Blog Post Number Three: Book 1 Project

Relive Room and Make a Difference:

       As anyone who has read the novel Room knows, the five year old narrator Jack has a fascination with Dora, and all the characters from the show.  He feels they are truly his friends.  Throughout the world there are millions of other kids who feel the exact same way as Jack. 

"No amigo forgotten"

           In another matter, Jack's mother in the novel is a rape victim who has lived the past seven years of her life in a small cramped shack known as Room.  Even though this novel is fictional, there are still so many people in the world who have had an experience just as dreadful as Jack's mother, and they deserve help. 

          To get rape victims this help, we have partnered with Dora in order to raise money of which rape victims will receive 90% of profit.  And listen here: It's so simple!  All you have to do is purchase a Dora stuffed animal for a child in your life that you cherish.  These special Dora dolls will be able to be identified easily since Dora's shirt will read, "No amigo forgotten."  This represents that no rape victims will be left behind and neither will the beautiful children of society. 

          This idea relates to the book through Jack's love for Dora, and how it made a difference in his gloomy start to life.  These dolls will also make a difference in rape victim's lives, and give them a glimmer of hope during a difficult time.  A quote from the book states, "I give Dora a big hug.  I think she whispers Hola Jack."  The fact that Jack says this when he sees his stuffed animal, shows that he is amazed with "her" being his friend just like millions of other kids are. 

          Another quote explains, "Deana tries to take the Dora bag but I won't let her."  This just further explains how interested Jack is in Dora that he won't let anyone else see the doll.  And finally we see the quote, "I put all my treasure in Dora's front zip instead."  This tells us that Jack cares so much for his new toy that he places his most prized possessions inside of it. 

          I believe that this heart-felt idea will work because in general our population is a group  of people who generally want to help others.  If people have a good reason to give, then they usually absolutely want to help. 

          This donation experience will also get great publicity for the novel Room.  People will talk about something like this, and they will want everyone to know about how great of a cause it is.  New people will be exposed into the world of Room and will want to experience first hand the message this book gives to you. 

          Another great reason for this project is that this will give the author more publicity and keep readers interested in her work.  Obviously, this idea wouldn't be possible without permission from the author.  Once people know that she allowed for this great cause, everyone will want to know what she's going to do next. 

          Not only is this a way for readers to stay connected with the book and their experience, it also gives you a sense of fulfillment when you help those in need. 

Post 2: What is a book?

        A book is a work of art.  Authors delicately plan their books, and they do focus on every detail.  They craft them to perfection.  I think of books almost as if they are a painting.  Both of these are continued to be worked on until they are the exact way the writer/painter wants them.  This is a reason I have a problem with what Victor LaValle has to say in "Scribble" from the excerpt of  The Late American Novel: Writers on the Future of Books.   He states, "Some man or woman spent weeks or months or years of a lifetime bleeding on the page!" in a joking manner.  However, what he is describing as a joke is actually true.  Authors do spend years of their lives trying to make their work perfect.  The authors are trying to teach you something through the book, and the fact that he isn't showing appreciation for their hard work tells me that he has no clue about the way books should be presented. 

        On a different note, I agree completely with Nancy Jo Sales who states, "There is something about the physicality of a book, the way it looks and feels and even smells--the notes written in the margins--that makes it a living, breathing companion..."  I concur with her because I feel that the way something is presented completely affects the way you feel about it.  For example, if someone were to compliment you, normally a kind gesture, but said it in a distasteful way than that would affect what you believe they were trying to get across to you.  You could think they were joking with you, being rude to you, their words just came out wrong and etc.  You're confused.  The original way it should be presented is faltered.  Therefore, I believe that in whatever way an author presents their work that that is the way it should stay.  The book the author puts out into the world has a message, and that can only be delivered fully if you receive the whole package. 
       
        The experience on any sort of device cannot be the same as you would feel from a book.  A book says too much.  In no form is words on a screen the same thing as holding something you can feel.  To me, they aren't even in the same hemisphere.  There is a complete difference from the virtual world and something you have that is tangible.  Both of these things are wonderful to have, but they need to be separated.  Books need to be felt.