Going back through all of the novels that I have collected over the years that constitute a majority of my collection are Fiction or in that genre. Some are historical fiction like the Dear American Diaries, others are Science Fiction like Rowan and Ender’s Game, Realistic Fiction like my older more classic books by Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen and then Fantasy like the Dragon Riders of Pern series. I do own some traditional literature, poetry books and non-fiction but a majority of my collection is Fiction. These books are a lot easier for me to connect to and with Science Fiction and Fantasy it really feeds my imagination. The work required to really write any of these is immense because with respect to Historical, Science and Fantasy fiction the author must do a lot of research and be careful who and what they input into their stories to make their plot lines believable.
My favorite quote from this section is one written by Madeline L’Engle. She states that fiction is a “vehicle for truth” (Kasten, Kristo, McClure 2005). Within the Fiction genre that is very true. While what fiction authors write about is not implicitly true there is an element of truth illuminated by what they write and it is up to the reader to discover this truth while reading the novel. Hunting for these universal truths within fiction books is like an interesting game. Sometimes they are implicitly stated by one of the characters but other times the reader must hunt for them through the words or actions of the characters within the story. I guess that is one of the reasons that I love Fiction so much. While you are reading something fun and entertaining you learn more about the human condition and while you might not always realize it you walk out with more than you went into the book knowing.
My all-time favorite reason for reading fiction is the characters. Fiction authors create some of the most amazing characters I have ever read about just short of some of the real live people I have read about. Characters like Ender from Ender’s Game, Alanna from The Song of the Lioness and Talia from the Heralds of the Queen series are all exquisite characters. Tamora Pierce, Mercedes Lackey and Orson Scott Card, in my opinion, write some of the best characters I have ever encountered and are great for middle and high school students. Tamora Pierce even writes well for 5th grade student if they are a little more advanced reader. The worlds that they create for their characters are fantastic and their main characters are very easily relatable and definitely pull the reader into their world. Girls can learn a lot from both Alanna and from Talia about being strong despite everything that they have been through and that people will respect them if they show their true colors. If they don’t then they weren’t really friends to begin with. Ender is a boy who is put in a very tight spot and just because he is small does not by any means mean that he is weak. He is a very bright young boy who despite the odds becomes a fantastic leader and warrior while maintaining his compassion for others.
Fiction is a great genre that offers so much. Historical fiction creates a story surrounding a real event and makes it more easily relateable for a student than just reading something out of a textbook. Fantasy and Science Fiction are only limited by the imagination of the author and thus it stretches the imaginations of the readers and makes them think of things they never thought possible. Realistic fiction is great as well because it brings characters to life that while the author might not have experienced something in particular but a friend of theirs has. They can write about it so that others know that they aren’t alone. These are good books for students who have been through a tragedy and feel like no one understands their pain but it is also good for students who have never experienced the pain because they gain some empathy for the character and people they might meet in the future who have been through something similar. Fiction really encompasses everything.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Chapter 8: Fiction Family
Posted by Meg at 1:34 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
When I think of Fiction I think of books that take me beyond where I am to another place or time where I can explore my imagination. Reading fiction helps me get away and just think about the characters and what they are going through. I think that as a teacher it is good to have read a variety of Fiction books so that you can relate to how your students are feeling when they are going through something that you never have. I’m not big on Science and Fantasy Fiction; however I love Contemporary Realistic and Historical Fiction. Historical Fiction allows me to see History through other people’s eyes and to reflect on it. I think that this is a great way to introduce a new subject in History to your students. When using Historical Fiction though teachers need to make sure that their students understand that some parts of the book will not line up with History.
It's good to know that I'm not the only one who has a huge collection of fiction books. I like the quote that you picked out it makes sense. The truth is in there it's just harder to find sometimes than others. You havea lot to say about fiction, and after reading chapter 8 I feel that same way. It's def. opened my eyes to what this genre has to offer. I can read fiction anyday and I'll be taken away.
I also own many fiction books, these are the ones that have always caught my attention since i was young. Until this point Fiction books still play a big role in my life. I liked this chapter becaus it have made me see the inside of these books and how important thse are in a classroom.
You have a strong background in literature, you read a lot of books, and you have a great collection of fiction or other genres in your home, you will be a great teacher with new ways to apply in your future classroom. I liked your comments about why you love fiction looking for the truth through the words or actions of the characters, always learning about the human condition.
I agree that the characters are the best thing about fiction.The characters they create really are amazing.
I love fiction books, especially a well written one. It is so easy to fall in love with, or even despise some of the characters. Fiction books are great for readers because it allows them to open up their minds to new ideas, cultures, beliefs and so on. Great blog.
Post a Comment