The Beatles Anthology

P: How does the photography in the novel aid the author's purpose?

R: As I mentioned before the overt purpose of this novel is to create the Beatles' autobiography. I wouldn't argue that the photography is necessary in achieving this purpose but it certainly does aid the achievement. The pictures begin as grainy photographs of the band members in their early adolescence which are paired with their individual histories. The pictures allow us to see intimate moments of their childhood that they chose to share with us not only through the written word but also visually. Once this section ends a full page spread photograph of the four teens playing at a gig takes on a slightly nicer quality and brings the four stories together just as the book shifts from the individual memories to the more conversational style the book adapts to. Slowly the pictures begin to appear more professional and some even evolve to colored film. The photographs not only reflect the growing fame of the Beatles but also reflect the technology of the time. These numerous pictures help us readers along the journey that is the Beatles autobiography by allowing us to see the exact moments that the band members discuss in their recollections. The advancing photographic technology coincides with the Beatles growing fame as they become older and more mature in appearance. By the point in the book that I am currently, album artwork and famous images of the band cover the pages showing a real growth from the grainy photos taken at home that scattered the pages of first few chapters.

The Beatles Anthology

P: What passage to you particularly like in the book and explain why.

R: "For our last number I'd like to ask your help. The people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and the rest of you if you'd just rattle your jewelry. We'd like to sing a song called Twist and Shout." (Lennon p. 105) This quote was placed directly at the top of the page in all capital letters as the band transitioned from touring in the cheap bus to gaining a significant amount of momentum and fame. When I read this quote by John Lennon I have to say, I smiled. It depicts a bit of humor and it really makes you feel excited for him and for the band. By this point you are just really rooting for the four of them. Having been taken on the journey from playing in small night clubs and freezing in small tour vans it just made me really happy to realize they have now reached the point in their fame where they can really rile up a crowd. I chose this passage also to show the variety of the sources where quotes of John Lennon's were being drawn this was taken directly from the Royal Command Performance in '63. Other quotations have been taken directly from interviews or conversations among the band members. Finally, I chose this passage because I really like the song Twist and Shout. Whatever excitement Lennon was hoping to instill in the crowd that day, he certainly managed to instill in me as read the quote.

The Beatles Anthology

P: What has the author done to engage you, the reader, in a relationship with the book's content?

R: After the short sections dedicated to each band member the book goes on to begin what seems like a conversation between the four men. It's absolutely engaging to feel as if you are sitting in on this recollection between these extraordinary men. The crazy thing is, as I mentioned before, John Lennon took no part in the compilation of this anthology but is just as equally represented as the Ringo, George, and Paul. The way in which this book has been compiled just makes you feel like you are really being let in on something special. In one scenario Ringo makes a joke about how in the tour van in the early years three of the band members were stack on top of each other sipping whisky until the one on top got hypothermia and got to move to the bottom of the pile. Paul responds in commenting that the life of stardom is doesn't seem so glamourous when you can laugh about the "Beatles Sandwich". The back and fourth conversational nature of the book allows any reader to feel closer to the content of the book than I ever expected. As I continue to read I get more a more clear perception of each of their personalities with each page. Along with the intimacy of the conversation, the many pictures that aid the text help ever the more to give a feeling of closeness to the band and the members. You are given a visual representation of their journey from teenage years to stardom.

The Beatles Anthology

P:If the author states his or her purposes overtly copy them in your journal and tell how well you think he or she achieves them.

R: "The Beatles Anthology is, in effect, The Beatles' autobiography... At least, Here is the Beatles' own story". This, I would say, is the purpose of the book stated overtly on the inside cover last paragraph. The book begins, as I mentioned before, with short autobiographies of each band member which begin with a recollection of their childhoods up to about right before the band began to come together. Not only this but moments when the band was together that linked back to childhood memories are discussed as well. In Paul McCartney's chapter he talks of how him and George Harrison could listen to songs and find moments in the musicality that reminded them of Paul's dad. The book is written so intimately that you just feel that they really want you to know what they are all about. We learn in just a few paragraphs of Ringo's chapter that he had a hard time moving from place to place a kid " you get used to being where you are" (p. 33). In the first few chapters the overt purpose is easily achieved as it depicts quite literally each Beatles' own story. Along with the information they provide us about their lives we are able to see the personality of each band member reflected in their writing. When told from an outside source could not have gotten to hear say Ringo's humor or understood as fully how John grew from his hardships. So far I believe the book has completely achieved it's purpose.

