Just Hatin’-

In no particular order,

First They Killed my Father- I don’t understand why we even read it. The story is powerful and fascinating but why would we read this book in an English class? It isn’t really a good example of literature since the author’s writing style is dry and uncreative. The only scenario I can imagine where this book should be taught would be in a class about genocide. Like Catherine, it bothers me when we spend time in English class learning about the Holocaust. The Holocaust and other genocides are historical events, not pieces of literature. They should be taught in history class. First They Killed my Father is completely worthless as far as education. I’m sorry but I get the feeling that we only read this because it’s one of Mrs. Berdick’s favorite books.

The Catcher In the Rye- Overall, The Catcher in the Rye is a good book and is impressively written. The way the J.D. Salinger is able to capture and emulate such a strong personality is amazing. Even great authors like Willa Cather had a hard time writing books with characters that weren’t self-reflecting so maybe Salinger was actually an angsty teenager on the inside. Either way, the style and constant in-character writing is striking. On a side note, I caught myself trying not to identify with Holden while I was reading. I was probably trying to prove the point that I’m not like him. The way Holden’s attitude is the stereotype of all teenagers is annoying because not all of us are snotty complainers.

My Antonia- This was a profound book as well as a great example of good literature. Unlike Loung Ung, Willa Cather is an author truly worth studying. Her metaphors and the images she conveys tell us things she couldn’t have captured in words. The only problem is that My Antonia is extremely hard to understand. Throughout the book it was hard to keep track of the characters. Reading it casually and comprehending everything seems impossible. In that way, her realistic writing style makes her books harder to enjoy, at least in some ways.

Inherit the Wind- Was entertaining with interesting characters although corny at times. Certain parts of the book, such as Hornbeck’s witty dialogues, make it worth reading while at other points the interaction between characters seems exaggerated as though to prove a point. Could it be that once again English class is trying to teach us morals? Shame on you, English department.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream- We really don’t need to be learning Shakespeare. It’s fairly impractical and the language just doesn’t translate well enough to be enjoyable. Sure the guy was a great writer a few hundred years ago but it’s 2011 now. I’d rather read a book about two star-crossed lovers than a book about srevol dessorc-rats owt because one is would be enjoyable and the other would be a pain in the… behind. Sure Shakespeare’s plays were difficult to write but that doesn’t make them good. In general, Shakespeare’s plays are like hairy Catholic girls.

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