Comments on: Not Another Academic Story.

By: sevescott

sevescott — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:46:04 +0000

I always benefit from class discussion after reading a text, because sometimes I might think that I know what the author is getting at but I can’t exactly verbalize it yet. Then, a classmate will say something along the lines of what I am thinking, enabling me to develop the idea further from what he or she says. So, I believe that Graff’s idea of “talking well” comes from practice and the ability to flesh out ideas with others.

By: cestreen

cestreen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:15:01 +0000

When Graff talks about the idea of “talking well” and not just reading well, I find it troubling. I often am caught talking with incorrect grammar and people call me out on it. This is even more troubling when one has ideas about the text but cannot convey them effectively.

By: cestreen

cestreen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:10:49 +0000

I agree with you there. Graff’s relationship to his reader makes his writing rather compelling, especially how his life takes a turn. It really makes writing appreciate the field.

By: ashleystern

ashleystern — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:14:29 +0000

I really like this idea, mainly because reading books is so often considered a solitary activity. Reading alone can be enjoyable, however when one talks about the book with another person, or even better other people, the book can take on new meanings and gains a deeper richness than it would have had if it was simply read and never discussed.

By: meganduff

meganduff — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:48:26 +0000

What I always find interesting when reading critics is that they manage to articulate the thought that has been tickling my mind for awhile. Perhaps because of experience or time commitment they have accessed the idea before I even knew I had it.