A strength I see in both books would be the way they make you visualize every event. Both authors do an excellent job getting the reader to see and feel whats really going on in a certain event or point in the story. A weakness I see in A House On Mango Street is how confusing it can get at times. I really enjoy the short chapters and how they really make you feel like you're there with her. But other times, it can get overwhelming. I'm trying my best to truly understand this book but I don't think I've gotten there yet.
I would definitely prefer the book A Long Way Gone. This book has me always wanting to read more and more. It pulls you in emotionally and makes you feel along with the author. At times the details can be hard to read but Beah does an outstanding job making the reader see the best we can what he saw.
A theme I have seen in A Long Way Gone would be loneliness. I think this theme is so important because any reader can connect to him on this level. Maybe not in the same circumstances, but I do believe everyone has felt a level of loneliness at some point in their lives. On page 47, Beah writes about him attempting to climb a coconut tree, "I tried again and again, but each attempt was more pitiful than the last. I hadn't laughed for a long time, but this made me laugh uncontrollably. I could have written a science paper on the experience." I thought this was a good quote from the book because without him saying he's lonely, you can tell by his actions, emotions, and reactions.
I would definitely prefer the book A Long Way Gone. This book has me always wanting to read more and more. It pulls you in emotionally and makes you feel along with the author. At times the details can be hard to read but Beah does an outstanding job making the reader see the best we can what he saw.
A theme I have seen in A Long Way Gone would be loneliness. I think this theme is so important because any reader can connect to him on this level. Maybe not in the same circumstances, but I do believe everyone has felt a level of loneliness at some point in their lives. On page 47, Beah writes about him attempting to climb a coconut tree, "I tried again and again, but each attempt was more pitiful than the last. I hadn't laughed for a long time, but this made me laugh uncontrollably. I could have written a science paper on the experience." I thought this was a good quote from the book because without him saying he's lonely, you can tell by his actions, emotions, and reactions.
I agree that The House On Mango Street can get confusing. The short chapters are great and reduce some stress when reading because they aren't as long as Beah's, but that also means we don't get as much information on the characters, the setting, or the situation that's going on. Although, in most chapters, do you think that Cisneros does a pretty good job at making sure we're well informed?
ReplyDeleteHi Bekah,
DeleteI do think Cisneros does an excellent job at informing her readers. I realize how tough it can be as a writer to really get the point across and give as much details as she does in such little amount of words. I do think that is one of her biggest strengths as a writer.
I agree that The House of Mango Street can get confusing. One more point that is confusing is that we are only told through one point of view, and when we are introduce to other characters it can get confusing at times to find out who or what we are talking about.
ReplyDeleteYes! Only being told through one point of view can be difficult. I also feel everything is a bit scattered. At some points, I feel we are listening to the exact voice in her head and that is a definite strength but can also be a weakness!
DeleteI like the book A long way gone too! i think it more interesting and i can keep reading and dont get bored of it.Our themes kind of support each other mine was hope and to get through being lonely you need to have hope!!
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