7/2 readings

Summary:
Frank Mathias is a veteran who wrote a memoir based on his experiences and encounters in war. His story is different from others written because of his position as a private and his encounters with actual full blown battles and shooting. His memoir would actually be very resourceful as a historical document, I could even picture it being in a history text book as a personal example. His memoir is extra important because it didn't involve hours of research and gathering of interviews and quotes...his hands on experience in the war was beyond enough information to write his memoir. A true memoir must in fact be true. That is what makes a memoir..a real life experience, described and depicted in great detail. In his story, he points out that not too many memoirs from soldiers in that particular war weredue to the literacy rate amongst the soldiers at the time. Not very many soldiers were able to write their story or experiences, which makes Mathias' work far more important and resourceful. Mathias adds to his argument for memoirs but stating "the only historian who may justly add to his story by use of imagination to fill in a bit of the past is the memoirist."


FSU samples/Katrina narratives:
Of all the FSU writing samples, I must say that "The O" was probably one of the most interesting short stories I've ever read!The climax, thrill, and detail the author used was so captivating for the reader. I was actually not looking forward to reading these samples, but this memoir really got me hooked. The author gives insight and build-up to this themepark that served as the main setting and twist to the whole plot line. The words, expressions, and sayings the author used throughout the memoir really painted a picture for the reader. This was myfavorite memoir by far. I also found the"Knocked up" story to be slightly interesting, only because of the view point and sarcastic, non-chalant attitude towardsthe teen pregnancy. The story was told by the sister of the soon-to-be mother,which gave a different view point. The attitude was surprising because it wasn't was expected based on that type of subject. I thought it was intriguing and helpful towards my own memoir. The narratives aboutstudents involved with hurrricane Katrina really opened my eyes as to howlucky I am to have had the opportunity to finish high school. Maria Hernandez was passionatte about keeping her dear high school, Frederick Douglass High, from shuting downand was doing everything possible to help her shcool out. After Katrina hit New Orleans, Maria was forced to re-start her senior year 3 different times. Her dedication and focus to stay in school, amidst her hometown being devastated, is amazing. So many students take the oppotunity to go to school for granted and after reading this narrative, I for one will no longer take schooling for granted.

Questions:
1. Do some historians and authors of history books, think differently or lowly on memoirs, because they are "stories?"
2. Would you push through loosing your home, loved ones, and your traditional high school and do whatever it takes to finish school?Most of us would say yes, but until put in that situation...I don't think anybody truely knows what they would do?
3. What level of writing were the FSU samples written on? What grade were these students in?