Soon after, he had an advance to begin a book called Writing Without Tears , which would later become Writing Without Teachers. His most recent book is an ambitious treatment of writing, speaking, and the theory of written and spoken language: What Can Speech Bring to Writing. Freewriting, a term commonly used by Elbow, coined by Ken Macrorie who called it free writing , is a process of writing without stopping, without editing, without sharing, without worrying about grammar, without thinking, without rushing.
Elbow suggests that writers write whatever they want and however they want for 10 to 15 minutes--daily. Normal freewriting can be adapted to focused freewriting and public freewriting. Focused freewriting involves trying to stay on a topic, which is particularly useful when a writer has a specific assignment to do. Public freewriting is for sharing, which makes it seem a little more risky.
But it can be very useful in groups where good trust has built up. The goal is to create language that is more natural and lively, all the while making the writing process easier and more comfortable [7]. Feedback techniques are also among Elbow's practices. These techniques, presented in Writing With Power , are divided into two types: Criterion-based feedback judges the writing against standard criteria, such as content, usage, organization, and general effectiveness.
Elbow claims this is the kind of feedback that most people are used to giving and receiving. What Elbow says is quite useful about criterion-based feedback is that it allows the writer to reflect on her or his own writing as he goes along. It also allows her or him to recognize common troubles he has in writing so that he can avoid them in the future.
In Writing With Power , Elbow gives a catalogue of criterion-based questions. These questions all stem from the following essential questions:. While criterion-based feedback may seem obvious, it is the inclusion of reader-based feedback that makes this overall method fresh for teachers. Elbow calls this type of feedback "movies of the reader's mind. While Peter Elbow is the author of over 10 books, as well as numerous articles which largely deal with writing theory and practice, few of his works have been as critical to his career as Writing Without Teachers Oxford UP and Writing With Power: Writing Without Teachers was Elbow's first book about writing, and the one that has made his freewriting technique so popular as a pedagogical practice.
In this book, Elbow uses two main metaphors. These are metaphors that reflect Elbow's interest in letting one's ideas develop and change throughout the writing process. The first is to see writing as growing. It must move through stages. The first stage is to generate words before a writer can continue to "grow" a piece of writing and move through the subsequent stages. In this section Elbow stresses that it is crucial to write as much as possible because the more a writer writes, not only does he have more to work with, but he also has more to throw away, allowing him to keep moving through the growing stages of writing.
The second metaphor is to see writing as cooking, letting ideas simmer and bubble until they are ready to be used. In this metaphor, Elbow emphasizes interaction, particularly between writing and reiteration. According to Elbow, growing is transformation at the macro level, cooking is transformation at the micro level.
The wanderings and wonderings of a somewhat -UU woman working for a better world
By critical thinking, I mean the sort of thinking that looks for errors in logic and reason as well as in fact or source. The Doubting Game is a serious manner, and it should be played with scruples in place. The Doubting Game is what causes us to discredit and denounce the latest white supremacist, misogynist rant on Breitbart, eschew the newest miracle diet, and refuse to send money to that Nigerian prince.
It is also what drives scientific progress. Science demands we continually wonder about what causes what, and it demands we ignore our tendency to mistake correlation — two events occurring together — with causation — one event causing another event. Without skepticism and doubt, we would likely still be applying leeches to those with fevers while believing that the Sun goes around the Earth.
Science is a doubting game, and doubt and skepticism do us well both as individuals and as a society. If we simply doubt, we miss things. We miss not only the thread of their argument but also the values and understandings of the world that sit under that argument. We miss, essentially, the person behind the opinion as well as miss the arguments from the other side. The second problem with habitual doubting is that we tend to only doubt those who disagree with us. We struggle to doubt those who hold the same stances and biases as we do, as it just feels bad.
We really struggle to doubt ourselves and the sources we rely upon. However, doubting our own point of view and understanding of the situation is not optional. As fallible humans in an ever-changing world, we must doubt ourselves with the same veracity as we doubt others. At least we are trying. Neither are votes and policy or human lives. When I have my students play the Believing Game, I move beyond inkblots and other images. I ask them to consider a tightly-held belief.
