George Saunders on The Importance of Kindness:

George Saunders on The Importance of Kindness:

    George Saunders employs techniques of narrative in his speech The Importance of Kindness. One way he accomplishes this is through the use of imagery to support characterization. The memory of a new student in his seventh grade class is retold in vivid detail. He describes “Ellen”, a name given for retelling purposes, stating, “she was small, shy, she wore these catseye glasses which at the time only old ladies wore.” This description allows listeners to not only picture her, but draw conclusions about her character. His statement that she wore glasses that only old ladies wore reveals that she was different than the other kids at school, and most likely did not fit in. Another way he utilizes narrative techniques is through the inclusion of movement. He shows this by traveling from a small story to a greater idea. He eludes that the theme of the story is kindness by stating a goal as to be kinder in his introduction. He revisits this concept of kindness at the end of the piece when he generalizes that the people we remember most and have warm feelings towards are those who were nice to us. Saunders uses this story from his childhood to make the argument that we should be kinder to people.

    Saunders exhibits perceptivity by providing observations he made about Ellen throughout the year. He talks about watching her hang her head after she was teased by peers and the hurt he watched her feel. He states that “she was trying as much as possible to disappear.” This reveals that he was aware of her actions and was able to make the assumption that she began to attempt to go unnoticed. Saunders shows an understanding of Ellen’s feelings although he never mentions any conversations that took place between them. This shows that he often put himself in her shoes in order to see things from her perspective.

    Saunders offers the surprising information that the reason he is retelling this story is because he still is always thinking about it even though it was over 40 years ago. It is powerful that he would recall such an unimportant event in his life, and speaks to the impact it had on him. He states, “what I regret most in my life are the failures of kindness.” Listeners might assume that he must have been mean, or unkind to Ellen considering the regret he seems to have about the situation. However, he discloses that he was never rude to her, and sometimes even stood up for her. I think that even though he wasn’t one of the kids causing her pain he still carries with him the regret that he wasn’t able to stop her from moving away.

Catcher in the Rye post 2

Within Holden's vignette about the suitcases, he makes a powerful statement that provides insight to his perspective of the world around him. He states, "...it's really hard to be roommates with people if your suitcases are much better than theirs - if yours are really good ones and theirs aren't.  You think if they're intelligent and all, the other person, and have a good sense of humor, that they don't give a --- whose suitcases are better, but they do.  They really do" (Salinger 121). Holden is trying to say that people judge others by what kind of suitcase they carry. He elaborated on this idea of suitcases, extending it to represent the prejudices that are ingrained in people. He expresses his dislike for how people define others, although admitting he himself can be guilty of stereotyping also. I believe this is an important moment in his story because it states the purpose for his writing, and creates strong connection to the world that readers are able to identify with.

Catcher in the Rye 9-10

Blog option two:

As Holden’s complex nature is continues to develop, it is revealed that his self-descriptions are somewhat inaccurate. He portrays himself as someone who is able to get whatever he wants, including cocktails at a bar, when in reality he isn’t. Holden’s overconfidence is shown when he states, “I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it-I said it fast as ---, because if you hem and haw, they think you’re under twenty-one and won’t sell you any intoxicating liquor” (Salinger 78). When the bartender refuses him the drink it is proven that Holden’s trick for appearing older is ineffective. The inconsistency between his perception and reality can cause the reader to question his reliability as a narrator.

In addition to being out of touch with himself, Holden is also out of touch with the world around him. He fails to realize that the girls at the Lavender Room did not take him seriously. He stated, “ I should have given them the freeze, after they did that, but the trouble was I really felt like dancing” (Salinger 78). This statement by Holden implies he believed he was above the girls, and was giving them an opportunity by continuing to pursue them. In reality, the giggling and disengagement of the girls in conversation with Holden show that they were not interested. This incident alludes to the fact that Holden is unaware of his surroundings and oblivious to much of the world around him.  

Holden’s characterization can relate to Romanticism and the value of imagination and emotions. His character possesses qualities unique to his individual. Holden’s constant annoyance with change relates to the concept of Romanticism where nature is unchanging. He appears to be on his own path to moral development, as he battles his emotions and copes with pain.

Reading Wishlist

Book 5: 41 - A portrait of my Father by George W. Bush

Book Talk

Book 4 Project

Memorial Day by Vince Flynn

In the novel Memorial Day, Vince Flynn draws in factual information on the terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, while exploring the roots of their animosity towards America. Although the plot is based off a fictitious mission, the encounters with members of Al-Qaeda parallel potential experiences in real life, and work to reveal the motivations of radical Islamics.

