Telling it Straight...

I like this week's blog question because I get to write about the readings that we have read freely, and I can truly say that they do help me write these blogs. Two of my favorite articles we have read for this course are: “Reading History to My Mother” by Robin Hemley and “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” by Terry Tempest Williams.

I like Hemley's "Reading History to My Mother" because it holds genuine truth. Actually both stories do, but what I really like about this particular one is he writes about something so simple as sight, yet its his mother's losing sight. So, he immediately grabs a reader into his life, and he manages to do it in a way that allows the reader to feel for his mother and completely understand the situation he is in. His article contains of the simple conversations anyone can go through in one's life; however, it is the history that begs readers to keep reading.

One thing I noticed about both of the articles I chose was the clever titles of both. Personally, a title has so much to do with my choosing or liking a story. I have noticed that I have had this interest in titles, and you will see that I try to be creative with mine. That is something that will be passed on to my future writings. Tempest's “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” is so beautifully written. What makes me admire this story is its truth, simplicity, and commonality that many people can relate to. It incorporates culture, the injustices people face, the powers of this world, and it all ties into the term: family.

Both writings are an encouragement to writing with clarity, genuineness, and originality. I do believe that they motivate me to write in a way that grabs my own attention and keeps me focused on what I have to say. I would definitely recommend these stories to people that want to learn more about reflective essay style.