I make a few suggestions — gun control, meat consumption, or voting age — and send them to a few websites that explore — with sources — both sides of many contentious issues. And then I have them write a paragraph arguing the stance opposite their own. The rules are simple but challenging: You must explore the other point of view thoroughly. Sarcasm or blatant simplification of the other view is not allowed.
- Criminal Profiling: International Theory, Research, and Practice.
- Peter Elbow - Wikipedia.
- The Bondmaid.
Neither is repeating simplistic rhetoric. You have to sit deeply with that point of view and create a paragraph that represents it credibly. And then, I ask them to write a paragraph reflecting on the process of doing the assignment. It was too hard. I ask if they learned anything new. And, the big question: Did you find yourself changing your mind about anything? Their overall viewpoint remains the same. Gun control laws should remain in place. Many will tell me they learned about the opposition to their point of view, and several students note that they have a better understanding about the complexity of the issue.
They now understand why there is so much dissention. And every semester, a few students say yes to my biggest question. They do change their mind about something. Maybe guns should be more tightly controlled. Those who now realize that there are environmental concerns about raising farm animals for food sometimes plan to have a few meatless days a week.
While Joshua's true beliefs are ultimately laughable, the feelings of frustration and fear that surround those caught up in his net are strikingly real. Even though his ultimate goal may cause laughter, the steps he is willing to take to defend his vision are terrifying in their extremity. A reader is quickly caught up in Greer's inability to extract herself or her friends from his clutches. Corrigan's stark but effective writing makes it all too easy to understand how people can be drawn into a cult and how truly difficult it is to step away from it. The Believing Game is the best type of psychological thriller and a very refreshing change of pace within the young adult genre.
Greer and Addison are two regular kids struggling with very real demons, and not of the paranormal variety. There is no love triangle. The world is not post-apocalyptic and does not require superhuman intelligence or other mutations in order to survive. Joshua is subtly menacing and deliciously creepy, while the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Joshua's motives makes for an intense and thrilling read.
The Believing Game is a fantastically creepy and quick read to help while away those gloomy winter afternoons. Thank you to Netgalley and to Scholastic for my review copy! Aug 31, Della rated it liked it Shelves: As the book begins we meet Greer, who is being arrested, or at least detained for a repeated shoplifting scheme at a local store.
Greer steals for the fun and thrill of it, not for the things she actually needs. In the beginning Greer has a hard time fitting in; she has no friends and hates it. Then an amazing thing happens, or rather an amazing boy named Addison. With Addison by her side, Greer opens up to some of the other teens in the school and actually makes friends, and seems to make some progress on her problems. She talks to the others to learn why they are there and finds out that they all have their own problems and that no one is perfect.
After a few weeks, Addison decides to introduce Greer to his mentor and best friend Joshua. Joshua helped Addison kick his alcoholism and according to Addison leads him in the right direction. Joshua is a middle aged black man who loves shock value. He accuses Greer of being a racist right off as soon as he sees her. This is a huge mistake of course. As the novel continues the reader follows Greer and her friends down a very dangerous path. Joshua is insane, and tries to make a cult out of the teens. The novel demonstrates that by using manipulation and extended emotional and psychological abuse someone could make even the smartest of teens believe the extraordinary lies they might tell.
There were many parts of this novel that made me shake my head in disbelief but at the same time I could see where these teens who had been brainwashed might believe something like what Joshua was telling them. There were a few things that went too far with this novel such as the field trip the teens are allowed to take with Joshua and the pure absurdity of the ideas he came up with in the end.
It was painful to read this novel and see how these teens who were already messed up, began to trust someone who was going to lead them even further astray and cause them much more harm than good. Jul 27, Chapter by Chapter rated it liked it. The Believing Game takes place in a rehab facility for youth.
Within these walls, we are introduced to a group of characters who stand apart from each other. All have been given life with their own personalities and quirks. And all of them are equally unforgettable in this story. We are driven deep in to the mind of these youngsters, and are given a glimpse of the actions it took for them to get to where they are now. With the help of a fellow resident, Addison, he start The Believing Game takes place in a rehab facility for youth.
With the help of a fellow resident, Addison, he starts to build up his own little cult following, convincing these kids that the words he preaches speak the truth and that only he will be their salvation. What a load of crap! And inorder to save him and their other friends, Greer and Sophia have taken it upon themselves to find the truth about Joshua before someone gets really hurt, or takes the road from which there is no return. There was so much preaching and biblical references in it that it was making my head spin, and quite frankly, was annoying me terribly.
