StudentAlexWelch

@marie_altenau I agree. Each of the characters play some sort of role and keep a stand in the decisions and feelings around their family.

In Oreo, I think this was a great short story teaching people about how we have to look at both sides of a story instead of only listening to one side. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 Relatability and connections make readers happy and feel included, so they'll tend to enjoy characters that help represent them. #XUengl20510

It's important for #OwnVoices to tell ordinary stories because they're usually the most relatable, and lots of people like relatability, because it can make them feel connected to the characters. It can make people feel included and a part of a group. #XUengl20510

Junior was a character I was really interested in. His character has a great mix of good qualities and qualities that peeve people, which I think create a balanced character. He's a realistic character that I think everyone can see someone they know resemble. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 I think an important aspect is to examine that pride. If that pride is your personal feelings, it can be a good thing. But constantly referring yourself to a character in a fictional story isn't healthy, so it's like a double edged sword. #XUengl20510

@GRSteven1 Good point. I'd argue that representation gives a comfort character to those who feel "oppressed" or "left out". Though I don't really like that practice or way of thinking. #XUengl20510

Marginalized heroes are important for representation. They give others who may be going through tough times a reason to be positive and be strong, while also showing that they can be a hero to themselves but also others. #XUengl20510

It's important that for marginalized groups to be the heroes because everyone deserves a shot at representation, I suppose. It would make people happy if they read about a character that they could relate to. #XUengl20510

We all gain some sort of insight into different people's lives through diverse portrayals. I couldn't relate to the characters, because my opinion on love is different, but Marcus and Grace asked questions real people would have about their first love. #XUengl20510

@TessaRMcLaughl1 The rules feel too much like some sort of 'gang rule' and not some sort of family creed. The rules hold pride, but the issue lies in the beholder, in this case, Will. Will isn't ready for this, even though he's surrounded by gun violence.

#XUengl20510 I think it’s really sad how the rules are so engraved in Will’s mind that he feels compelled to pick up a gun he’s never used and try to get revenge on his brother’s death.

I think the message of the book is clear, but unrealistic. Ghosts of the past don't appear to the victim. I understand it's taking elements from A Christmas Carol, but at least Ebenezer had realization. Instead, Will simply has realizations of his hastiness. #XUengl20510

I'm mixed about the ending. I understand that the idea is that forgiveness is better than revenge, but Will didn't make a stand. He reacts to the "mistakes" the ghosts have made, but Will should've made his own stance through speech, whether it was good or bad. #XUengl20510

@sonnebornm01 I wonder how the title will play into the story. Whether it'll be a pseudo thing, where characters say it to represent Will's character growth, or whether they mean that the choice Will makes at the end will take a long while to him. #XUengl20510

I wonder if Will is faking his confidence or not. I can't tell, but he's either sure of himself, or trying to convince himself that he can do the deed. I'm excited to see how Will comes to his resolve. #XUengl20510

The art style is really lovely. The dark, flat colored watercolor mixed with the sharper, clearer paintings of the characters make the story's art come alive to find a mix of noir while maintaining a modern setting. Danica Novgorodoff did a great job. #XUengl20510

@MeghanJ2025 The time frame is definitely going to throw me off. The fact that incredible character development could happen in such a small amount of time gives off an almost magical feel to the plot. #XUengl20510

@Ashleynking36 It's definitely a contrast into how the ghosts went about Scrooge in a Christmas Carol. Scrooge was mainly shown what made Christmas so good in his life, and was frightened at what he saw in the future. I wonder if there'll be multiple paths Will could take at times. #XUengl20510

I like how there will be space for Will to have to make decisions of his own instead of being told what to do upfront. #XUengl20510

It'll be interesting to see how ghosts of the past, present, and possible future will play into Long Way Down. It was a major plot in a Christmas Carol, so I'm intrigued into how it'll play into a more darker, more modern setting. #XUengl20510

⚡️ “Alex Welch's Twitter Moment” by @StudAlexWelch #XUengl20510 twitter.com/i/events/15756…

@spicycrossiant1 I don't know about hate, but there was some rush towards the ending, especially through Tulum. Clara was basically doing "brain gymnastics" and understood immediately why Adrian was someone Clara really needed, when she should've interacted with him through dialogue.#XUengl20510

@MasonBlank1 I agree. I especially like how Clara's mother just "had a different life". Clara saw aspects of her life in Mae's and didn't like what she saw. Whether you like Mae or not, Clara made her decision on her own, not from trying to "break" the sterotype. #XUengl20150

Overall, TWYMMF has been able to divert itself from the Asian American stereotypes that the culture possesses. In spite of the Model Minority Myth and Cultural Misrepresentation, Maurene Goo did an amazing job of creating her OWN story through the lens of Clara #XUengl20510