Archive for June 15th, 2009
Victor Huang
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
Tags: Late British Literature, autobiography, DDR, anime, otaku
1) What is the book about?
It’s about the life of an English orphan and how she gets through life.
2) What do you like about this book?
It deals with a lot of dark elements and has a lot of social criticism.
3) What makes this book unique?
It deals with lots of different themes like morality, religion, and social classes.
4) Why did you choose to read this book?
I had to read it for Late British English class.
5) Who would you recommend this book to?
People who are interested in Late British literature and don’t mind autobiographies I guess.
Charles Leung
King Lear – Shakespeare
Tags: Shakespeare, nerd
1) What is the book about?
It’s a Shakespearean tragedy about a king trying to divide his land before he retires.
2) What do you like about this book?
The “plot” is very interesting – everyone tries to kill each other and take power.
3) What makes this better than Shakespeare’s other works?
No reason in particular, I just thought it was very good, especially the ending.
4) Why did you choose to read this book?
I had to read it for Shakespearean Literature class.
5) Who would you recommend this book to?
Anyone can read it – it’s Shakespeare and it’s very interesting.
Victor Eng
Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom
Tags: true story, life, philosophy, handball, breakdance
1) What is the book about?
It’s about a guy who spends time with his dying professor who teaches him a bunch of life lessons
2) Why do you like about this book?
I found the professor’s philosophy on life very interesting – he covers everything including happiness and love and stuff.
3) Did you learn anything from this book?
Yeah, the life lessons personally made me see life in a different way, which is what makes this book great.
4) Why did you choose to read this book?
My friend recommended it to me – I read it for fun.
5) Who would you recommend this book to?
I don’t know… people who are sort of confused about life?
William Bute
Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
Tags: survival, teenage rebellion, DDR, anime
1) What is the book about?
It’s about a kid who gets expelled from school then lives in the city.
2) Why do you like about this book?
It’s really awesome and you can relate to the main character.
3)What does the title mean?
The main character wants to be like a savior for children and catch them if they fall off a cliff or something.
4) Why did you choose to read this book?
I had to read this book back in freshman year for English class.
5) Who would you recommend this book to?
It’s a really good book – everyone should read it.
Josef Broder
The Traveller – John Twelve Hawks
Tags: sci-fi, thriller, nerd
1) What’s with the author’s weird name?
It’s part of his style – he’s all secretive and stuff. His name and location are all hidden.
2) What is this book about?
It is about a secret organization trying to control the United States.
3) What do you like about this book?
It has everything – fantasy, magic, violence, stuff like that.
4) Why did you choose to read this book?
It’s part of a really awesome trilogy, which you should read.
5) Who would you recommend this book to?
People who like to read for fun and enjoy suspenseful and action-packed novels.
Kevin Tse – Soccer, Rowing, Girls
K: So, what’s your favorite book?
P: I got the best book ever, it’s Alex Rider by Anthony Horrowitz.
K: What made you read the book?
P: It was a gift given to me when I lived in England.
K: Ah. What’s it about?
P: The books about a teenage spy that works for the MI6 and faces a lot of epic challenges.
K: That’s pretty concise… so… what’s the MI6?
P: That’s the British version of the CIA.
K: Oh, ok. So tell us your favorite “epic challenge.”
P: Alright, so Alex parachutes from a plane hijacked from the enemy, crash-lands through a glass roof into the enemy HQ. He shoots 6 bullets. One into the enemy prime ministers hand to stop him from activating a machine that would kill all the school children in England. Two into the activation button of the machine. Three into the enemy spy that was working with the MI6. The spy is the person who gave the enemy prime minister the SuperComputer AI used to build the machine.
K: Wow… so epic… ok, who would recommend the book to?
P: Anyone who is interested in an extremely epic action book.
K: Hmm, since it’s so epic, how did you feel when you read the book?
P: Amazing. I feel like I can parachute 5 miles straight into a museum with security and reporters, fire bullets into the crowd below me and have no consequences.
K: Thanks… don’t shoot me.
Chris Moll- Dancing, Sleeping, Cats
K: What’s your favorite book?
C: The Girl in Blue by Ann
K: Hm. What’s it about?
C: The book is like Mulan but during the civil war, a girl pretends to be a boy to fight but she gets caught and got sent to a confederate general’s wifes maid.