Al-Qaeda is perceived to have originated under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden, and his advisors, who sought to establish an organization that violently opposed the government of the United States. They then worked to forge alliances with other radical supporters. An article from The Religion of Peace describes how this association of terrorists established training camps in which they would preach their extremist interpretation of Islam to future generations. This idea is expressed in the book when a terrorist's motivations were described as “part of an ongoing battle between his people and the nonbelievers” (Flynn 107). This statement represents the real life conflict between believers in violence, as expressed in the Koran, and those who have adjusted their interpretation based on moral preconceptions. Reference to this division is made when Rapp told an Al-Qaeda member, “The crown prince believes in Allah, but he does not buy into all that Wahhabi crap” (Flynn 163). By saying this, Rapp eludes to the fact that youth of the Middle East have been misinformed of the true mission of Allah. Wahhabism, as referenced, is a form of Islam that insists on a literal interpretation of the Koran, and therefore advocates violence.

In addition to the Al Qaeda references, Vince Flynn also chooses to reveal information in regards to the bureaucracy of the United States government. He holds the belief that all of the red tape is a fundamental reason we have been prone to terror attacks in the past, and are likely to experience more in the future. A detrimental effect, as a result of America’s dispersion of authority, is that it presents challenges in times when it is critical to act quickly and efficiently. This is shown in the novel when Rapp protests, “These guys were involved in a plot to set off a nuclear bomb in Washington D.C., and now I’m being told by the FBI that I can’t talk to them, because they've got a lawyer” (Flynn 347). Rapp's frustration with the government's inability to allow the CIA to intervene reflects the annoyance of CIA members in today's society. This situation in which the government prohibits the CIA from intervening, even when the safety of the country and its inhabitants is at risk, provides an easy scenario for readers to understand. It is likely that after reading this line, as well as others containing a similar message, that individuals will relate to Rapp’s feelings of irritation. A comparable situation to this is the challenges the CIA faced with the government when attempting to capture Osama Bin Laden. The movie Zero Dark Thirty depicts this by showing a running count of the days the government knew the location of Osama Bin Laden before granting anyone permission to take action. Both of these examples exemplify the effects of complex government regulations and the efficiency that is compromised as a result.

Vince Flynn’s incorporation of present day topics of controversy add meaning to the text, as well as elevate its impact on readers. It is evident that Flynn holds strong personal opinions on these topics, and attempts to leverage his stance by providing readers with examples where they are able to clearly see his side. I believe his passion for issues such as torture and bureaucracy enable him to produce invigorating novels that both entertain and inform his audience.  

References:

"The Quran's Verses of Violence." The Quran's Verses of Violence. Web. 26 May 2015.

Book 3 Listicle

5 Reasons Beth and Logan are meant to be together

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks tells the journey of Marine Sergeant, Logan Thibault, and his mission to find the women who kept him safe through three tours in Iraq. This story follows the path of fate and its ability to lead to everlasting love with the unexpected bond that forms between Beth and Logan.

1. Logan stumbled upon Beths picture in the midst of war

In the midst of dirt and rubble from war ravaged lands, Logan stumbled upon a picture of a women who came to change his life. FInding this picture and making the decision to keep it with him is an example of fate working its magic. Although he was skeptical to believe that it was his “lucky charm,” he vowed to find the women in the picture if he were to survive the war.

2. Logan steps in as a father figure to Ben

Ben’s biological father, Keith, was never good to him. Keith had continuous abrupt mood swings and dissatisfaction towards Ben. He would have much rather had a son who was into sports and instead felt as if he “got stuck” with a sissy son. Although Beth was able to provide a loving home for Ben, and a positive influence in his life, he lacked a father figure until Logan stepped in. Once Logan began working at the kennel he would play ball with him in the yard, teach him to play the piano, and help him practice the violin. Logan made Ben feel appreciated, excepted Ben for who he was, and gave him the confidence he needed to be himself.

3. Beth was single and alone

Beth, single mom of a 3 year old son, Ben, struggled with the guilt of not providing him a household with both a mother and a father. She was in a constant battle with her emotions when it came down to letting Ben go see his father, Keith, and keeping him safe from his bad bad examples. Aside from her challenges with Keith, Beth also faced difficulties when trying to find someone else to love. Constantly working, she never had the time for herself to go out and date, although she often wishes she did. After years of rejection feeling she began to believe that she “was simply meant to live my life alone.” However, her future began to look bright again when one day Logan walked into her life and changed things forever.

