Letter Essay for September 12th!

September 12, 2014

Dear Reading 9/10 Students,

The book I’m going to focus on in my letter essay this week, is the realistic-fiction novel, Winger, by Andrew Smith.  I read a review on this book a few weeks ago and I thought the cover was fantastic (high school guy with stitches and a bloody nose looking pretty damaged) so I ordered a used copy off of Amazon and started reading!

Ryan Dean West (nickname “Winger”) attends a prestigious private boarding school and is one of the starting players on the rugby team.  He’s also pretty intelligent for his age.  Even though he’s in the 11th grade, he’s only 14 years old, but rather than being friends with/relating to the freshmen on campus more, his best friends are all three years older than him.  How does Valentine’s Day fit into all this?  Ryan Dean has fallen for his best friend, Annie.  Of course another classmate, Megan, is starting to show interest in him too, but the twist is Megan is dating Ryan Dean’s very large, very intimidating hulk of a roommate, Chas and Ryan Dean’s friend, J.P. has asked Annie out as well just to keep this web of relationships interesting.

For all you Valentine’s Day haters out there, this is not a lovey-dovey book  I do think this book was originally intended for a male audience.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of females that would like it too (myself included).  Smith, the author, does a nice job painting a realistic picture of how most high school guys think, because he was once one himself.  The book is laced with profanity on just about every page.  I’m personally not shocked by it, because the reality is high school students swear, and based on what I hear in the hallways, high school students swear a lot when it’s not really necessary and really doesn’t fit the situation.  Just like at FHS, these kids simply swear, because they can.

I will state though, that the book is written very well!  It’s hilarious, easy to visualize (Ryan Dean is also a decent artist and sometimes journals via cartoons or writes notes to his friends via cartoons about what he’s thinking---very much like the Origami Yoda books and other sketch books out there, but it’s not on every page and it’s much more professional looking), and the plot is constantly moving forward.  When you think the main character is a guy with constant bad luck, something redeeming and exciting happens and you find yourself rooting for the guy and cheering him on, then soon after you’ll start to pity him and feel sorry for the guy, but no worries, within the next couple of pages, you’ll be smiling again.  I enjoy the roller coaster of emotions rather than reading multiple pages in a row of dark and depressing plot points.

Does the book you’re currently reading remind you of any books you’ve read in the past?  How are they similar?  I know some of you have finished a book recently based on discussions we’ve had in class.  Were you satisfied with the ending?  Why or why not?

I’m really enjoying this novel.  Smith also has a new book coming out titled 100 Sideways Miles.  The cover on this one doesn’t disappoint either with an upside down horse falling through the sky.  I have zero idea what the book is about, but I’m definitely intrigued.  How would you judge the cover of the book  you’re currently reading?  Is that why you picked it?  I know they say, “Never judge a book by it’s cover.” but it’s a marketing tool and it’s art.  What might make a more effective cover for your book?

I think what has really sold me with Winger is the voice in the writing.  This story is told from a first person point of view and Ryan Dean is the type of person most of us can relate to, because he’s not perfect.  I personally enjoy his sarcasm, the ability to laugh at himself, the ability to admit when he’s wrong, and the ability to be gutsy, push the envelope, and stick up from himself.  What point of view is your book written in (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person)?  Do you find your main character likeable?  At the beginning of the book he was that short, tiny guy in his class these older kids kind of liked to tease or treat more like a little brother, but halfway through the book, Ryan Dean gains this confidence that makes you wonder what he’s going to do or say next.

Look back on your colored packet for tips on topics to write about when constructing your letter this week.  Happy Friday!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Enos