Reflection

 When first starting to read Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place I cannot say I was too excited to keep going.  I feel as if there are two different story lines going on in the novel.  One is Terry Williams’s autobiography and the other is a historical timeline with facts about the
Great Salt Lake, which when reading feels like a social studies text book.  There are two literary elements or styles of writing that I did pick up on while reading.  The first is the usage of similes.  On the first page of the prologue a simile is used which reads, “Volunteers are beginning to reconstruct the marshes just as I am trying to reconstruct my life” (Williams 3).  She immediately sets her readers up with the idea as she talks about this Bird Refuge being rebuilt she will be including details about how she will be reconstructing her life.  Another simile can be found on page 26 when she is talking about the hospital robes, she states, “But their robes seem more like socialistic wraps that let you know that you belong to the fraternity of the ill waiting patiently in rooms all across America” (Williams).  It struck me that she was able to take the simple idea of a hospital robe or gown, which is well know to all, and connect it to a larger idea that exists across
America.              The second technique I picked up on is where she has a sentence that consists of four to five words followed by a one worded sentence.  An example of this can be found on page 27 which reads, “There was another awkward silence.  Details done” (Williams).  I think the one to two word sentence that follows the longer sentence is a tool she uses to further reiterate the point she is trying to make, but in a short and simple fashion.  She is getting rid of words that are unnecessary when trying to make a point.  Another example, where she reverses that above example, is when she states, “Home.  The family gathered in the living room” (Williams 27).  I think this is a unique, but simple technique to use when writing.  It is a simple way to emphasize an important part or an important point to the readers. 

Most volleyball players are fit and in shape.  Most volleyball players need to improve their individual skills to better the team as a whole.  Most volleyball players have their own position they play.  Most volleyball players need to work as a team in order to be successful and win games.  Most volleyball players need to have an understanding of how the game is played, the rules, and the different rotation formations there are.  Most volleyball players are athletes and enjoy playing more than one sport.  Most volleyball players enjoying performing their ace cheer out on the court.  Most volleyball players like to spike the ball so hard over the net that it leaves their opponents stunned.  Most volleyball players love to get on the floor and dive in order to save the ball so their team can win the point for that play.  Most volleyball players need to practice the sport for many years before they become good at it.  Most volleyball players work hard at perfecting their serve, their passing, their spiking, and their setting.  Most volleyball players love when the game is intense and the adrenaline is pumping through their body.  Most volleyball players love it when the crowd is really into the game and they start cheering and clapping and getting loud in the stands.  Most volleyball players want to please their coaches and impress the fans.