Isaac’s Storm

Summer reading assignment

20 points

Isaac’s Storm is a work of non-fiction, a genre with which most of you have probably had little dealing. Yet you are, by this point in your academic life, very familiar with multiple conventions of fiction.

How, then, do the two overlap?

In a short essay (2-3 paragraphs), discuss HOW Larson accomplishes his goal. Note, then, that you will not be looking at WHAT Larson is talking about. That part is rather simple, isn’t it? Instead, you want to address his method. You want to think about the way Larson as a writer decides to deal with the topic.

I am interested in seeing your thoughts on the book. I want to make you look, however, at the style, not the content. The distinction may be new to you since many of your earlier teachers were no doubt more interested in knowing if you understood what was happening in the book. I believe you are good at that by this time. I want to see you start looking at writing on a deeper, more complex level. Remember that there is no real “right” or “wrong” answer to this topic. Just try to engage.

Your essay should be typed meeting the standards put forth on the Information Sheet you received the first day of class. Do not worry about a heading at this point, but do make sure your name is on the paper and that it has a title.

This assignment will be due Monday, August 27.