But then…beyond all of that…I watched this story unfold. After all the moments that had me shaking my head, and wanting to pull out my hair with the actions that these characters were taking I became engrossed in the story. It had me really questioning how Greer, Addison, Sophia, Jared, and Wes were going to untangle themselves from this wicked web that has been weaved by the extremely convincing but very disturbed Joshua.
And then it had me step back and look at all the real life cults that exist and have existed in the reality, and how these madmen preyed on the weak and vulnerable. And it also showed me how impressionable young minds can be. Not only young minds, but minds of those who are at a vulnerable time in their life, and are easily swayed. As more of an older YA read, the topics discussed in the book are dark and very real.
With an ending that came out of nowhere, readers who are very much into psychological reads will come to enjoy The Believing Game by Eireann Corrigan, or for those who are curious to see how the beginnings of a cult could manifest. Apr 05, Shanella rated it liked it Shelves: I could say, "The Believing Game is a creepy book", and leave it like that, because it's true. I lost count of the creepy situations scattered throughout the pages and the number of times it gave me jitters.
Greer Cannon is caught shoplifting and as punishment is sent to McCracken Hill, a school for troubled teens where they earn privileges like the use of shampoo and conditioner and meet with thera I could say, "The Believing Game is a creepy book", and leave it like that, because it's true. Greer Cannon is caught shoplifting and as punishment is sent to McCracken Hill, a school for troubled teens where they earn privileges like the use of shampoo and conditioner and meet with therapists who help them recover from troubled pasts. Then Greer meets Addison Bradley and the two fall head over heels in love with each other.
Addison then introduces her to his sponsor - Joshua - and the creepy begins. Joshua is a charismatic character who burrowed his way into Addison's life and poses as a mentor for the troubled teen. He convinces Addison, Greer and a few of their friends to go away with him to a cabin in the woods owned by Sophie, one of Greer's friends from McCracken and there he breaks them down and tells them about his plans for the future.
Joshua uses the weaknesses of each of the teens to force them to bend to his will. He uses them for their money and makes them feel guilty about being rich. He makes them feel reprehensible for assuming that he was Jewish because of his name and then for assuming that he couldn't be Jewish because he was black. He uses everything about them to make them submissive and loyal to him. On a scale of one to ten, Joshua is a 20 on the creepster scale.
I enjoyed Corrigan's writing style. Greer's narrative flowed easily on the pages and I was, at many points, able to sympathize with her about her family situation. While she seemed to have a good head on her shoulder - she figured out earlier on that Joshua was not to be trusted - Addison was her blind-spot. She had a lot of opportunities to try to make him understand what was going on with Joshua, but she was too afraid of losing him so she tied her own hands and caused me frustration as a reader.
In spite of or perhaps, because of their flaws, I thought that the teens were likable and complex. I wish that we saw more background on each of the characters - or that we were told more about what happened to them in the end - though I must admit that the way it ended seems perfect for the story. I should also note that while the book itself is not graphic there are a lot of references to abuse, addiction, rape and things that might not be suitable - or might be triggers - for some readers.
This book should not be taken lightly, you've been warned, it's creepy. Jun 20, Book Sp l ot rated it really liked it. After Greer's caught shoplifting again she's sent to McCracken Hill. The school's high regimented operation doesn't please Greer and she's ready to be out of there -- until she meets Addison. Addison Bradley, charming and handsome appears to have McC A private academy. Addison Bradley, charming and handsome appears to have McCracken Hill and the process more figured out than Greer does and soon is introducing her to his mentor, Joshua.
Despite a ban on relationships, Addison and Greer soon seem captivated with each other. There's only one problem. The closer she gets to Addison, the more Greer starts to question Joshua and not only his presence in Addison's life but his influence. How did Joshua become such a key part of Addison's life? The more and the harder Greer tries to find out, the more trouble she uncovers.
Greer'll find out that as strange as it seemed to be in their circle, it's scarier outside it. All of the frozen new chapter starts were so frustrating. This is a book that pulls you in and you really just want to keep reading it regardless of what else you may have to do. Some stories make a reader uncomfortable inadvertently.
