Because I Have To... @cameronowens-blog - Tumblr Blog

As the class comes to an end and I look back on my experience I find myself more satisfied than I ever expected to be when I initially signed up for the class. Not only were the books very interesting and out of the norm from what I would usually have chosen, Professor Clark made the class fun...

cameronowens-blog

I feel the same way! I would definitely recommend this class to my friends because it was such an interesting class. I would have never picked up these books completely on my own volition but I am so happy that I had to read them. As far as teaching goes, Professor Clark was great (brownie points before the final never hurt, right?) and I wish I had taken her for my earlier writing classes. I loved how laid back the class was but yet we were able to accomplish so much this semester.

#4/28/13

The light at the end of the tunnel

I am so thankful for this semester and the experiences I’ve had in this class by being exposed to the wide variety of literature that we have read. I would, of course, be lying if I did not say I was happy for it to be over. I sit here now with a retrospective mindset and I am drawn back to my favorite story that we read, The Road. I loved the sense of defined purpose the story and main characters had in comparison to that of the plot all the other stories we read. EL&IC is the only story that even comes close to the set idea of plot. Po-Mo, while very interesting and gives authors the ability to play with the traditional story arc and make some amazing stories, seems to be a very easy for some authors to make a quick buck by writing a lot about nothing. The novels we read, which were the focus of the class, were spectacular but the PAF seemed to solidify that in my head. Just a closing thought though…

#4/26/13

taylorrhastings-deactivated2013

In the final chapter of A Visit From The Goon Squad, “Pure Language”, we see Bennie, Alex, and their wives having a play date with their toddler age daughters. I found it ironic how Bennie and Alex ended up becoming friends since I never thought we would see him again after the first chapter...

cameronowens-blog

It is so awesome that Egan went so far to make a future for these characters. We see this idea of an almost endless march that life goes through. I, personally, like the concepts that the author dreamed up for the future over the idea of “life goes on.” In my personal choice of reading, I like mostly fiction where the author put a lot of time into the setting and the background of the characters so seeing her put so much effort into making up new inventions and even slang terms for her characters to use is awesome. Good show, Egan!

#3/7/13

Relativity of Time

I love the concept that Jennifer Egan sort of hashes out all throughout this story of how time seems to just fly by in an instant for those that have experienced a lot of it. It was so crazy to me as I read this story and put myself into the shoes of the characters when they would be in the midst of a life altering situation where they would never be the same and the narrator of the story, whoEVER it was at that point in time, would seemingly offhandedly mention something like “oh, and then they joined a cult and were almost sold into slavery…. But, hey! Now they are thrice divorced, working on a fourth marriage, and have seventeen kids! Not a big deal, right?” and we, as the readers, would just have to take it in stride. Thinking back and analyzing the story in hindsight, I realize this must be how it is to have years of life time under your belt. I talk to adults all the time and I’ll mention something along the lines of how it’s crazy that it’s already spring of 2013 and they always respond with a sentiment roughly saying that it’ll only go faster from here on out. I think this truth is best shown by Bennie in the first chapter we meet him in when he is having constant flash backs of incidents where he signed his first big hit band or that time where he tried to kiss a nun and it all seems like yesterday to him in his mind. Interesting stuff…

#4-5-13

anna-webber-blog

I am finding A Visit from the Goon Squad to be a very difficult read. The way that the book is set up jumping around the way it does and the weird story line makes it near about impossible for me to enjoy the book. What I think my ultimate issue is is the sex, drugs, stealing, violence, and…

taylorrhastings-deactivated2013

I absolutely agree with how you feel about A Visit From The Goon Squad. I have had a very difficult time connecting with this novel as well. I think that Jennifer Egan did a great job writing the book and depicting the characters, but I can’t relate to the characters at all. The way the characters are portrayed are not like how I am as a person so it has been hard to relate to them like I am used to in other books. Like you said, I have also been sheltered by my parents so maybe that is why I am having just as hard of a time.

juliabeckman-blog

I think this story is easier to relate to for someone who has been out in the world for a while. I find I personally can see where Egan’s characters are looking back and wondering where time went, where their youth went, their friends. I have said all along that this book is like going back to a class reunion and you find yoyrself wondering what you had in common with these people you used to deem ‘good friends’. It may sound a little sad,even morose, but it happens. People go their own ways and lose touch, make new friends and you find yourself wanting a bit of that time back, when you had everything to look forward to and you just knew you and your friends would be close forever.

cameronowens-blog

Julia, I love that perspective you have on this book. As we have mentioned multiple times in class, teenagers are in a very volatile part of their lives. They are constantly trying to find out who they want to be for the rest of their lives and that means they are reinventing themselves over every other week. I, having just graduated from high school, have thankfully been pretty solid in who I am, but I have been friends with people that have done major wardrobe changes and extracurricular activity changes week by week. I cannot wait to see who they become as men and women in the world. I have no doubt this transformation will be much like that of the characters in this story

