Blog post #5 (Truth in Memoir)

Blog Post #5

While it's certainly misleading for a memoir to contain exaggerated or completely false details, it makes a lot of sense. Books are told in a manor utilized to attract attention. While people may live interesting lives, there's details that lead up to those interesting parts in memoirs that people just seem to disregard, or not care about. While I'd rather read a really compelling book that's completely true, that doesn't mean I have no interest in reading the book at all. Most books are completely made up, so having elements that are realistic only makes the book a regular book that in my eyes, is slightly more interesting. I like to believe memoirs are completely real, but i'd be lying if I told you I believed everything in memoirs. I still enjoy reading them a lot for that reason, the fact that it's just like any other book, but the actual majority of it is true.

Because I enjoy reading any memoir, I accept a few faulty lines as long as it's mostly true, but at least enjoyable to read.

Book #1 (Fan Experience)

The Bat fan experience

My Idea:

To further expand interest in the novel “The Bat”, by Jo Nesbo, I’ve decided to organize and create a small scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt will be directly modeled after the book. “The Bat” would best be classed as a crime/mystery book. Throughout the entire length of the novel, a lengthy investigation ensues through the help of Norwegian investigator Harry Hole. Throughout the premise of the book, Harry is literally going through a timely and challenging investigation to discover the means of the murder of Inger Holter. Slowly, but surely Harry follows up on signs that indicate a likely cause, and person responsible for the crime. The novel is read as a series of clues utilized to find a deeper meaning, and ultimately to find out the cause of the crime presented in each novel of the Harry Holes series. I believe a scavenger hunt is suitable, because it’s much like the book itself. I would put the reader in similar scenarios to that of Harry Hole, and detective Andrew Kensington, through a number of little hints, that gradually lean towards a deeper purpose or cause, and ultimately solve the crime. The scavenger hunt would also be full of choices pertaining to the ultimate outcome of the investigation, similar to the direct response of Harry, and Andrews decisions.

How it relates to the book:

This idea strongly correlates to the book simply in how it’s essentially the same thing, but it’s more of a simulation, and it give the readers a chance to further dig into the content and concepts presented inside the book. You’re given a very specific detail from the book, and that detail is utilized to discover more information, and will be presented with a number of options to affect the outcome of the investigation, and search. For example, when Andrew and harry are investigating Evan White, they interrogate him, and break into his house. This same scenario would be read to you, but you would be given a few options in order to attempt to extra specific evidence. A specified amount of decisions would ultimately answer the mystery, if chosen correctly. If you chose incorrectly, you would simply not end up with sufficient evidence to make an informed decision on who committed the crime.

“I have a question—“Harry started, but the gruff man was already shaking his head.

This quote happened when harry first encountered a man named Kahn. In my scavenger hunt, this same encounter would be part of the game, but you could approach the situation in a different manner, as a more successful procedure then simply fighting Kahn.

“I was beginning to worry you wouldn’t come”, Harry said. It was said as a joke, but he meant it.

This quote was said when harry encountered Birgitta for the second time on a dinner date. In my game you would have the opportunity to never progress in a relationship with her, but rather extract information and further the investigation instead of developing that relationship through the duration of the story.

“After the accident Harry had repeatedly asked himself whether he would have exchanged fates if he had been able to”.

My game offers the ability for this to become a reality, where Harry can relive differing consequences based off of your respective decisions in the investigation.

I believe this idea will broaden the audience of this book simply because it’s presented as a game. Selective people read, but almost everyone plays a game or two of some sort. Even if the concept or genres of the book aren’t in any way of interest to you, a scavenger hunt is universally accepted, therefore broadening the audience. I believe this hunt would also captivate fans, because it’s a physical game that you actually play through opposed to simply reading the novel. This offers a whole plethora of potential successful routes and offers fans their first physical experience of the book.

This video above is a trailer of a game named "Heavy Rain" the game is a mysterious game involving crime similar to "The Bat" this game largely inspired my game due to the choice elements in the game. While the whole outcome is changed by your decisions in this game, I toned it down a bit by decisions you make ultimately deciding your success, or failure in the case.