Either the characters actions or the way things as a whole unfold is just wrong but it never comes across as intentional or purposeful. Other times, you know it's what was meant but that intention ruins it. In The Believing Game I believe completely that Eireann Corrigan meant for things to be incredibly uncomfortable -- for some of the characters and readers, alike -- and it is. To have one character make me feel that ill at ease, while the story continues to still, paradoxically, be so hard to put down, is a brilliant accomplishment.
It's a fantastic read with fantastically crafted characters. It is a YA read but some of the content, phrasing, etc may not be quite suitable for younger YA readers.
Writing Across the Curriculum at the College of Staten Island (CUNY)
Sep 08, Stephen Gallup rated it really liked it. This is the story of a teenage girl, arrested one time too many for shoplifting, who lands in a rather upscale reform school paid for by wealthy but incredibly disengaged parents and then finds her way into a cult situation. Early on, I thought it might be similar to Nami Mun's Miles from Nowhere , but this one is less gritty. These kids have a variety of problems weaknesses for alcohol, gambling, self-abuse, etc. They have adults who at least go through the motions of caring about them and keeping them pointed in the right direction.
The London School of Economics probably isn't in Greer's future her parents have reserved that plum for her straight-arrow sister , but there's hope at least of a diploma and a respectable life. Unfortunately, other concerns become far more pressing. Greer begins to see a worthwhile role in life for herself when she catches the eye of a very hunky fellow student named Addison.
If he likes her and he does! The trouble is that Addison in turn believes his salvation is tied to the fatherly attentions of a peculiar middle-aged man whom he has met off-campus. Addison is widely admired at the school, and as his official girlfriend Greer is able to bring together other students to celebrate his birthday.
But to Addison no celebration is acceptable unless it also includes Joshua, his mentor. And Joshua is only too happy to extend his influence to the whole group. That's when things become creepy. That's when I found myself thinking, on almost every page, Okay, here is a good point to walk out.
Peter Elbow
Well, here's another one. Don't they see that this isn't going to end well? If I were in this story I would be gone! That frustration made it a bit of a hard read for me. I had to remind myself that these kids are more than usually vulnerable. But gradually those on the periphery of Joshua's sphere do begin backing away. And because her self concept is completely tied up with him, not Greer. Or rather, she becomes suspicious, realizes that they have to get away from that guy, but cannot talk about the matter without infuriating Addison.
This is very good writing. The only possible improvement might be to show in a more visceral way the attraction that binds Greer to Addison, but I don't know how that could be achieved. Dec 17, Katie rated it liked it Shelves: This has got to be the most psychologically twisted book I've ever read.
And I mean that in a really, really good way. The way Corrigan tells such a big story with just characters is amazing and I was definitely on the edge of my seat the entire time. What was meant to be fifty planned pages of reading turned into me staying up until 4: Since there isn't much - if any - action, all I can really talk about is the characters.
I loved Greer so much. She i This has got to be the most psychologically twisted book I've ever read. She is worlds away from the average YA protagonist. She's not shy, she's rebellious, she loves sex and she just generally felt like a realistic personality. But she's the only character I really liked besides a few of the secondaries. Addison, while he had his charming moments when he and Greer were alone, just came across as a patronizing asshat to me. But reading about Greer's attempt to unravel him from Joshua's - who manages to be one of the most terrifying villains without supernatural powers or anything - web was so engrossing.
The steady building of Joshua's craziness was so freaking thrilling that it had my heart racing quite a bit. But as much as I adored the intense character plot, there were two things that derailed me from loving this book and they both have to do with the ending. I won't spoil anything but I was severely disappointed.
The entire book climbs higher and higher and I'm at this point where I think some epic, dramatic plot explosion is going to occur and then the most anticlimactic ending EVER happens. It's so random and so unfitting to the rest of the novel. The second thing I had a problem with was the questions that were left unanswered.
I can handle when an author leaves one or two things to the imagination of the reader. I usually always appreciate that. But this is far more than one or two things and they were a bit detrimental to the plot. If I thought there'd be a sequel, I'd welcome those ignored questions with open arms but I know after the reading the last chapter that there isn't going to be one.