#3-31-13

Generation X

Generation x... That story really weirded me out. I feel as though Texlahoma personified all that is wrong in the world (or at least America) today. People get fired and lose their ability to support themselves and end up bouncing from crap job to crap job. Everything is commercialized and there are shopping centers and thrift stores on every corner. I could be completely off base with that interpretation but I feel as the even characters in the story agree with me. Even they wanted to leave!

eaglefan4life

So far this class has been relatively easy and i have enjoyed the books we have read. Ill have to admit when I read our first couple of readings I was rather intimidated especially after reading in “The Heart of the Heart of the Country”. However the in class discussions of the reading are…

taylorrhastings-deactivated2013

I can completely agree with you about the reading of, “In The Heart of the Heart of the Country.” As soon as I finished reading it, I felt discouraged about what other types of reading would lay ahead for the rest of the class. Thankfully, none of the other readings have turned out to be that way. I have really enjoyed reading the different styles of post-modern literature. I also agree with you about the Tumblr posts. At first I didn’t know what I would write about but they have continuously gotten easier as the class has gone on. I have also enjoyed hearing what everyone else has thought about the readings.

cameronowens-blog

Ha! I think it is hilarious (in a horribly cruel way) that she gave us that crazy reading assignment as our first passage of reading. It was almost as if she knew we would all be cringing collectively as we read it and dreading the semester to come. I personally do not think those first few passages we read should be considered real literature (except See the Moon, which was a good one) because they said a whole lot about nothing... much like the way I feel about my tumblr posts sometimes...

I do actually enjoy the tumblr postings though! I, personally, never post on my facebook because I never have anything to say that I think others would care to read, and having this outlet to talk about the books we are reading is pretty neat.

#3/10/13

Good show, Contemporary Literature (or) Half way done and still impressed

While I have been exposed to what I would consider to be a fair amount of “postmodern” literature, I can’t say that it is my favorite style of writing. I enjoy a story ending with a nice bow on it! That is how life works… right?

Ok… postmodern literature isn't too bad, it definitely has its appeals lol. I do not read too many stories that play with my emotions (other than getting pumped up as the protagonist saves the day) and this class has opened my eyes to that realm of stories with The Things They Carried and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

The Road is going to tear my heart out, I know, but I really look forward to it.

#3/8/13

Loss

Isn't it interesting that this "abstraction" of loss has weaved its way into almost every single story that we’ve read as a class? I actually talked about the theme of dealing with loss in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close in my critical response essay and it opened my eyes to this idea. In my essay I stated that dealing with loss is “an inherent part of the human experience” and from what we’ve read as a class this is proved over and over. From as recently as Shiloh where the man was losing the intimacy in his marriage to as far back as In the Heart of The Heart of The Country where the narrator constantly grieved the loss of the woman he loved. Even in Armies of the Night we can see this abstraction to a degree. Mailor is mourning the loss of his youthful tenacity. I suppose I was correct to say it is an inherent part of life.

#3/1/13

cameronowens-blog

Traits of a great story… In my opinion at least…

1. building of suspense ( With confusion in this story’s case)

2. Tension or struggle ( grief of losing the father and struggling emotionally)

3. (my favorite) Character development!

I love Oskar (so far). I love his humor and intelligence and I…

caitlinjateff-blog

I do agree that there is suspense in this story and it is difficult to follow the plot. The story jumps around from current day, to past events, and then the author also throws in the letters which makes it difficult to follow who the narrator is. I could not even imagine losing a family member to the 9/11 attack, especially at the age of 9 years old. So far, I’m not too impressed with Oskar’s character. He knows way too much for his age. It’s kind of like he’s losing his childhood because he’s too busy acting like an adult instead of like the other children his age. I’m glad he’s curious and always asking questions, though. I guess that’s how people learn everything.

cameronowens-blog

reblogs of reblogs are legal, right? lol.

I could just be a little selfish as a reader and see my nine year old self in Oskar a little bit, but I honestly think I would be a lot like him. I, unlike many of my friends and random people my age, still have a close relationship with my parents and I think even if I lost one of them now, I might become like Oskar in many ways. I would throw myself into whatever interested me in that moment and, more than likely, bury myself in books, school, or some personal quest in a delusional personal quest to do what I believed would make them happy or keep me connected to them. I am much more socially adjusted now than I was at nine years old but I could not see my self understanding or even accepting the loss of my parent from this world.

I say all that to say, I get him (or at least I do as far as I am in the book). Quiz tomorrow, right? lol

#2/24/13

Why don't they care?

Thank you for your letter. Because of the large volume of mail I receive, I am unable to write personal responses. Nevertheless, know that I read and save every letter, with the hope of one day being able to give each the proper response it deserves. Until that day, Stephen Hawking Why don't they care? They throw his childhood innocence and enthusiasm for achieving great things in life to the wind. Why does no one care for the interests and excitement of children? Stephen Hawkins. The elephant researcher. How famous do you have to be before it becomes socially acceptable to become self obsessed and "forget the little people"? I realize this is a fictional work but I feel as though there are people looking for acceptance anywhere they can get it. This truth applies to everyone. Take time and give attention to those who want and need it. Take a step out of your comfort zone and reach out to someone hurting. Love and be loved!

