I am just about half way done with the book. I don't like it, but I do. Here's why. I chose the book because I thought it would do a lot with how an Asian American sees things. But instead of that, I got a book that says very little about her own life, and the majority of it on myths or "story-talk" that her mother learned when she was younger. Chinese myths are ok, I don't mind, but its not just any myth. It has to be myths about ghosts. And..I don't like scary stuff...at all. I was reading the book last night, when they started talking about a ghost that kills and what not. Of course when I was reading it, it was ok. But after, when I went to bed, the picture was vividly in my head. I couldn't sleep. I swear I must have been awake for about two or three hours before I fell asleep. I'm lucky that today is late entry. And the fact that I was sick might have added to the bad dreams part. Every time I get sick, I feel that I am more prone to getting bad dreams.
Anyway, I do like the book because it is such an easy read. I start and it's just so interesting that I keep going and going. But knowing that I have to write a report on this book later, it is hard for me to keep doing post-its. Besides that, I have no idea what to post-it on. As of now, I found that her "story-talk" is always first and the events that happen there reflect to her own life. She connects the woman warrior to her in every way possible to show that she is strong and serious about changing how an Asian society views women. Also, she uses a metaphor every time right before she starts a myth. This is almost like a bridge or a path that connects her real life to her myth life. I call it a myth life because the myths are most of the time told in first person, and after the myth, it always have similar events happen to her. I feel that I will finish the book soon, but I am still unsure of exactly what to look for. Any ideas?
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ReplyDeleteBelinda,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the scary part. Try looking for how uses the past stories to characterize herself. What functions do the myths play?
Also, look for moments of definition. How does she define Chinese women and culture - be it through scenes, characters, direct address?
Great job noticing the bit about metaphor.
I was flipping through my old copy and noticed tons of illegible annotations at the end of the White Tigers section. I think looking at how she blends herself with the other women - the HOW part - is fascinating, but yes difficult to write about.
Thats funny Belinda about the ghost stuff. It sounds kind of interesting though I didn't know there were seperate Chinese myths that existed. That's pretty cool. But yea I'm getting the same problem as you too.My book is an easy read, but I find my self taking post it notes on a bunch of stuff that may be irrelevant, and sometimes I'm just like uhhh ok... so yea??? lol but yes I'm trying to find my author's purpose in his writings right away so this way i can take more effective notes that I can later use in my paper. Give it a try if you haven't already. Maybe you could mix up your note taking methood aswell....
ReplyDeleteI'm having the same problems as well...I'm so lost and confused.
ReplyDeleteI think every book is interesting (like every other book) and I love to read. It's just the analyzing part of it that makes me dread reading.
I hope you have a better time with her other books.
As for this one, I think Mr. Walsh gave some good advices.
About the ghosts, I sympathize with you.