Showing posts with label modern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modern. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2015

The Pearl by John Steinbeck REVIEW

Review
People who love Steinbeck seem to think that this isn't a sampling of his best, but I was certainly impressed.  The writing is wonderful and the story is simple with universal themes.


WHEN I Discovered This Classic
I recently discovered this book.  It was added to my library's ebook collection, so I put it on hold.  When it became available I borrowed it, and read it. I wasn't aware of it before I saw added as a new book to the library's collection

WHAT Makes It A Classic
This is a book commonly taught in middle school and highschool.  It is very accessible as a way to introduce how an author can use symbolism. There is a great deal of teaching material available for this book.

WHY I Chose to Read It
free

WILL It Stay A Classic
Yes.  The book is beautifully written and involves universal themes.  Teachers can dig in, because every character represents a sin or temptation, etc.

WHO I’d Recommend It To
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes good writing.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Things Fall ApartI've chosen my next classic.  The "why" comes straight from wiki:

"Things Fall Apart is a post-colonial novel written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe in 1958. It is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English, one of the first to receive global critical acclaim. It is a staple book in schools throughout Africa and is widely read and studied in English-speaking countries around the world. It was first published in 1958 by William Heinemann Ltd in the UK; in 1962, it was also the first work published in Heinemann's African Writers Series. The title of the novel comes from a line in W. B. Yeats' poem The Second Coming".  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Things_Fall_Apart

More Ws:

WHEN I Discovered This Classic:  A few minutes ago

WHAT Makes It A Classic:  Refer to the Why