I'm now finishing other texts I've started reading this summer. So once I finish reading them (I invite you to read them as well should you be interested), I'll begin the other text that I've invited you to explore with me as I read it for the first time.
For now I'll just be finishing In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, something that has been called a nonfiction novel (yes, I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms). Many other AP Language students across the country read this text, some for their summer reading assignment. And, yes, I've never read it before now (imagine there being books an Engish teacher hasn't read!) I'm a little better than half way through. For some it might take some time to get into it at the beginning, but then it starts moving faster, and becomes more interesting. It's based on the murder of four family members in Kansas, the two men responsible, and the investigation that follows. Some say parts of this text are a bit skewed since Capote is supposed to have been quite taken with one of the felons. Articles about these murders can be searched on the internet if you're interested. Some images are available also.
I'm also reading Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives by Jim Sheeler. The book's chapters are brief, describing events where the assigned military officers visit homes to inform families about their loved ones who have died in wars, mostly those related to the Iraqi war, which is now over for us, and the war in Afghanistan. It also delves into how these individuals attempt to comfort the families who have lost a son, brother, father, mother... Besides that it also looks into the lives of those individuals who given the job to relay this sad news.
Once I finish both of these, I will get to the other book I mentioned to you as an option on your summer reading assignment.
Now you might be wondering why I'm reading all these books, and why I'd like you to read as well. You probably think I'm reading because that's just what English teachers do. But there is a strong benefit to reading often. Believe it or not reading enriches both your vocabulary and your own writing skills (read with a dictionary by your side). Yes, some of the structures you see in writing will sneak into your own writing as the year progresses, just not copying from a source, which I know you will never do because that is plagiarism, stealing the ideas, words, and thoughts of others.
So, yes, READ! If you have finished the required reading for the summer and don't want to read anymore nonfiction for the time being, that is fine. You can still choose to read novels before the year begins.
For now I'll just be finishing In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, something that has been called a nonfiction novel (yes, I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms). Many other AP Language students across the country read this text, some for their summer reading assignment. And, yes, I've never read it before now (imagine there being books an Engish teacher hasn't read!) I'm a little better than half way through. For some it might take some time to get into it at the beginning, but then it starts moving faster, and becomes more interesting. It's based on the murder of four family members in Kansas, the two men responsible, and the investigation that follows. Some say parts of this text are a bit skewed since Capote is supposed to have been quite taken with one of the felons. Articles about these murders can be searched on the internet if you're interested. Some images are available also.
I'm also reading Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives by Jim Sheeler. The book's chapters are brief, describing events where the assigned military officers visit homes to inform families about their loved ones who have died in wars, mostly those related to the Iraqi war, which is now over for us, and the war in Afghanistan. It also delves into how these individuals attempt to comfort the families who have lost a son, brother, father, mother... Besides that it also looks into the lives of those individuals who given the job to relay this sad news.
Once I finish both of these, I will get to the other book I mentioned to you as an option on your summer reading assignment.
Now you might be wondering why I'm reading all these books, and why I'd like you to read as well. You probably think I'm reading because that's just what English teachers do. But there is a strong benefit to reading often. Believe it or not reading enriches both your vocabulary and your own writing skills (read with a dictionary by your side). Yes, some of the structures you see in writing will sneak into your own writing as the year progresses, just not copying from a source, which I know you will never do because that is plagiarism, stealing the ideas, words, and thoughts of others.
So, yes, READ! If you have finished the required reading for the summer and don't want to read anymore nonfiction for the time being, that is fine. You can still choose to read novels before the year begins.
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