Freedom Writers Diary

September 15th

Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell

I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and had been reading it all summer. Like I said, it's been a slow few months for reading.

I watched this movie when it came out, and I loved it. My sister bought me the book a few years ago because she knew how much I enjoyed the movie.

I don't read books after the movie very often. (Unless I'm rereading them.)

I'm not sure why it took me so long to pick it up.

So - my thoughts:

First, the novel covers SO much more than the movie. The movie told the stories in more detail. The novel included a different journal entry for each student. It was a small glimpse into the lives of the students. There was no happily ever afters because we didn't get far enough into their stories.

The audience sees change in the Freedom Writers (both in the movie and the novel), and how much Erin Gruwell changed their lives.

It's inspirational. The novel is, the movie is, the Freedom Writers are and the teacher is. 

If I had one complaint, it was the way they all wrote. Every journal entry felt like it could have been written by the same person. The grammar and story telling was the same. To be perfectly blunt, it was boring. It made the entries boring. I'm guessing this was a case of too much editing. It didn't feel real to me.

I don't think I'll read this book again, but I am glad I finally read it. It gave more insight into the students that weren't mentioned in the movie. The movie tells a story though, and this tells short stories about the students. You can't feel connected to any of the stories because once it's over - that's it. You aren't coming back to it.

It makes me want to watch the movie again.

Until next time.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also check out http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/
Or check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

September 1, 2015

This summer has not been big for reading or writing. It's horrible but true. I actually finished this one at the start of September, but am finally writing about it.

Let me start by saying I am biased because I LOVE The Mindy Project. I didn't watch The Office quite as much. The Mindy Project is on Netflix, which of course makes it a lot easier for me to watch.

Now - to the book.

I obviously already think that Mindy is hilarious. When I bought the book, I expected to laugh through the entire thing.

I did laugh. Not through the entire thing though, and not as much as I expected.

It was a good book, it just wasn't all meant to be funny. It is non-fiction about Mindy. Stories from her life, things she likes, people she knows.  Some of it was quite funny, and other parts were simply anecdotes. 

At points in the book, I feel like we are are similar in thoughts, and other points, she's completely different.

For instance, her chapter on physical activity was brilliant. It described my feelings perfectly. It's titled "I am not an athlete." I like people who can admit it, and I understand completely. To this day, I have not found a sport that I'm good at. Mindy Kaling sounds like she is the same.

She also wrote a chapter on how she writes. I laughed and agreed with what she wrote 100 percent. It's basically how I write.

All in all, I'm glad I picked up the book, and I would read any others that she writes. She's witty, funny, and down to earth in her own way. It's a good light read.

I will be reading a lot more books this month - hopefully. 

Oh - and this is book Five. My goal was to read 13 this year. I have slowed down, A LOT.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also check out http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/
Or check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/