The Epic Finale

In chapters 23- till' the end of the Soloist, the novel revolves around Nathaniel and Steve's friendship. The two have developed a strong bond and get into an exchange of words. Nathaniel proceeds to say hurtful things and Steve, knowing that Nathaniel did not mean what he said, continues to help the poor man out and continues to care. Since both people are still alive today, it's obvious that the novel did not end with a death. Rather, this real life story ended with a birth. The birth of an attempt at a new life for a homeless man and several of his friends down on their luck. I personally enjoyed the book. I, despite being hypocritical at the beginning, think the book turned out good, and once you got past the beginning it flowed quite smoothly. Steve Lopez recalls events accurately with interesting vocabulary and being a writer and journalist, I expect to see a bit more work from him.He has to have a few more stories up in that head of his to share. Note to Mr. Fiorini, I apologize for the severe lateness of my post. Believe it or not I have been very busy lately and the weekends were even harder as I now have work. This is no excuse and I'd like to thank you for the extended time I was given.

Things to grade me on.
Mechanics.
Point of View

A Whirring Undercurrent, The Audience Holds Their Breath

In the Soloist in Chapters 13- 22 the author begins to delve into Nathaniel's background as of late. It doesnt tend to focus on his history, but his current conditions on Skid Row and how terrriblle they are. However, you do find out that Nathaniel did come from a true family, and that he was exposed early to music. As for Steve, he begins to develop feelings for Nathaniel and tries to better his life by getting him to live indoors. He reluctantly agrees since he will be taking lessons from an established orchestra member. Thisgradually turns into a steady living space and Nathaniel begins to compose himself a bit more than just muscially. He begins to slowly trust those around him even.
By now Steve has such an interest in Nathaniel that he flies out to meet his father who ironically knows very little about him. He interview's the father and is given the message of a father's acknowlegdement and praise to give to his son. As for my take on all this, I think the story is progressing quite nicely. Since I know this story is a real one, for a man whose profession is to write interesting stories to publish this, you can tell that the ending will be truly spectacular. I predict NAthaniel's home life coming to terms, and his own loose ends being tied.Also I see, in true Hollywood American fashion, NAthaniel gaining some capital and living a more comfortable life. Maybe there can also be an "Annie" effect in which he helps some other homeless people.
I'd like this to be graded on my prediction. What does the reader feel will happen? Also I'd like to apologize if there are any elementary grammatical or syntactical errors. I just got my computer back and am frantically trying to write some of my novel Miss Knox loves and get English done, so I have worked hastily. Thank you

A Stirring Reprise and an Interesting Composer

As I continue to read the Soloist, I noticed that I was incorrect in assuming I would dislike the book from just the first pages I read. It is slow to start in my opinion, but once the story begins to weave such an interesting background on Nathaniel, it really is hard to just not pay attention. And what a background story it is. Lopez delves into why Nathaniel, despite attending a prestigious school such as Juliard, is homeless. As of right now, I give the book's potential at four out of five.

Turning to to the composer or in other words, the author, Steve Lopez does an exceptional job of portraying emotions and feelings. His writing flows, and doesn't dwell on one thing for too long. His journalist profession has expanded his vocabulary considerably as well, and while he may not have the eloquence of an established author, he speaks well and tends not to use the same words monotonously. 

Hoping My Solo Is More Entertaining

I haven't read much of the Soloist as of late. I have a few dozen pages read and I really can't get into it. It's no doubt well-written and I will acknowledge that, but for some reason I just can't get behind Nathaniel. He's a homeless cello prodigy. I just can't seem too wrap my mind around how a homeless man can be a cello prodigy. He must be being booked for him to be revied by a columnist and if not how does he have the money to purchase sheet music and a cello? How has he not starved with no money? Maybe I'm not reading it right but the premise just seems a little weird.
The idea matter is none too interesting to me as well. If you couldnt' tell by me being in a music school for almost seven years now with no involvement in the programs, I'm not one for classical or instrumental music or instruments. I hate too sound rude but almost all of my favorite musicians picked up a guitar, a pair of sticks, or a microphone and let it happen. And all of them are rock or hip hop artists. Theres always beauty in everything and art is subjective so I, again, can't disrespect classics but not my cup of tea. I just hope when I complete and polish my own book that I like it better than this one. Midway review is about a two out of five.
As for how I want this post to be graded I'd like to see how many people DISagree with me. The music school polpulation oughta be just about scowling as they read my reviews and ideas and I'd like some feedback. Mechanics would be ok to pick out but I don't want a paragraph of missing commas thrusted at my face. And if there are any glaring spelling mistsakes, THOSE I deserve to have thrusted at me because if i spell two instead of too, a verbal smack is more than neccesary.