But I can't deny that this story was so powerful and had my knee bouncing in anticipation for every chapter. Despite my hatred for the ending, I am definitely recommending that you guys check this one out because it absolutely scared the crap out of my brain. If that makes sense. Probably not but you get my point - read it! Dec 14, Angie rated it liked it Shelves: The Believing Game is another book that I went into with no expectations at all. I just happened to have a copy, so I read it without knowing much about it or reading any reviews.
Greer is sent away to a boarding school of course! Then she meets Addison and starts making changes for the better, until his sponsor, The Believing Game is another book that I went into with no expectations at all. Then she meets Addison and starts making changes for the better, until his sponsor, Joshua, gets in the way. My immediate impression of Joshua was that this man is freaking cuckoo bananas! In fact, he presents himself as a very nice man, but some of the things he says are unsettling.
I also feel like this is how cults get started.
The Believing Game by Eireann Corrigan
This is by no means an action packed book. Joshua is extremely charismatic, and is able to get his way in every situation. I think this makes the story even creepier not in a monster with a chain saw jumping out from behind a bush scary way. I was waiting for Greer to start finding out the truth about Joshua. It comes little by little, and a bit too slowly for my liking. However, the situation does get really strange really fast, so I kept flipping pages.
Dinosaurs, Jesus, and pig blood! I wanted to know why Joshua ended up doing what he did, and more of the effect it had on the teens. The ending was a little unsatisfying, and that epilogue was really unnecessary. Overall, it was an interesting read though. Mar 31, Isabella Campollo rated it liked it. Reviewed by Isabella Campollo I gave this book 3 stars because it is a book that kept me engaged the whole time I read it and had a very good plot.
Personally I really liked it because it is not similar to anything I had read before and sort of covered taboo topics that not all people feel comfortable reading. The ending kind of made me feel disappointed because I expected a lot more, or even a second book. I don't think this book relates to my hero's journey. The character have a very troubled li Reviewed by Isabella Campollo I gave this book 3 stars because it is a book that kept me engaged the whole time I read it and had a very good plot. The character have a very troubled life and have had experiences that I have never come close to having.
I believe people who are okay with reading something different can read this book, it may contain some sexual references and some people may show a very mentally unstable behavior. Other than that it is a very good book. But regardless of why the character said it I believe it is a very powerful sentence, she now has her own set of opinions.
No creo que este libro se relacione a mi vida. Pero en general en un libro muy bueno. Jul 31, Valia Lind rated it liked it. I enjoyed this book in parts lol Full review to come! At the beginning of the book, Greer Cannon gets caught for shoplifting. In this place, everything you own has to be earned, and Greer works at keeping a low profile just so she can return home.
Then she meets Addison. Addison comes with his own problems. While h More like 3. While he may look menacing and ready to take on the world, he has the kindest heart. Soon, the two are inseparable and Addison introduces Greer to Joshua, his mentor. From here, the book takes a spin, and Greer and Addison will never be the same. I think it was a very different kind of a story for me to read so it took me a while to get through it. The story is so complex, so real it makes you stop and think.
- Obsession?
- The Believing Game: The Art of Summarizing Arguments?
- The Believing Game?
Joshua is so twisted, so bent on controlling these children, that it leaves goosebumps running up and down your arms. As a main character, Greer was a good one. Even from the very beginning, she kept to her standards, keeping Joshua and his ideas at an arm length. Addison was a good character, so was Sophie and the other kids. Overall, the story was a web of thoughts and emotions and it was definitely an interesting read. If you like psychological thrillers, this book is for you!
- "The Believing Game--Methodological Believing" by Peter Elbow.
- GOVERNMENT THAT GOES MAD?
- Author Corner!
Jul 20, Book Twirps rated it really liked it. When Greer is caught shoplifting again her parents pack her up and send her to McCracken Hill, a reform school for troubled teens. Shoplifting is only one of Greer's vices she also has a tendency to sleep around and has an eating disorder. To Greer, the move to McCracken Hill is all very annoying.
She's not easily won over by the staff or the self-help chit chat that is supposed to be therapeutic and help her deal with her disorders. But then she meets Addison, ex-skinhead and drug and alcoho When Greer is caught shoplifting again her parents pack her up and send her to McCracken Hill, a reform school for troubled teens. But then she meets Addison, ex-skinhead and drug and alcohol abuser with a very troubled past. Recently reformed and on his way to a better life, Addison attributes his life changes to his mentor -- a man named Joshua. At first glance, Joshua seems to be the perfect mentor -- kind, funny and peaceful.
