Blog Assignment #5

Jamel Rogers

Professor Dragan

ENG 274

Blog Assignment #5

29 November 2018

Reading Response: “What’s a baby between friends” by Stewart Lewis

https://narratively.com/whats-a-baby-between-friends/

“Was there a male biological clock? Was there a gay male biological clock? If there was, my alarm
was going off.” What’s a baby between friends” is a interesting life-story of parenting in the modern day
world of the 21st century. The individual in the story is Lewis who is an well-established openly gay
professional and musical artist who wants children, after a few months Lewis is able to have a baby with
a female friend named Kat. This was an intriguing piece as a reader as journalist conveyed raw emotion
and a sentimental tone throughout entire story. In my opinion, I believe the journalist decided to write a
piece on this particular subject to perhaps educate and enlighten those whom may have questions or
concerns with this topic. Nevertheless, journalist of this story instantly places himself into the story
by the constant usage of “I” which leads readers to understand that the writer isn’t a character in a
fictional setting, it’s personal memoir of his life. Overall this piece is very positive and informative as
it discusses and informs individuals to most importantly live life the way you want. The dialogue and style
are refreshing as it offers an original tone as well as a personal insight on one’s life.

Reading Response To Personal Memoir

Jamel Rogers

Prof. Dragan

ENG 274 Creative Nonfiction Workshop

8 November 2018

Reading Response to a Personal Memoir: Toure / What’s Inside You, Brother?

   Toure begins by taking readers straight into the ring, “ hot perspiration, heavy breaths slushed
through mouthpieces, moving quick and staccato and with tangible tinges of fear as they bob and
weave and flick and fake, searching for a taste of another man's blood.” This is a great indication
of a boxers experiences while being in the ring, Toure depicts a great sense of imagery feeling as if I
was in the ring myself experiencing such intensity. In addition, Toure helps readers better understand a
particular time period where civil rights played a prominent role in this country. Stated by Toure “Louis
having done what Negoros dreamed of doing but hardly dared think”, this statement reminds me of such
a historical moment in the world as Joe Louis being one of the first African American boxers defeating his
opponents, yet paving the way for future African American boxers to fight in the ring. Towards the end of
the memoir, Toure gets more personal with readers as he states “Toure was much better fighting from the
outside than the inside”, this sentence sticks out to me as it suggest Toure is a great fighter in society
when it comes to handling life, however in the ring he isn’t the strongest or best opponent when it comes
to boxing. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Toure’s personal memoir, as a reader I related to
Toure struggles as well as the amusing dialogue between characters. Plus the usage of historical
comparisons, and also the personable descriptions conveyed throughout the memoir intrigued me as
a reader.