn compositional techniques and theory from. I would never suggest this book to a beginner; even though the third book provides an adequate explanation of basic theory and voice-leading, I would argue not only that some of Rameau's theories are blatantly false (such as his modal theories and theories concerning the ninth chord) because of the lack of experience with those theories at the time, but that learning theory and composition is not the purpose for this book (not in this time period at least). Rather, one should read this book with at least a basic knowledge of Guidonean and later Medieval music--history and theory--and should have a firm understanding of modern compositional theory as not to be confused by Rameau's arguments. If one has such knowledge, this book's historical significance is more than clear and invites multiple re-readings in an attempt to truly understand the basis of Rameau's theoretical genius. I know I will be forever returning to this text.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Amazon link
I had been meaning to read Olive Kitteridge for a long time. It is a novel comprised of inter-connected short stories that all concern, at least indirectly, Olive Kitteridge, a somewhat gruff, aging (by the end of the novel retired) middle school math teacher. The novel reminded me a bit of Sherwood Anderson's Winesberg, Ohio in that the town itself is perhaps as much of a character as it is a setting.
I think that what Strout does with the town and with Olive, the only character to appear in each story, is interesting, but I'm a little bit wary of the structure of the novel and the potential it has to be gimicky. I found myself wondering how, if at all, the novel was better served being told in short stories through a variety of limited-3rd person points of view. If Strout's aim was to make the novel about the town (rather than, say, about Olive) or about the process of aging, settling, redefining expectations in old age, then the stories could potentially reveal things that a more traditional narrative couldn't. On reading the novel once, however, I am not convinced that the town of Crosby IS central to the novel in any way other than as the setting.
Ultimately, the characters were subtle and felt real (especially Olive who I found realistically unlikeable) but to me the tone was also a bit sanctimonious. Whether this was deliberate in the author's attempt to make every aspect of the text (including language, perhaps) sharpen our understanding of Olive was not clear to me. I would not put this on the top of a list for all of you, though I absolutely found the writing itself to be clean, thoughtful, even beautiful at times.
I had been meaning to read Olive Kitteridge for a long time. It is a novel comprised of inter-connected short stories that all concern, at least indirectly, Olive Kitteridge, a somewhat gruff, aging (by the end of the novel retired) middle school math teacher. The novel reminded me a bit of Sherwood Anderson's Winesberg, Ohio in that the town itself is perhaps as much of a character as it is a setting.
I think that what Strout does with the town and with Olive, the only character to appear in each story, is interesting, but I'm a little bit wary of the structure of the novel and the potential it has to be gimicky. I found myself wondering how, if at all, the novel was better served being told in short stories through a variety of limited-3rd person points of view. If Strout's aim was to make the novel about the town (rather than, say, about Olive) or about the process of aging, settling, redefining expectations in old age, then the stories could potentially reveal things that a more traditional narrative couldn't. On reading the novel once, however, I am not convinced that the town of Crosby IS central to the novel in any way other than as the setting.
Ultimately, the characters were subtle and felt real (especially Olive who I found realistically unlikeable) but to me the tone was also a bit sanctimonious. Whether this was deliberate in the author's attempt to make every aspect of the text (including language, perhaps) sharpen our understanding of Olive was not clear to me. I would not put this on the top of a list for all of you, though I absolutely found the writing itself to be clean, thoughtful, even beautiful at times.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Ellen Foster
Amazon link: www.amazon.com/Ellen-Foster-Kaye-Gibbons/
Ellen Foster is a book written by Kaye Gibbons and involves a young girl named Ellen whos mother dies and father is an abusive alcoholic. Once her father dies, Ellen is orphaned and is tossed from foster home to foster home, while she is hoping to achieve a new beginning and new identity. This book is similar to The Catcher in the Rye in many ways- through diction, word choice, plot and personal voice, Ellen is very similar to Holden. Gibbons' novel explores many complexities of Ellen's character but articulates them in a way that makes the audience believe these thoughts and emoitions are coming from an eleven year old girl. Overall, this book was enjoyable, and I would reccommend it to others in our class. Having read Catcher in the Rye prior to this book, I was able to make many connections and similarities that I would have otherwise overlooked.
-Kara
Ellen Foster is a book written by Kaye Gibbons and involves a young girl named Ellen whos mother dies and father is an abusive alcoholic. Once her father dies, Ellen is orphaned and is tossed from foster home to foster home, while she is hoping to achieve a new beginning and new identity. This book is similar to The Catcher in the Rye in many ways- through diction, word choice, plot and personal voice, Ellen is very similar to Holden. Gibbons' novel explores many complexities of Ellen's character but articulates them in a way that makes the audience believe these thoughts and emoitions are coming from an eleven year old girl. Overall, this book was enjoyable, and I would reccommend it to others in our class. Having read Catcher in the Rye prior to this book, I was able to make many connections and similarities that I would have otherwise overlooked.
-Kara
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