But soon Greer begins to notice things -- strange things -- about Joshua.
He's obviously not what he appears to be. When Greer tells Addison about her mistrust in his mentor and that gets back to Joshua, it leads to all kinds of trouble for Greer. Soon, cleaning up her act is the least of Greer's worries. This book was very well-written and full of all kinds of twists and turns. There are mind-games a plenty here and sometimes you never know who you can trust. It's definitely a pulse-pounder and will keep you turning the pages well past your bedtime. Greer is a very unreliable narrator and I love that. She's good at manipulation and getting her way, and seeing her struggle with this is interesting.
I liked the dynamic between her and Addison, but it's the tension-filled plot between her and Joshua that drives the book. The mystery surrounding Joshua is very compelling and creepy. The book moves at a quick pace, though there were a few times when I felt it stumbled a bit. While the ending felt like it fizzled a bit, this is still an interesting read and one I would recommend to fans of thrillers.
Nov 24, Bookworm rated it liked it Shelves: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was very drawn in by the knife on the cover which is totally relevant to the plot although it's kind of a spoiler so I can't tell you exactly how and knowing my love for contemporary books and stories about cults, I decided to try this one out. Greer has issues, to say the least. She struggles with food and she's a bit of a maneater but most troublingly to her parents is her penchant for shoplifting and the fact tha 3.
She struggles with food and she's a bit of a maneater but most troublingly to her parents is her penchant for shoplifting and the fact that she keeps getting caught. So she is sent off to McCracken Hill, a place for troubled teens. There she stays in isolation until drawn out by the mysterious Addison. He's smart and well-spoken and really close to his NA sponsor Joshua. But if Greer wants to be with Addison, then she'll have to play the believing game as she and other students are drawn into Joshua's web. I guess my biggest problem with Greer was how blinded by Addison she was and how desperate she was to keep him, so much so that she looks past a lot of red flags from Joshua.
The way she subordinated herself to Addison was so creepy even though I knew about her previous problems. Furthermore she was so resistant to being helped through therapy and it just broke my heart-I always want to heal the characters I read about especially when they're in such bad situations. The way everything escalated was very intense.. I did not expect that and the epilogue was honestly a bit of a disappointment to me but I can see how it all fits together sorry for vagueness.
This was just an okay read for me-if you like reading about manipulative people, you'll get that here. Jan 15, Sherri rated it it was ok Shelves: Greer is not interested in making friends until the gorgeous Addison Bradley appears. Greer is stunned when Addison focuses his attention on her and they begin dating. Addison views Joshua as his personal savior from a dangerous drug addiction and sees nothing amiss. Even though Greer has lingering doubts about Joshua, she keeps going along due to her love for Addison. She even lets Joshua sleep with her in the same bed as an exercise in trust.
He wants them to be warriors against view spoiler [the militant vegan movement. Dec 05, Kelly Hager rated it it was ok. Greer's parents have sent her away to a sort of reform school since she started "acting out" read: I'm not sure that McCracken Hill would call itself a reform school, but let's be honest: And Greer hates it And the feelings are mutual, which is pretty rare.
And immediately she knows and so do we that there is something Greer's parents have sent her away to a sort of reform school since she started "acting out" read: And immediately she knows and so do we that there is something off about him. He's very creepy and inappropriate he makes a lot of comments about whether Addison and Greer are sleeping together, for one and more than a little controlling. I was excited to read this book because I loved her last one, Accomplice. This book fell a little short for me because Greer knew the whole time that something was wrong with Joshua but she still spent a lot of time with him.
And yes, I get that she loved Addison and he was Addison's best friend, but still. Also, even though she didn't like Joshua at all, his approval mattered to her. That annoyed me, but I do still get that. I think everyone wants to be liked, right? And part of that means that we don't particularly like to be disliked, even if it's by someone we aren't all that fond of ourselves. And it also makes sense that because Greer is a little messed up anyway and also a teenager , her motives and thoughts could be all over the place.
Even so, I didn't think this book lived up to the potential of Accomplice at all. But I'll still read her next book. Jun 09, Ashiqa rated it it was amazing.