Black Boy (end!)

After reading "Black Boy", I discovered some reoccurring themes and techniques that Richard Wright used. For example, how in the beginning of every chapter the first line was italicized. I think that this sort of emphasizes what the chapter is going to be about or Richard's emotions throughout the text. Along with that, hunger is something that Richard struggles with. Whenever I think of hunger, the first idea that comes to mind is physical, but Richard's yearning for knowledge, literature, equality, a supportive family, money, and to fulfill his dreams are significant also. I like the fact that Richard doesn't conform to all of the feelings of the other African Americans because I believe that's that mindset that leads him to a successful life. Usually, the select few that choose not to go with the flow end up making a larger influence in their time, and I feel like that's what Wright did by recapping all of these events in his memoir. I liked reading "Black Boy" because unlike all of the other novels about the south during the time of segregation, Wright succeeded in moving north. I guess it showed how hopes and dreams could make all the difference in the long term...

Outside Reading Update

So far, Laurie Lindeen in "Petal Pusher" is kind of experimenting with new band members and checking out the music scene in Minneapolis and other Midwest cities. After dropping out of college, Lindeen makes it her own personal nightly "field trips" to visit different bars and clubs each day to experience new bands and acquire information on what life on the road is like. She seems to make a firm point on how, after seeing a lot of her guy friends perform in their own bands, she does not just want to be a fan. As a result, Lindeen started to find some band members including her, Phyll, and Co, but that just represents a rough start. One of the issues, however, especially for an all girl band is pulling off the "look” after growing up as a normal teen. Lindeen describes how her new band will succeed in this, "Oh, as for that small issue about not having spent out teen years locked in our bedrooms jacking off with guitars (but rather cheerleading and memorizing the choreography from numbers in "Grease"): no problem" (10). Another obstacle for Laurie and her band is having the musical ability to pull off a record deal. "I can carry a tune and I know the three chords to 'Wild Thing' on the guitar, so I'm almost there" (Lindeen 11). Realistically, the band has a long way to go. Through all of these setbacks, Lindeen is aware of how difficult this business will be but remains positive. Passionate and young, Laurie Lindeen is beginning to take her first steps as a musician.

Black Boy (Chapters 1-8)

I've enjoyed reading Black Boy by Richard Wright for the most part. The autobiography has some exciting events, but it is also kind of depressing. It seems like many of the books we read in school evolve around segregation in the 1900s and at first I thought this book was just the same, but it is dealing more with poverty and the hardships of an African American family. That's not to say that there is no representation of racism. Richard's mom is unable to find a decent employment because of her race. Also for example, part of Richard's personality has developed to defend himself against the whole issue. At first Richard questioned segregation because of how ridiculous it is, but sadly as he grows older he begins to understand the issue. "The hostility of the whites had become so deeply implanted in my mind and feelings that it had lost direct connection with the daily environment in which I lived; and my reactions to this hostility fed upon itself, grew or diminished according to the news that reached me about the whites, according to what I aspired or hoped for" (Wright 74). This is one of the many quotes that show Richard's transformation throughout the book. Segregation and poverty are not the only issues that arise in the autobiography and as more arise, I'm interested to see how Richard and his family will deal with them.

Outside Reading (Quarter 1)

For my Outside Reading book, I chose "Petal Pusher" by Laurie Lindeen. I am interested in this novel because it describes the journey to fame of a female indie rock musician from the 1980s to 1990s. In this sense, the text is easy to relate to, and I can also learn what the life of a professional musician resembles. The book is very relevant also because Laurie Lindeen is from the Midwest (Wisconsin), and she demonstrates an accurate representation of the music scene in the area. So far in the beginning of the novel Laurie describes her life during and after she drops out of college. The content varies from Laurie's job in waitressing on Martha's Vineyard and meeting Carly Simon to struggling in finding what she aspires to be. Laurie Lindeen also deals with the fear of supporting herself with music,especially for an all-girl band, but for the most part the book is written in a laid back tone. Lindeen also wrote the book in present tense to avoid any inaccurate perception on events that occurred. Overall, I am expecting the book to be a precise recount on a female performer's journey in the music business, including the struggles and highs of that lifestyle.

Enr. English 10

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