Independent Reading Workshop - Book Introduction & Preview

I picked-up a copy of Don DeLillo’s End Zone a little over a year ago after reading a short review of it in a magazine I enjoy (a sure-fire way to get me interested in reading a new book). I have to be honest though; it was the book’s cover that really caught my eye (another sure-fire way to get me interested in reading a new book).

Content-wise, the book’s about West Texas football, and as fan of the sport and the movie and TV series Friday Night Lights (I’ve actually never read the book they’re both based-on), I couldn’t resist.

As an author, DeLillo’s been a tough nut for me to crack. I tried reading both Underworld and White Noise several times, but have never been able to see the greatness that so many others do. Perhaps a simpler story about football during a time of nuclear fear will help me—finally—appreciate his style and voice.

180 Degrees South Reflection

On your blog, please choose 1 of the following quotes from the documentary and compose a post in which you reflect on its meaning in terms of:
1. the film & Jeff Johnson's journey;
2. your own life and what journeys lie ahead beyond high school.

Your response should be at least 75 words--include an image or video to enhance your post.  When you've finished, go read and comment on the posts by your Blog Buddies.

Quotes:
" The end is useless...but I find I learn something along the way....If you take a spiritual journey & you compromise the process you have failed...you are a [jerk] when you start and an [jerk] when you finish."

" The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to answer."

"Books are a great start, but there is no substitute for just going there."

"Men do not learn from history...that is the most important lesson history teachers us." - A. Huxley

"Work hard. Live simply. Have great respect for the ocean."

"Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all."

"Growth is inevitable, but can we sustain this pace for long?"

"When you live your life outdoors, you get a sense that you have a responsibility to protect these wild places."

"It's like the quest for the holy grail.  Who gives a [darn] what the grail is, its the journey that counts...its the transformation that is within that is important."