Friday, March 06, 2009

Talent

What were your impressions after the first story?

I really enjoyed it. The picture of middle school was so vivid, with the various kids and their awkward, emotional existence. I especially liked the miniature portraits of the different kids -- Harriet and her magic show, Edward and his boa constrictor, and especially Jonathan Hamish, whom I found really touching. I could understand why Ms. Hempel felt tender toward him.
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2 comments:

kc said...

I thought it was fantastic! Exceptionally well-written and amusing and, as you said, a vivid, touching portrait of middle school. Jonathan was very poignant, I agree. I love how he adored Lennie and Mercutio but not Holden Caulfield (because of being a true kindred spirit, as Ms. Hempel realized with sadness). But I think my favorite was when Harriet — in her cape! — ("I think she's going to be gay when she grows up," says one of the teachers .. hehe) closed her magic act with the card-in-pocket trick, to thunderous applause. It was such a tense, awkward, potentially humiliating moment, the kind that adolescence seems rife with, and it turned into such a moment of triumph with the crazy unleashed crow that Ms. Hempel — miracle! — gets to touch as it swoops insanely by.

Fantastic story.

8:37 PM, March 06, 2009
Ben said...

Yes, vivid is a great word for it. And so matter-of-fact -- this is how things are, period -- I think that adds to the vividness.

The magic trick was sensational, and everything was heightened by the fact that she secretly wanted to be performing in it.

12:24 PM, March 08, 2009

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