class evaluation

Which texts had the most relevance to me? The "Maus" series was incredible in the way that it told a horrific story, but was readable because of the carefree illustrations. Everyone knows basic facts about the holocaust, but these two stories, told from the survivor's son, was a different perspective and worth contemplating.
I don't know that I made personal connections with any of the texts. That's not to say that I couldn't appreciate the stories, but most were so dark....
I was probably most impacted by the books on the holocaust. I don't think it's possible to become desensitized to that horror. It was disturbing to realize the evil that we humans are capable of, but rewarding to see, in the face of that horror, what we can overcome.

I am not a fan of graphic novels, but can certainly appreciate the creativity and brilliance of the author/illustrator. My issue with this particular class was that this genre was overused. I would have appreciated a broader range of literature. It was worthwhile to have it introduced, and to learn how to study the visuals as well as the text, but over half of the books we read were graphic novels! Enough already!

I feel the primary way that I grew as a reader and interpreter of literature was learning to close read. This idea was somewhat new to me because I have a habit of reading very fast and "skimming" the text. I actually enjoyed the process of slowing down and discovering the meaning of each individual word. I will use this technique, not only in other classes, but for personal reading as well.

The text that I found to be most challenging personally was "Blankets". I think there was a combination of reasons: I don't enjoy graphic novels, reading about winter in the dark of winter, and especially the way it brought back memories of my own adolescence. Also, having teenagers of my own, It made me want to protect them from certain hurts.
Ironically, the paper that I am most proud of writing centered around this novel. Perhaps because it was a cathartic measure and brought closure to my issues with this book.