Why Did You Choose That Book?
Readers of Blueprint Vocational might want to understand why we included certain stories and movies. First and for most for BP Voc was the need to have exciting and engaging texts that vocational students would enjoy. Secondly they had to fit the theme of the chapter. So let’s take a closer look at each text.
Chapter 1
Free Fall by Joyce Sweeney
This novel excerpt was chosen simply because it involved a scary meeting, not between two people but between a human and a rattlesnake. This was generally considered the most tense and page-turning text in the book.
I couldn’t think of a better scene from a movie that demonstrates the principle “The customer is always right.” If you are wondering what happens to Bill Forster, rent the movie and watch his violent downward spiral.
Chapter 2
Until Proven Guilty by Nigel Hinton
Could my dad be a murderer? How many times have you thought that? Probably not very many. Nathan Holden probably never thought that either, but now he’ll be wondering that everyday. An interesting text that makes you wonder if anyone you know is criminal. Maybe you nice English teacher is hiding some dark secret in their closet.
Chapter 3
Interviews are very nerve racking. If you say the right things, the job is maybe yours. If you come off like a baboon in the zoo, well … there’s always McDonald’s. Most of you haven’t had an interview yet, but it’s good to start thinking about what to do and what not to do. Learn from Andy’s mistakes.
Chapter 4
Trying to find a good text about advertising seemed impossible. I first thought about including an excerpt from e by Matthew Beaumont, but the texts were too difficult to follow for English 5 students. Then I happened to stumble across Canadian author Peter Seller’s “Advertising Hell.” Here was very interesting idea. So the devil comes to your ad agency and wants you to sell Hell as a tourist destination. How on Earth can you sell the devil. If you can find the out-of-print book, Whistling Past the Graveyard: Stories of Bizarre Crime and Dark Fantasy, you can read the entire story and sell how the devil traps these two hot-shot ad peddlers. This was my personal favorite text in the book.
Chapter 5
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I studied Native American literature in the US and Canada, so I was happily surprised when Monica suggested this text. Sherman’s book poignant, humorous and insightful. I know there aren’t many (if any) Native American’s in Sweden, but Arnold’s school troubles should be familiar to any minority in Sweden. Those of you who are in the majority, might want to read this text to see what it feels like to be shut out on the outside looking in.
I haven’t seen this film, but the excerpt clearly defines a life-and-death moral dilemma. If you could save only one person which one would you choose. For some it’s an easy question for others, it’s not so black and white.
Chapter 6
Totally Joe by James Howe
This one’s mainly for the manly vehicle program guys (and gals). But everyone, no matter what your program, should think about gender roles and stereotypes. What is a boy-boy or a girl-girl? Why does our society make such stereotypes?
Dear Nobody by Berlie Doherty
This may seem like a girl-only story, but even any guy who has heard the phrase, “My period is late,” should be able to relate to this story too. A touchy subject, but Berlie handles it well as you get to go into Helen’s confuse and bewildered mind.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
Again! Yes, this text was the best we could find about a common situation we’ve all faced at one time or anther: to lie, or not to lie. Arnold’s getting along better with his white classmates and is even dating one. Will he still be dating her if she finds out he’s been lying?
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