Somehow or other, I’ve squeezed in two chapters of David Denby’s Lit Up this week. I’m pretty sure it was at one in the morning. It’s fantastic. I read the first page and wanted to run downstairs (again, at one in the morning) and type the whole thing out and post it on the blog. And on Facebook. And maybe call a few English teacher friends (many of whom were probably up, grading papers). Denby’s purpose in this book is to find out if/how adolescents in the digital age can really have life-changing experiences with literature. I have some strong feelings on this subject, which so far have not been stomped on. I will let you know if that changes.
I’ve returned to my child-sized English rib sweater. It’s more blue than gray, in spite of the photo. And here’s the orange rollneck, which still needs a few ends woven in:
I think this yarn (i.e. the brand – this color and others) will be a part of my life for a long, long while.
Yarn Along is hosted by Ginny on her blog, Small Things.
Postcards From Purgatory 
Interesting book you are reading and one I think I might enjoy as well.
Beautiful knitting, I love the rolled sweater.
Thanks! The book really is good — I recommend it for English teachers, parents of teenagers, and anyone who cares about the kind of intuitive learning that happens through reading.
Thanks! I love the roll neck too. I keep coming back to the pattern.
Stunning yellow color!
Thanks — I love it too!
What pretty colours! The yellow is so happy and I like how many colours are in that grey – it has a lot of depth.
That book sounds really interesting. As someone who grew up in the tech generation, and is about to finish a degree in the humanities, I’m always wary of arguments about how technology is ruining our ability to think. It enriches my (and other’s) lives in so many ways, so I’d be interested to hear what Denby has to say about it.
Denby cites studies that say that we process screens differently than books on a neurological level. I haven’t made up my mind about these ideas yet, though it feels intuitively true to me. I’ll be curious to know what you think if you read it.
That book sounds fantastic! I’ve put it on hold at our library.
What yarn (and color) is that sweater, anyway?
adorable projects in such great colors!!
Thanks!
I just added that book to my “want-to-read” list. Thank you for suggesting it! I love your yellow sweater – like a little ray of sunshine! I love rolled necks 🙂
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the book!
What a gorgeous color for Spring!
Thanks! I love it too.
Both sweaters are lovely! The book sounds interesting. My oldest boy is just discovering his own power in learning to read, and I do already wonder about what he will read as he grows into a man, what will shaape his literary world.
Thank you!
I just posted a few more thoughts on the book, though I still haven’t read much. I was a high school English teacher myself and can be very picky about how literature is taught, but I quoted some fairly extensive passages that show where the book is going. I love the early-reader stage – I hope your son has some great teachers and continues to love stories and language.