The purpose of this blog is to enable people to provide comments on books being considered by the selection committee. You can also see the comments of the selection committee members. State what you like and dislike about the books listed and whether you think it would be appropriate as the campus reading book and why. Thank you.
Caution: There are spoilers in the comments to the posts.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie was recommended by a few members of the Reading Committee. For more info:
this book surprised me. it is an easy read, engaging, interesting and heartfelt. it tells the story of a young native american boy who chooses to go to school off the reservation. the book has illustrations throughout that add to its charm.. it brings up many interesting points about learning, native american/white relations, personal responsibility, family, community, friendship, etc. i would put it in the running for the reading program. - Dominie Garcia May 2009
I was so happy to see that this is a possibility! I've read it a number of times throughout the years. It's a quick read that delivers an examination of the struggles of assimilation while attempting to retain one's own self, yet is entertaining.
I was originally introduced to it by an English student at Santa Clara. It was quickly passed around and enjoyed by students at both schools.
I used this book in an Area S course this past semester (I was using a range of other types of works, including a denser literary novel, a work in speculative fiction, a collection of essays, etc.) and the students gave it very high ratings. They found it both easy to read and engaging, and several commented on the complex and challenging issues it raised. Class discussion was very involved. I do see this as a possibility that a large range of students, faculty, and staff would find meaningful and stimulating.
I have not read this book yet, but I know that Sherman Alexie is very humorous while conveying tales that illustrate deep social and historical issues. I will read it, but I give a thumbs up to the idea!
I enjoyed the book. You really get to know the main character and he has a variety of experiences in the short duration of the story. There are certainly many interesting topics to talk about from this book. It seems to be written for a younger audience than past books we have selected. It is worth keeping in the mix of possibilities.
I think this book is an ideal selection for the campus reading program. It's a humorous, enjoyable read that explores complex issues related to race, power, and the negotiation of cultural identity. Moreover, the numerous themes in this book could be studied in a wide range of courses across campus. It's my top choice for next year.
I think this book is an ideal selection for the campus reading program. It's a humorous, enjoyable read that explores complex issues related to race, power, and the negotiation of cultural identity. Moreover, the numerous themes in this book could be studied in a wide range of courses across campus. It's my top choice for next year.
Regarding whether this book is geared toward a "younger audience," I think more accurately, it's geared toward a broad audience. For instance, the themes the book deals with are for mature readers: racism, cultural identity, hybridity, economic discrimination, to name a few. One character is too drunk to remember shooting his best friend in the face. When he sobers up and realizes what he's done, he cries out the name of his dead friend over and over. The narrator's sister, also, is too drunk to realize her trailer is on fire (she, too, dies). The narrator's meditations on being stupid, ugly, and poor, and deserving to be stupid, ugly, and poor, are meant for an adult audience. Matt
10 comments:
this book surprised me. it is an easy read, engaging, interesting and heartfelt. it tells the story of a young native american boy who chooses to go to school off the reservation. the book has illustrations throughout that add to its charm.. it brings up many interesting points about learning, native american/white relations, personal responsibility, family, community, friendship, etc. i would put it in the running for the reading program.
- Dominie Garcia May 2009
I was so happy to see that this is a possibility! I've read it a number of times throughout the years. It's a quick read that delivers an examination of the struggles of assimilation while attempting to retain one's own self, yet is entertaining.
I was originally introduced to it by an English student at Santa Clara. It was quickly passed around and enjoyed by students at both schools.
I used this book in an Area S course this past semester (I was using a range of other types of works, including a denser literary novel, a work in speculative fiction, a collection of essays, etc.) and the students gave it very high ratings. They found it both easy to read and engaging, and several commented on the complex and challenging issues it raised. Class discussion was very involved. I do see this as a possibility that a large range of students, faculty, and staff would find meaningful and stimulating.
I have not read this book yet, but I know that Sherman Alexie is very humorous while conveying tales that illustrate deep social and historical issues. I will read it, but I give a thumbs up to the idea!
~ Cathy Gabor (the newbie on the committee)
I enjoyed the book. You really get to know the main character and he has a variety of experiences in the short duration of the story. There are certainly many interesting topics to talk about from this book. It seems to be written for a younger audience than past books we have selected. It is worth keeping in the mix of possibilities.
This is fun and engaging. My one hesitation is that I think it is geared toward a younger audience (13 to 17-year olds).
I think this book is an ideal selection for the campus reading program. It's a humorous, enjoyable read that explores complex issues related to race, power, and the negotiation of cultural identity. Moreover, the numerous themes in this book could be studied in a wide range of courses across campus. It's my top choice for next year.
I think this book is an ideal selection for the campus reading program. It's a humorous, enjoyable read that explores complex issues related to race, power, and the negotiation of cultural identity. Moreover, the numerous themes in this book could be studied in a wide range of courses across campus. It's my top choice for next year.
Regarding whether this book is geared toward a "younger audience," I think more accurately, it's geared toward a broad audience. For instance, the themes the book deals with are for mature readers: racism, cultural identity, hybridity, economic discrimination, to name a few. One character is too drunk to remember shooting his best friend in the face. When he sobers up and realizes what he's done, he cries out the name of his dead friend over and over. The narrator's sister, also, is too drunk to realize her trailer is on fire (she, too, dies). The narrator's meditations on being stupid, ugly, and poor, and deserving to be stupid, ugly, and poor, are meant for an adult audience.
Matt
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