SSR Introduction
Silent sustained reading. Every creative writing class period began with at least fifteen minutes of reading for enjoyment--we could read whatever book we wanted just as long as we were reading. The purpose of this page is to display some of the book I read this semester as well as some of my other favorite books. SSR allowed me to read many of the books I had been putting off while providing some inspiration for my creative writing. If I particularly enjoyed how an author used syntax or diction, I incorporated their style into my assignments.
LITTLE BROTHER BY DOCTOROWThis book is a young-adult novel about four High school students actions after a terrorist attack on San Francisco. When a major bridge (not the golden gate) is blown up and thousands perish, the Department of Homeland security puts the city on lock-down. It is up to computer savvy Marcus Yallow to free his city from the unconstitutional domestic restrictions that follow the attack.
This novel extends the audience's lexicon to include some computer terms, as well as exposing some major themes (some considered inappropriate from young readers). I enjoyed his development of Marcus and his interpersonal relationships. Doctorow has made this novel free as an e-book at http://craphound.com/category/littlebrother/ _ |
THE KITE RUNNER BY KHALED HOSSEINIThis piece of adult literature gave me a new perspective on many topics: the Middle East, Immigration, Islam, and so much more. Hosseini describes the life--from adolescence to fatherhood--of Amir (the son of a wealthy Iranian business man) as he discovers his path to becoming a man. Amir believes his father, Baba, to be perfect; he's a successful business man, a generous donor to an orphanage, while holding high standards for his son. This conflict--between father and son--becomes a major theme throughout the novel and causes the audience to feel both disappointment and sympathy toward the protagonist.
This is a fantastic book and definitely worth the read. |
HARRY POTTER BY J.K. ROWLINGThis renowned children's series speaks for itself. It masterfully touches upon themes as controversial as torture and delicate as racism. Rowling masterfully develops her characters and plot. She takes the reader into the wizarding world where anything is possible.
Accompanying these books is the 8-movie series. Despite the arguments of books being better than movies or vice versa, I believe both compliment each other to create the classic that is the Harry Potter series. |
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GO SET A WATCHMAN BY HARPER LEEThis novel is the sequel of To Kill a Mockingbird. It follows Scout--now exclusively called Jean-Louis--as she adjusts to her 1950s hometown after gaining a new perspective. This coming of age novel focus on themes of marriage, independence, and racism.
I really liked Harper Lee's second novel because it had a different style than her first. Rather than having each chapter be its own story, Go Set a Watchman is one continual plot: little to no time lapses between events. This novel also answered some questions left in the first book as well as introducing more characters. If you didn't like her first novel's style this book offers a different read. If you liked the Maycomb, Alabama, Go Set a Watchman allows your mind to revisit. Either way, Harper Lee's sequel is a great read. |
FOUNDING BROTHERS BY J.J. ELLISIn Founding Brothers, the author--Joseph Ellis--reveals several often unrealized characteristics of the early American political climate. He shows that congress then operates in a similar manner as congress now. The author divulges how compromising was as necessary in the past as it is now and how, unfortunately, problems without solutions were pushed to the side in the hopes that they would be resolved naturally.
While social sciences are not my favorite subjects, this book showed me that some aspects of the world never change. It gave me insight into what the founding fathers may have been thinking as they unknowingly made history. Beyond the politics of early America, Ellis explores the relationship between the founding fathers (which may have influenced the title). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in how the government is run by the people we put in power. |
Photos taken from online resources are linked to their website.