2nd Response to Feed

Feed by M.T Anderson pg. 29-72


Do you feel there is an opinion expressed by the author through this work?


In the beginning, getting into the world that Anderson created was a little hard for me, but I am definitely liking the book and the character as the story develops. Every page is filled with parallels between their world and the readers world; I love this because I am constantly evaluating and comparing my world to the books, which has tons of similarities for today's society and they are not very positive similarities. I think the author's commentary and opinions on today's society is apparent on almost every page. Anderson created a world that seems exaggerated; however, I think the reader starts to get this eerie feeling that this world hits close to home. The author wants the reader to begin questioning the world that surrounds them in terms of technology, communication, and establishment control. I feel like the author is very explicit in showing the negative effects to the next generation's culture. Even though the character's annoy me, I could probably name three people who remind me of those characters. I see my students constantly connected to technology and consumed by communication. I know that these things aren't necessarily evil; however, I am sometimes paranoid as to how people use this as a way to control the masses. In the section that I read, the kids were hacked by this guy at a club/party and their feed had to be re adjusted. I think the author is clearly illuminating to how people are now being chipped and constantly tracked as well as marketing/business companies having access to our information in order for us to buy more. Anderson's critique on today's society is important and I think reading this book allows the reader to start questioning or at least reflecting on our current culture. 

Feed reading response

Feed by M.T Anderson pg 1-28.

Question: Overall, what kind of a feeling did you have after reading a few paragraphs of this work? What character's did you dislike and why?

I chose to read Feed because everyone that I has read it has said that it is amazing and a must read. I read the first few chapters and it was interesting. In all honesty, I couldn't get into the first few pages of the story. I found myself annoyed with the character's and the world they lived in, which I think is the feeling the author wanted the reader to feel. The way in which the characters spoke annoyed me a lot because of the overuse of 'like' and their words/slang was so different. I know this is suppose to reflect our current society and I could visualize these characters reflecting certain types of people who exist in today’s society. Even though as a reader I was annoyed, I can also appreciate how the author uses those annoyances and over exaggerations to highlight the similarities in today's society. I really disliked all the characters, but I am intrigued by the girl they just met because she seems to be different from them as well as the starting off point for the rest of the novel. I know this book will get better especially because everyone talks about the end and how they cried so I am excited to get through the rest of it and see where the story goes.

Thoughts on Carl Deuker's Payback Time

9/13/15: Reader Response to Payback Time 


The book is getting really good! One thing I really like is the way the author builds suspense with the characters. It reminds me of Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, but with a more modern twist. I love that it is a sports narrative too because I love sports, but I think the idea of scandals or possible mistreatments in sports is a huge topic in today's society. I wanted to keep reading because I wanted to uncover the story just like the characters story. The author does a good job in revealing just enough to grab the reader and they are able to predict along side the character's in the book.

The main character, Mitch, struggles with being overweight and fitting in at school, which I think is a really relatable topic for any young adult. It also shows how high school can be rough in terms of bullies, social status, and stereotypes. As the story evolves, Mitch is becoming more confident with himself and his ability as a reporter. They're are clear characters who embody the negative aspects of high school and I think it is also important that they show adults like the football couch in a negative light.

Payback Time Carl Deuker

 Payback Time- Carl Deuker

Question: what kind of feeling did you have after reading a few paragraphs of this work?

After reading the first few pages, I felt like the story gave a good set up for what is to come; however, some parts were a little slow. I also felt like the author did a great job with his writing style because it was comical, a little serious, and relatable to more than to just ‘sporty’ people. His descriptions were on point. I also felt like he goes into more than just sports and will dive into friendship dynamics, identity changes or possibly identity acceptance. It makes me feel more understanding of a boys world/sports world without being too stereotypical. I also feel like it gives male readers insight into male friendships, bullying, the issue with pressures of hyper-masculinity or the problems with having those stereotypes like ultimate athlete. Hopefully the story will progress into the title- payback time- as pulling/showing the underdogs or discrepancies within coaching staffs. The author definitely has created some suspense and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this book!