Stuy Shelf

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

Posted on the June 15th, 2009 under Recommendations by heheman

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 17^th 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 8^th 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.

Reading Recommendation Interviews (wyoung)

Posted on the May 7th, 2009 under Recommendations by wyoung

The following is a series of interview in which the thoughts of readers on contemporary and classic literature are described to further provoke the literary appetite of young readers. I asked each reader five simple questions in a manner that best describes the literature, and any attitudes towards it.

 

1. Describe the atmosphere of the book.

2. What have you learned about the author through his/her style of writing?

3. Why did you read this book, and how does it compare with others of similar genre you have read in the past?

4. What can you learn from reading this book?

5.  Are there any significant quotes that provide an insight to the attitude of the story?

 

Interview with Junior “J Vita” on Oscar Wilde’s, The Picture of Dorian Grey

1.  This novel is set in England, roughly around the time of Sherlock Holmes. The novel has an air of mystery and suspense, and provides a shady backdrop for the dramatic events about to unfold.

2. Wilde writes in a very abstract manner, so it may take some thinking on the reader’s part to follow this novel. Some call it work. I call it an interactive read!

3. Dorian Grey was a character featured in the movie League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He was depicted as an immortal, which initially caught my interest. What keeps me reading are the perks and quirks that come with such a nature. Put simply, he is a cool character. It’s interesting to watch his story and observe how “true gentlemen” manage their lives. This is pretty much the standard genre for me, so I’ve read a lot of novels like it, but it thrills me every time.

4. The value of morals in modern society, relatively speaking (of history) of course.

5. N/A

 

 Interview with Senior Eugene Fong on Randy Pausch’s, The Last Lecture

 1. Positive. This is an inspirational book, and the reader is flooded with positive thoughts, and is forced to look at the bright side of things. Truly a cheerful book-even in the face of death.

2. Pausch’s writing style is relaxed, and informal. He is trying to reach the general audience since his message is directed at mankind. It is conversational, and easy to follow and relate to. But Pausch’s lesson is definitely something everyone can learn from.

3. I saw Pausch giving his lecture on television, and the first 10 minutes were absolutely captivating. The next time I went to the bookstore, I noticed his book, and grabbed it off the shelf. I am still reading this book, but what keeps me reading is because the kinds of experiences he went through are things that everyone goes through growing up, and it was extremely funny to read Pausch’s light-hearted approach to life and to learn his creative take on the seriousness of life-and death. I consider this book an autobiography, and I just don’t read those, but this book is definitely worth the struggle.

4. This is a difficult question but in general, this book makes an attempt at the age old question “What is the meaning of life,” and he writes with the sole intention of educating, so there is a lot to learn from this book.

5.  “Yes, I’m a great optimist. But when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst-case scenario. I call it “The Eaten by Wolves” factor. If I do something, what’s the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by wolves?”

 

Interview with Freshman Francis Taylor on Ken Kesey’s, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest

1. The longing to be free is an inherent human characteristic. So is distrust of authority. Author Ken Kesey weaves both of these essential human components into his masterpiece, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

2. Few books as radical as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest can stand the passage of time with such resonance. Kesey weaves intricate symbols together with a mastery that I have seen only rarely in contemporary authors. Unless one really pays attention, it’s quite easy to get lost in the literature. Some symbols, like the McMurphy/Christ associations, are rather easy to identify whereas others will fly right over your head if you’re not careful. This intricate plot concludes in a touching ending.

3. Compared to other books I’ve read, I thought this book was much more slow moving, and specific than ever. Sometimes, it’s hard to wade your way through such thick writing, but I’ve learned to appreciate it. I had to read this book in an afterschool program, but I loved it, and more importantly, I remember it.

4. Our hero is a tragic anti-hero. He is tragic because he dies, and anti-hero because instead of good morals, he gambles, smokes, sleeps around, curses, and fights when he knows he shouldn’t. The message seems Nietzchean (Nietzsche: an influential German philosopher remembered for his concept of the superhuman and rejection of Christian values. He is considered one of the founders of existentialism). The only real people who make their own rules, supermen. The individual vs all authority. The book is well-written, and presents the story from the point of view of an inmate. It also deals with deep themes, but some answers are left flawed and lacking.

5. “Mmm…juicy fruit.”

 

 Interview with Sophomore Brian Wilkinson on Neil Gaiman’s, American Gods

1. The atmosphere of this novel is simply dark and mysterious. It is serious, and yet, surreal. Anything else about the atmosphere is just giving away the novel.

2. Gaiman is an interesting writer. He has a lot of individual ideas about faith and mysticism, and he uses this book as a sort of commentary on the subject. Some of his ideas are very abstract and convoluted, but you don’t have to agree with him, or understand the entire novel to enjoy it. If you are interested in modern philosophy, this is a good book for you.

3. I read this book last year. Honestly, I just picked it off a library shelf. It’s a lot more thoughtful that a lot of novels I’ve read. I didn’t actually read this intending to get a philosophical new take on the world, but it was a good enough story to get me interested. I can safely say that this is my favorite novel.

4. Everyone will take something different from this book. Anything useful? Probably not.

5. “Every Ending is a new Beginning. Your lucky number is none. Your lucky color is dead.”

 

Interview with Junior John Chung on Paul Coelho’s, The Alchemist

1. This book is philosophical, but it is enveloped within a great story. The book is adventurous, and attempts to use the situations of a shepherd boy to comment on the meaning of life.

2. The author writes in a manner that flows, is easy-going, and easy to understand. There is drama, but the author writes in a way that makes you feel relaxed. Part of his message is that you’re never alone, and there is always someone watching over you. You get that feeling yourself after finishing the book and giving it a long hard thought. That is the beauty of Coelho’s writing.

3.  I read this book because my brother convinced me to. He thought it was a great book, and there was something to learn. I read it for the story, but I see myself exploring Coelho’s idea on the world even further in my own life. I have read many similar books. I guess this is a more grown-up version of The Little Prince, but I definitely liked this one the best, and that is why I am sharing it with you today.

4. The whole point of the story was to find treasure. A shepherd boy had a dream telling him that there was treasure to be found, and so away he went. He sold everything, and made many sacrifices to find the treasure. It’s not a good idea to give the story away, but the book teaches what we are looking for in life, and how to find it.

5. “The boy and his heart had become friends, and neither was capable now of betraying the other.”