Reflection 7: Non-Fiction

If a book is considered non-fiction, it needs to be one hundred percent true. The definition of non-fiction is, “Non-fiction or nonfiction is an account, narrative, or representation of a subject which an author presents as fact.” The most important part of that definition is that the author presents it as a fact. A fact is true statement. If there are any half-truths, you might as well call it a fictional book. I don’t understand if you make any aspect of the story up, why is it so difficult to make your book fiction? One is not better than the other in my opinion. These labels matter because while reading a particular book, a reader thinks a different way if it is true or not. There might be more sympathy if the characters in the book are real. If you are reading a non-fiction book, you do not second guess the validity of the story. Authors take advantage of readers by throwing in lies or even making up complete stories. I think if Frey lied about one thing in his story he could have lied about many other things that are not necessarily able to be checked.

Reflection 5: Book Covers

The cover is vital when it comes to deciding whether or not I read a book. I lean more towards the simple, modern covers when I do choose a book by its cover. Covers that contain scenes or pictures are too difficult to interpret and sometimes have nothing to do with the book. It bugs me when I finish a book, and the cover is completely irrelevant.  I also do not like when books have the sleeve covering it. That is really complicated for me and I don’t like dealing with the extra piece. The book I’m reading right now has a really interesting cover. When you look at it, it’s simple and it is easy to relate to the book. But there is a textured pattern on the book that you would only discover if you touch it. It is a really cool addition and sticks out in my mind of book covers. Overall, I prefer more girly book covers. That is probably because I enjoy girly books. Typically, when a cover is manly, the story is about fighting or other manly stuff that I do not appreciate. The cover defines the book. It is up to the individual reader if that is the book they want to read.