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Post by jessicapollard on Dec 25, 2013 20:04:45 GMT
I just finished Jack Kerouac's On the Road yesterday, and the language was phenomenal.I really love reading crazy memoirs from decades past, so it was an amazing read and now I'd really like to get out and hitch-hike across America. The last paragraph of the book killed me, I'm a sucker for that beat-poetry type of writing: (NO SPOILERS REALLY)
"So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all that road going, and all the people dreaming in the immensity of it, and in Iowa I know by now the children must be crying in the land where they let the children cry, and tonight the stars'll be out, and don't you know that God is Pooh Bear? the evening star must be drooping and shedding her sparkler dims on the prairie, which is just before the coming of complete night that blesses the earth, darkens all the rivers, cups the peaks and folds the final shore in, and nobody, nobody knows what's going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old, I think of Dean Moriarty, I even think of Old Dean Moriarty the father we never found, I think of Dean Moriarty."
Kerouac used the words "holy" and "machine" an incredible amount of times throughout the work. It's so hard to imagine a time period so carefree and beautiful as the late 40s and early 50s are portrayed by this man. He lived in his own bizarre and crazy little world.
Next I'm reading Austin's copy of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and then hopefully I'll get to finishing Lolita , which I've been reading on and off since last year and is incredibly creepy and well written.
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alice
New Member
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Post by alice on Dec 26, 2013 0:17:39 GMT
I'm trying to blaze on through the first book of Game of Thrones but SURPRISE IT'S DUE TOMORROW AND I CAN'T RENEW IT so I maaaay stay up all night reading.
Anyway it's a pretty cool book. I have seen the show before (watched all in like a week) and it's interesting to note the character differences as well as really how young the characters are and how different Westeros is. I mean, I may have a lot of college apps but at least I'm not pregnant at 14 and riding around with a tribe or horse lords amirite?
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Post by billfeng on Dec 26, 2013 4:24:11 GMT
With some college apps still in the midst, I've put my reading on hold until New Years comes by. As of now, I have an interesting mix of biographical, political science, and Southern Gothic literature on queue.
Under the orders of Lord Koepping, I'm reading Catherine Drinker Bowen's biography of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, "Miracle at Philadelphia". Bowen really takes the time to describe just how emotionally attached the Framers were in debating for their causes. History nuts will really enjoy this work for it's vivid and brilliant depiction of a "miracle" which has shaped our modern-day identity.
I am also reading Francis Fukuyama's "The End of History and the Last Man". In this work, Fukuyama signals the end-stage of human government after several millenia of societal evolution. This final point in human history, he posits, is the capitalistic democracy. Fukuyama directly addresses this theory as the antithesis of the Marxist idea: that communism would eventual and conclusively displace the capitalistic model (let's see what ideology won the Cold War). My main motivation for reading this novel is how it, ideologically wise, justified America's War in Iraq. Fukuyama, who basically founded the neo-conservative movement (America must spread democracy to the rest of the world!), gave the US Government, under Bush, a "rationale" to invade and destabilize Iraq. Unlike the War in Afghanistan, which was a retaliatory effort, the War in Iraq was pretty much driven by political (and possibly economic) reasons. If any of you are interested in looking into the rationale behind our countries invasion Iraq, check this book out.
Finally, my godfather gave me Flannery O'Connor's The Violent Bear it Away as a gift this Christmas. Apparently, this work is a classic example of "Southern Gothic" literature. It's not the first thing on my list to read but I'll certainly start it before the end of this break.
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Post by Lauren on Dec 26, 2013 5:53:35 GMT
I rarely read books outside of English class because of being busy and not allowing myself adequate time to read them. Recently though I've been reading this book that Mr. Kumprey gave me full of short stories about being a veterinarian. A friend of his wrote it and it had about 20 stories of being in vet school, working with animals, and just being a veterinarian. I'm really enjoying it because my current aspirations include going to vet school (so this is kinda a good reader response criticism example). I also started "Dance, Dance, Dance" which I'm enjoying so far, but I'm only on page 12 ... I'm a slow reader. Next I plan to start the book I got today, "Divergent" which is supposed to be very similar to "the Hunger Games" ( I know, not exactly "AP English material" but I still love young adult action fiction). Merry Christmas everyone!  |
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Post by moreno on Dec 26, 2013 7:16:09 GMT
Looks like I'll be purchasing "Bossypants" with some of my Christmas money! I've always wanted to read it but haven't gotten the chance until now...so i'll probably be reading that!