The Beatles Anthology

P: Why did you choose this particular book? What are your expectations?

R: When researching for my annotated bibliography I came across a website which contained an article covering the anticipation of fans for the release of "The Beatles Anthology". It included an excerpt from the book which contained information pertaining to my topic. After including the article in my annotation I began to wonder, why not use the book itself as a resource? So in reference to my expectation I suppose, for the most part, it should help me further my understanding of my research topic (Eastern Philosophy's influence on Western Culture) as well as provide for an informational and even entertaining read. Besides helping me with my paper the Beatles are a band that I have listened to since my little sister bought The Beatles' "1" CD in kindergarten. Each year I go to New York City with my family and see the Imagine monument in central part for John Lennon. The book serves as more than just a source of information for me and I am sure that I will learn things I never imagined about a this band and It's members.So far the book has certainly fulfilled these particular expectations as it begins with short autobiographies of each band member. John Lennon's was actually not told specifically for this book but was compiled from previous interviews, seeing as when this book was released he had already been murdered. Reading John Lennon's complied "autobiography" in the first few pages I have already learned that Strawberry Field was a place the place that a Salvation Army Orphanage hosted small garden parties. This should be a very interesting read.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

P: How Does Sedaris' inclusiveness of sometimes unpleasant detail affect you as you read?

R: In response to your last comment, I'm not going to lie, I really don't like it when Sedaris begins to include those sort of crude details to repaint a story of his past. To include a concrete example almost the entire chapter of "The Understudy" was tough for me to read. He described this babysitter Ms. Peacock in a way that just made me want to skip along to the next paragraph. The only problem with that is how his descriptions of her is what makes the chapter what it is. How else could he convey his complete misery in having her as a babysitter? When we are first introduced to her we receive a description of her vaseline colored skin, paired with her yellow hair and "great bare legs, which were dimpled at the inner knee and streaked throughout with angry purple veins". Just previous to this we get the pleasure of learning that she tends to walk around in only a slip. Poor, poor kids. This I suppose s the purpose of this specific chapter is to instill that feeling; however, I can't say I like having that disgusted feeling right before I go to bed, as I mentioned in a previous blog. The worst in this chapter which I have yet to mention ress with the back scratching monkey claw, "Again and again we ran the paw over Ms. Peacock's back, the fingers leaving white trails and sometimes welts." By the third or fourth description of this back scratching, I was ready for the next chapter.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

P: How do you feel about the author's use of humor in the novel?

R: I have decided that humorous novel must be the absolute hardest to write. How could Sedaris know that what he was saying is funny? It seems like it's just luck wether or not people find him annoying or hilarious. People obviously think he's funny considering how many books he's sold but I can't help thinking about the what ifs. I mean for an author writing a sad story it's pretty easy to agree on what is a tragedy. Or like in the book "In Cold Blood" he already had a tragedy and an interesting crime report that millions of people knew about and were interested in. In the books I read like "The Tao of Pooh" or "The Te of Piglet" those had to do with an ancient religion that he knew there would be a following for considering it's been around and practiced for thousands of years. It just blows my mind that he not only simply talks about his life, which so far hasn't proven to be that exceptional, but he also uses humor that he can't even count on people will think is funny. I just am developing a pretty serious respect for hi as an author as I continue to read because I feel like it's a pretty rare talent to be able to take simple personality traits combined with silly stories about your own life and a knack for good well structured writing and become a very successful author. I know If I talked about my life for more than a page or two I'd probably put someone to sleep.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

P: How do you feel about the author's style of writing?

R: As I've continued reading I recall you telling me that Sedaris uses an essay sort of format in writing his novels. This is another way in which the book reminds me of "A Letter to my Daughter". It's funny I guess because these books are so different but for some reason I've been reminded of that book twice already. I appreciate The essay style I suppose, because like I said when I asked for a recommendation I find myself having very little time for independent reading. Last night when I sat down to continue reading as I tried to remember exactly what I'd read the night before I realized that other than character development of the people in his life the two chapters had almost nothing to do with each other as far as the subject matter. I think that as I continue to read I'm going to appreciate this essay style format so that I wont spend the entire time I read trying to rebuild the parts I may have read at midnight the night before. Not to say the book wont have meaning for me, of course I will keep up with the characters and be able to analyze, it will just keep me from wasting a lot of time trying to remember who did what or where our heroes last left off. I'm hoping this will make the experience of reading this book very enjoyable and help it to not feel so much like homework.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Author: David Sedaris

Publication: June 2008

P: What are your initial thoughts in beginning this book?

