Letters and Journal Entries

Discuss the April Book of the Month Shot Down by Steve Snyder.
CrescentMoon
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Re: Letters and Journal Entries

Post by CrescentMoon »

I actually really like the journal entries. I really enjoy history but while learning history in school we learn about the major events and broad topics and everything is so impersonal. It is very easy to forget that there were actual real people who experienced real emotions and the journal entries were a really nice touch. It made the historical side much more personal and human like.
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micoleon13
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Post by micoleon13 »

I've only read the first part of the book so far, but I agree, I really like the journal / letter entries, it brings a more personal and emotional level to a factual retelling. They must have put so much importance on these letters and treasured them, not knowing when they would get to see each other again.
They're also always so well written, it makes you think what would the equivalent be nowadays with everyone using abbreviations and colloquialisums, it wouldn't be quite as emotional
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Post by Insomniac07 »

There is so much historic information in the text that letters and journal entries were a nice respite. They acted as a reminder that these are true stories of real people with real lives.
Sarah_Khan
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Post by Sarah_Khan »

I agree with everyone saying that it makes the book more personal. It also makes it easier to read if this type of book is not your cup of tea. Although I love historical anything!
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ananya92
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Post by ananya92 »

I think the letters and journal entries added to the depth of the novel, and made the reader feel more connected with the narrative.
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Debjani Ghosh
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Post by Debjani Ghosh »

The inclusion of the letters and journal entries lent authenticity to this historical fiction.
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Priyanka2304
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Post by Priyanka2304 »

Introducing personal accounts through letters and journaling made the reader closer to the character. It gave the book a different feel while reading. I am yet to finish reading the book. Till now, it has been a smooth read.
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yapashley
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Post by yapashley »

It's unique that he added journals and entries to his book. It really adds depth to his story.
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Post by Elenimo Chembe »

I think the inclusion of letters and journals was pretty much an ingenious idea. It makes the whole book relatable and adds value to the narrative. I think if I were writing a book of such a kind I would definitely include letters and journals - it's a unique and captivating paradigm.
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Sheila Gehlmann
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Post by Sheila Gehlmann »

I believe the letters and journal entries enhanced the author's storytelling. They are a real-time record of the experiences of Snyder, created at the moment of his activity or thoughts. It adds a lot to the story to know the emotions and feelings of the pilot in time of war.
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Abdul-Malik Hassan
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Post by Abdul-Malik Hassan »

The letters serve a significant purpose to the overall storyline. I'm not against them as they add value to the author's experience: whether personal or as a result of the war.
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