Review of Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue"

    Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" is an interesting insight into the world of immigrants and how specifically, Tan's mother interprets and speaks English. What I like about this story is that it is personal while also appealing to many people who can relate to Tan's points.
   One thing that sort of surprised me was how Tan disliked the term "broken English" when used to describe someone like her mother's English. She expresses her dislike by writing, "It has always bothered me that I can think of no way to describe it other than "broken", as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness" (39). This line somewhat shocked me because I realized Tan thinks everyday people would look at her mother as less than because of the way she speaks. I have never looked at someone in a negative way because their English did not sound the same as mine. However, it was interesting to see it through Tan's perspective.
   I enjoyed how Tan sort of symbolizes each English she speaks to mean something important to herself and others. Her "simple English" that she speaks to her mother represents their bond and also the immigrants' struggle. Her "proper English" which she uses while giving a speech which also separates her from her mother in a sense. My favorite part of this text however, was when Tan reveals the type of audience she envisioned for her book, someone like her mother. She describes what she hoped to convey to the reader, "I wanted to capture what language ability tests can never reveal: her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech, and the nature of her thoughts" (42). I enjoyed reading this text overall and hope to read more of Tan's work.

My opinion on “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me” by Sherman Alexie

 After reading Sherman Alexie's  “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me”, I can understand a little more why reading is such a crucial part of many peoples' lives. As shown to be a huge part of Alexie's life, he defeats the odds and puts his frustration into something which he can harness as a tool to help others. I enjoyed his analogy with paragraphs and life which allowed him  to see the world through his own lens and making sense of it.
   One of my favorite parts of this text was how Alexie tells the story of how he learned to read by interpreting the pictures in the Superman comic. In the comic, Superman breaks down the door to assumingly achieve his goal and be something for himself. I love how Alexie sums up the text by using this analogy between slacking Indian students who are capable of greatness and breaking the door. Alexie writes, ""Books" I say. I throw my weight against their locked doors. The door holds. I am smart. I am arrogant. I am lucky. I am trying to save our lives""(18).  By trying to break down other's doors, Alexie tries to get the Indian students to see their inner talent. This tool, I think is powerful and what makes this text intriguing.
    Overall, I feel as though Alexie tries to persuade a particular audience. An audience that may be overlooked at home or academically. By writing, "I refuse to fail. I was smart. I was arrogant. I was lucky", Alexie ultimately shows his resistance of being less than what he is capable of. A tool, to me, which is important for life. He refuses to be overlooked and persuades the readers act the same.