4. Logans ability to adapt to her lifestyle

As a veteran, Logan’s lack of obligations and home life enabled him to walk from Colorado to Hampton, North Carolina in search of the women from the picture. After just returning from the terrors of war, Logan Thibault finds comfort in this calming town. Mountains, evergreens, and crystal clear lakes make this scenic place stand out to those passing through. When Beth asked Logan what he liked about the small town of Hampton he replied, "The quiet. When I'm here, no one asks me questions or asks me to do stuff. I can sit here and think.” Although it was not just stumbled upon, he comes to love the peace of the town, as well as it’s inhabitants.

5. Before his sudden death, Victor told Logan to find the women from the picture

Logan’s friend and fellow Marine, Victor, believed the picture kept Logan safe during his time in Iraq. After finding the photo, Logan survived through car bombings, raids, and other events that he should not have. Upon their return from tour, Victor and Logan went out for a day on a boat where a larger boat recklessly took Victors life. Before his death, he continued to express to Logan that he needed to find the women from the picture, and that it was his destiny. Although Beth became confused after finding this out, she learned to understand Logan intentions and accepted that “his friend Victor called it a lucky charm,” and it just might have been.

Life has mysterious ways of bringing people together, as shown throughout the novel. Nicholas Sparks brings to life a story of how fate and destiny brought Logan and Beth together. While this story was written for the purpose of entertainment, it serves as a reminder to us of life’s unexpected plans.

Post 5

In my opinion to be considered non-fiction, a book should have at least 90% of factual material. I believe the story, if claimed to be true, should not stray away from actual events, or completely make up stories. However, with that being said, I believe it is unrealistic for a great non-fiction piece to be 100% factual. It is understandable to add embellishments, or in some cases slight exaggerations, in order to make the story more engaging to the reader. Telling the "half-truth" can be okay, as long as the end result is the same. If you expand upon events that actually happened to you, but alter minor details of those events, it is justifiable. There is a fine line between telling an embellished version of your life story, and re-writing your life. Memoirists who in essence re-write their life, should not be able to consider their stories memoirs, due the readers inaccurate assumption you really lived the events described. I disagree with David Shield's opinion that we do not need lines between genres. It is important that books maintain their labels so that those who have told the story of their lives receive credit, historical events are able to be factually portrayed, and readers are able to distinguish between reality and fiction.

Book 2 project; Adapting American Snipper

When adapting American Sniper into a film, the three most important decisions I would need to make as a director would be soundtrack, casting, and essential scenes.

When compiling a soundtrack, I would select songs that represent the patriotic theme of the movie, as well as capture the emotions of characters. A few songs I would select are American Soldier and Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith, as well as Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood. American soldier describes the same challenges Chris faces with "trying to be a father, raise a daughter and a son" and "be a lover to their mother." Written from a viewpoint of an American Soldier, the song tells how he sees it as his responsibility to fight for our freedom, just as Chris does. It emphasizes that they don't do it for the money, or glory, but that they are willing to sacrifice everything because it's the right thing to do. Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue well represents Chris's desire to fight for our country after seeing the nation falling under attack. The song expresses the same emotions that Chris has in his anger towards terrorism, and determination to get retribution. Just a Dream portrays a wife’s anguish after finding out her husband died while away at war. She struggles with all the plans they had made for a life together, and can't believe that he is really gone. These emotions parallel those that Taya experienced after losing her husband unexpected, and was left to raise two children on her own.

The Casting Choices are a critical part to a successful adaptation. It is important that the actors live up to the expectations that readers have created for them. A cast that is able to spend time training to act the part of that person is needed. Also, since in the case of this movie, they are playing real people, it is vital that they study that person in order to accurately portray them.

A challenge for this movie is selecting essential scenes by narrowing it down to the ones most critical to the plot. The following scenes are those that I would select to include in the movie.

Kyle seeing bombings of the U.S. embassy in 1998, and it driving him to enlist in the navy, where he eventually become a SEAL.

Kyle meets Taya at bar.

Kyle's first kill of a woman who attacked U.S. marines with a grenade.

He returns home to wife and birth of son, where he is distracted by memories of war. Taya begs Chris to come home to his family for good, but Chris wants to continue to serve.

Kyle returns home from second tour to birth of his daughter.

During his fourth tour, Kyle takes out "mustafa" in a long distance shot of 2100 feet (8th longest sniper kill recorded).

He comes home and struggles from PTSD so he decides to work with other veterans also struggling at shooting range.

Kyle says goodbye to his wife and kids as he leaves to help a veteran at the shooting range.

Memorial service for Chris's death after he was tragically killed by the veteran at the shooting range.

American Assassin - Book 1 Project

American Assassin

The Video Game

 

Join Mitch Rapp  in his mission to combat terrorism, leading him through a series of clandestine operations, and rising him to become of the most remarkable assassins. The American Assassin video game allows you to enter his world, while remaining in the safety of your home. Accompany Rapp on his travels around the world, leading him from one dangerous country to another, and leaving behind only what remains of his enemies.