#2/21/13

Oh, Oskar....

Traits of a great story... In my opinion at least...

1. building of suspense ( With confusion in this story's case)

2. Tension or struggle ( grief of losing the father and struggling emotionally)

3. (my favorite) Character development!

I love Oskar (so far). I love his humor and intelligence and I love how he is balanced out with the fact that he is nine years old! He knows so much and so little. As I have been reading it has actually been difficult to keep that last fact in my mind, though as soon as I forget, he makes a jokes suited for a nine year old. As much as I love him, I feel so sad for him. In his short life he has had to deal with thing that I, as someone twice his age, could not even imagine happening. I am not even current with the reading yet and he is already real to me. This is going to be a great book.

#2/15/13

Score one for Post-Modernism... or at least the textbook

After reading “Knowing Things,” I came to two conclusions. One, I really did not enjoy this story, and, more importantly, I love that a comic strip can be considered real literature. And it should be! It had some heavy stuff in it.

I have only recently discovered the vast world of graphic novels and stories that are illustrated and I very much enjoy them. When I first began widening my interests to these kinds of books (Watchmen, Scott Pilgram, V for Vendetta, and even comics), I was harassed by those in my close circle of friends and my family because they saw illustrations on the covers of the books and immediately assumed they were kiddy books and not worth a serious reading. When we began this course I was very skeptical on the entire Post-Modern idea. In my mind I had a “If it isn’t broken, why fix it?” mentality. In literature, I have come to find that there ARE different ways to tell a story. Why should an author limit themselves to telling a story in the traditional Romanticist way? Why NOT include pictures? Why not center the entire story on the illustrations? I think a story should not be judged by its style or cover or even its beginning pages, but on the meat of the story. I believe this is best illustrated by my current favorite story, Andrew Hussie’s web based story, Homestuck. It has the meat that makes a great story (plot twists, character development, and great moments of tension) but many of the people I have introduced it to have quit because they find it silly in the beginning.

While it is a great story that is not the point I’m going for. I completely support the idea of graphics based stories being considered literature. You go, Po-Mo movement!

#2/8/13

mallorynedwards-deactivated2013

Sorry I’m a little behind, but here’s my 2nd post…

As I began to read “The Things They Carried”, I started to question myself of if I was a young man in that time era about to be drafted to the war.. what would I do if I was in his shoes? How terrifying that would be, to know I could go to war...

cameronowens-blog

I don’t know if it was only me, but when I read this book and I got to the parts about their ways of unwinding (the cruel humor and conversations the got in to) I could not help but think of the show M*A*S*H. I realize that their lifestyle was more than likely impossible and unheard of in a military situation, but they were a lot like Rat’s medical company the ways of having so much free time and freedom, but they also had the dangers and stress of the infantry unit followed in this story. Every episode in that story had a nice wrap up and a sense of closure though…

#reblog 3 #2/3/13

I started out feeling like the guy in my picture when I finished "The Things They Carried" because of the lack of closure, but the more I think about it and I ponder the "post-modernist” idea that is being exemplified by O’Brian, the more I am coming to terms with the situation. The ending shows us this idea that each and every one of the men returning from the war had to learn and come to terms with also. Life goes on. It ain’t always butterflies and rainbows at the end of every story. That is not what makes a story “good.” He told the story effectively and I feel as though I know and can relate to the characters. I know their personal struggles and drives. I know their past. I do not like the ending but… It’ll be ok. :)

#2/1/13

anna-webber-blog

“I would go to war- I would kill and maybe die- because I was embarrassed not to.”

As O’Brien talks about how he came to the decision to go join the military, or rather show up for the draft, it got me thinking how many other people over time have chosen to be in the military because they...

cameronowens-blog

That is just the way of the world... It's weird how that works, though. I would love to say I would be completely immune to the eyes of the world on me as I shirked off the expectations put on me to up hold the "honor of my family", but I know I would not be able to. I felt as though I could really relate with the narrator in that passage on the river. The very idea of having to make a decision of that magnitude makes me react in the same way it did him. Ultimately, I'd go through with it because, as your title points out, I'd be embarrassed not to.

#rebog 2 #1/27/13

Post 2---The section of The Things They Carried titled “On the Rainey River” Really struck a chord in me. I could almost feel the pain the narrator was going through. The decision he made at that moment would soundly dictate the remainder of his rather young life. While I cannot quite say I have ever had to make a decision of that magnitude it does remind me of the poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken. In that moment The narrator could have easily dodged the draft and lived a happy, albeit shameful, life. I wonder if that wouldn’t have proven a to be smarter decision…

#Post 2 #1/25/13

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