Catching Wheat, Not Rye.

The Catcher in the Rye was an interesting book. It is widely acclaimed and even stated as a favorite book by some of the college students I know personally. However, I really can't say it's a book that no one should be without. It's a bit sophomoric, and is filled with slghtly offensive language. (I know some girls in my class could barely make it through a certain G word.) But to be completely fair to the literature it is very well written. Salinger uses characters very well and the narrator is absolutely a perfect adolescent model. He also, in my opinion, does the most key element to making a good story successfully. He allows you to invest your emotions in the characters and when they show an alternate side of their personalities, it's easy to suspend belief and delve into the mind of said character.
So to sum upm sure it's not the best book, but it gets the job done. It was none too thrilling to read and not a total bore. I wouldn't go so far as to call it mediocre, but it's definitely an excellent last resort for a book lover waiting for their next installment. A good three out of five. As for the way I'd like this post to be graded, I'd like people to take a look at my mechanics a bit. I'd also like to know if people stand on the same page as me. Thank you.

A Sly Title and Even Slicker Definition

The Death of a Salesman. What is it? I admire Miller for creating a title that not only appropriately names his work, but poses a question that provokes a myriad of thoughts. As for my own, I believe that the title has absolutely no correlation to the characters, but to the entity that is known as "the death of a salesman". This is a depressing fate, leaving the victim alone at his death, with little to no mourners to send him on his journey to whatever afterlife he believed in. Willy suffered this fate. But to be honest, the man had already been deceased. His being no longer had to endure the pain of being alone, and therefore his "salesman's death" had no impact on him. What I feel is truly tragic, however, is the few people that did attend his funeral. Mourning over a lost one's corpse is hard, but to have the tears you shed leave you isolated is far worse then meeting your timely demise.
As for drawing a parralel to The Great Gatsby, I will proclaim the idea I see commonly stated on other's entries despite it's vulgarity. Gatsby and Willy had both died the death of a salesman. They lived their lives nomadically, moving from place to place, meeting many people but never getting to really know them, and eventually alienating themselves even from their loved ones whether inteneded or not. They were percieved by many as ghosts of men while they had the gift of life. Consequently they were ghosts in death and not many go to admire spectres, do they?
What I'm curious about is if these men were given a chance, that ideal do-over every human dotes upon, would they repeat their lone wolf tendencies? Would they, even if they knew of what happened by following what they percieve to be correct, do it again? Lastly, do they believe what they achieved in life was worth it? Do they feel they achieved success?
For that matter what is success? Willy Loman, just another victim to the economy, felt that by selling and buying he'd make it "big". He'd be a big shot, well liked by everyone and just raking in money hand over fist while everyone loved him for it. The only problem is there are so many variables in this world that achieving success is difficult enough. Add in that everyone's chemical composition of success constitutes different things and you have one risky experiment. What caused it all to blow up in Willy's face I've concluded is that he wanted to mix in money with likability and money is nothing but a foul poison. It taints all that has to do with it but because he believed he could share a piece of a person's heart as well as their pocketbook, he died alone.
So that is my analysis for the spring break week. It was interesting to know I'll have to think about what I want to write about at the end of the week. It in my opinion adds a new dimension to the class and calls for more in-class attention. Felt I should comment on the new class structure. After all, whats wrong with a little assignment analysis for the week as well as the subject analysis?

Reflection on Blogging

Although it has a ridiculous name if you think about it, blogging has proven to be a unique and rewarding experience. I greatly enjoy the freedom of knowing my work is safe, always organized, and i can do it in a window of time (although I procrastinate occasionally... but I am making strides to correct this.) I also feel that it is helping prepare me for the next level of education as laptops are becoming more essential to surviving college. Also I am an environmentalist when it comes to schoolwork. Paper and pen are a huge turnoff for me and often the thought of writing for hours makes me cringe. As for the third marking period I feel I can improve. I feel if I am not late on another assignment that an A is not out of my reach. And for once, I'm REALLY praying my intuition does not fail me.