Book 3 Listicle

Shake Hands with the Devil (Listicle)

3 Reasons that motivated the writing, and publishing of this novel

The novel, “Shake Hands with the Devil” written by general Romeo Dallaire, is a very different book. While there are many different motives for writing a book, I think it would be interesting to explore Dallaire’s motives. I’m interested in this because there’s an edge of curiosity in me that desires to understand what the real purpose was in publishing this novel. Was it to open the eyes of the public, or perhaps utilized as a tool to share his problems with the world, in part to get over PTSD?

1.      (Published to inform) Many people are blind, or ignorant in relation to the events that pertain to the Rwanda genocide. It’s one of the scariest political turmoil that happened in the world, let alone the United Nation getting involved. I believe general Dallaire had to at least have some sense of desire to inform the mass public of the real world, and a realistic unpolished view of how the world can be. Informing people of such an event through a piece of literature may have also given the author a little more confidence both in writing, and how to feel about the situation as a whole, considering thousands of readers were exposed to both his craft in writing, and mental issues drawn from the genocide.

2.      (Published to entertain) General Romeo Dallaire is one of the highest ranking generals to ever suffer from symptoms of PTSD. Because of this mental disorder, Dallaire may have spurred interest in publishing a novel capturing the feelings, and encounters present in such dark days. I believe this was also published to entertain people, because it was written in such an informative manner, with only captivating details. Dallaire may have wanted to share the stories contained within the novel as he knew they’d interest many people by presenting such diverse themes from your routine novel.

3.      (Published to self-medicate) Undoubtedly the author of the novel general Dallaire experienced some horrifying events in war. After attempted suicide, it’s obvious he wasn't perfectly content with the state in which his life was going. I believe this novel was published in part to help himself get over symptoms of PTSD, and to help resume a normal life by publicizing the terrors to spread the information to a much larger group. I believe this self-medication could be the primary intent to publishing this novel, because I don’t think he expected a ton of success in the book, but rather some sort of honor, or just a person who understands his dilemmas.

Adapting Shutter Island

Adapting Shutter Island into a film

Shutter Island has already been made into a major film, so let’s evaluate other potential adaptions of the novel. I believe outside of just the movie, Shutter Island would make a great television series. It’s suspenseful, and would consistently keep you engaged and furthering your experience in the series. While making an adaption of the novel into a series may seem like an alright idea, it’s important to consider the key elements of the novel, that must translate directly into the series to still contain the heart of the film. As long as the series contains teddy in his puzzled status searching for a lead to answer his sudden, and disturbing mysteries, it will still be a good translation, however I still firmly believe that Teddy being deemed a delusional mental patient is a fundamental aspect of the story, and can’t be rolled out. Shutter Island is a book written with much purpose.

 I feel as if almost every component in Shutter Island has some level of importance, and everything was put in there for a reason. The reason may be to set something else up, or to discover more about a place or character, but because of the book being this way, there aren't many details I would cut. I believe this book could be directly transitioned into a television series. One thing I would add to the book if a transition was necessary, would be a clearer ending that provides more closure. While it’s nice for a book to leave a cliffhanger, typically in a television series I want a clear ending that properly addresses everything that happened in the series, and leaves a good impression at the end of everything leading up to that moment. For casting choices, I wouldn't have a specific preference. I just believe the cast has to really be there role.

 I believe the novel would require outstanding actors to fulfill such developed and profound characters. Leonardo DiCaprio made sense in the film, as he’s such a legend, and could actually live up to such a role. Soundtracks put into a television series involving Shutter Island would have to be dramatic, and suspenseful. If there wasn't riveting music that really gets your chest churning, then it wouldn't fit in with the theme of the book. I don’t have any specific preference in song, but as I said it wouldn't make sense to be anything but suspenseful, or thrilling. The main thing I would attempt to capture is just the gloomy and almost depressing environment the novel establishes.

While a book can do a really astounding job in triggering certain emotions, and really making you feel attached to the book, a motion picture can do that a lot better by utilizing tools such as music, and certain color schemes that a book simply can’t provide.