R: I have began reading this book via your reccomendation, and I have gone into it knowing little to nothing about the book or the author. I recall you telling me that David Sedaris is notorious for his use of humor in his writing which has become apparent even in the first few chapters. I can tell already that this is not like any book I have read before. I feel almost like I'm reading the script to some type of comedy show. He really doesn't hold anything back, seeing as he began the first chapter discussing the worm that Hugh picked up in the Congo to which his mother, Maw Hamrick, proceeded to pick up a week later. I was reading this particular part right before I fell asleep which gave me the perfect stomachache to sleep on. It reminded me of the part in "A Letter to my Daughter" by Maya Angelou which I read for summer reading where she was forced to swallow what she thought was cockroaches. I recall receiving a similar queasy sort of feeling at that moment as well. Of course Maya's encounter had to do with her expierences with other cultures while I really think that Sedaris included that bit simply for bold humor's sake. The similarity; however, lies in the fact that both authors were able to instill that feeling of sickness in myself as a reader that they experienced directly. Being able to convey emotions to a reader, I believe is a sure sign of a good author.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: Can you relate the book you are currently reading to any texts we have studied in class?

R: As I continue reading Harry Potter I have began to realize a similarity between Harry's obvious journey and that underlying journey of Eudora Welty in the short essay excerpt we read. We discussed in class the thought of a "heroine's journey". This of course would be a "hero's" journey for Harry but there are similarities nonetheless. It would help if I had the essay here in front of me but I know Eudora begins speaking of the librarian as a witch. She also gives the impression that the library is some sort of cave with the light flowing in from the door behind. I know also that there were some references to dragons at some point. I really wish I had the essay and I can't quite remember what the title was to look it up but I know that the heroine's journey is not very different than that of Harry. The dragons in Diagon Alley guard the vaults of Gringots and the three headed beast (Fluffy) guards the sorcerer's stone. In Eudora's essay she refers a number of times to her mother who plays the sort of wise all-knowing character in her journey. This, I believe, is very similar to the role of Dumbledore in Harry's life. Also, the librarian slightly reminds me of Mcgonagall in Harry Potter although, of course, Mcgonagall does care for and love Harry. Her strict nature, however; reminded me of the librarian as she sent the young girls back home to put a petticoat beneath their skirts.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: Why do you think that the book you are reading appeals to the audience that it does?

R: As I am reading I continue to wonder what it exactly it is that makes me just as interested in the book now as I was when I was in the first grade. What about the Harry Potter series makes this young boy such a world wide phenomenon. It really is just incredible that a series I began reading in the first grade was the same one that my mom proceeded to read years later when the book became so immensely popular. The main thing that I feel like may be an extremely appealing quality to this book is that it doesn't create a make believe world that takes the place of our own world, she makes this new place that exists aside our own but in secret. She makes it so that it feels like it could almost be real. That there really could be this secret magic world that is being hidden from the rest of us. It appeals to those who still believe in this sort of thing flat out and also to those who like to believe that it does exist out there somewhere. Also she makes the subjects of the book a young crowd which a number of age ranges can relate to. The younger audience that it appealed to was then able to grow up with the characters. For those who can't directly relate to the age range could relate to them and what one but can also relate to the more adult themes that J.K. Rowling presents in the book. The characters do of course begin at the age of 11 but are never seeming to deal with matters that an 11 year old should in the wider spectrum of what the story is about.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: What is something new you have noticed in reading the novel again?

R: I understood as explained in the second book that Lord Voldemorts' real name was Tom Marvolo Riddle, which when rearranged spells out I am Lord Voldemort. This gave a deeper meaning to her choice of name for the character which I may not have know the first time I read the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. When rereading this first book, I began to notice even more names which meant something other than simply a fictional title that she created out of nowhere. For example, the first set of names I notiiced came from Harry's list of textbooks and author's that came with his admittance letter to Hogwarts. The one that stood out initially was Phyllida Spore who wrote One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. Spore of course has to do with how fungi reproduces (I am taking biology right now so I'm supposed to know that). So I continued to attempt to find meaning in the other author's names. The author of the transfiguration textbook has a last name of switch which again is a clever play on words. The last name of the author of the self-defense is Trimble which of course is similar to the word tremble. I also found a website that explained these plays on words (http://pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynotes/pmHarryPotter123.asp) more thoroughly. I found out from this site that the author of Magical Theory who's last name was Waffling, is a play on the the word Waffle which means to go on a sort of aimless rant.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: What memories come to mind as you read the novel?

