Up until now we have talked about reading techniques that will help you in the future. We are going to change focus a bit and think about what events have shaped you into the reader and writer you are today. Today we are reading "The Joy of reading and Writing" by Sherman Alexie. He discusses his experience as a Native American growing up on the reservation. At one point he talks about his father's love for reading and how the presence of books helped shape him as a reader and a writer. I especially like this part. As a child, I never thought about the presence of books in my house or the effect of seeing other people read. My dad, though despite only having a high school education and working as a chef all his life, loved read nonfiction books. I can remember him reading entire series of books on The California Missions, on the history of gambling in Nevada, on gardening, on all sorts of topics that caught his attention. I never remember him encouraging me to read or write, but I am sure that his influence helped shape me into the reader and writer I am today.
We are also reading Richard Wilbur's poem, "The Writer." In this poem Wilbur creates an extended metaphor of his daughter as a writer. As you read, think about what he is trying to tell you about his daughter's writing process.
In the comments section, please write about a few key events that helped you to become the reader and writer you are today. Think about how the lack of skills or techniques the authors like Rosenberg, Rafoth, or Bunn have discussed may have influenced you. Was there a person who was particularly influential, either positive or negative, to you as a reader or writer? What was that influence and what effect did it have on you? Post your response in the comments section in about 500 words.
the_joy_of_reading_and_writing.pdf |
the_writer.docx |