The other night at dinner my wife wondered aloud why anyone, myself included, would assign summer reading? I didn't have a prepared answer, except to say I thought some of the discussions that came out of this year's assignment had been productive. I also thought the two books worked well together, and there is always the fact that likely few if any students would have read either of these books had I not assigned them.
So now I want to hear from those who were required to read them. Tell me what you think about the idea of a summer assignment, and what you thought in particular about the two books in question.
How can readers have such diverse reactions to the same book? Is this a comment about the books or about the readers, and if it is about the readers what does this say about what we as readers bring to the process?
In general, I do not like school work over the summer. Period. Summer should be spent chillin' with friends, going on family road trips, or just enjoying the three months in which Northern Michigan might have decent weather. But reading should not be considered a "summer assignment". Books can give us in depth knowledge on certain subjects, and most of the time books are quite enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThe two books we read were fascinating, especially "The Catcher in The Rye". Not only did I find it relatable, but also humorous. The way Holden called everyone a "phony" made me, and the rest of my Literature class, ask the question "would Holden consider himself a phony?"
Also, "Strength in what Remains" I thought was an excellent read. I particularly enjoyed the way Tracy Kidder went to Africa to travel the route Deo did when he was escaping the Genocide. That is one dedicated writer, and it showed in his book.
~Cohen B.
Personally, I don't like it when teachers assign homework to do over the summer. I had a rather hectic summer, and having to worry about homework on top of everything else was a little stressful. I like to read, but with all of the homework that teachers assign during the school year and over the summer, it's hard to find time to sit down and read a book of my own choosing.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I did enjoy Strength in What Remains. I liked the encouraging message behind Deo's story, and it was interesting to follow his journey in America as he worked his way from having nothing to eventually building a hospital for the people in his home country. The stories of the people that helped Deo on his journey were also interesting.
The Catcher in the Rye was another matter entirely. There were a few funny lines in the book, but overall I didn't enjoy it. As I read the book, I wondered when I would see some discernable plot movement, when Holden's character would begin to evolve, and when all of his strange encounters with random people would come together in a dramatic climax. I was very disappointed when I reached the end of the book and I didn't see any of these things happen. I felt like I had wasted a good deal of time reading a completely pointless book, and that did not make me very happy.
-Vanessa M.
I may not particularly enjoy doing a summer reading assignment, but I definitely understand teachers' purpose in assigning them. Many students may argue in saying that their summers are too busy to juggle everything they do with the addition of having two books that they have to read, but that is ridiculous. Even if they are on a summer sports team, working the legal limit per week, and switching between dad and mom's house throughout the week, there is always time to fit in a book or two.
ReplyDeleteThese two books were especially easy, because of their fascinating, high school student-relative topics, and their riveting diction. Both were enticing authors and each book kept me wondering what next their protagonist would endure.
J.D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye was very relatable: a boy, of a similar age to me, not completely caring of what's right and wrong, and having negative thoughts on nearly everyone he meets. I saw parts of myself in Salinger's words, and very much enjoyed sharing my summer with Holden Caulfield.
I began to research Tracy Kidder immediately after reading Strength in What Remains. I very much enjoyed his vivid writing of Deogratias Niyizonkiza's incredible journey, becoming a well-respected founder of his clinic in Burundi. I also find it absolutely fantastic that his reputable mission is still living on today, and growing.
I, being an assignment-only (if that) reader, very much enjoyed these books (The Catcher in The Rye, in particular), and want to read more banned books!
I would have to agree with my fellow classmates on the idea that summer reading assignments do bring an annoying disturbance into summer plans. Personally, it's not the fact that I have to read a book; it's the part that I'm not reading one i want. On the other hand, with these two books I did particularly mind as much i usually do (this is also probably because i didn't procrastinate as much).
ReplyDelete"The Catcher in the Rye" was an okay read for me but I can honestly say I will probably never pick it back up again. Holden and his contradicting beliefs did make the book interesting to follow, but the inconclusive ending slightly angered me. If i had a few more answers this book may have completely changed mind but i guess that may be what makes it such a "classic".