R: Having read this book over and over again from roughly first to fifth grade I am finding myself recalling all sorts of memories regarding this time in my life some revolving directly around this book. One of these memories include me sitting in Ms. Smith's second grade class as she asked us what some words were that were used to describe the way in which a person spoke when writing. For example, she said, or he yelled, or they whispered. I remember wanting to impress my teacher as I quickly raised my hand and gave the example, he sneered. My teacher proceeded to ask me in surprise how I knew that word, and I told her that Professor Snape was always sneering at Harry Potter. It's funny that I also remember this so vividly but I know that in elementary school I was so excited to learn that I was soaking everything up in pretty great detail. This is why I now can still recall that the Harry Potter books was where I learned a good number of vocabulary words that I still could use today. Another memory not so directly related that came to mind as I read was when Harry mentioned that Dudley hadn't cried for real in a number of years. He knew that if he scrunched his face up enough he could get exactly what he wanted. This made me laugh because I also remember at this time in my life thinking that my little sister was able to accomplish that task all the time with my parents.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: How does having read the book before effect you as you read the novel?

R: Again I am faced with number of moments of foreshadowing in the book which help me remember lots about the books and previous books she wrote as I read. The ones that I have began to notice; however, are not instances of foreshadowing through the entire series but simply a set up for later moments with in the book that I can recall. In the beginning Rowling presents that Harry is fast and can out run Dudley when he attempts to use Harry as a punching bag. This sets Harry up for having the ability to play Seeker when he is seen at Broomstick lessons by Mcgonagall later in the story. In another case Mr. Dursley sees the cat sitting on the stone wall which seems to have a stern look on it's face. That bit made me laugh considering I now know not only that the cat is Mcgonagall but also I know of her stern nature. Also at the very beginning, Dumbledore mentions how Madam Pomfrey liking his earmuffs which makes me wonder wether she went back and added that later after having developed that character more. This of course also could have been foreshadowing to the second book where she administers the mandrake test where all the students must wear large puffy earmuffs. I'm really having a lot of fun looking forward and remembering all these things about the books to come. It is making me appreciate the books a lot more. It's almost feels like I'm in on some sort of secret.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P: What are your initial responses as you begin reading the novel?

R: Already I have began to notice serious uses of foreshadowing. It's hard to believe that J.k. Rowling could have written as many cohesive books as she did with out some sort of planning ahead. In only the first chapter she has already mentioned the Put-Outer which if my memory proceeds me was used again by Dumbledore in the final book, but I may be making that up. She also mentions how large Hagrid is which in later stories not only explains is because he is half giant but also makes Hagrids giant relatives a huge part of one of the stories. Dumbledore she also mentions appears almost out of nowhere in the middle of the street. I don't believe that she mentions Apparation until a few books in. One other big bit of foreshadowing is Hagrid riding on Sirius' motorcycle. I remember this vehicle occurring multiple times throughout the series. Also, the mention of Sirius Black in itself, she must have had plans to bring him in as an important character meaning her plans for the third book must have already been laid out. It's nice going back and reading a story to which you now know the final outcome of the series. It has continued to bring back memories of all the other sequential novels and I'm finally realizing J.K. Rowlings true brilliance in creating the novels. I just can't imagine having to lay out seven books worth of writing before even beginning the first. I feel like researching her techniques of outlining the tale is worth looking into.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

P:What is your newest book selection and why was it chosen?

R: I have chosen to reread the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I remember the first time I saw this book. I really do. I remember sitting in the Winnona Park library as I was looking around for a new book to check out. I can even picture where the book was sitting on the shelf. My thoughts in seeing the book are slightly vague but I remember knowing that a number of my friends had read the book and in the short time I had left in the library I probably couldn't go wrong with this one. This was back when none of the sequels had come out quite yet seeing as I was only in first grade. It's still is odd to me that I remember the exact day that I checked this book out 10 years ago but for some reason I remember it almost vividly. I also recall the fact that I proceed to read the book six, yes six, times as I waited for the other books to be published. With all of this being true and after having read the entire Harry Potter series, why not step back and reread once again the very first book that was ever written? I have also been curious as more and more books have been written, did she really have the end of the series in mind the entire time? I'd like to remember to keep this in mind as I read this story once again.

