Truth in a Memoir

Have you ever thought about the difference between Fiction and Nonfiction literature? Well obviously one is true and one is false. But in the case of nonfiction, how true does it have to be? Think about historical pieces and memoirs. Is it ok to have historical inaccuracy or is it ok to lie about your past for the purpose of having a more entertaining story?

I personally believe that it is ok to lie to an extent in both cases of writing. Especially in the case of memoirs, it is way more entertaining to have something that was actually true. Think about horror movies i don't know about you guys but whenever i see the "Based off a true story" Disclaimer at the beginning of a film, i instantly tense up. Just the thought of seeing things that happened in the past and could possibly happen to me. It just makes for a more entertaining story.

But what if your story isn't very entertaining, or just plain boring? Then lie about it. I believe that as long as the story is mostly true that it should not be subjected to criticism. Fabricating the truth makes the story more interesting and fun to read.

Now back to the Fiction Notification debate. David Shields proposed that there should be no difference between fiction and nonfiction. I disagree with this statement because then what would happen to history? What if everything we read and write was made up! The truth would be worth absolutely nothing. That's not a world i want to live in.

Column Unit

We are starting a new unit in my English class about columnist writing styles. We have read samples and they are all very interesting. It's cool to how writers use tone to appeal to the readers emotions. One of my favorite ways is when writers use humor. I love comedy and I love when writers use a sarcastic or humorous tone in their writing. But it's not just humor, they can also get emotional and serious especially when talking about a sensitive topic.

Of the samples we read my personal favorite was "On Christmas, we cheer heroes who ran into chaos at the Boston Marathon" by Mike Lupica. This is a great example of one of the more emotional topics that columnist write about. Mike Lupica sets the stage of the devastating event and makes you feel like you you were actually there. Lupica being a sports writer draws famous sporting events while talking about the Marthon. Saying that all the athletes pale in comparison to the real heroes that ran into the chaos of the Boston Marathon. 

All these different types of columnist writings are very different and interesting. What do you guys think of Coulmnist writing? I personally can't wait to read more of this style of writing.

Fahrenheit 451 Theme

 Theme 5: People should take action rather than watch society falter and crumble

Natalie Eysoldt, Ritika Mistry, Ben Josiah, Matthew Slusser, Alyssa Manguiat  Bell 3

This theme is important to the understanding of the story because the book goes through Montag’s thought process of realizing how messed up his society really was; and when he does take action the reader can understand why. It is important for us to be aware of the theme because everyday we all see things that we know aren’t right, but most people aren’t able to take action towards it, so by studying this theme we learn that taking action does have a big impact.

 

In the beginning of the book, Montag is set to go burn down another house, but it turned out to be much different than the regular house burning.The  woman was standing in her home, surrounded by her books, and refused to move for them to burn the house. Montag watched as the woman was burned alive with her books, which first inspired his thoughts of rebellion and began to inspire him to take action. The following quote shows when Montag first started think in a different mindset; “Didn’t firemen prevent fires rather than stoke them up and get them going?” (Bradbury 31)

 

At the end of part one, Montag admits to Millie that he has books. This was a big step for him considering that he is a fireman and should be burning books, not secretly keeping them. By showing the books to Millie it shows that Montag was ready to start making changing and to not keep books a secret.

 

During part two, Montag becomes friends with a man that really helps him get to know and understand books better. They help each other in the way that they both have a love for books, so they can relate in a new way. Faber really helped Montag through his whole process. Montag said the following quote to Faber when he really wanted to get a plan into action with books, “That’s the good part of dying;when you’ve nothing to lose, you run any risk you want” (Bradbury 81). This gives a really good perspective of Montag’s new mindset.

 

In part two, Mildred has over two of her friends to watch their favorite program, when Montag decides to shut off the parlor walls due to his frustration and bring out one of his books. He then reads the poem, Dover Beach, to them, which causes the friends to become upset with Montag and Mildred. Although this action was not intelligently planned out, this was still an example of Montag taking action to help save a society he perceives as crumbling by reading to them.

 

 

 

In the beginning of part 3, most everything Montag ever knew was gone; his house, his wife, his books. Beatty was to blame for it, so when thinking he was saving his own, and Farber’s life, he burns Beatty.