"Strength In What Remains" on the other hand I thought was an inspiring read. It was an honest story, and also i found it very educational as well between the hutus and tutsi history, which is a subject I wouldn't have looked into without reading this book. It showed a real example of someone who came to America with nothing and rose above such tragedy. This book, in comparison Catcher, seems much more worth my time to read.
The variety of responses comes from the reader and personal opinions on the topics found in each book. We can all argue who really is the biggest phony but it all depends on the reader. Then again most good books come with good controversy, so it’s expected that we the readers will not agree on everything.
-Anna C.
Summer readings fine. I find myself begging for new recommendations all the time anyway. It doesn't matter much to me if it's just a friendly suggestion or an assignment. Obviously, the main difference with assignments is the "you-have-to-do-it" part. But you never really have to do anything: failure is an option.
ReplyDeleteAs for the books, i loved Catcher In The Rye.
When i was reading it, it felt really basic, even childish. But that's part of the brilliance and what made me take my time and look more closely at it.
I just had to go look up the title for Strength In What Remains. Sorry, but apparently I found it kind of forgettable (and I'm tired). The story was amazing, but i feel like it could have been some article I read in a magazine. I guess I've just seen too much Oprah to be really sensitive to anything anymore.
I just read that over and it sounds really harsh. Don't get me wrong; I liked the book. I just don't want to dwell on how horrible everything can be and turn into May from The Secret Life of Bees.
Yours very sincerely,
Molly Signs
P.S. I don't care that this is a post, i think it's nicer to sign it like a letter!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't mind summer reading. It's a proven fact that our brains rot if we don't keep them stimulated. Plus, I welcome an assignment if it involves reading. Reading used to be my one and only pastime. Now I have to schedule it in. I cherish the moments I get to sit back and open up a book, even if it's assigned. Many argue that they don't have time for assigned summer reading. But I went to three different summer camps, took a two week bus tour, took the ACT, studied for and took an SAT Subject test, applied to college and tested out of two subjects among other social things, and even with all of that I still found plenty of time to pick up a book or two ON TOP OF my summer reading assignment. I wouldn't mind if more classes assigned summer reading. Sure we should have fun over the summer but who says we shouldn't still find time to use our minds and ponder things deeper than what's going on Friday night? Every book has a purpose and every assignment has a purpose. Instead of complaining that we have to read something we don't want to, I think we should all look a little further and try and find the purpose behind what's assigned. It sure beats complaining, especially when you find something worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the assigned reading included Strength in What Remains and Catcher in the Rye was an added bonus. Strength in What Remains I definitely found more enjoyable. Non-fiction is my genre of choice. I found good historical information as well as a fantastically touching story. Good books accomplish that, in my opinion.
-Mitch
Whenever the thought of summer reading comes up I think about all the fun I've had reading 600 pages of required work that ruins my summer. As if I don't work enough already during the summer! I feel as though summer reading should be required, but I know that I would much rather read a book that I'm actually interested in and usually if it's required then I just can't enjoy it because I know there are tests and quizzes that await. I hate tests and quizzes to begin with let alone on something I was essentially forced to read. It's either read the books or fail. Summer should be a 90% break and 10% at least keeping the mind active, like reading. Personally, summer reading is excruciatingly painful for me because I read like a tortoise because of my genes, but something that I fell is crazy is that I can read about 20 books at the same time. I have books from two or three years ago that I still haven't finished that I pick up here and there and turn a page back for a refresher and it's all still there. I've found that in general throughout high school that the summer reading books have been actually very good. The Catcher in the Rye and Strength In What Remains are a good example of that. Both books I found to be very good. I was excited to hear that we were reading Catcher because I picked it up in McLean and Eakin years ago and opened it up and read a little bit and it sounded like a very interesting book. Strength In What Remains was actually probably one of the most moving stories I've read in a long time. The section labeled "Flight" was absolutely incredible and incredibly moving. So to finish off the topic I will say that yes, summer reading should be required, but I think that it should be one assigned book and then just a personal read book. That way we still get the discussion book and then we get to hear about all sorts of different books and genres. Lastly, readers have a such diverse reaction to books because not everyone enjoys reading the sames things and, in a sense, we all read the books differently. It's essentially like we all are reading a different book. And that is all!