K: Wait, why would she randomly try to join a war?
C: Her father wanted her to marry an older man but she didn’t so she ran away because wanted to break out of the “16 year old girl” role.
K: Ok, what is your favorite scene?
C: She was working as a spy and an older woman taught her how to do stuff and one day the girl was sick and the older woman brought her over, and the author described how she lived alone and against common perception of a woman because pretty much redefines a common perception of women.
K: Are you a feminist?
C: Kind of…
K: Wow. Alright, what made you read the book?
C: Uhhh… at that time, I read anything like a book whore.
K: Who would you recommend it to?
C: I would recommend it to ppl who liked watching mulan and open minded ppl who are concious of social boundaries.
K: Well put. Thanks so much.
Disi Chen – Handball, Screeching
K: What’s your all time favorite book?
D: Uhhh… um… uhh..
K: Uhh…?
D: Uhhh… Twilight?
K: Seriously?
D: What? I can’t help it! I’m a sucker for damsel in distress and knight in shining armor stuff.
K: Yeah, ok. So, what’s the book about?
D: Who doesn’t know what Twilight is about?
K: Fine, what about the book attracted you?
D: The fairytale aspect of the book, I guess. And I like the attraction between one person who is completely normal and the other who is immortal.
K: What is your favorite scene?
D: The one where Edward sneaks into Belle’s bedroom!
K: That’s creepy… why is it your favorite?
D: Because the scene was incredibly cute and funny and awfully romantic.
K: What’s so romantic about sneaking into someone’s bedroom? Sounds creepy…
D: It just is!
K: Fine, who would you recommend Twilight to?
D: Girls who are suckers for damsels in distress and knights in shining armor.
K: Ok. Thank you for your time!
Dani Chen – Nutella, Hates Anime
K: What’s your favorite book?
D: The Princess Bride by William Goldman.
K: What’s it about?
D: It’s about the love story between Westley and Buttercup.
K: Who are they and what happened?
D: Westley is this man who is madly in love with Buttercup who is this extremely beautiful woman even when she’s covered in dirt and rags. Westley goes off on a journey to try and impress Buttercup but gets captured by a pirate. Buttercup hears of this news and becomes heartbroken. Ever since then, Buttercup became cold and unable to love. Then she married a prince for his money. Isn’t that awesome?
K: Uhh, right…
D: And then Westley returns and tries to get Buttercup back but she became all bitchy. That’s when the story really begins.
K: Wow, Westley and Buttercup seem like interesting characters, can you tell me more about them?
D: Umm… well Buttercup is this really naïve girl who is like the most beautiful girl in the world. She lived on a farm with a servant boy and that boy is Westley. Westley always loved Buttercup but was always too shy to say anything about it. He’d express his love by “throwing all the bullies around” for Buttercup. Buttercup, on the other hand, didn’t even realize he existed until the Queen of the land came by and tried to seduce Westley.
K: Cool. What’s your favorite scene?
D: My favorite scene is when the prince comes to court Buttercup and they have this huge argument where the prince threatens to kill her. Buttercup refuses to marry the prince out of love, but the prince refused to have love in the marriage. Buttercup realized that such terms were fine with her so she went and married him.
K: … What made you read the book?
D: At that time, I went on a book buying spree and Princess Bride just happened to be one of them.
K: What are some things you love about the book?
D: The humor in the book. It’s really funny in a clever way. I love the style it was written in even more. William Goldman makes it seem like he’s retelling a story from his childhood memories by adding really funny comments.
K: Sounds good. Who would you recommend The Princess Bride to?
D: Anyone who is interested in a uniquely written romance novel. It has a bit of action in it too.
K: I think I’ll read it. Thanks for your time.
Jessica Huang – Handball, Showering
K: Hey, what’s your favorite book?
J: Uhhh, I read?
K: Yes, you also have a favorite book.
J: www.facebook.com
K: Haha! Thanks for your time.
Jos Diaz
Ms. Chan
Period 3
Interviews
Rebecca Steinberg; student, musician, redhead
What is your favorite book?
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
How did you come across the book?
I found it in my apartment. I flipped through it and it looked interesting; I found the word “cunt” used repeatedly, and I thought to myself “this is an author I can get along with.”
What about this book makes it your favorite?