Book 4 Final (Listicle)

5 Reasons why Santiago is a hero.

Throughout the course of the book "The Alchemist" I've noticed reoccurring themes that indicate the potential of Santiago being a hero. Santiago demonstrates the role of a hero in several aspects. While you can argue Santiago was a hero from the beginning with predominantly good intentions, the characteristics he's demonstrated make him a hero in my opinion... here's why.

1.(Santiago is brave) Santiago from the beginning is bold. Santiago encourages Tangier, a merchant from early stages in the novel to take risks in his business, and because of this, helps the merchant succeed and becomes very wealthy. Santiago also demonstrates bravery in how he accepts, and effectively determines his personal legend. Santiago is brave in how he confronts his legend, and pushes through all the obstacles to get there. He's also brave for leaving Fatima, and trusting an unknown alchemist to guide the path you're taking. He's brave for leaving behind paradise in search of his own personal legend.Santiago also proved brave when he told the chiefton that his village would be attacked.

2.(Santiago is friendly) Throughout the novel, Santiago demonstrates many cases of being an overall good person. Santiago advising the chiefton that the village would be under attack also proved Santiago to be sympathetic, and caring for the civilians of his village. Santiago also gives a boy enough gold to buy 2 sheep, and keeps to his word. He also keeps to his word by returning to Fatima. Santiago promises his return to Fatima after discovering, and exploring his personal legend, which is exactly what he does.

3.(Santiago is modest) Santiago has almost anything a person could want. Santiago encouraged the crystal merchant Tangier to take risks, and in turn ended up striking rich, and presented the opportunity for Santiago to become chief of the oasis. This demonstrates that Santiago was very successful. Santiago had 50 gold pieces, and a high ranking status in a community. As well as wealth and status, he also had a beautiful girl friend. Even through such success, Santiago remained modest and served to help others, and complete his personal legend, as opposed to him simply living comfortably.

4.(Santiago is persistent) Santiago always tries to make the best out of each situation, and he does this with reliable persistence. Santiago is so committed to his personal legend, that he persists on regardless of the circumstances present. For example, Santiago quickly grew frustrated looking for life in the desert, however he pressed forward, and explored his options further to ultimately succeed in finding life. This persistence is the same reason he became so wealthy, and adored. Persistence is a mandatory trait in becoming a hero, as no renowned hero gives up.

5.(Santiago is inspired) From the beginning of the novel, Santiago discovers his own personal legend. Once discovered he sets out for it. Santiago was inspired from within himself, which is an important component to understanding why he's a hero. A true hero  has a true persona that comes from within themselves. While Santiago may have second guessed his legend, all he needed was a push.

What is a book?

What is a book?         

To fully understand what a book is, you need to understand what a book is composed of. I believe a book is composed of thoughts translated on to paper. The content of the book isn’t a large indication of what makes it a book. What makes a book a book, is the literal collection of thoughts collected on pages, and bonded into one bundle. I think there is a physical element to books. I wouldn’t classify anything a book unless it was like any other book. I think this way because there’s already a developed culture for books.

 Books are made to sit on book shelves to display their titles for the convenience of a potential consumer to quickly see either a known author or recognized title. For that purpose I think books are universally recognized to look a certain way. You may be able to read the same content in a book somewhere else, but without the literal flipping of pages, reading a book online can look the same as reading anything else.

Why do I read?

Why do I read?

I read primarily for two reasons. One reason is to imagine, while the other is to escape. To elaborate on the first reason, I read to imagine real life scenarios. Even if a book is fiction, many books contain very real concepts. Because of this reason I like to read books and imagine my own scenarios. I mix certain plots from books together to make my own concepts. This leads me to my second reason, I read to escape. Because I like to imagine, my thoughts aren’t always rationale or realistic. Because of this, I escape from reality. I try to put myself into the book, or a specific scene that takes place in the book. When I read I’m never usually focused on anything else, but what’s going in the book. Reading also reduces the amount of stress I feel on my daily routine, because it’s quiet, and relaxing opposed to every busy day I live though. I’ve found that I’m best relaxed when I do escape reality, because if I do, I don’t have to feel or think about stressful factors in my life. I can simply read a book, and concentrate explicitly on that book.