Independent Reading Post #1

For the fourth marking period Independent Reading assignment, I am reading The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff. My favorite part about the book is the author's style. The book is written as if Hoff is actually having a conversation with Pooh, and through Pooh's dialogue, it is very clear why Hoff chose Pooh to teach the public about ancient Chinese philosophy. Pooh's personality matches the ideal Taoist way of life remarkably well. This book is also a very light and happy read, which is a nice change from The Kite Runner. So far, I have really enjoyed this book and have no intention of changing my choice.

"Dirty Mouth? Clean it up with orbit gum."

I feel that if an author wants to convey a certain situation, it may make the book more realistic if obscene language is used. However, the author needs to understand that using this language for any other purpose than to make a scene more life-like can cause controversy and possibly offend the reader. If the author feels that obscene language is necessary to deliver the same shock as the original scene or dialogue, than obscene language could probably have a place in the book. Although obscene language can be used to deliver shock and provoke a strong reaction in the reader, there is a fine line between what is appropriate and inappropriate.

Walk the Line (4/21)

Authors convey powerful scenes in their writing in order to engage the reader, to give the reader an idea of the severity of the situation, and to evoke emotion in the reader. If the book did not consist of powerful scenes, it would be much less realistic and believable, which will compromise the quality of a work of fiction that is supposed to be based on historical events. If the reader is not drawn in emotionally, he/she will not relate to the characters and will not be able to understand what exactly they are experiencing. Society has played a role in influencing the types of scenes that authors choose to depict in their book because sometimes society does not want to know the whole truth. If a book overuses powerful scenes, the book may be too heavy or disturbing for the reader, and the book will get bad reviews, not sell very well, or be the subject of controversy in the media. Instead, society likes to see just enough to be drawn into the book and to be able to relate to the characters and the plot. However, in the end, society likes to see traces of heroism and hope in even the most disturbing books.

To Atone or Not to Atone (4/15)

I believe that atonement is always possible if the person truly regrets what they have done wrong and they have taken action to prove that whatever they did would not happen again. Everyday I make at least a few mistakes that I regret. For example, after getting too impatient with one of my siblings, I find atonement after becoming aware of my actions and trying harder to not get angry in order to compensate.

Free Write

I heard two gun shots in the distance. Instead of looking back, I ran as fast as I could on the slippery rocks. I didn't know who the two men were, but I knew that either one of them could have, in an instant, taken away my life, my hopes, my dreams, as well as the hopes and dreams for a peaceful country. As I ran, I remembered the days I spent as a child playing by that very creek. Back then, I was innocent enough to belief that a life of tranquility and peaceful coexistence was possible. I could feel branches and leaves falling onto my helmet as the guns continued to fire. The men behind me weren't just destroyers of my childhood, they were relentless villains who would have an important presence in my life for many years to come.

Dipity link

http://www.dipity.com/sesmith828/Ernesto-Guevara

Write Your Own Do Dow

How has reading The Motorcycle Diaries changed your impression of Che Guevara? After hearing Che's account of the living conditions and oppressed people in South America, have you been able to justify any of his motives and/or actions? If everyone in the United States read this book, would Che still be viewed as one of South America's most infamous villains?