Why I chose Outliers as my nonfiction book

I chose Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell as my first nonfiction book because it's about why successful people are successful. I've always wondered how some people end up so successful, such as celebrities, rich men and women, and famous sports players. When Mrs. West summarized Outliers, it sounded like I would find the answer to my question by reading this book. I am excited to begin this novel and learn about how people end up where they are.

Why I Write by Steven Raichlen

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/why-i-write/article/42247-why-i-write--steven-raichlen.html

In this essay, Raichlen explains that through writing cook books and food reviews, he is able to understand cultures better. With his use of writing, he is able to enjoy a good meal, put down his thoughts on paper, and make a living out of it. He is interested in cultures around the world, and with writing he is able to explore them. He states, "What matters even more to me than the authenticity of the recipes (and that matters a lot) is the story the recipes tell--about people, places, cultures, and who we are as a species and where we fit in the world." With writing, Raichlen is able to find a story in a recipe.


While reading this essay, my eyes opened to other reasons why people write. To me, writing is just persuasive essays, novels, and memoirs. However, there is many more forms of writing. Like Raichlen stated, his recipes tell a story. This essay helped me realize that every form of writing tells a story and has a purpose behind it. Every piece of writing has a purpose and an audience, whether it be an audience or this very blog. While every author's reason for writing varies, each one has the two factors of a purpose and audience in common.

My Response

I think as an author it is important to understand how you feel about writing. Whether you write to organize your thoughts, to express yourself, or to make a thought more permanent, it might help you think more fondly of the writing process if you address why you write. When reading the essay "Why I Write" by Williams, I made connection between myself and Williams. By doing this, I was able to better understand why I myself write. It was a refreshing experience to make connections between a junior in high school and a published author. For example, Williams states, "I write knowing words always fall short." I can relate to this because no matter how many words I use, people will not completely understand my thoughts. Because I read this essay, I was able to make a list of why I write:

1. To get rid of/organize my thoughts
2. To make a thought permanent
3. To look back on my previous thought.

Why do you write?