Vlog Response

The first 55 pages of

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Written by: Sherman Alexie

“Fine By Me”

by Andy Grammer

            This song deserves to be on the class playlist simply because it is a feel good song with a good message. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not biased to happy songs. In fact I think that when one is in a sad mood I think it’s healthy to give a sad song a good listen. This song, however, just gives a very relaxed message. It’s not pleading, it’s not whining, or convincing. It’s simply saying that “I am happy with the way things are and it is fine by me if they stay this way.” The lyrics send a message of content peace that is hard to express sometimes. It is saying, this is you, this is me, we’re together, I’m totally okay with that, and I’m not afraid to say it.

            Musically, the song is very catchy. It has an upbeat, pop tune that flirts with a hip-hop aftertaste. It has a steady and confident beat woven throughout that takes you along for the ride effortlessly. It’s not slow or drawn out, much like the message of the song: it’s short, sweet, and to the point.

            Andy Grammer was a street musician in Los Angeles for years before he was discovered. It seems to me that he doesn’t get his hopes up to often. His raw talent seemed to have gotten him a record deal but his character and personality gave the content to that record. Just based off of this one song, it seems that Grammer was content playing in the streets. It’s obvious that he loves his music and with this chill little diddy it seems like he wouldn’t ask for much but when something is offered to him he is going to jump at the opportunity and fight for what he believes in. The song that is probably considered to be Grammer’s most popular hit is “Keep Your Head Up.” This is another up-tempo track that sends the message that perseverance wins over discourage. Grammer probably knew first hand what it was like to be rejected and discouraged on the streets but he always kept his head up and when he got his record deal I’m sure it was fine by him that he signed his name at the blank line.

I really enjoyed "Welding With Children" by Tim Gautreaux. It was interesting because the scene wasn't really set, I, as the reader, had to figure it out myself. I prefer this type of writing because it's a prime example of showing and not telling. The story was interesting too. It was about a man who had multiple daughters who all had children out of wedlock. He came to terms with the fact that he thinks he messed up with his own daughters but this story is about how he is determined to save the future generation of his family and make sure his own grandkids are raised correctly. The antagonist in the beginning, Mr. Fordlyson, actually turned out to be the source of our protagonist's epiphany at the end of the story. Our protagonist is confirmed that his choice to help his grandkids was the right one in the end when the youngest, Nu-Nu, says his first word "Da-da" referring of course to his grandfather. His house is now filled with child-friendly things, like a tire swing instead of an old engine hanging from a tree.