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Argument: Dexter Filkins, of the New York Times Book Review, delivers a tough critique of Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. Filkins believes that "This would have been a better book had it been a hundred pages shorter." Claim: Much of the background about Pat Tillman's life is unnecessary. Also, the tiny details that Krakauer recounts are "banal and inconsequential." Evidence: "Tillman doesn't arrive in Afghanistan until Page 230." The book is supposed to be about the death of Pat Tillman, and the ensuing cover-up, but Krakauer talks too much about Tillman's early life and the NFL. However, once Tillman reaches Afghanistan and Krakauer starts telling the story he promised, the book takes a turn for the better. Filkins writes "The death of Tillman is handled deftly" and that "Krakauer performs a valuable service by bringing them [facts] all together". http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/i.do?id=GALE|A207732676&v=2.1&u=chandler_main&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w

Argument: The argument is The Pearl is a realistic book that does not have happy endings or sugar coats the realistic part, its just a fictional story with true meaning to it. In each book he writes he shows a different interpretation on life and how it really was at the time period. Evidence: "Perhaps such a basically fantastic, sentimental story does not warrant such strong condemnation; but The Pearl has been widely used as an introduction to fiction, and it provides the kind of introduction that is a disservice both to its author--who wrote much better, controlled works--and to fiction itself by failing to suggest the tough-minded complexity of the greatest examples of the art." (French). "The story that Steinbeck reports hearing is a perfect, self-contained parable that can be read in a variety of ways--it provides consolation for the unsuccessful, a pat on the back for those who choose freedom over wealth, and a scourging of the guilt of those who have suffered for choosing to serve Mammon." (French) "To stress the symbolic importance of these events, Steinbeck heavy-handedly relates each to one of three songs--of the Family, the Enemy, and the Pearl (capitals Steinbeck's)--that Kino keeps hearing in his head." (French) Thoughts: Like most of Steinbeck's books he shows the true meaning of what life was. I think the best authors are the ones who speak there minds and share there opinions in there books. It beings out the character of them. I believe that French (the author of the article) really described and illustrated the way the book effected people and how john Steinbeck is a realist. Steinbeck explains that each and every problem we face every day comes with its pros and cons. Kino had to make a decision with is daily life. I believe wrong he wasn't able to fulfill his dream bring his family on the right track but he made a run at it and most people at that time it was hard to live the dream you always wanted and Steinbeck made a good poi

Argument: In The Pearl, Steinbeck, not only shows hardship and suffering but argues that peoples rights and freedom were lost. He shows that not every story is a happy ending. "The loss of the pearl at the end of the story suggests his loss of hope for the future and a loss in his belief that he can control his life and destiny." (Perkins). It is another story about achevining the "American Dream" Evidence: "Kino's rebellious spirit challenges but cannot change the system. Unable to fight off the forces that try to oppress him, he loses his son along with his dreams of a better life for his family." (Perkins) "Steinbeck offers his response to oppressive political systems that try to crush the human spirit, declaring that he believes that the "free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." (Perkins) "Steinbeck illustrates the tragic consequences of the loss of that freedom of the spirit in The Pearl, expressing a profound sympathy for the individual and the community that suffers under such an oppressive system." (Perkins) Thoughts: Based on the article the author explains a valid point how in this world we might say were equal on paper but we have to show we are equal. In my opinion I don't think life should end that way i think you should always have a second chance. Steinbeck doesn't describe his books like that. Maybe hes showing the actual world as it is. We might say all this pretty stuff about how the world should be and how life should end up but nothing happening. John Steinbeck is a realist and shows the world how it is. The pearl symbolized his dreams. And an education shouldn't be the only way to be successful in life school and education is not for everyone Steinbeck shows that it just takes a lot of heart to do what you dream of. Kino showed a lot of heart but with the effort he failed and described the world as a failure. Quotes: "But the pearls were accidents, and the finding of one was luc