The Book Thief

P: What role does the main character play in the story?

R: Leisel represents a girl who is very different from the rest of most young girls in Germany. For one thing she has managed to escape the grasp of Death a number of times. Death continues to encounter her; however, she is never the victim in a number of different circumstances. This is why Death has become infatuated with her tale and continues to carry her diary around with him. Liesel is the one girl who had the ability to change her own destiny, or in this case she proceeded to write her own destiny. In a time where a man like Hitler is using words very good words to make people do very bad things, Leisel proceeds to steal these words back. Wether it be from grave diggers or a burning pile of books. She thieves back the words that Hitler has stolen from her. She uses the words she learns to make an everlasting friendship with a Jewish man, to read stories to frightened neighbors in bomb shelters, and finally to write down her destiny in the pages of a tattered diary. Leisel plays the role of the young girl who stood out in a sea of tragedy and misfortune. She represents the power of words and what they can do for a person. In the end of the book, it was words that saved her life as she sat in the basement writing in her diary while her friends and neighbors were obliterated by falling bombs from above. Death chose to tell Leisel's tale because of the unique life she had to offer at the face of death and a shockingly corrupt society.

The Book Thief

P: How does the author use imagery throughout the novel?

R: For me the most vivid imagery I come across is in Death's descriptions of the colors he encounters. In the beginning of the tale Death explains that he uses colors as a distraction from the job that he has been cursed to fulfill. After this he continues to describe the colors of the skies on days where he must capture souls. He mentions the white of the snow when he first encounters Liesel. The white he describes paints a picture of the frozen field where Liesel looses her mother and brother. He talks of the color of the sky on blue days and the bloody-red color on days of massacre and unrest. When the books are burned by the Nazi's the sky gleams in colors of smoke and fire. All of these bring myself as the reader to create pictures of the scenery in my mind which tended to distract me from the finer points of the plot. This seems brilliant considering this is exactly what Death uses to provide himself with a "vacation" from the wretched job. Zusak does not limit the colorful imagery solely to scenery. In one scenario he also described Han's eyes as silver comparing them to kindness. "Like soft silver, melting". The colors that described Leisel's life when he collected he soul were Red, White, and Black. The colors of the Nazi flag. He uses the colors as imagery allowing us as readers to create beautiful pictures but he also uses the colors to have symbolic meaning. It is all very genius if you ask me.

The Book Thief

P: What themes can you see recurring throughout the book?

R: Death as I mentioned previously is an obvious theme throughout the tale; however, I'd like to concentrate on the role a character Hans Hubermann plays in the idea of man vs. society. I recall from Mr. P's class that we discussed this one day and I feel that this character Hans seems to exemplify this theme. Han's is battling with the moral wrongness of the Holocaust compared to his need to help and foster Max Vandenburg. When Max first shows up at Himmel street Han's is apprehensive in allowing Max to be sheltered in his home but Han's is a good man and Max is soon living somewhat comfortably in the basement of the Hubermann home. Han's is soon faced with many moments that question what he knows is right and what society tells him is acceptable. When the Jews are marched down Himmel street Han's scoops up a piece of bread and hands it to a weak old man whom barely has the energy to walk. He is beaten in the streets and is soon so terrified that his home will be searched that he asks Max to leave. He later finds out that Max had no need to leave at all and must live with the chance that he took in sending Max away. Han's is constantly dealing with the hardships of keeping his family safe and trying to battle a cause much greater than himself and his family. Society continues to tell him that his acts of humanity are wrong but his moral values battle this voice throughout the entire tale.

The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Publication: 2005

P: What effect does the chosen narration of the book have on the story overall?

R: The book is told from the point of view of Death. Zusak takes this concept of death and has personified it making it a speaking character in the novel. By making Death the narrator, he has set the tone for the story from the beginning to be slightly frightening presenting death as a theme throughout the tale. This of course is appropriate considering the story takes place during the Holocaust. Death also in this story represents misconceptions that one may make by prematurely judging a person or concept. As in "Black Man in Public Space" by Brent Staples which we read in the Bedford Reader, Brent was prematurely judged by his so called "victims". Death has had the pleasure of having this negative affiliation placed on him as well. What we don't understand, according to Zusak's character, is that death does not want to be this person taking souls. He feels for the victims and he treats them with tender care. Something we may also not expect from Death is his avid appreciation of colors. In the very first pages he compares a normal person's attention to colors lies at the beginnings and ending of days while he has learned to see the thousands of vivid colors throughout. By making Death the narrator of this tale we are given from the beginning an idea of a recurring theme that is to come through out the tale while also giving us a character that we can follow and will continue to develop through out the story.

the te of piglet

P : How does your experience reading the follow up book in the series compare to that of reading the first?

