Quarter 3: Week 2, Post B

Dear Joyce Carol Oates,

Although I am not very far into your novel, I am already really enjoying it. Your imagery is amazing--I can totally picture the people and places you describe. I also think you did a great job writing in the voice of Nikki. From what I've seen of her so far, the narration stays very true to her character and her unique personality. Overall, I really like your writing style!

Nikki really intrigues me as a character. She is so unlike most of the women I come across in my daily life. I really admire her independence and her ability to be herself, no matter what anyone else thinks. Her relationships with her mother and sister seem very complex as well. At one point, when discussing her relationship with her sister Clare, Nikki states: "...my sister's children had brought Clare and me closer together. Especially when they'd been babies and Clare had been vulnerable and needy for once; not so judgemental about me...Clare liked me less now. I wasn't sure how I felt about her" (12). This blunt, truthful approach to analyzing her relationship with Clare really surprised me. Growing up, I was always taught that you are supposed to love your sisters--and all members of your family-- unconditionally no matter what. Nikki's point of view is very different--she candidly states that she isn't sure how she feels about Clare. This was so funny to me because it was so different from what I've ever heard. Usually, one either claims they "hate" their sibling, or talks of how much they love them. However, Nikki is much more detached with a kind of "chill" attitude about the subject.

Anyway, so far I love the book. I can't wait to keep reading!

Sincerely,
A-Rod.