#10 Let's Have a Talk, You and I...

The Question: What would you say to an "unbeliever" who tried to convince you that
children's and young adult authors are "inferior" writers?

The Answer: Firstly, I have a problem with persons telling me, convincing me, or any of those dreadful things, about anything that matters. A toothbrush salesman, come try your best, but an "unbeliever" snubbing their nose at any type of literary artwork, come come so that I may correct your wrong and evil path. Children's and Young Adult literature is both a gateway and a fall-back shelter for readers of all ages. Authors of this genre, sometimes more so than authors of fiction and non-fiction, pay close attention to their plot, and language, and the archetypes that are folded away and developed in their story. The authors essentially mans the task of shepherding our youth in their books; slowly introducing them to new possible adventures and morals and characteristics that are positively prized in the American culture we share. When older generations re-read or begin anew in the "Children's Section" of the bookstore, we always find something that we have forgotten; have lost. I believe that we find a piece of our own innocence within the pages of "The Invention of Hugo Cabaret", "Finding H.F.", "The Giver", "Beautiful Blackbird". I am grateful that I choose to take this class. Mine own eyes have been further adjusted and now I see the array of colorful opportunities and adventures that were once dull and dove-gray. Through this genre I am allowed to venture within myself and reintroduce myself to the little Black child who sits right behind my eyes awaiting the journey with another Part Time Indian like herself.
There are no inferior genres and no inferior writers; there are just inferior critics and trespassers who just as well should be shot on sight, if one were to ask me. (evil chuckle)
Cheers guys.

The Indian in me Connects to the Indian in You!

We are all inextricably human, mostly, meaning that we are emotional, vibrant, confusing, linked beings who share different aspect of all walks of life. I think authors such as Alexie and Johnson, put forth stories which carry an universal truth and experience within them. “The Absolutely Truth Diary of a Part-Time Indian” offers its readers a metaphysical rope that we are able to tie into our lives and connect with the main character Arnold and move with him throughout his diary. The concept of intertextuality truly applies to this novel. More than influencing or assuming a relationship with another text, the novel influences and creates a relationship with its readers. I believe that another example of intertextuality between text is the idea of this diary. We are reading a novel which is written as a diary, purposely, as well as having verse and vocabulary of diary language interspersed with traditional story telling, all mimicking a true life diary of a teenager or any groups of person. At some points in the books, where he speaks about his parents, and drawing himself split in between, these concerns and soul tugging predicaments are mirror images of my own. Same ideas and influences; relationships are repeated in my past, your past or present and in Arnold’s diary. This novel reminds me that everything is connected and that no man is an island, as well as no book. I have so much to say, but the language is not with me to do my thoughts justice so for now I’ll say, I truly do love this book and am truly glad I have it in my library!

#8 Who are they to play God?

I will most likely remember the scene where the old man Roberto is released and walks through this ‘special door’ to be released. They celebrate and toast this murderous release, and yet the rules that state that the children cannot attend, almost leaves the children to remain pure until they are of age to be corrupted. It is entirely a gross tale to tell. All I could think about was how cruel this world has become or shaped to be. I also wonder about the passage before Roberto’s where Asher is giving some elderly woman a bath and how the difference between my reality and in the book. Whereas I would be bashful, but dutiful about cleaning, seeking, and seeing a naked person, that was not apart of my family, Asher feels safe and peaceful in a way, there, bathing a woman voluntarily, with any motive but to be of help. “The Giver” has definitely evoked an array of emotions within me. I am uncomfortable and angry, full of condemnation and yet pity these robot people. It is almost like pitying the Germans during the Holocaust; there is a want to feel for those who just did not know, who followed because their loyalty belonged to their country and their people, but to destroy another, because of their suppose inability to be seen as valuable, to die because of rules that have no explanation, and no humane values attached, is almost unthinkable to my reality and the morality set before me by my fore parents. Who are we to play God; yet who are they to play God with us? I will definitely remember this book five years from now and hope to revisit it in that time span as well.