Most recent public comments by Ms Makema Vanterpool https://nowcomment.com/users/133689 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071378 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071378 Humor serves as a form of social critique, allowing Laymon to satirically expose and challenge societal norms, power structures, and racial dynamics. Through wit, irony, and comedic situations, Laymon confronts serious subjects with a sharp and often subversive edge. By juxtaposing humor with weighty topics, he invites readers to engage with the issues at hand while also offering moments of levity and comic relief. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:32:19 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071376 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071376 Inside of her small toolshed, neighborhood kids called it El Mafoofo; Grandma called it her Fortune 500 company - “Grandma, Inc.” This sentence is important because it displays Laymon's ability to use humor to address serious or sensitive topics. Here, he uses humor to talk about the institution of racism within America. The term "Grandma, Inc" gives a clever and lighthearted way to talk about the establishment of racial hierarchies which has disadvantaged and dismissed Black people for centuries. Furthermore, the statement “inside of her small toolshed, neighborhood kids called it 'El Mafoofo'" is important as it gives a sense of a thriving community. Despite the fact that they are living under oppressive conditions, they are able to find the joy and humor in it, showing resilience and adaptability. Laymon's use of humor to address serious and sensitive topics allows readers to connect with the material on a deeper level. It adds an element of relatability that allows readers to empathize and reflect on a more personal level, whereas a purely serious description would create a more distant experience. Inviting you to re-read this text and to think about how Laymon uses humor to make valuable points in an entertaining way. See if you can find any other examples of this and feel free to share them in a reply. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:32:19 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071375 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071375 Laymon's portrayal of Mississippi reflects the enduring effects of racial discrimination and systemic inequality. Through the experiences of the characters, the novel explores the persistence of racial prejudices and the ways in which they shape individual identities and social dynamics. The characters navigate the complexities of their racial identities, confronting both overt and subtle forms of racism. Laymon highlights the systemic challenges faced by Black individuals, including racial profiling, police brutality, and limited opportunities for advancement. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:28:42 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071374 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071374 The smell of Rum and gunpowder was enough to make you gag. – “Long Division” This sentence is important to the text because it reveals the physical atmosphere of the setting and hints at the struggle the protagonist may experience as he is confronted with violence. The mention of rum and gunpowder establishes a temporal setting of the greater conflict, likely hinting at a violent clash between two parties. The protagonist's attempt at evading the violence is further illustrated when the narrator states, "I looked around for somewhere to hide, but it was too late. I had to get out of there fast". This sentence is important because it illustrates the fear and urgency experienced by the protagonist as he tries to stay alive in a dangerous situation. The further description of the protagonist's emotional state is conveyed when they mention "My heart stopped when I felt the barrel of a gun against my back". This sentence is important as it helps to portray the fear that the narrator is facing as he faces the possibility of violence. The background knowledge needed to understand this text more deeply is its social and historical context. This involves researching the type of society in which the novel is set, identifying the sources of violence that frame the violent clash in this scene, and understanding the type of racial, identity and societal challenges the protagonist faces. Reading this passage a second time can help to identify small details or clues that provide further context to these topics. So why not take a few minutes and re-read this text and explore what further knowledge you can find? Tue, 23 May 2023 21:28:42 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071373 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071373 One notable technique Laymon uses is the incorporation of metafiction. The novel blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality by featuring characters who share the same names as the author and other individuals involved in the book's creation. This self-awareness invites readers to consider the nature of storytelling itself and the ways in which narratives shape our understanding of the world. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:25:34 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071372 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071372 We can see that Laymon is using a unique storytelling technique by using non-linear approaches - which leads to us having to puzzle together the narrative in order to make sense of what is going on. This heightens the reader's engagement with the story, as it makes us active participants in the process of interpreting the text and building the narrative. What do you think of this approach, [Name]? Tue, 23 May 2023 21:25:35 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071370 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071370 City (both present-day and 1985): City is a black teenager living in present-day Mississippi. He is witty, observant, and grappling with racial injustices in his community. Through his perspective, Laymon explores themes of identity, racial discrimination, and the power of storytelling. As City navigates the complexities of his own life and the larger social issues around him, he becomes a symbol of resilience and a voice challenging the status quo. