Junior Year English Journal #18

What makes good literature for you? What are some characteristics of good literature for you?

Good literature for me is probably literature that can get me interested in the story of the book. If I want to finish reading the book I will usually be aware of it by about the fourth or fifth chapter in. I will tend to put finishing such a book on the top of my to do list because I have become enthralled with its combination of a sensible storyline, believable characters and an overall quality in the writing that indicates to me that the book was written by an author that knows (or knew) what he or she is (was) doing. There have been many times when I have stayed up into the wee hours of the morn' trying to read a good book in one sitting, or lying as I usually read recreationally in bed. There have also been many times I have been disappointed in a piece of literature mostly because I wanted it to last longer, so I could stay in that other world or other person's thoughts for a little more time. So usually if I like a book I will reread it every once in a while to return to that other place or other person's mind again.

Junior Year English Journal #17

Response to Two Statements on Immigration: "Everyone should speak English", "Immigration has helped the U.S."

The two statements which evoke a strong response from within me are, "Everyone should speak English in the U.S.", and "Immigration has helped the U.S." I believe that English should be spoken in this country because it is the country's official language and the language used by the majority of the people in this country. I believe immigration has helped the U.S. in innumerable ways. The economic benefits have been huge. The influx of workers for American Industries has clearly been of great benefit to American vitality and wealth. Immigrants have also provided new sources of consumers, so that more products made by American Industry are bought.