1. The story is about learning to think for oneself, and overcoming the people stand in the way of that. 2. The part about your pastor in general. I'm Christian, and I too hate the idea of being seen as less of a person simply because I'm a woman, and because of that actually made it a goal for a while to beat guys at everything (including PE). Pastors and other religious leaders should be there to lift people up, not put them down, and it sounds like your pastor did the latter. 3. Nope. I think I agreed with most of what you said, especially about how Christians should be open-minded and willing to learn about new things. Oh, and then also realizing that it's ok to disagree with those new things, but that it's also ok to live and let live (unless the new thing is trying to kill you... but that rarely happens nowadays).
The story summarized Kess's life and feelings as she grew up in her small town home and how they changed as she moved out into the world on her own. I admire so much Kess's ability to remain true to herself despite her upbringing :) It is something I struggle with and it is a really unique and incredible quality to have. I guess I look at my life and am grateful for what I've had, and ashamed of what I've taken advantage of.
This is about how Kess came to where she is now. She started from a small, conservative Christian community and a family with traditional gender roles--in word if not deed. Because of divergent interests and her ADHD, she didn't fit in but somehow she was able to see through the hypocracy and realize that the problem wasn't her, it was the rest of her world. I'm very impressed by that; it's hard for me to imagine breaking out of that kind of situation. I'm also a bit more sympathetic toward folks with ADHD after reading this; I've always sort of thought most kids with ADHD just needed more physical activity and less TV or processed food, but obviously that wasn't the case here.
1. The story is a straightforward account of a stifled personality and life caused by the confines of strict religious and "traditional" values, with the conclusive turn of finding oneself by experiencing more of the world. 2. I felt very sad that it was believed that ADHD was a decision of the character's choosing. 3. No, I don't think I think differently after reading this. Although is was eloquently written.
Posted for Amy 1. This is a coming of age story of a young woman from a small town raised on a farm by a strong mother and withdrawn father. Once the young woman leaves the confines of her small hometown she finds love and acceptance with new friends and empowerment from new ideas and information. 2. I feel most strongly about Alex not being accepted for who she is and not getting the support she needed/wanted to cope with ADHD. 3. I do not think differently after reading this. However, I feel I have a better understanding of Alex and am inspired by gumption.
1. The story is an autobiographical account of how the author's horizons were broadened. Raised within a fundamentalist Christian community by a kind, but distant father and a hardworking, but self depreciating mother, Kes struggled to find her place in the world. Mocked by church leaders for her interests and rebuked for her ADHD tendancies, she tried to find the balance between the teachings of her church and the hypocrasy of its members. When she went to college she discovered a multitude of different view points and realized that she had different priorities than her family/community. She met and married Troy who has been her friend, helpmeet and equal. Her former community members shake their heads at her transformation, but ultimately, she has remained true to the values that matter to her. 2. The part that struck me the most was the part about her father. I think many daughters have this relationship(or lack of)with their fathers and she captured it poignantly. 3. I suppose my question is do, I think differently about what? I am always surprised by the narrow mindedness of people, but really, how many of us ever believe we are the narrow minded ones? Any further thoughts I have relate to my personal knowledge of the author, and not the piece itself.
1. The story is about learning to think for oneself, and overcoming the people stand in the way of that.
ReplyDelete2. The part about your pastor in general. I'm Christian, and I too hate the idea of being seen as less of a person simply because I'm a woman, and because of that actually made it a goal for a while to beat guys at everything (including PE). Pastors and other religious leaders should be there to lift people up, not put them down, and it sounds like your pastor did the latter.
3. Nope. I think I agreed with most of what you said, especially about how Christians should be open-minded and willing to learn about new things. Oh, and then also realizing that it's ok to disagree with those new things, but that it's also ok to live and let live (unless the new thing is trying to kill you... but that rarely happens nowadays).
The story summarized Kess's life and feelings as she grew up in her small town home and how they changed as she moved out into the world on her own. I admire so much Kess's ability to remain true to herself despite her upbringing :) It is something I struggle with and it is a really unique and incredible quality to have. I guess I look at my life and am grateful for what I've had, and ashamed of what I've taken advantage of.
ReplyDeleteThis is about how Kess came to where she is now. She started from a small, conservative Christian community and a family with traditional gender roles--in word if not deed. Because of divergent interests and her ADHD, she didn't fit in but somehow she was able to see through the hypocracy and realize that the problem wasn't her, it was the rest of her world. I'm very impressed by that; it's hard for me to imagine breaking out of that kind of situation. I'm also a bit more sympathetic toward folks with ADHD after reading this; I've always sort of thought most kids with ADHD just needed more physical activity and less TV or processed food, but obviously that wasn't the case here.
ReplyDelete1. The story is a straightforward account of a stifled personality and life caused by the confines of strict religious and "traditional" values, with the conclusive turn of finding oneself by experiencing more of the world.
ReplyDelete2. I felt very sad that it was believed that ADHD was a decision of the character's choosing.
3. No, I don't think I think differently after reading this. Although is was eloquently written.
Posted for Scott, who emailed his comment.
ReplyDelete1. The story is essentially about the experiences, impressions, and emotions of my friend Alex Brenner. It is an autobiography.
2. I felt the most strongly about her statement that she loves her father and has been greatly helped by his personal growth.
3. I do not think differently after reading this story.
Posted for Amy
ReplyDelete1. This is a coming of age story of a young woman from a small town raised on a farm by a strong mother and withdrawn father. Once the young woman leaves the confines of her small hometown she finds love and acceptance with new friends and empowerment from new ideas and information.
2. I feel most strongly about Alex not being accepted for who she is and not getting the support she needed/wanted to cope with ADHD.
3. I do not think differently after reading this. However, I feel I have a better understanding of Alex and am inspired by gumption.
1. The story is an autobiographical account of how the author's horizons were broadened. Raised within a fundamentalist Christian community by a kind, but distant father and a hardworking, but self depreciating mother, Kes struggled to find her place in the world. Mocked by church leaders for her interests and rebuked for her ADHD tendancies, she tried to find the balance between the teachings of her church and the hypocrasy of its members. When she went to college she discovered a multitude of different view points and realized that she had different priorities than her family/community. She met and married Troy who has been her friend, helpmeet and equal. Her former community members shake their heads at her transformation, but ultimately, she has remained true to the values that matter to her.
ReplyDelete2. The part that struck me the most was the part about her father. I think many daughters have this relationship(or lack of)with their fathers and she captured it poignantly.
3. I suppose my question is do, I think differently about what? I am always surprised by the narrow mindedness of people, but really, how many of us ever believe we are the narrow minded ones? Any further thoughts I have relate to my personal knowledge of the author, and not the piece itself.
Well done, Kes.