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:21:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071368 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071368 This sentence is important as it helps readers to imagine the physical space, allowing them to visualize the setting and its characters. This informs the narrative and gives an insight into Grandma's character – her creative, can-do attitude. Additionally, it helps to set the scene, contributing to an overall atmosphere. The kitchen table was the stage for solving the world’s problems, debates, storytelling and jokes. This sentence is important for understanding the dynamics of the space. It emphasizes the spirit of togetherness, understanding, and appreciation for each other; even as the family members have their disagreements, the kitchen can still provide an oasis of safety and comfort. In addition, the phrase “stage for” introduces a theatrical element, suggesting creativity and demonstrating how the space was filled with emotion and life. It further emphasizes how the kitchen could act as a place for the family and guests to connect with each other. The kitchen was the heart of the home. This sentence serves as a summary and conclusion for the paragraph, tying together the two previous sentences. It showcases the importance of the kitchen to the family and serves as a powerful reminder that family love and connections are timeless. This text offers an insight into an essential bond that ties family together – that of the kitchen as a source of warmth, connection and comfort. To delve deeper into the text, readers could focus further on the symbolism of the kitchen as an emotional space, and explore the ways in which it can become a refuge or a platform for gathering. I invite you to re-read this text and share anything interesting that you find about the kitchen and its role in the family. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:21:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071365 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071365 One aspect of the exploration is the narrative structure itself. The book consists of two interconnected storylines set in different time periods. The first storyline follows a teenage boy named City as he competes in a national spelling bee. The second storyline features a character named City also, but he is a black teenager in the 1980s who discovers a book called "Long Division" that seems to predict his own life. This metafictional approach allows Laymon to delve into the power of storytelling to shape reality and challenge societal norms. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:18:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071363 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347060?scroll_to=3071363 ” (Laymon 79). This sentence is important as it shows the protagonist, City, making important steps to investigate the claim of the "witch" and her family legacy. By demonstrating City investigating, it sets the scene for what the central theme of "Long Division" is -- discovery (both of a family legacy and the character's own identity). Laymon explores the theme of discovery by having City engage in the process of uncovering her identity and family history in the present and the past. This allows the reader to connect with the protagonist and explore what it means to uncover secrets, and also grapple with the impact of that discovery. The background information needed to understand this text is the setting and context of the novel. "Long Division" takes place in the fictional town of Wheaton, Mississippi and is set in the modern day South. Laymon emphasizes the importance of understanding the ways in which history affects identity, while also exploring the effects of racial identity in the American South. By understanding the connections between history and identity, as well as how the American South shaped these two forces, readers can gain an insightful understanding of the novel's deeper themes. Re-read the text and consider how Laymon conveys the central theme of discovery as well as the ways in which the setting of the American South shape the characters' actions and reactions. Think about how you would have reacted to City's position in the novel and how it differs from yours, then use that as a launching point to continue the conversation. Tue, 23 May 2023 21:18:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071084 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071084 I really like how these slang terms are worded because it gives us readers a deep dive into the personalities of the characters. Tue, 23 May 2023 14:23:14 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063872 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063872 City's grandmother, Mrs. Coldson, shares stories about her past, particularly her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. She recounts her involvement in activism and her encounters with racial injustice. These stories not only provide insight into City's family history but also serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations. Fri, 05 May 2023 23:11:15 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063871 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063871 Laymon uses satire to subvert racial, class, and gender stereotypes. He employs humor to expose the absurdity of these stereotypes and highlight their damaging effects on individuals and communities. By presenting exaggerated or unconventional characters and situations, Laymon encourages readers to question and challenge preconceived notions. Satire allows Laymon to critique power structures related to race, class, and gender. He uses humor to expose the hypocrisy, contradictions, and injustices embedded within these structures. By poking fun at those in positions of power, Laymon unveils the underlying systems that perpetuate inequality and oppression. Fri, 05 May 2023 23:08:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063868 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063868 The novel presents male characters who challenge traditional notions of masculinity. City, the protagonist, defies societal expectations by embracing his vulnerability, expressing his emotions, and engaging with his creative side. Through City's character, Laymon challenges rigid gender norms and explores alternative expressions of masculinity. Strong female characters who assert their agency and challenge patriarchal norms are also shown. These characters, such as Baize Shephard and LaVander Peeler-Keems, exhibit resilience, intelligence, and assertiveness. Their presence highlights the importance of female empowerment and the dismantling of gender-based expectations. Fri, 05 May 2023 23:04:55 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063867 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346613?scroll_to=3063867 The novel delves into the complexities of racial identity and challenges racial stereotypes. Laymon presents characters who grapple with their own racial identities and confront the ways in which society imposes and perpetuates stereotypes. By questioning and subverting these stereotypes, the novel prompts readers to critically examine societal attitudes and biases.Laymon's work confronts the enduring legacy of systemic racism and the inequalities it perpetuates. Through the experiences of the characters, the novel exposes the structural barriers and systemic injustices that continue to shape the lives of black individuals. It highlights