In the meantime, though, I'm reading "Love Does" by Bob Goff. He spoke at my church (Solid Rock) last year and I picked up a copy but never got around to reading it. Each chapter consists of a true story in which love and God work in wonderful ways. It is a lighthearted and inspiring read so far, perfect for the holidays!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Something happens when you feel ownership. You no longer act like a spectator or consumer, because you're an owner. Faith is at its best when it's that way too. It's best lived when it's owned," (1).
"I used to think being loved was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never satisfies just thinking about it," (17).
"I used to think the words spoken about us describe who we are, but now I know they shape who we are," (84).
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Post by amysohlberg on Dec 26, 2013 20:23:50 GMT
I loved "A Good Man is Hard to Find" so much that I promised myself I would read more of Flannery O'Connor's work this break. I haven't started it yet, but I got one of her few full-length novels, Wise Blood, for Christmas. I'm really excited to read it and I'll let you guys know what it's like soon!
Koepping suggested that we read a history book for Con Law over the break, so I've been trudging through The Origins of The Magna Carta. It's quite boring.
Right now I'm in the middle of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I loooooove Tan's writing style, and after I turn every page I'm either crying or about to start crying. It's sad but it's an incredibly accurate depiction of the tension and joy in mother-daughter relationships. It's hard for me to completely understand what the characters are going through as first-generation Chinese-Americans, but it's still a beautifully written book that seems to capture the spirit of reality.
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Post by allegra on Dec 27, 2013 5:20:30 GMT
I'm planning on reading that book "don't sleep there are snakes" Mr Parris was talking about... just as soon as it gets here... other than that I'm going to be slaving over my AP bio book. Happy holidays, guys  |
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Post by natalieskowlund on Dec 27, 2013 5:28:10 GMT
Firstly, shout out to Jamie Zimmerman for reading "A Rose for Emily" by Faulkner! AGH ANYTHING FAULKNER MAKES ME MANIACALLY EXCITED. Secondly, I have to say that this forum is becoming somewhat therapeutic for me, because while some people talk about their feelings to help them resolve psychological stuff, I vent about books. And right now I'm really feeling like unleashing all my book-nerdishness, so here's my account of all the books I have touched (or should be touching...) over winter break:
1) Go Down Moses by William Faulkner. Did you even have to ask? But I must admit, I've been a pretty pathetic Faulkner fan lately, because I've been reading this book for a few months and I'm still not finished...halfway through "The Bear" right now. I like the stories, but I feel like Faulkner's signature rambling but exquisite way with words is largely missing in this book. I am determined to finish it, though, and I'm slowly but surely carving my way through.
2) "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler. Please don't cringe after reading the title, because if you did, you're just enforcing the gender divide. Or at least that's what Ensler asserts in this fascinating, beautiful, and incredibly strange play. I decided to read it after hearing an amazing interview with Ensler on NPR, and I finished the play in one night. I won't go into too much detail--you'll have to read/view this one for yourself to get the details--but I think Ensler's objective of promoting awareness of and striving to end violence towards women globally through art is super powerful. She's kind of my hero.
3) Working by Studs Terkel. I've started this exciting collection of true stories of individuals' work experiences, and I love it so far. To be honest, I've only read the first story--which is told by a laborer, but I loved hearing another's perspective on the world, and I have a feeling this will be a fascinating journey into the minds of so many people I would never have thought to empathize with. (Mr. Parris, I'd love to hear your thoughts!)
4) Someday this Pain Will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron. I gifted my brother this novel for Christmas in hopes that he'll read it with me and take a break from video games. It sounds a bit like a modern-day Catcher in the Rye, but we'll have to see.
5) "In a Dark Time" by Theodore Roethke. It's just one poem, but I've been reading it over and over during the break. I first read it freshman year, but I've realized that now it carries a new and entirely different meaning for me. Roethke is an incredible wordsmith. I'm planning to memorize it, because everyone needs to be able to recite at least one poem from memory, and I have a feeling this one is the one for me.
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Kasey
New Member
Posts: 31
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Post by Kasey on Dec 27, 2013 5:32:14 GMT
I'm knitting and playing grand theft auto, two things that don't usually go together but make for great conversation starters with both the elderly and teenage dudes. Dude.
So reading is kind of off the radar, unless you count subtitles.
I finished 'Everything is Illuminated' by Jonathan Safran Foer (as recommended to me many times by the lovely Jessica Pollard) just before the start of break. I was gonna start Different Seasons by Stephen King, but then I got On The Road for Christmas, so right now I'm too conflicted to make a decision.
I'm also reading (kinda) The Sunset Limited for literally the eighth time in preparation for (hopefully) One Acts. The search continues for someone else who has read/loved this book, though I don't know what I'd talk about if I found someone.
Take a break, guys. You deserve it.
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Post by moreno on Dec 27, 2013 6:31:36 GMT
I bought "Bossypants" today and the cover is slightly throwing me off... but I can't wait to chat about it with all you ladies also reading it!
