Book Stats: Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum published in 1988.
Back from campus I decided to go ahead and finish one of the recommended book, this book was recommended to me by AD Baloach ADB who is also an excellent writer.
The story explores the conflict between tradition and individuality within an elite preparatory school during the 1950s. It tells us that the school has strict traditional expectations which they follow to the T but when the English teacher; John Keating joins this school, the values of the school are juxtaposed against the free-spirited unconventional teaching methods of John Keating.
The students life gets interesting because of Mr. John who challenges the students to embrace the power of poetry, literature, and critical thinking. The author brilliantly showcased the inner struggles that the students experience in the face of traditional expectations and strict rules, it provides detailed insight into the students personal development and the challenges they face in balancing their desires and aspirations with societal pressures and how some time they think of giving it all up.
The author shows the impact of a great mentorship on a student's life as well as the limitations and complexities of mentorship relationships. Showing that a great mentor guides a student to a better life. An a great mentor is a best asset you will have in life. The author dies an excellent job in portraying the power and transformative nature of literature, art, and mentorship in creative expression and personal growth. The story emphasizes the importance of finding one's individuality and seizing opportunities to live authentically, and making choices that align with personal choices that align with your personal values and aspirations.
With all the positives in the book there are also some negatives. It can be said that the depth and emotional resonance in the story is not properly expanded on. Some of the pivotal scenes in the story does not capture the intensity required for these scenes. Similarly, some of the emotional impacts of the scenes were too bland. Due to these limits I did find some difficulty in connecting with the characters on a deeply emotional level. It failed to elaborate on the students individual backgrounds and motivations making me unable to fully empathize with their experiences. Must say there is a lack in literary flair which the author could have avoided by using evocative and immersive proses. The plot line is not flowing smoothly which kind of creates confusion when you are reading the book.
Though they were lot of meaningful quotes in the book the one that strikes a cord in me was;
"Words and ideas have the power to change the World."
Overall, I would say that the book inspires and provokes a meaningful reflection on the timeless themes it presents. So if you have free time and want a book to read give it a try. Do share your own opinion about the plot, the characters, the themes, the writing style etc I will be happy to read your review.
Looking up at the grandfather clock I have spend quite some time on reading the book and writing this review it is now close to dinner time. Stretching I heard a few pops, skipping to the kitchen my imagination was running wild on the last of the recommended book that was still left to be read. Can you guess what genre it would be? Wait and I will reveal it in the upcoming post so stay tuned. Enjoy your life, eat well, live well. See Ya! Have a nice bright sunny day. I
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Literary Adventure; Book Review
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By Staringale2 years ago in BookClub
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Comments (2)
Ah, Dead Poets Society...! First and foremost, you write an excellent and well-balanced review here, making me wish once again you studied literature and were my student! The book itself, however, is not one I especially like, and that goes double for the film with Robin Williams (which did the world no favours at all by being successful). As you know, I happen to work in the very same profession the story is about, and it's a clear-cut example of a fictionalized and sentimentalized depiction failing to represent reality. Dead Poets Society, in short, was responsible for a glut of young lecturers who believed their first day on the job would be exactly like the final scene. The book and movie were ice-cream for wannabe PhDs who had the dream but not the drive. Needless to say, these said young lecturers were invariably disappointed. Their students, instead of climbing up onto their desks amid stirring music, just stared blankly. No-one gets into the study of literature without a love for their subject in the first place. It baffles me that Kleinbaum implies this isn't so. Nevertheless, we need traditional expectations too. I have seen so many students fail because of their belief in such hoary false mantras as "There's no right or wrong answer in literary studies" and "Expressing how you feel is more important than how you express it." I'm sorry to say the thinking endorsed by such texts as Dead Poets Society bears at least a little responsibility in each and every one of these fails. And we're done! Good, I can stop venting. I do love your book reviews, for the very reason they make me think! Very glad to hear another's on the way, and like Dharrsheena below I'll put in a word for my favourite genre. Here's hoping it'll be science fiction!
Oooo, this book seems to have such a powerful story! Loved your review! Maybe the genre of your next read is horror?