Week 12 Prompt: Nonfiction Matrix
The Readers' Advisory Matrix for Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt
- Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
Highly narrative (reads like fiction) - What is the subject of the book?
Roger Rosenblatt's daughter Amy dies suddenly, and Roger and his wife move in with their son-in-law and young grandchildren in order to help themselves and the young family cope with the sudden loss. - What type of book is it?
Memoir - Articulate appeal
- What is the pacing of the book?
The book has a leisurely pace, but the stylistic choices of breaking the story into small vignettes allows it to be read quickly. - Describe the characters of the book.
Roger is the grieving father to Amy, the brilliant daughter. Roger's wife, Ginny, is the grandmother to Amy's children, and she feels strange trying to care for them in the role of their mother when she believed her mothering years were behind her. Harris, the husband and father left behind, is quiet in his grief, taking care of his family and holding his sorrow close. The three grandchildren are each distinct as well: Jessie is smart and enthusiastic, ever the optimistic seven-year-old. Sammy is five and inquisitive, with questions for Boppo (Roger's affectionate name from the children) and Mimi (Ginny) that even they must look up from time to time. Bubbies (James) is just shy of two and still asks for his Mama when he sees her picture. - How does the story feel?
Heartbreaking, yet still hopeful. Contemplative of the past with Amy and the future without Amy - What is the intent of the author?
To share his family's and his experience. To come to terms with the loss of his daughter. - What is the focus of the story?
The void that Amy left and the cobbling together of family in her absence - Does the language matter?
Yes. - Is the setting important and well described?
The setting is not as important as the characters and their relationships. The home they all stay in is still described well enough to get an idea for the living situation. - Are there details and, if so, of what?
There are many details regarding the children and their activities, Amy and her life, Roger and Ginny's relationship, as well as some details regarding actually making toast. - Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?
There are no charts and graphs. They are not needed. - Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?
This book stresses understanding and experience. Through the experiences of Rosenblatt and his family, one can have an understanding of grief and living through loss. - Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
- Language/Style
- Detail
- Experiencing/Understanding
Admittedly, my curiosity is piqued. My first instinct would be to not read a book like this, honestly. I just have a hard time reading about kids losing parents. However, after reading this, I feel like it might be a little quirky or charming, which might make it easier to read. I'm intrigued by this detailed description of making toast, and would likely read it on that basis alone!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an exceptionally sad, but well-written, book. I think it's probably a great one to know about as a librarian, because it's something very specific that people might ask for, and knowing it exists is very helpful. I also like that you said it is narrative and reads more like a story. For something like this tragedy, I think it is important.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job, full points!
ReplyDelete