I have to tell you my Cliff Notes story. In high school I scorned them. Who would be so feeble as to read the Cliff Notes instead of just reading the book? What would be the point? Until . . . we had to read Moby Dick. I was the only one in my class of college prep American lit who had actually finished the book and I did the worst on the reading quiz. This was in my "I hate symbolism" period, so to me, if Ismael and Queequeg were attached by a rope it was because they were cleaning the side of the boat and not, as the Cliff Notes so helpfully pointed out, because all men are linked in brotherhood. I complained bitterly. I believe my teacher threw out my results -- she knew I was a reader. It still galls, though -- can you tell?
Readersguide, I feel galled on your behalf! In fact, I still teach college freshmen to read more literally. They come in after 2-3 years of symbolism up to their eyeballs and try to build these fantastic castles on top of...nothing, sometimes.
Rebecca, no, but I find it flattering. I asked my daughter if she could see the resemblance, and she says "you have the same kind of eyes." I'm certainly the kind of woman who still would wear a bikini at the age of 57 and not care very much what anyone else thought about it...
Great interviews!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you my Cliff Notes story. In high school I scorned them. Who would be so feeble as to read the Cliff Notes instead of just reading the book? What would be the point? Until . . . we had to read Moby Dick. I was the only one in my class of college prep American lit who had actually finished the book and I did the worst on the reading quiz. This was in my "I hate symbolism" period, so to me, if Ismael and Queequeg were attached by a rope it was because they were cleaning the side of the boat and not, as the Cliff Notes so helpfully pointed out, because all men are linked in brotherhood. I complained bitterly. I believe my teacher threw out my results -- she knew I was a reader. It still galls, though -- can you tell?
ReplyDeleteTwo guest appearances in one day? Well done! I've already read and commented on them both :-).
ReplyDeleteI REALLY love the title of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love the interviews! And especially appreciated the mention of Harriet the Spy, of course.
ReplyDeleteYou're famous! :)
ReplyDeleteReadersguide, I feel galled on your behalf! In fact, I still teach college freshmen to read more literally. They come in after 2-3 years of symbolism up to their eyeballs and try to build these fantastic castles on top of...nothing, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteWow, very cool that your featured on my blog and Elizabeth's!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, has anyone ever told you that you kind of look like Anjelica Houston?
Rebecca, no, but I find it flattering. I asked my daughter if she could see the resemblance, and she says "you have the same kind of eyes." I'm certainly the kind of woman who still would wear a bikini at the age of 57 and not care very much what anyone else thought about it...
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining me in 451 Fridays! =)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks for asking me. I did it fast, as you instructed, or it might have been impossible!
ReplyDeleteAnd I never congratulated you -- so congratulations!
ReplyDeleteIt gladens me that you would become a Douglas Adams book :)
ReplyDelete