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Post by cassiecumberland on Dec 27, 2013 6:59:08 GMT
OBSESSED with "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
SERIOUSLY read it. read it. read it!!!!
..... it's a thriller/mystery/psycho analysis novel about a sociopath and her husband's estranged relationship.
I might have to read it again (since I read it a while ago)
Currently, I'm reading the fourth book in the "I am number four" series, which (besides the fact that it's teen sci-fi fiction DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT THAT GIRL) it's really well written. I read the other books in less than two days-and they are rather lengthy! Totally great if you want to dumb-down your pleasure reading.
I'm also currently enjoying "Invisible monsters REMIX" by Chuck Palanhiuk
Another book I recommend-just to mend your soul while covering the serious issues of depression and anxiety, is "It's kind of a funny story." So sad: Ned Vizzini committed suicide recently. He is, in fact, the author of this book. This story is one of my always favorite books. Until today, I didn't know that Ned took his own life. The story is an easy read with SO much reality in this point of our late-teenage lives. Please read it.
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Post by cassiecumberland on Dec 27, 2013 7:14:36 GMT
In case anyone was wondering *spoiler alert* here is my favorite "It's Kind of a Funny Story" quote:
"Run. Eat. Drink. Eat More. Don’t throw up. Instead, take a piss. Then take a crap. Wipe your butt. Make a phone call. Open a door. Ride your bike. Ride in a car. Ride in a subway. Talk. Talk to people. Read. Read maps. Make maps. Make art. Talk about your art. Sell your art. Take a test. Get into a school. Celebrate. Have a party. Write a thank-you note to someone. Hug your mom. Kiss your dad. Kiss your little sister. Make out with Noelle. Make out with her more. Touch her. Hold her hand. Take her out somewhere. Meet her friends. Run down a street with her. Take her on a picnic. Eat with her. See a movie with her. See a movie with Aaron. Heck, see a movie with Nia, once you’re cool with her. Get cool with more people. Drink coffee in little coffee-drinking places. Tell people your story. Volunteer. Go back to Six North. Walk in as a volunteer and say hi to everyone who waited on you as a patient. Help people. Help people like Bobby. Get people books and music that they want when they’re in there. Help people like Muqtada. Show them how to draw. Draw more. Try drawing a landscape. Try drawing a person. Try drawing a naked person. Try drawing Noelle naked. Travel. Fly. Swim. Meet. Love. Dance. Win. Smile. Laugh. Hold. Walk. Skip. Okay, its gay, whatever, skip. Ski. Sled. Play basketball. Jog. Run. Run. Run. Run home. Run home and enjoy. Enjoy. Take these verbs and enjoy them. They’re yours, Craig. You deserve them because you chose them. You could have left them all behind but you chose to stay here. So now live for real, Craig. Live. Live. Live. Live.
Live.”
-Ned Vizzini "It’s Kind Of A Funny Story"
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Post by mitralebuhn on Dec 27, 2013 10:13:56 GMT
This one's a little out of my comfort zone, but I decided I'd pick up the bible this break. I've started reading through some passages. It's not the most traditional form of books, although, I suppose it could be argued that it is the most traditional, but religion is a fascinating subject to me so I figure I'll explore it while I've got a little time on my hands. I also want to pick up a few lighter books to enjoy, like "Bossypants" (based off of everyone's posts, it sounds really good!) and some romantic "john green"ish style books too. Happy reading everyone |
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Post by carolinedorman on Dec 27, 2013 21:30:13 GMT
Although I do have some last minute college apps to finish up, I am hoping to have time to read a couple books I have had on my shelf for a while. I love mystery/thriller novels so I plan on picking up either another Agatha Christie novel or The Last Man by Vince Flynn. I have loved reading Agatha Christie in the past so if anyone is interested in starting one of her novels, I would highly recommend And Then There Were None.
After reading Cassie’s post, however, Gone Girl sounds really interesting so I think I will try to track that book down as well.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your break!
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Post by juliamoreland on Dec 29, 2013 20:55:29 GMT
I found some solid dial up internet to do my forum posts! Yay!
First, for my light plane reading, I've gotten ahold of "divergent" only because the movie coming out looks super good!
Second: for con law I'm reading "congress and it's members," like amy, I've found it informative but nothing exciting.
Third: I have been planning on reading "atonement" by Ian McEwan since summer. Finally I have the time to actually enjoy it!
Fourth: If I have time, I want to read "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett. I want to read it partially because my mom is reading it for book club and we like to discuss books, and partially because Mrs Elliot recommended it.
I'll update with favorites as the break goes on.
Hope everyone has a fantastic break!
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