the unequal distribution of resources, educational opportunities, and socioeconomic disparities that result from systemic racism. It also connects the present-day social and political climate to historical events and experiences. Laymon weaves in references to significant moments in African American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, and the legacy of segregation. By exploring these historical contexts, the novel emphasizes the interplay between past and present, showing how history continues to impact contemporary social dynamics. Fri, 05 May 2023 23:02:02 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063844 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063844 In exploring contemporary race relations, "Long Division" tackles issues such as racial profiling, police violence against black communities, and the ways in which racial disparities manifest in various aspects of life, including education and economic opportunities. Laymon portrays the challenges faced by black individuals and communities in navigating systemic racism and the enduring effects of racial inequality. The novel also examines the role of media and technology in perpetuating or challenging racial dynamics. Laymon critiques how narratives are constructed and disseminated, shedding light on how media representations can reinforce stereotypes or contribute to a more nuanced understanding of race. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:41:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063842 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063842 Laymon touches upon pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, and examines the progress made and the challenges that remain. He highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality, portraying the complex relationship between progress and the persistence of systemic racism. By engaging with the historical context, Laymon underscores the significance of understanding the past to comprehend the present. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:38:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063838 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063838 Laymon explores the ways in which systemic injustices have persisted over time, affecting not only the present but also the future. He reveals how the consequences of historical and ongoing racism are passed down through generations, shaping the opportunities and trajectories of individuals and communities. Laymon's portrayal of race and inequality in "Long Division" is characterized by a deep sense of urgency and a call for change. The novel invites readers to critically examine the structures that perpetuate these issues and challenges them to confront their own complicity. By confronting these challenging topics head-on, Laymon encourages readers to recognize the realities of racial inequality and work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate it. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:35:20 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063831 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063831 Through his characters, Laymon also highlights the intersectionality of race and inequality. He explores how race intersects with class and gender, revealing the ways in which multiple forms of oppression compound and exacerbate each other. The characters in the novel, particularly City, navigate the intersections of their identities, grappling with the compounding effects of racism and socioeconomic disadvantages. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:31:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063820 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063820 Laymon's portrayal of race is unflinching, exposing the enduring legacy of racism in American society. The novel tackles topics such as racial profiling, police brutality, and the dehumanization of black bodies. Laymon vividly depicts the ways in which systemic racism shapes the daily lives and interactions of his characters, emphasizing the often-unfair treatment and limited opportunities they face due to their race. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:30:24 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063819 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063819 Kiese Laymon offers a nuanced portrayal of race and inequality, addressing these themes through the lens of his characters' experiences and the exploration of systemic issues. The novel confronts the pervasive effects of racism and socioeconomic disparities, shedding light on the complex ways in which they impact individuals and communities. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:29:05 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063817 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063817 By exploring the connections between personal identity and family history, Laymon invites readers to reflect on their own backgrounds and the ways in which their ancestors' experiences have shaped who they are. The novel encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and the importance of acknowledging and grappling with the legacies of the past. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:25:54 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063814 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063814 The book also emphasizes the power of storytelling in constructing personal identity and understanding family history. City learns that narratives are often shaped by those in power and that reclaiming one's own story can be an act of empowerment and self-definition. The characters in the novel strive to reclaim their narratives and challenge the versions of history that have been imposed upon them. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:24:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063813 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063813 I can tell that the novel delves into the idea that personal identity is not isolated but rather deeply connected to the histories and struggles of those who came before. The characters in the book grapple with their inherited traumas, whether it be the legacies of slavery, racism, or other forms of oppression. Through the story, Laymon explores how these inherited traumas can shape one's perception of themselves and their place in the world. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:21:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063812 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063812 The connections between personal identity and family history are deeply intertwined. The novel explores how one's understanding of themselves is shaped by the stories, experiences, and legacies of their ancestors. Throughout the book, the protagonist experiences a journey of self-discovery that is heavily influenced by his family history. As he unravels the mysteries of the book he discovers, he begins to uncover the complex web of relationships and experiences that have shaped his identity. City's personal journey becomes intertwined with his exploration of his family's past, revealing the profound impact that family history can have on an individual's sense of self. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:18:53 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063807 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063807 Genealogy and ancestry play a crucial role in "Long Division" as the protagonist navigates the complexities of his family's history and the larger historical context of racial oppression. Kiese Laymon skillfully intertwines themes of identity, storytelling, and the lasting impact of slavery to create a thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to confront the painful truths of the past while envisioning a more just future. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:04:13 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063805 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063805 The themes of genealogy and ancestry in "Long Division" also reflect the broader search for identity and belonging. City's quest to understand his family's history becomes intertwined with his own journey of self-discovery. By examining his lineage, he confronts questions of identity, heritage, and the complexities of racial identity in America. The novel explores the notion of storytelling and its role in shaping personal and collective narratives. Through City's encounters with time travel and parallel universes, Laymon challenges traditional storytelling conventions and questions the authority of historical accounts. He emphasizes the power of narrative to shape our understanding of the past and present, highlighting how stories can be distorted, manipulated, or silenced to uphold certain ideologies. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:01:37 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063804 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3063804 In the novel, genealogy and ancestry serve as powerful tools to examine the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on individuals and communities. City embarks on a journey that takes him both through time and space, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. As he delves into his family's past, he discovers connections that transcend generations, revealing how the actions of his ancestors continue to shape his present reality. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:00:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058235 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058235 I particularly liked how this novel avoided making the magic of its mythical components the focus of the narrative. Why or how these things are happening is less significant than their occurrence, and how they impact the characters is what truly distinguishes this book. Long Division touches on a wide range of topics, including love, hate, sexuality, racism, and responsibility, yet it is ultimately only ever about one of them. Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:14:01 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058233 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058233 from the first page, and I don't think I've audibly laughed from a single book so many times in my life. It's told 1st person, from City's point of view, and he's hilarious in thought and voice. He's kinda wordy, which may turn some people off, but it makes his sentences seem oddly balanced, to me, as if at a certain word in the sentence, there's a pivot, and the second half drops. Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:11:09 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058217 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058217 In Long Division, Citoyen 'City' Coldson, a high school student growing up in modern-day Mississippi, is a wave brush-wielding, slick-talking character. City finds himself reading a book called Long Division, whose main character is also a teenager named "City," in 1984, after getting into some difficulty at school. Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:08:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058215 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058215 I adore books that kind of leave me in the dark about what precisely happened and how I felt about it, leaving me just certain that I need to read them again. Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:05:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058200 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058200 I adored Laymon's careful attention to regional and vernacular nuances in Long Division's language. Long Division occasionally used excessive force where it wasn't necessary. I want to point out that Laymon felt the need to overexplain certain concepts because time travel can be complicated. I'm hoping he leaves some of that out the next time. Other portions, if you don't review them a few times, are simply plain baffling. Then there are other situations where I discovered it to be blatantly irrational after numerous rereads. Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:04:15 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058199 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3058199 These characters were wonderful. Such a plot. So much fun and humor. There is also some dark, twisting material, but it is not heavy; rather, it is honest and combines humor with dread. Even though I didn't fully understand the time travel mechanics, I was able to suspend my disbelief, and it was well worth it. The sentences are also excellent! Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:59:54 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041585 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041585  I see a combination of themes of viral celebrity, storytelling, racism, and religion for a coming-of-age, time-traveling tale rich in humor and astute observations. Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:41:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041053 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041053 It seems as if the author Kiese Laymon uses an unconventional narrative structure, and explores the interconnection between all eras.The first chapter of the section opens with detailed descriptions of the City's rivalry with LaVander Peeler. Contentions between City and LaVander are the substance of the narrative Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:08:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041031 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041031 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:04:18 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041005 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041005 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:58:05 -0400