Summary:

Disliking Books by Gerald Graff is a narrative that depicts the

strenuous relationship Graff holds with Literacy. The narrative begins
by showing the difficulty Graff had grasping literature along with the
stigma studying carried when he was a child. In the narrative Graff
explains his aversion to literature followed him from childhood to
college where he also struggled as an English major. Graff explains how
critical debates and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn sparked an
interest in literature for him. He not only wanted to read well but to
articulate his thoughts and readings into eloquent speech. He
concludes by stating our ability to read well depends slightly on our
ability to talk well
I can identify with Graffs experiences and aversion to literature
completely. When I was younger I didnt find interest in books, I was
more interested in playing outside or watching TV. It wasnt until late in
my academic career did I discover a joy for school. When I was young I
didnt want to read much due to the time it took to complete books.
Graff states he read only comics and sports magazines as a child. As a
child I only read comics and magazines, simply because books with
pictures peaked my interest. More pictures less words was my motto. I
most sympathize with Graffs experiences of being bullied for studying.
In elementary school girls were the ones who studied, it just wasnt
something a boy did. I also find myself forcing assigned readings
much like Graff in his academic career.
Summary:
Scholarship Boy by Richard Rodriguez is about a minority boy
who overcomes boundaries through education. Rodriguez is from a
Spanish speaking family and didnt know English prior to his formal
education. Through academics Richard found his calling and became
studious. Rodriguez let his education take over and becomes distant
from his family, embarrassed my minor mistakes.
Rodrguezes ideologies are comparable to those of my own. I
share the drive for education Rodriguez has through my devotion to
academics. Rodriguez and I are also both minorities so I can relate to
him shining in a world where his kind isnt normally lauded for such
things. Ive also felt embarrassed for my own parents mistakes. There
have been times where my mom couldnt help me with things she
shouldve been able to and times where I have to teach her to use
words correctly. I love my mom but much like Rodriguez we want their
best interest.
Summary:

The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and me by Sherman

Alexie details the events of an Indian boys journey of learning how to
read. Sherman Alexie states he learned how to read at a young age
with a superman comic. Alexie states that he learned young and
advanced quick. Alexie addresses the typical Indian stereotypes and
how he rose to defy those and eventually became a teacher and gave
back to the community.
I relate the closest to this narrative so far. Alexies story was
inspiring because he taught himself to read and developed a love for
literature and learning. When I was younger I read a lot on my own and
often read any book I could get my hands on. Alexie remembers
reading manuals and the various novels his dad would bring home
from pawnshops. My dad would often go to the bookstore and return
home with books for me to read and workbooks for me to complete.
Alexies attitude about his intelligence is in alignment with mine. Often
being the only African American in upper level English classes I was
arrogant. Alexie recalls being arrogant because he knows being a
smart Indian man is a dangerous thing; much like how being a smart
Black male can be dangerous as well.
Summary:
Mother Tongue by Amy Tan describes multiple uses and
variations of the English language. Amy Tan is a Chinese-American who
also happens to be a writer. Though she would describe her English as
good she wouldnt say shes a complete master. On the other hand her
mother speaks in what we would call broken English and often
receives special treatment because of it. Tan calls attention to the
altered attitudes of people who encounter her mother, highlighting our
aversion to those we speak differently than us.
I see myself as Amy Tan. I was a kid who growing up didnt know
a lot of big words and my vocabulary was limited. This continued until I
found a love for books and began to read more and increase the size of
my vocabulary. I was never good at math filled with finite answers, but
I could always excel in English. I sympathize with her mothers dialect
of English, as someone who has also learnt and is continuing to learn
another language. The pauses and awkward phrases are a by-product
of immersing yourself into a language that does not come naturally to
you. I find it a bit backwards how we act estranged to non-native
English speakers attempting to master English, yet whenever an
English speaker shows an attempt at a non-English language were
applauded for our intelligence even if the use was incorrect.