So far, in Holding On the reading has been easier than I thought it would be, surprisingly. The book looks like a big long book when you just look on the outside of it, but really it has gone fast. Although, I have mixed feelings about the book having little sections about each interviewee. I like that each of them are short because I feel like I can relate to each person. But, I kind of don't like that I'm reading about a different person every other page. I feel like I get into the writing, just to turn the page and it's a different person's story. It's just different than any of the books I've ever read.
The profile that struck me as very interesting was Donald Bean, the proprietor. Like we discussed in class, it's a very "American" that there was a specific landmark of a Dinosaur theme park in Moscow, Texas. Land-marking a place with a statue or art is seen all over the states. It was very interesting that they made a dinosaur themed theme park, though. You don't see that everyday. I think people weren't as familiar with dinosaurs and weren't fascinated with them as much as Bean was so they didn't want to go to the theme park. Or maybe it was that they never heard about it. Though, it is fortunate that Bean got to spend so much time fascinating his dinosaurs because visitors were so scarce. It was a very weird story. That's the only word I can think of to describe it.
The theme I find most important about Bean's story was go after the things you love. His passion for dinosaur's and having a dinosaur themed theme park wasn't getting the business he expected but he still didn't let it go. His wife even had to come out of retirement and get a job at a local convenience store. I feel like anyone can relate to that because we were taught as children to "follow your dreams." A research question that I would like to know the answer to would be why did Bean pick dinosaurs? What is his fascination with dinosaurs? I think that would've made it more relatable to as the reader.
I also talked about this man. He was very interesting and I think that a lot of people can relate to his story. I related to it by having a passion for something I love which I think everyone does.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that this book has gone fast. I looks just like a normal, boring, long textbook, but its not. The structure of Holding On changing from one story to the next reminds of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. These books change from one story to the next without the book.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of Bean's story, I was actually surprised that he didn't get much business. I would think parents would love to take their kids to his dinosaur park because it is educational, visually appealing, and fun. Also, I agree that finding out actually what started Bean's fascination with dinosaurs would be neat to find out. What did he experience/witness in his life that made his fascination of dinosaurs grow?
Katie
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have agreed with you more on your post. Passion means a lot to each individual person. I can relate to this as well. I have a passion for helping teens with disabilities. I also agree that some stories can be long, but all of the stories go into great detail.