Lauren Pfeifer

Most talented male artist of our time change my mind

@spicycrossiant1 I agree about the stories leaving a smile on my face it is so nice to read something so simple and short but also holding such an intimate narrative for people from marginalized groups getting to see themselves. It reminds me how easy it is to choose inclusion #xuengl20510

@Ashleynking36 Ashley I loved your comparison to Nari getting lost in the woods and her not knowing who she is or forgetting who she was and what it meant to her I didn’t think of it in that way but now I totally do and completely see the parallels. #xuengl20510

I liked how “A Bigger Tent” discussed struggles with Nari finding herself, and I think her getting lost in the woods representing the idea of what it feels like to not know who you are. #XUengl20510

This scene I could completely relate to it’s almost exactly my family, for me it just emphasizes how all different colors and nationalities of people can still relate to one another we are more similar than not and literature like this reminds us of that. #xuengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 I really enjoyed reading this story as well but to me it was not as obvious that the characters were from marginalized groups but maybe that’s the point that it doesn’t have to be outlined and told outright it mentions it but doesn’t effect the plot of the story. #XUengl20510

I enjoyed reading Clayton’s story about love. I feel like she accurately captured the idea of being unsure about your feelings and her solution was to weigh your heart. #XUengl20510

@StudAlexWelch I totally agree in these stories we saw two completely different stories of love and acceptance each showcasing different types of diversity. I could imagine people of these groups could find comfort from the stories but one is definitely more obvious than the other. #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

This excerpt particularly talks of Marcus as experiencing all normal things that any human no matter the color of their skin experiences good and bad I think this is representative of a whole story. #XUengl20510

Dare came out and was turned into a monster by the shame of the townspeople. Dream tempted and wondering what coming out like Dare had would do to her. The symbolism here of coming out of the bushes is powerful, suggestive of the struggle many lgbtq+ people face. #XUengl20510

@TamiaXavierU It also to me is interesting that such big decisions and impacts on our lives can happen so quickly that they are capable of changing and ending habitual cycles of violence and hate. #xuengl20510

I think the idea of the main character making decisions at every floor, is very representative of how it's okay to make these decisions throughout life. Especially as a young adult we have to think through our decisions. #XUengl20510

@TamiaXavierU I like your way of thinking that his decisions being made on the floors were depictive of him traveling through life the floors were representative of how many people were effected by gun violence how he needed to take that time to stop and look at each one. #xuengl20510

Will’s Uncle Mark eluding to prison is interesting to me reminding him of what he may face if he follows through with this never ending cycle of the rules. Will then seeing his brother sob and cry breaking that one rule gives him the permission to do the same. #xuengl20510

I love the creation of the shape of the gun by using negative space rather than depicting it clearer. It emphasizes the gun and it’s ability to cause so much intense quick violence. It is really a cool technique used multiple times throughout the illustrations. #XUengl20510

@StudAlexWelch I'm wondering the exact same thing my gut is telling me that he is not sure of himself and that he is scared. But I think it's wrong of me to assume that everyone who kills someone is sure of themselves so this could be the normal thoughts of someone debating this #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

I feel like Buck enforced Will’s actions. By seeing Shawn’s mentor Will is further reminded of the rules. Buck is kind of doubting him too which makes me think Will is going to be that much more driven. I just someone to hug this kid. #XUengl20510

When Dani said ‘you shoot ?’ I thought that was very impactful. Trying to get him to question himself that this isn’t something he usually does and that he’s acting out of character. #XUengl20510

I'm excited to get to read a graphic novel especially about such an emotionally poetic story because I feel like artistically there is so much that can be done to convey emotions in the way words can't. The following excerpt from the Medium article gives an example. #XUengl20510

@ChrisWarner__ I agree Chris but often when I'm reading a book, I get stuck on the fact that I'm not told enough or allowed into their mind enough to understand. If a book demonstrated every emotion and thought a character could have, books would all be the length of the odyssey #XUengl20510

It is crazy that an entire book can take place in just a few seconds. Excited to see how this is done. The main character must have millions of thoughts going on in his head. #XUengl20510

This quote from Reynolds' interview on what he was attempting to do in his writing reminded me so much of talking about the danger of a single story and the Model Minority Myth. He wanted to create a dimensional realistic character for his novel. #XUengl20510

The ending of TWYMMF did have loose ends but what teenager always has everything together. Part of Clara growing up was being ok with not everything being ok. She learned what to be grateful for and decided that that was enough #XUengl20510

@AdamMaida15 I agree I felt like the book just ended. I do think it may have been intentional though because it is unrealistic for Clara to have like everything figured out especially as a teenager. I think figuring out how her mother's role affected her was most important. #XUengl20510

I feel like the ending of the book may have been rushed. For example, it didn't feel clear to me how Rose felt about Clara at the end. In addition, the Patrick and Felix storyline and the Kody storyline didn't really have any conclusions #XUengl20510

@spicycrossiant1 Easily my favorite character, I think including pets in stories gives another aspect of relatability to a character. It's kind of symbolic because Flo was consistent throughout the book and elicited the same response from Clara even as her character developed #XUengl20510