This video game replicates the series of undercover operations CIA agent Mitch Rapp is sent on in order to bring terrorists to justice, and protect the citizens of the United States. After being recruited at the beginning of the novel by CIA director, Irene Kennedy, Rapp endures months of hard training before trading in his normal life. In this game, rules are irrelevant, just as they are to covert agents. Mitch Rapp made his directors aware of this, telling them, “I have a history of disregarding orders (170).” From successful kills to escaping from capture, you get to lead Mitch Rapp through every situation, and learn for yourself how split second decisions impact the future of your life (or in this case, the game). Replicated off of the original missions in American Assassin, you start off in Istanbul and work your way across Europe, battling various terrorist factions at every stop. As you get to take part in the missions, you gain an understanding of how typical moral concerns must be set aside when dealing with terrorist. This game represents the same beliefs as author, Vince Flynn, that America must abandon traditional rules of warfare and employ more aggressive tactics in order to save more lives. Rapp describes this idea by stating, “Retribution is a punishment that is morally right and fully deserved (93).” Readers, having had an understanding for what Rapp is referring to, will maintain a greater appreciation for the dangerous tasks agents like him face. Ohlmeyer, a worker for the CIA tells Rapp that his type is “the hunter,” something that is “imprinted in his genetic code (256).” This quality enables Rapp to become a killer, and a great asset to the United States. This game will allow you to get the opportunity to find out if you have what it takes, and if you are in fact a “hunter” also.

This video game provides the ultimate experience for everyone who can't get enough of Mitch Rapp. Those who find themselves having dreams of taking down enemies are now able to put their skills to the test. This game will provide people the opportunity to follow along on missions they have read about, as well as journey on to more. By creating this interactive virtual world, fans are able to stay connected with the author, characters, and ideas of the book long after finishing it. This game will also broaden the audience to those who are not big readers, but still want to gain the experience of the plot. Not only will fans be able to enjoy this game on their own, but they can also team up and play with friends in a battle mission. The creation of this game will bring the book to life, pull in a greater fan base, and allow Rapp fans to get more of the action they crave.

Post 2: What is a book?

To me, a book is a place. A place that takes you back in time, springs you forward, or simply keeps you grounded in reality. Whether it is bound with a spine, folded into a 3 dimensional shape, or read from the screen of a technological devise, it is a book. Regardless of its outward appearance, and book or unbook like qualities, it is the message inside that makes it a novel. To be a book it must have a collection of words that work together to form a story of sorts, or at least be a multitude of concise statements. Although my interpretation of what defines a book is loose, I’m not to say a bowl of alphabet soup should be classified as a book just because of its letters. But I am also not to say that a story read from a screen is not a book because it lacks the “look, feel and smell” as Nancy Jo Sales does, when it is still, very obviously, a book. Those who classify pieces as a book based off its physicality are confusing their personal reading preferences, with the question they are addressing. The question being what makes a book a book, it is illogical to argue that because a book is copied onto a screen it is no longer a book, when the place it takes you is the same. I agree with Victor LaValle’s statement that, “It’s not the book, but the idea of the book.” There is nothing “magical” about a book, but instead about the place it takes you. The message encompassed within a novel is more important than the form it comes in itself, which makes the discussion of tangible books vs. eBooks strictly on one of preference.  A book is like a time machine, so regardless of the form you are reading it in, allow yourself to travel to a new place.

Why I read

Reading is an activity enjoyed by some, hated by others, and done by all. Whether you choose to read for pure pleasure, or are forced to for the sake of your English grade, everyone has their reasons for reading. It has become a priority in our education system that children learn to read as soon as possible. Besides the fact that it is necessary for means of communication, some people view it as a vital activity that must be practiced routinely. Although this may be true, there is something to be said for the growing numbers of children who have come to despise reading due to the pressure of parents and teachers. I was among those children. Still today you wouldn't find me tucked in the corner of a library with my nose in a book, but I have come to be okay with reading, and even at times enjoy it. When given the option to read something that interests me, it alleviated the pressure, and allowed me to simply read on my own terms.

My primary purpose for reading is for educational purposes, and for the knowledge that can be gained from it. By this I do not mean reading solely for school, nor do I mean picking up a math textbook on the weekends for fun, but rather reading books that mean something to my life, and to our society. Maintaining a strong interest in history and politics, I am drawn to primarily non-fiction books. Through reading from this genre of literature I am able to learn more about history, as well as get the opportunity to see things from a new perspective.