It’s really blunt and unapologetic. Even though it’s really kind of gross at parts and very masculine, it really captures awkwardness and discomfort more than other books I’ve read, like “Catcher in The Rye” or “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” It’s a lot harsher than Catcher in The Rye, and darker, but has the same feeling of isolation.
What type of person would enjoy this book?
I think any adolescent or even someone older who likes to read books about people whose lives aren’t perfect.
Helen Chen; student, fashionista, art-lover
What is your favorite book?
The Joy Luck Club
How did you come across the book?
I was walking by Barnes and Noble, and they had a big poster. I’d heard about it, so I went inside and bought a copy. I was in the eighth grade, but the themes have stuck with me for all this time. I guess it’s kind of sad that my favorite book is from the eighth grade, but it’s true.
What about this book makes it your favorite?
I feel like there are so many aspects of it I can relate to. For example, my grandmother is an avid mahjong player, I’ve been raised in a very traditional Chinese family and I have a very close relationship with my mother, and with my grandmother.
What type of person would enjoy this book?
Anybody who wants to read a book about a relationship between a child and a parent, and anybody who comes from a traditional Asian family.
Thomas Ansorge; student, policy wonk, history buff
What is your favorite book?
Imperial Life in the Emerald City by Rajiv Chandresekan
How did you come across the book?
I read a review of this book in the Asia Times, then got it from the New York Public Library by placing it on hold and picking it up from the Morningside Heights branch.
What about this book makes it your favorite?
I love the book because it’s so comprehensive and informative. It effectively illustrates the cultural clashes between an occupying power and an occupied people, the difficulty of nation building, and managementt dilemmas faced by inexperienced and unqualified personnel thrust into an unexpected challenging situation. It also does a great job of informing its readers on domestic political process and relevant current world issues.
What type of person would enjoy this book?
Policy wonks and history buffs.
Mark Surya; student, composer
What is your favorite book?
Ulysses by James Joyce
How did you come across this book?
It’s Ulysses. Eventually anyone who reads anything will find it. I’d also already read Finnegan’s Wake and loved it, so I wanted to read Joyce’s complete works.
Why is it your favorite book?
Its basic philosophy is really similar to mine, and I was really impressed in how it could jacknife from humor to really deep emotion in the same sentence. It was the first book I ever read where the language was just as important as what was going on. A lot of this applies to Finnegan’s Wake as well, but that was just so open and unreadable, that, while I really enjoyed reading it, I can’t really consider it my favorite book as much.
What type of person would enjoy this book?
Pretentious people.
Simon Szybist; student, polack
What is your favorite book?
The Street of Crocodiles by Bruno Schulz
How did you come across the book?
It was recommended to me by a camp counselor who told me that it was one of the most enlightening books he’d ever read, so I traded him for it. I gave him The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson in exchange.
What about this book makes it your favorite?
First and foremost, it’s surrealist. His ability to paint these beautiful, colorful scenes on the paper… the stories never really end in a coherent way, and you’re never really sure what has happened at the end but It still amazes you. It’s a book of short stories. To put it shortly, I’ve never read anything else like it. It just really hit me as something totally original.
What type of person would enjoy this book?
The type of person who would like a Terry Gilliam film would love this book. Or, less referentially, someone who can appreciate absurdity for what it is.
Interview with Afreen Juli a filmmaker and show organizer
S:During your four years in high school, which book would you say is your favorite?
A: The Stranger by Albert Camus
S: How did you feel after reading this book?
A: I felt that the way Measault (main character) treats his life is to a certain degree the best way of treating things, just letting things go and take their own path
S: Can you describe the book in 3 words?
A: Life, addicting, catchy
S: Would you recommend other people to read this book? Any specific audience?
A: Of course I would, as a matter of fact that was my birthday gift to Alen for his 18th. I would recommend it to you also
S: Haha now I remember, so you would say teenagers maybe?
A: Yes because teenagers need to learn not to care about life too much, because in the end, it doesn’t always work out, and you will become depressed
Interview with Viktor Roytman a science buff
S: During your time in high school, what would you say was your favorite book?
V: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
S: Can you describe the book in a few sentences?
V: It’s a cyberpunk novel set in the future dealing with a mysterious computer virus
S: What did you like about the book? I.e. character development, plot?
V: Umm it’s very funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s loaded with interesting characters and references to cool stuff
S: Would you recommend this book to other people? If so what audience would you target?
