1st Semester Reading

My Antonia: I had very mixed feelings about this book. At times I loved reading it. Others, not so much. I didn't think the story was unique in itself, just in the format in which it was told. Jim was, for me, almost like a third person narrator at times. He had almost no emotion, so it was very hard to relate to what Jim was actually feeling and understand him. However, I thought that Cather's writing was beautiful. The way she writes makes me want to create something close to the simple beauty of her words. Maybe just not as boring...

Catcher in the Rye: I have to say this was the best book I've ever read in school. It was funny, relatable, and had moments of insight. I just really enjoyed Holden’s narration altogether. He was a very amusing, complex character and despite his many issues, very likable. I just sort of wish that the reader got to see more of Holden’s life after the book closes. It is very abrupt end and it would’ve been nice to see if he actually ever learned anything.

A Midsummer’s Night Dream: I can’t say I liked this book very much, but then again I’m not Shakespeare’s biggest fan by any means. I recognize that he was a very clever and talented writer, but like Sam was saying, I can’t find much meaning behind the words. I end up just becoming irritated with the characters for their foolishness that caused the problem in the first place. None of the characters were very realistic or well developed, I agree with Katie in that Puck was the most likable character.

Inherit the Wind: While I liked the premise of the play, I found the actual material to be a little dull. The concepts behind the play are much more interesting to me, like the idea of freedom to think. I don’t find it very exciting to read plays because I like to know what the characters are actually feeling, which is the best aspect of a real novel. I did like the witty journalist E.K. Hornbeck, many of his snide remarks made good points in the story. He just made the tedious court proceedings in the book more bearable.

First They Killed My Father: I enjoyed reading this book, even though at points it was terribly sad and hard to get through. I disagree with people who think reading this book in English class isn’t relevant. It is completely relevant, for people need to be aware that events like the ones that happen to Loung are real, and reading the experience firsthand is the best way to understand. It doesn’t matter what class we are in, it is all just learning and understanding more about the world. You don’t have to like the book or even appreciate the author’s writing. Everyone should take something away from it, though. This book isn’t about winning literary prizes. It is about trying to stop a horror like the one that happened in Cambodia from ever happening again.