1. Retake Trial 2
Homework:
- Read Jedi, Read!
- Book Review (Sept/Book 1)--> Due Monday
- Directions for Book Review:
- Length:
- If handwriting: skip a line between line, and write two full pages front and back, or four pages front only, stapled with your heading on every front page
- If typing: two pages printed and stapled together, double-spaced, times new roman font at 12 pt size. Heading on every front page.
- Below is a Template and an example. You can also check out newspapers to see samples of book reviews.
HEADLINE: Include the title of the book (try to use a
pun!)-- note: book titles are typed in italics.
PARAGRAPH #1: Introduce the book by creatively stating
that you’ve just read this book and would like to give an opinion about
it. Mention a couple of details that
might help the reader understand what type of book you are talking about. Invest your reader in your review.
PARAGRAPH #2: Summarize the plot
(story). Where and when did it take
place? Who are the main characters? What is the story about? Remember, do NOT include spoilers and do not
tell how the story ends!
PARAGRAPH #3: Talk about the characters and
discuss who the author did a good job putting onto paper and what characters
needed more of in order for you to consider it a stronger book.
PARAGRAPH #4: Talk about what you liked
about the book and what you didn’t like.
Be sure to include a few specific details and scenes—but NO SPOILERS.
PARAGRAPH #5: What lessons did you learn
from this story (theme/moral)? What do
you think others will learn from it? What do you think the author wanted to you
learn? Is there an underlying message?
PARAGRAPH #6: What group of people would
like this movie? Who would you recommend
it to? Who would you not recommend it
to? What is your final word on the book:
Is it a must read or a snore-fest?
RATING SYSTEM: Give the Book a score. You can do grades (A,B,C, NP), stars (*** out
of ****), numbers (3 out of 4) or something totally original… just don’t use “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.”
SHORT BIOGRAPHY: Explain who you are, what your
school level is (freshman, junior, etc.), your job (if you have one), sports
you play and interesting things you like to do.
Talk about yourself in the “3rd person,” that is; pretend
someone else is writing the bio about you.
BOOK REVIEW EXAMPLE
TITLE: “My Dog Skip” will have you skipping to the
Library
By Coop Cooper, A.K.A. “The Small Town Critic”
Everyone remembers their childhood dogs and the impact
they’ve had on their life. Perhaps one
dog in particular sticks out in your mind… a special dog that was there for you
in the toughest or best years of your life.
That is what the book, Willie Morris’ “My Dog Skip” conveys. This book
is fun, yet nostalgic and heartbreaking.
Morris recounts the autobiographical memoir of his childhood in Yazoo City,
Mississippi and the four-legged friend that accompanied him on his journey into
manhood.
Set in the backdrop of the war-torn world of the
1940’s, young Willie is on the verge of his ninth birthday. His only real friend, neighbor and high
school sports hero Dink Jenkins goes off and fight in WWII, leaving Willie
feeling alone in the world. To lift
Willie’s spirits, his mother decides to defy the wishes of his stern father and
buy Willie a Jack Russell terrier puppy.
The unusually smart and charismatic dog Skip quickly becomes a local
institution and helps Willie gain respect, make friends and even win over his
first girlfriend.
Since this book is a memoir, the
young Morris is depicted through the author’s own eyes, looking back at
himself. Morris, the author is able to convey Morris, the boy in his book, as
mature, with shades of emotions that effectively keep the reader invested in
the book. His parents are portrayed as
caring and concerned parents, with the character of Dink Wilson bringing in the
comedic relief as he pulls off the disgraced town hero with surprising
effectiveness. However it’s the dog
that steals the show. Skip will keep you hooked page after page.
Morris’ parents were strong
characters in the book, but didn’t get enough time to fully develop. In addition, Willie’s friendship with a young
black boy was never given a chance to develop either, probably in an effort by
the editors to avoid focusing on the segregation issues of the time
period. The issue is addressed, but I feel
that the African-American characters should have had bigger, more substantial
parts. Also, I didn’t get the whole
subplot with the evil moonshine dealers and why they tormented little Willie
and Skip. I had to keep reminding myself
that this was a memoir because these areas seemed like a fictional part slapped
on to cause more conflict. Despite these
objections, the book seemed to genuinely convey the feeling of growing up in
rural Mississippi. The attention to
detail and the accuracy of the time period were phenomenal and thought
provoking. I felt completely immersed in
this world and felt the full effect of this moving story. Even the southern accents were written into
the dialogue such that I could easily hear them speak in my own mind.
The message of this book is very
clear and invokes plenty of nostalgia to anyone who can identify growing up in
a rural town. It’s about passing into
adulthood, remembering old friends long gone, and the desire to remember or
relive happy moments in our lives that may be fading from our memory. Morris is certainly a master at preserving
his own memories by writing it down for others to enjoy. I truly believe that this story is his gift,
not only to the people of Mississippi, but to all who want to remember their
past, and the friends they left behind.
This book is truly for
everyone. Most books geared for children
these days depend on lame, pop-culture references and gas-passing jokes in a
patronizing attempt to entertain the younger masses. This book rises above all of that to become
one of the most readable non-Disney-esque books as of late. Your friends might resist the urge to read a
book named after a dog, but try to talk them into it. They won’t regret it and neither will
you.
Scale of 1-5:
4 ½
Coop Cooper is an independently syndicated book
critic, living in Los Angeles. He is originally from Clarksdale, Mississippi
and a Southerner at heart. He graduated from Brown University with
a B.F.A in Literature, and received his Masters in Journalism from UCLA. You can read his past reviews at http://www.thesmalltowncritic.com/.
If you have questions. Text Jedi Ms. Kelly. Her number is in your syllabus.