V: Highly recommend this book to other people. My friend recommended it to me, and it’s pretty famous and influential. But it’s an adult book so like, 17+, and people that are interested in science, technology, futuristic shit
Interview with David Tan plays guitar and rows
S: What is your favorite book that you have read throughout your time at stuy?
D: I would have to say Cyrano de Bergerac
S: How did the book make you feel?
D: The book made me feel great, haha I don’t know
S: Well did you learn anything after reading the book?
D: Not at all actually, it was just good
S: What about it was good?
D: Well, it was a play, and the main character was just so witty, it was also very fast paced, like you can tell exactly how the author wanted his play to go just by the dialogue, we reenacted the play, and it was really fun
S: What audience would you say it is for?
D: Anyone self conscious, because… well I guess if I say why, I’ll ruin the ending of the story, haha, anyone self conscious of their looks
Interview with Jeffrey Hart, guitarist and philosopher
S: Hey Jeffrey long time no see
J: Hey Sercan how’s it going
S: It’s good. Listen what’s your favorite book that you’ve read in the past 4 years?
J: Grimm’s Fairy Tales definitely
S: What made you like the book?
J: Well it taught a lot of lessons
S: So it was like an academic book?
J: Well no, I mean I like it because of the fairy tale style. The way that its written that even children can understand the point being made. And its also quite interesting to read.
S: Who was your favorite character?
J: You do realize that the book has over 200 stories alone?
S: So I guess I can’t ask that about setting either?
J: Not really. However all the stories have a common feeling to them. Like you’re in a different world. You kind of have to suspend your disbelief for some of them but that’s what makes it engrossing.
S: Thank you for your time.
J: Hey, no problem!
Interview with Muhammad Rahman, heavy metal drummer
S: Hey wanna do a survey?
M: Depends. What’s it on?
S: What is your favorite book basically… do you have any?
M: Hell yeah Halo: Fall of Reach
S: Isn’t Halo a video game?
M: Yeah but this is the book about it. More like it has all the back-story to the game and allows you to get how things came about in the game.
S: Well how was the style? How does it work going from game to book?
M: Well the style is great if keeps all the cool stuff from the video game but its not like a normal boring book… You actually feel immersed in it you know?
S: Haha yeah kind of. What audience would you recommend it to?
M: Anyone who likes the game.
S: Thank you for your time.
M: No problem!
Shanwenyi (David) He
Ms. Chan
6/14/2009
Period 2
Book Interview
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Background information: If you like to read about what it was like during the 17th century in colonial America and tragic love story, this book is definitely for you!
Interviewee: P. Chan.
Q: What grasped your attention to read this book?
A: The title of the book, as well as what other people said about this book. My friends said this book is very interesting, even though they had to read it for English class.
Q: Did the book start off interesting?
A: Well, the setting was really dark. I guess you can say it’s interesting.
Q: Can you relate to the main character?
A: Not really, the main character is a woman. She had an affair with another man while her husband was away. There’s no way I would do such a thing. Hence, I cannot relate to her.
Q: Why would you recommend this book to others?
A: Trust me, you will read it some time later in your life. It’s just that famous. Plus, the plot isn’t so bad, and I had fun reading it. Hope you can enjoy too!
Q: For whom is the book written? Fellow scholars? Non-academics? Is the book appropriate to its audience?
A: This book is for adults and teenagers alike, scholarly or not. This book should be a timeless classic.
The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton
Background information: This is not your cookie-cutter, mundane science fiction where superheroes go around and kill hostile aliens. If you like to learn more about possible technological advances and deadly diseases in the future, go to your local library and get a copy of this book!
Interviewee: W. Cheng
Q: What part of book grasped your attention?
A: The cover of this book makes me think of bacteria and virus. I’ve always been a medical person, so of course these microscopic organisms fascinate me.
Q: How appropriate is the book’s title? Does it promise essentially what the book delivers?
A: Yes, very. This book covers a story about strain of virus carried back to earth by a space probe. This virus then spreads across the globe, infecting many people in various countries. The descriptions really give me the shivers.
Q: Is the writing style readable? Can you understand what the author’s trying to say?
A: Definitely, this book is in colloquial terms. It’s very easy to understand what the author’s trying to say.
