Poe and Alexie

ALEXIE:
I have had the privilege of reading Alexie's work in almost every English I have had during my college career. His work is often banned from schools because of the "inappropriate" material that they contain, but I think they are pure genius. I was so happy when I saw that an Alexie novel was on our reading list at the beginning of the quarter. I have only dabbled in his poetry, but a novel is just as good. I love that he is a local writer and his work hits home because of the proximity of them. Spokane is my stomping ground and I am so grateful to live in such a city.
The novel was a little intense. I found myself struggling to relate at first, but then made the little connections along the way. I could relate to being the new kid in school, the death of family, and the experience of having a crush on the popular kid in school. I just wanted the situation for Arnold to get better because he had experienced so much in his life already.
Although I love Alexie's personal story and his work, I probably wouldn't include this particular text in my classroom. I think it is a little too mature for the middle school level and it wouldn't exactly fit in the demographic of Horizon Middle School in Spokane Valley. I would recommend the students to read it on their own time for pleasure, but I wouldn't have it implemented in my class. I think there are other works by Alexie that would fit more appropriately.




POE:
I have always had a love for Poe and his mysterious ways. I remember reading "Tell Tale Heart" in eighth grade and becoming so fond of Poe and his works. "The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall" was strange. I always had a really hard time understanding this story, as I usually do with his works. I am excited to see what Paul does with this and how he goes through the story with the class. I am still trying to wrap my mind around the story. It was just so strange.