 

The book ends with Montag running away and meeting a group known as “The book people.” They take Montag in with open arms. They give Montag a taste of what will basically be the rest of his life because he was caught breaking the law. When everything sinks in for Montag, he does a lot more thinking; mostly into his book which is Ecclesiastes in the Bible, “To everything there is a season… A time to break down, and a time to build up… A time to keep silent and a time to speak” (Bradbury 158).

What is a book?

A book is an idea. Its a movie where you the reader must put together the pieces and show yourself what is going on. Unlike a film, a book can take you to a place where you and you alone can choose which way you want to interpret each part of the story. No matter what format or version physical copy, comic, ipad, or even a painting, if an idea is got across it should be classified as a book. Tom Piazza put it best, "One weighs more than the other. If you like to read your books on an Etch A Sketch, that’s fine with me."  ( Tom Piazza interviews Tom Piazza ) I completely agree with him. It shouldn't matter what format the book is on. All that matters is that there is a story or message being shown and the point is getting across to the reader. Today, we have several options as to how we read and where we read. But if we are all reading the same thing what we read it on doesn't matter. As long as the book takes you on an adventure in a way that only a book can.

I know some old timers may say that only old fashioned books are really considered books, but ask yourself what is a book and what is its purpose. Then ask does it really matter how you get the story as long as you are told one? Beginning, Middle, and End a story is a story and a book is a book.

American Sniper

Hey guys. I just finished what I think is the first autobiography I've actually read. That book is American Sniper by Chris Kyle. Most people have heard or seen the successful film that recently came out but not many have read the actual book that goes along with it. After reading it I understand why.

The first thing to note is that American Sniper is an autobiography. That means it is a book written by a soldier. Now I'm sure that there are great writers that are soldiers but in book that isn't the case. 

American Sniper is often difficult to understand as Chris tends to ramble on and change topics swiftly. He also uses many acronyms in his writing. If you don't remember them all, there is no hope for you. A good example is on page 81 where he lists several guns and different acronyms.

American Sniper wasn't ALL bad of course. Some points were very intense and engaging. Some of these moments are when you read from Chris' wife Taya's writing. From reading this, you get a different perspective on a specific situation. Sometimes I find myself enjoying Taya's point of view more than Chris'. Unfortunately Taya wasn't enough to make me fall in love with this.

 

Fahrenheit 451 Narrative

As I sat at home alone watching tv I noticed that I couldn't focus on the tv. Or anything for that matter. "I can't think straight." I told myself  All I can think about is that poem. I've never heard anything like that. There isn't a tv wall in the world that could make me feel the way that poem did. I can still hear Montag telling me to go and think about my empty life. My life isn't empty is it? I have money, tv's, and "friends". But I need something more. 

I began to cry again. I knew that I need something else to fill the void inside of me.  I haven't felt this emotional in forever and it was all because of a book. Are books really the answer? I kept telling myself no of course not books are evil. They make people different and different is bad. But deep down I knew this wasn't true. Has my whole life been one big lie?

  I want to know more. I want to read. But how could I without anyone knowing. Maybe I could steal one from Montag. Or maybe get Mildred to steal it for me. She might be willing considering how often those two have been arguing lately. I need to read

Book 1 Project

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   As we all know Peak made the summit of Everest and I was thinking if he can do it why can’t I? Then I thought of a bigger picture. If he can do it why can’t everyone summit Everest? So Thoughts turned into action. I did everything in my power to get people to summit Everest. But I didn’t want people to climb alone or with random strangers here at The Peak Fan Experience! We pledge to make everyone who is a part of this stupendous endeavor also part of a bigger cause, a family. “You don’t have to be alone to feel alone.” As a group you will all receive training, equipment, and advice. From the book we know being lonely can have a very bad effect on people so everyone will also be assigned a partner or best friend. This individual will be there with you every step of the way providing support and encouragement. But remember another thing we learned from the book, “A partner can encourage you, maybe even stop you from falling, but they can't get you to the top. That's entirely up to you.” We will all start at the bottom together and reach the top together. At the Experience you will learn to put aside material possessions like the monks and remember the things that are really important. The 3 F’s Family, Friends, and last and certainly not least Fun! And trust me mountain climbing is fun but it’s not the most important thing, the only thing you'll find on the summit of Mount Everest is a divine view. The things that really matter lie far below.”

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