Q: Which genre does this book fit in?
A: Sci-Fi, for sure. This relates to reality, and yet, we have not discovered a strain of virus that can cause death in a matter of three seconds! Even though this book probes the undiscovered, it is written realistically.
Q: Did you like the ending?
A: Yeah. I mean, it was a happy ending; (SPOILER!) the virus transformed, and became harmless to human beings. In the meantime, scientists can search for a cure for this deadly virus. None of the protagonists died. Yay! (SPOILER!). It’s always satisfying to read a horror sci-fi book from the beginning to the end.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Background information: Have you ever been in a handsome guy’s shoes? So much drama… so many people trying to mislead you… If you like to truly believe that inner beauty is what really counts for a person, read this book! (You’ll read it anyways in English class!)
Interviewee: K. Wei (wow this really gives it away.)
Q: Whoa, I remember this book. Let me guess, this is for your previous English class right?
A: Haha, good guess, but I actually read this book on my own.
Q: Really? Why did you choose this book?
A: Oh, because I know it’s a very famous book, and lots of people have read it. I’m pretty sure I’ll read this book again in college, so why not read it now.
Q: How appropriate is the book’s title? Is it fitting?
A: Yeah. Funny thing is, the whole story starts with this painting, and the story also ends with this painting. This painting is the source of evil! That should answer your question.
Q: How is this book structured?
A: Oh, just like any other novel. There is a plot, and the author follows through, and develops each major character. As a result, every major character is a rounded character, not flat.
Q: Why was the book written?
A: Hmm, I actually have no idea. Perhaps for fun? Publicity? This IS a great book, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilde received critical acclaim for this book!
Halo: The Flood by William C. Dietz
Background information: This is another must-read for all you Halo fans out there. The amazing details and smooth storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is also a good complement to the game Halo: Combat Evolved, since it covers all the plot-holes in the game.
Interviewee: R. Liu
Q: Are you a Halo fan?
A: YES. I own all the Halo books, and ALL of the Halo games, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo Wars. Mad fun!
Q: Well, do you think this book is a good adaptation of Halo: CE?
A: First of all, CE has two meanings: Custom Edition, and Combat Evolved. Be careful there. Second, yeah, actually, this book goes beyond the details from the game. It develops the characters a lot more. Each movement, each battle scene, each conversation is so descriptive. It’s like playing the game in your mind in slow-mo, and you can examine each detail.
Q: I see, are there any discrepancies?
A: Yeah, a little bit. But not enough to totally separate this book from its adapted game.
Q: Does the title fit the story?
A: Of course. It’s about how Master Chief Spartan John-117 and the UNSC forces discover the flood, a parasitic race, on Halo. (Master Chief’s mad cool yo!)
Q: What is your personal response to this book?
A: I love it! By all means, GET IT! It’s really good. Or maybe I’m just a Halo fan. The story is amazing; no wonder the Halo series received such critical acclaims.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Background information: A wonderful book that deals with racism and discrimination. This book evokes sympathy from the readers with its intriguing storyline and flawless storytelling. This is definitely one of the must-read books for everyone.
Interviewee: S. Mai
Q: I read this book in 8th grade! When did you read this? And where?
A: You are stupid (lols). I was in your class! We had to read this for the summer homework assignments. I didn’t really like it, since I’m not a symbolism person.
Q: Oh? From what I’ve heard, many people really like this book. Why don’t you like it?
A: Like I said before, I’m not too good at identifying symbolism. Also, what the white people did to the black people was so wrong! I couldn’t stand reading this book!
Q: I see, I’m sorry to hear that. Anyway, does the book have illustrations? Index? Bibliography?
A: No it does not have illustrations. It does have an index, and a bibliography.
Q: Is the title fitting for the story?
A: Yeah, very. Even though I wasn’t too good at identifying symbolism, I did find out afterwards that mockingbirds are innocent birds who only know how to sing for people. To kill the innocent is very bad, and this point is developed in the story.
Q: So, for whom is this book written?
A: This book is for everyone: teenagers, adults, etc. It’s about the issue of racism, which still exists today. After I read it, I found out how much the Blacks have suffered, and how inequality plagued our country.
Book recommendations by Stuyvesant students for Stuyvesant students and readers around the world. Also known as Stuy Bookshelf/Book Box. Submissions are open—click on register below!