Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Last week at the Grove

After this past weeks discussion, it is clear that we have all evolved from this experience. In the beginning of the course, everyone was a little more soft spoken and reserved. Our discussion with John Tallmadge was one for the ages. I feel like every single one of us helped each other out with our insights to gain a greater understanding of the book and our cemetery experience as a whole. It was very refreshing to have a sit down with an author who was so down to earth and relatable. He sat through a full discussion of a book he hadn't read and still challenged us to delve deeper into the subject material. I enjoyed the book for what it was. I didnt go in expecting to purchase a copy for the shelf but I was still pleasantly surprised. It was also an easy read. I set aside 6 hours two days before class and just knocked it out. After discovering that the authore was 19, there were some aspects of the book that clicked with this little factoid (although I did'nt let it ruin my reading experience). I was pretty sad that it was our last week in the cemetery. For eight straight weeks it felt like this whole place was at our fingertips. I wouldnt trade this experience in for the world. It has caused me to revert back to me elementary school ways of the young Sam Spade. I have so many things on my plate that I forget to explore the really interesting things in life that pose questions. Being at the cemetery has allowed me to not just take certain things at face value (that we take for granted) and dig deeper. What a way to end the course!

1 comment:

  1. While I hate to read that you only read it at the very end, I admit it was a "fast" read novel. It is the thinking about it that takes some time. Reflection takes time and that is the theme you are really discussing - 8 weeks of cemetery does result in personal reflection.

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