Summary and Choice of Analysis

Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan

This short story in The Bedford Reader makes a strong point very clear to the reader. It shows the reader that no matter what you want to be, you must always hold on to what you are. Whether people look at you differently or not isn’t necessarily a bad thing. To be different sets you apart from the rest, making you your own individual self. Don’t be disappointed in who you are because it is the deciding factor in who you will become.

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” –Oscar Wilde

Superman and Me by Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie is a brilliant writer that brings two worlds together. He combines the world of comic heroes and the reality of a modern day teacher. This teacher of course being himself, trying to save the lives of kids that are too scared to save it themselves. He is constantly breaking down the barriers just as Superman would to get closer to them. Trying to help them understand that there is hope. Speaking from a broken past, Alexie sheds the light on overcoming adversity and applying it to his daily mission to save these kids lives.

Both reads left me thinking a lot about perspective. Each story holds a strong purpose behind it and really makes the reader think. Without telling the reader the main points of the story directly they try to finesse it into your mind’s eye. Sherman Alexie speaks from his heart and I hold the upmost respect for the way he is choosing to live his life. Most people would find success and be done with it, but he uses his success as motivation for others in similar circumstances. Although I really enjoyed Superman and Me, I found that the short story portrayed by Amy Tan was more relatable to my own experiences in life. To be frank, once I finished the read, many things came to mind that I can’t wait to put on paper.

Posted on:
Shelbee's Blog
          &
Taylor's Blog

Works Cited:
Tan, Amy. "Fish Cheeks." The Bedford Reader. By X. J. Kennedy and Dorothy M. Kennedy. New York: St. Martin's, 1985. 110-11. Print.

Alexie, Sherman. "Superman and Me." The Bedford Reader. By X. J. Kennedy and Dorothy M. Kennedy. New York: St. Martin's, 1985. 582-85. Print.