Most of the Read for a Lifetime books are what one would consider of a coming of age novel. It turns out that there is a more specific term for this type of book. Bildungsroman is by definition, "a literary genre which focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood." This basically means that the book focuses on a time period where the main character is growing up, but not necessarily to an adult I find. They just have to mature and be faced with an issue that makes them have to realize the real world. This genre of literature originally came from folk tales of a dunce or youngest son who goes out into the world to seek his fortune. The goal is maturity, and the journey to that is hard and long, but eventually they do and become a part of society.
In Five Flavors of Dumb, one could most definitely say that it is coming of age. In this story though, I wouldn't call Piper a generally sensitive character. Like any decent character, she can get emotional, but overall, I'd say that she rather has a pretty strong personality. It's definitely dealing with an adolescent growing into adult years though, considering that she is preparing to go to college. Piper proves to be a rather interesting protagonist in this sense. She's very independent, smart, and witty. She'd probably make for a pretty decent friend, although like any other adolescent, she has her faults and her immaturities. She gets angry and jealous very easily, even saying things that might hurt her sister's feelings even though she cares so deeply for her. I wouldn't want to give away the ending, but I would consider Piper's journey into adulthood a very good read, as are many other books in this genre.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Music
This book is all about music. Five Flavors of Dumb concentrates so much on how important music is in our lives. It shows how music can change and motivate people to do something with their lives. Not only do they go into what the characters feel when they hear music, but even Piper herself, who cannot hear, feels exciting from watching the music and feeling the vibrations. I really loved this book for that reason because I felt like it truly showed how anyone and everyone has the ability to enjoy music. It proved that music can touch us all and it doesn't matter what supposed "handicap" you possess.
This story even went so far as to look into the lives of two talented, yet destructive musicians. Two people who succeeded in the music world and truly felt what they were making. In all the videos I've seen of Kurt Cobain, he seems so in tune with what he's singing. He doesn't care about the things around him or what the people might be saying. He just seemed to devote his life to his music, and the short life it was, whether or not you liked his music, definitely made a mark on the music world. Their second icon was Jimi Hendrix. The one that many call the greatest guitar player ever. In the story, they went to where he grew up, in a shack. He is a true 'from rags to riches' story. Jimi Hendrix rose up from supreme poverty to become one of the most beloved artists of all time. It was unfortunate the both turned to drugs and caused so much damage to themselves, but if you overlook that, and simply see their love and talent in music, they truly seem like the perfect role models for a rock band.
Animato Trailer!
A short, simple, free animoto trailer of Five Flavors of Dumb. Enjoy!
http://animoto.com/play/SEx2jR917eMCS5RkO3CbJg
http://animoto.com/play/SEx2jR917eMCS5RkO3CbJg
Links!
http://antonyjohn.net/index.php
Plain and simple, this is the page of the author, Antony John. It contains actual background information on the author, so that we can get to understanding him better. Also, if you like the book, there's upcoming books that the site will advertise.
http://www.forever27.co.uk/forever/
In the story, they specifically focus on two big rock stars who died at the age of 27. It turns out that there are a lot of rock stars that have died of this age, to the point that it's actually kind of creepy. This is a site dedicated to those musicians who are a part of the "27 Club."
http://www.lifeprint.com/
In Piper's life, sign language is her favorite and easiest method of communication. In the world today though, there are not many people who know how to sign, including myself. Out of genuine interest, I have put this link up, as a way of starting that education.
http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/
In a rock band, one would expect the guitar players to know how to play a good number of chords. It turns out that two of the guitarists are quite ignorant, and Piper's little brother has to help out. This is just a site dedicated to showing all the chords and variations of the guitar.
http://www.nad.org/
This site is the National Association of the Deaf. It's the premier civil rights organization in the U.S. made for and by the deaf. After learning what feels like the genuine feelings of a deaf character, I feel like one can't help by try and see what they can do for the deaf.
http://www.hardrock.com/
The band is most definitely under the category of hard rock. This site is more connected the idea of hard rock cafe, but it's also got a lot to do with rock itself. The story might've been about a deaf girl, but it's also just as much about music, specifically hard rock.
http://jezebel.com/5018950/can-changing-your-hair-change-your-life
Most of the time, we only think of how your hair looks as a big accessory to your physical appearance. In the story, it shows that a new haircut can make you feel alright again. This is just a simple article trying to address that very idea.
http://www.hearingplanet.com/purchasing-hearing-aids.php
There are many different types of hearing aids for different types of people. It has a lot to do with the level of hearing that one has as well. This site gives valid information on hearing aids and a detailed procedure in how to pick one that best fits you.
http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/
Just like in first quarter, it seems that the story is set in Seattle again. Instead of showing the same home page of Seattle, I figured it'd be best to put it with the music scene in Seattle. I, myself, have heard many good things about the music scene in Seattle. I think this site will actually expand that knowledge and keep one up to date on all things music in Seattle.
http://www.theresabook.com/2010/11/book-review-five-flavors-of-dumb-by-antony-john/
Finally, here is a well done review for the book. It gives a good overview of what the book is about and should interest anyone into reading it. I hope that in the end, this site could convince someone to read the book.
Plain and simple, this is the page of the author, Antony John. It contains actual background information on the author, so that we can get to understanding him better. Also, if you like the book, there's upcoming books that the site will advertise.
http://www.forever27.co.uk/forever/
In the story, they specifically focus on two big rock stars who died at the age of 27. It turns out that there are a lot of rock stars that have died of this age, to the point that it's actually kind of creepy. This is a site dedicated to those musicians who are a part of the "27 Club."
http://www.lifeprint.com/
In Piper's life, sign language is her favorite and easiest method of communication. In the world today though, there are not many people who know how to sign, including myself. Out of genuine interest, I have put this link up, as a way of starting that education.
http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/
In a rock band, one would expect the guitar players to know how to play a good number of chords. It turns out that two of the guitarists are quite ignorant, and Piper's little brother has to help out. This is just a site dedicated to showing all the chords and variations of the guitar.
http://www.nad.org/
This site is the National Association of the Deaf. It's the premier civil rights organization in the U.S. made for and by the deaf. After learning what feels like the genuine feelings of a deaf character, I feel like one can't help by try and see what they can do for the deaf.
http://www.hardrock.com/
The band is most definitely under the category of hard rock. This site is more connected the idea of hard rock cafe, but it's also got a lot to do with rock itself. The story might've been about a deaf girl, but it's also just as much about music, specifically hard rock.
http://jezebel.com/5018950/can-changing-your-hair-change-your-life
Most of the time, we only think of how your hair looks as a big accessory to your physical appearance. In the story, it shows that a new haircut can make you feel alright again. This is just a simple article trying to address that very idea.
http://www.hearingplanet.com/purchasing-hearing-aids.php
There are many different types of hearing aids for different types of people. It has a lot to do with the level of hearing that one has as well. This site gives valid information on hearing aids and a detailed procedure in how to pick one that best fits you.
http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/
Just like in first quarter, it seems that the story is set in Seattle again. Instead of showing the same home page of Seattle, I figured it'd be best to put it with the music scene in Seattle. I, myself, have heard many good things about the music scene in Seattle. I think this site will actually expand that knowledge and keep one up to date on all things music in Seattle.
http://www.theresabook.com/2010/11/book-review-five-flavors-of-dumb-by-antony-john/
Finally, here is a well done review for the book. It gives a good overview of what the book is about and should interest anyone into reading it. I hope that in the end, this site could convince someone to read the book.
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