ReplyDeleteAlex Engelman
The biggest problem I have with summer reading assignments is that they punish students that actually are interested in whatever books were assigned and reward those who procrastinate. I read The Strength in What Remains in July. By the time we started discussing the book in September, I had forgotten a lot of the details. The students that had read it over Labor Day weekend, however, apperaed to have read the book much more closely.
ReplyDeleteAny personal story is bound to incite many different reactions. That's inevitable; emotions within the story are relatable no matter the situation they're a reaction of. No ones life is the same. Everyone has been through different experiences. It's pretty obvious that people would react differently depending on what they've gone through and the different ways it affected them.
-Amy K
Totally posted on the wrong article. Shoot.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think that summer reading is necessary for any English class to get started on the right foot. I actually loved the first couple of days of class, getting a chance to talk over a couple very good books is something that should always be relished. When it comes to summer assignments I think that you need to keep them short and to the point, which is what you did. Reading over the summer is an activity I've always loved because, like Cohen said earlier, Summer is one of the few times we have lovely weather. Nothing beats reading outside under a nice big tree. But when Summer assignments turn into an anchor around my neck, I get as frustrated as any self respecting teen should. I think that summer assignments should fit summer attention spans, quick interesting reads that give you plenty to think about or provoke comments like this, "Gee Glen, that's awful neat." I really liked both books, just for completely different reasons.
Catcher in the Rye
Woah. That book rocked! I like it because it's a book that around one out of every three people have read and have opinions about. The whole "having opinions" part is the most important to me. That is the biggest place where Catcher in the Rye differed from The Strength in What Remains. What is the value of a book if it doesn't nag at the corners of your mind or make you wonder? Catcher in the Rye has a very engaging and charismatic main character who has opinions on just about everything, leaving us, the readers, to ask those very same questions. It was a provoking read and it was short to boot! Perfect summer assignment material.
Strength in What Remains
This book just tugs at your heart strings. I love examining human kindness and SiWR was an excellent exercise in that ability. It makes you feel good to know that people like Sharon and the Wolfs exist. As far as thought provoking, eh, it's in the middle of the higher thought provoking book spectrum. Around a 6.75. I think it's an interesting read that could have been a bit shorter than it ended up. The first section was much more engaging than the last part, but overall I think the whole book was well written. I like that most lose ends are tied up and that Kidder gets into the whole public health/building a clinic aspect of Deo's work, but it was a bit slow at the end. As far as summer reading, I think this book was a good choice. It may not have been at the same level as Catcher in the Rye in pure entertainment value (let's face it, not many books are), but it was still well written and interesting.
There it is Mr. Young. I better win that door prize, I'm on this blog twice now...
I think that the idea of a summer reading assignment is not unreasonable, especially when it is something as miniscule as reading and analyzing two books. The assignment ensures that students continue to read over the summer and stay engaged in an academic mindset.
ReplyDeleteI had read "The Catcher In The Rye" last year as part of my unassigned reading. I think that I really tried to like it, but I did not as the book came to a close. The book is too much of an ongoing narrative with absolutely no rising action or climax. Though the climax is briefly mentioned at the very end of the book, it does not serve well enough to the entirety. Page 214 left me expecting 100 more. Though Holden's mindset is interesting and the book was definitely written in a distinct voice with interesting characters, the book would have been better served if it had provided more substance.
I did not enjoy "Strength In What Remains" either. Though it was an inspiring story of Deo's strength, I did not enjoy the way that it was written, particularly the second part. It was like reading a documentary, but not in a good way. The book is plagued by incessant interjections of Kidder's commentary and others' quotations and it seems to skip around too much. The way in which Kidder portrays Deo's thoughts is very distracting as well. Kidder seems to dumb down Deo's thoughts to those of a kindergartner, making them overly simplified and obvious, which is not reasonable since Deo is a graduate of medical school. The book provides some vivid descriptions of scenery and a dynamic plot, but it is not well written.
The differing opinions are blatantly obvious, providing perfect proof that reactions are triggered by the reader rather than the book. Though the book will provide some part in determining one's reaction, what the reader brings to the book is far more important, which is why reading a book is such a personal experience. Each reader brings his or her preconceptions, prior knowledge, past experiences and emotions. The relatability of one to the book's characters also plays a vital part in determining the reader's reaction.