R: For me, reading this book has taken a completely different route than when I read "The Tao of Pooh". As I mentioned this before this may be due to myself feeling slightly less stressed about school and such at this point in time. When I am not bogged down by the worry that I wont complete things I'm able to understand the author's words more clearly. I am finding myself looking for positive applications to his words and examples rather than trying to figure out why they are flawed. All of this has led me to finally realize my feelings on the content of these two books. I believe that taoism is a wonderful and achievable state of mind but in order to reach this you must first practice a number of non-taoist like principles. As I mentioned in the previous blog I don't believe it's possible to create items for everyday use until you have gone through rigorous theories that may not always be applicable in everyday life. I also believe that you can't just become a relaxed easy going person with out going through the stressful process of organizing a schedule. I don't know I suppose I still have mixed feelings on the two stories but I at least am currently able to enjoy the book rather than throw it down in frustration due to being the busy body Hoff gives such a bad name. I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that it's okay to just sometimes let things happen and go with the natural flow of things because really no matter how hard you push in the other direction reality sets in. I guess it's just our job to make the most of these situations and try to have a good attitude about it and figure out a positive response. Either way I've been able to enjoy this book more which has been something really nice for me.

the te of piglet

P: Choose a passage from the book that you particularly dislike and explain why.

R: I don't necessarily dislike this passage however it does confuse me a bit. In this section of the book Hoff explains the differences between Eastern and Western philosophy. In the west we tend to focus on ideas that are not necessarily applicable in daily life. We learn of the inter-workings of complex theories that we can't really use. I can see where this is true, as I'm currently in AP Calculus, I tend to question exactly where I'm going to need to know the derivative of the derivative of a function unless I was to become a calculus teacher in which case I wouldn't really be needing to know this because I'd just be teaching it to other people who could go on to become calculus teachers but no one was really using the things to do anything other than prove they know it's a useable concept that can be taught. In this sense, I relate. He goes on then to explain that in Eastern Philosophy they concentrate more on useful items that we will be able to use everyday. He goes on to list a pageful of every day items that the chinese have invented. What confuses me though is the thought that all of these practical items couldn't have been created with out some understanding of the complex theories that entail Western Philosophy. I feel like there must have been some kind of deep inter-workings behind the creation of the calculator right? He also says that the chinese invented the drilling for natural gas but previous to this he talks of how Taoism (an Eastern Philosophy) is all about working with nature rather than using it to our advantage. Slightly puzzling..

the te of piglet

P: Choose a passage from the book you particularly like and explain why.

R: In one chapter of this book Hoff explains something called "The Eeyore Effect". I am particularly a fan of this chapter because he portrays it in such a way that you find yourself never wanting to have this said effect be affiliated with yourself . The Eeyore effect is a personality trait that some people are prone too. It is our ability to put negative feelings into our mind where they are completely unnecessary or our tendency to exaggerate problems that don't need to be exaggerated. It is a trait that belongs to people that take on a challenging idea with the attitude that it will inevitably fail. By seeing situations in this light it makes me want to have a better outlook when I find myself feeling this way. Somedays when I have an impossible work load I tend to go on and on about it instead of sitting down and getting something done. In dance class when I struggle with pointe shoes I find myself wanting to give up rather than work hard to get better. After reading this chapter I feel like he has made avoiding the Eeyore Effect seem so simple that I just want to make sure that I do exactly that. This chapter has also helped me to realize my difference in attitude to this book and the previous one. I feel like this may be due to the fact that things with school are slowly beginning to settle down, allowing me to see that I really can relate to the things the author is saying.

the te of piglet

Author: Benjamin Hoff

Publication: 1992

P: What is the author's dominant method of communication? How does the author's communication affect you relationship to the subject?

