Book interview revised (can’t find my old account name/pw) =[
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.
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