Choosing a Novel

 I always feel a sense of hesitation and trepidation when it comes time to choose a new title to read. There's never enough time to do all that I wish, so why would I want to want to read something that I didn't enjoy? This makes sense practically as well: if I don't enjoy reading a book, I am less likely to invest the time and focus needed to understand it as well as possible. I would miss the little details that might redeem it in my eyes – so knowing myself, it's important for me to find something that draws my interest from the start.

These ideas, of course, were vital to consider when choosing an independent reading novel. Of the list provided, I immediately recognized only a few: A Clockwork Orange, The Poisonwood Bible, as well as classics including Pride and Prejudice. Based on their summaries, a few others jumped out at me: After Dark appeared to have an interesting style, while Lost City Radio had a unique setting that I believed would make for an interesting story. Ultimately, based on the recommendation of friends and my own curiosity I chose to read A Clockwork Orange – hopefully, it will work out for me!

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Alternatively: The Art of a Post

As a form of personal expression, the web log, or “blog”, is one of the more interesting developments in internet media established in the past decade. This is, in part, because of the huge diversity in tone and content between blogs: they can act as a diary, an editorial, a review column – the focus and quality of a blog is only limited by the author’s imagination. Despite, or perhaps because of this wide range of potential, it can be somewhat difficult for an author to determine a focus for their blog. Should they focus on literary themes, or just discuss English on a broader scope? Should the blog have a personal feel, or be more professional? What’s an appropriate title to serve as a succinct and accurate description? These and others are the questions that a blogger must decide on before they can use their blog to its fullest.

As a title, Electric Sheep, taken from the 1968 science fiction novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, accurately describes my intent for this particular blog. While it has a clear connection to literature, it also stands on its own as an interesting title, just as I hope my blog will stand on its own merit. Plus, it has a clear connection to technology, which relates to my interest in technology and computers.