R: Benjamin Hoff uses a number of methods of communication is his tales of taoism. He includes other texts as he takes excepts from the tales of "Winnie-the-Pooh" and "The House on Pooh Corner". He also uses fictional dialogue between him and the characters from those stories. FInally, he uses explanation to justify his reasoning and express his point of view on the relationship between taoism and these tales. I believe that his methods of communication make it very clear that he is trying to get us to relate to these characters more easily to enable us to in turn relate ourselves to taoist principles. This was true in "The Tao of Pooh" as well. It is extremely helpful considering I haven't read these stories of Winnie-the-Pooh since I was little and I cant necessarily remember the details of these character

s personalities which is needed to understand the relationship. The dialouge and text excepts help to refresh my memory and make the relationship more clear. Using his explanation to reenforce this relationship I'm able to relate myself more closely to the subject. However his interpretation of the characters of Winnie -the-Pooh and the way he chooses to portray them make me question if A. A. Milne would approve. It seems odd that another author can just make up dialouge between someone else's character's for the benefit of their own book. This makes me feel more disconnected from the subject as I question the validity of one of his forms of communication.

the tao of pooh

P: How did the opening passage of the book lead you to anticipate the ending of the book?

R: I chose for this novel, since it is less of a story than a book showing an interpretation of something, to use the forward and so called "backward" to the book to explain my anticipation. In the foreword The author begins to introduce Pooh bear and the role he will play in the book, a subject being taught the principles of Taoism while simultaneously representing these principles himself. Hoff then explains how he came across the idea of creating this story when an "Unbeliever" said he could never prove a Great Master of Wisdom had come from the west and at the same time prove that this Great Master was actually Winnie-the-Pooh. This was a beautiful opening to the book as it adequately depicted all that was to come as I began to read the novel. He used so many wonderful and simple example of Pooh representing Taoism through his many adventures and used his responses to these examples and principles to even better encase the ideas of Taoism. By the end of the book when the "backward" comes along I feel completely as if he has accomplished his initial purpose to " explain the principles of Taoism through Winnie-the-Pooh, and explain Winnie-the-Pooh through the principles of Taoism". The "backward" consists mainly of a song that Pooh composes in an attemp to cover just exactly what the "Tao of Pooh" is,

"To know the Way,

We go the Way;

We do the Way

The way we do

The things we do.

It's all therein front of you,

But if you try too hard to see it,

You'll only become confused.

I am me,

And you are you,

As you can see;

But when you do

The things you do,

You will find the Way,

And the Way will follow you."

As much as this book made me question things about myself it is undoubtedly very simple just as Taoism was meant to be and is a very clever and well constructed way to present Taoism to those wanting to understand. From the foreword to the backward I appreciate Benjamin Hoff's perspective and focus on his rhetorical purpose.

the tao of pooh

P: Pay attention to word choice- how is the author shaping your judgement by the words he chooses.

R: In this particular chapter Benjamin Hoff chooses the words Bisy Backson. These two words and this particular chapter are making it difficult for me to continue reading the book. A Bisy Backson refers to a note that Christopher Robin left on his door intending to say, "Busy back soon". Hoff goes on and on and on to describe these Bisy Backsons, the ones who are always going never resting always working and even when they are resting they are finding some way to make themselves work. I AM A BISY BACKSON! I want to be a taoist, I do I really do, but as I read this book instead of feeling like I can live like a taoist, I feel even more like I'm never going to be able to. I'm always going, always looking for a "Great Reward waiting for us somewhere, and that what we have to do is spend our lives working like lunatics to catch up with it". It just is disappointing to me that I have let my high school career turn into this. The author's choice of words, and way of depicting those who do not practice the taoist way makes me judge myself and the way I'm living in a negative way. He talks about all these wonderful things that this way of life brings but doesn't explain how to change. He just shows to two radically different ways of life. I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to be judging but his choice of words is making it very easy to judge myself.

the tao of pooh

P: Choose a passage from the book you particularly like and explain why.

R: For this particular prompt I chose an entire chapter that explains the Taoist principle called the Wui wei. In this chapter multiple examples are given of instances when Pooh did not go out of his way to figure or plan a situation out, and ended up saving the day. This just seems to work for me in small ways in real life. Those days when you are sitting there stressing over how to figure out exactly how to make something work, how to organize a schedule, how to make everyone happy, it's always the person who is trying to calm everyone down, the person who is sitting back and looking at the situation rather than stressing over it, always manages to piece the puzzle together with out half the effort the one stressing managed. This is one of those things again I find myself guilty of; however, this is something about my life that I should easily be able to change and I, every once in a while, do manage to achieve this. This generally isn't the case this year though, as I've managed to dig myself into a huge hole of stress by piling on to many obligations. A beautiful example that this chapter includes is a saying by an old Western philosopher, "I think, therefore I am confused." I feel like this is the story of my life and most likely a lot of other people too. The more we think about things and go against the "Wui Wei" the situation becomes less and less likely to work itself out on it's own. As we input our many ideas, and rules, and attempt to make things work, we just add more and more variables to the situation leaving one big tangled know of stress.

the tao of pooh

P: Choose a passage from the book you particularly don't like and explain why.

R: "A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean, nor can a summer insect conceive of ice. How then can a scholar understand the Tao? He is restricted by his own learning." - Chuang-tse

This passage is particularly upsetting to me because it makes me feel like I am the scholar that can never be a part of the Tao. I keep reading this novel and all I want to do is be able to relate to the Tao and live that way but I can't. He makes it seem like we have to make ourselves more simple-minded and more able to let things slide off our sleeves without letting them worry us but I just can't seem to do that. I just wonder how other people manage. I'd like to be a Taoist but there is so much school work, extracurriculars, blah, blah, blah that are set in front of us to get into college. It's like society, the structure of human life is anti-taoist. I can't sit here and just not do something and see how it goes because if I do that I'm likely to fail not only at the task at hand but life in general. He talks about how the intelligent scholar is simply intelligent for the sake of being intelligent, or as he puts it they attain "Knowledge for the sake of Knowledge". He says that they only learn from books and never really know what they are talking about because they haven't gone out and experienced it themselves. Book smarts is an important thing to though right? I mean, I wish I had the option and go out to learn about the world through experience but no one is expecting that of high school students. right now life is about Knowledge for the sake of Knowledge and again I wish it wasn't but we have to learn this stuff at some point.. This passage along with others is making myself feel kinda bad about myself.

the tao of pooh

P:Relate what you are reading to past content learned in a previous class.

R: As I'm continuing to read I'm beginning to understand more the relationship between transcendentalism and Taoism. In Mr. P's American lit class last year I was assigned transcendentalism as my literary movement. As a researched I began coming across a lot of references to Taoism and eastern philosophy however I never really took the time to trace it back. In a particular passage that I am currently reading the author happened to mention spontaneity and simplicity both in the same paragraph. These two ideas are both basic principles of the transcendentalist as well. I also recall that transcendentalist believed in an "Over Soul" or spirit that controls the universe type of thing which seems strikingly similar to the Tao or "the way". Another similar characteristic is that in Taoism it is important no to go against the laws of nature because they have already been set for us and it is not our place to disrupt these rules. Transcendentalists choose their feelings over reasoning which seems as if they are following natures rules as well. By managing to not over think a situation and go with what you feel you are abiding by the laws nature sets for us. It just seems very interesting how closely related they are. At this moment I am very much wishing I could relate Taoism back to world history more because I feel like the beginnings of Taoism and Transcendentalism may have resulted from similar dissatisfaction with society and even the current prevailing government. So far I am very satisfied with the relevance of this book to my past studies.

This book is also easily tying me back to world history as I mentioned before. It has been a brilliant refresher on eastern culture and religion.

the tao of pooh

Author: Benjamin Hoff

Publication: 1982

P: Comment on the perspective from which the book is told and how the author's choice affects your relationship with the books content.

R: Well, seeing as I'm reading The Tao of Pooh the book is obviously told from the perspective of Pooh at times. The author is explaining the principles of Taoism to Pooh while using examples of Pooh's past experiences and current responses to explain the ancient religion to us. As I'm beginning to read this novel I'm realizing that, knowing Taoists are similar to Pooh Bear, I'm trying to find ways that Taoism relates to my everyday life. By using a likable character that many people can relate to through childhood memories, it makes the content more relatable as well. We simultaneously receive the perspective of the author's explanation of Taoism, along with Pooh's perspective, giving us an educated look and then an application to our own lives. Slowly other character's from the Winnie the Pooh tales are incorporated into the author's explanation to Pooh, each representing a more anti-Taoist principle. All of these various examples, through the perspective of well know characters, help me to relate more directly to the content which enhances my understanding of the taoist principles.

One criticism I am finding myself develop; however, his perspective is clearly showing a dislike fore those who don't live by the principles. This obvious dislike makes me feel less attached to what he's saying because I find myself trying to stand up for the other side. In the very first chapter Pooh is shown a picture representing Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, he goes on to show the the two other religions in a very negative light without even explaining the success the religions brought at different times in the history of the world. All of this may just be me speaking for Ms. Embry here..