One Panel

Growing up my siblings always teased me about being the lightest of the 5 children. Even going so far to tell elaborate stories about how I was adopted. Now I look back and laugh about it but as a child, I would cry and beg my mom to show me pictures of when I was born and in the hospital with her. I'm sure I've seen those pictures more than I have an other pictures. It's funny to think I believed them because of my siblings I look most like my mom anyway, and she always reminded me of that. 

"Six Panel Biography" - Jeffry Brown

As odd as it may seem I love things that lack detail. The six panels that make up his "biography" have enough details so we can gain some factual information about the author but again is vague so we have to fill in the details. We have to assume the kind of qualities we want to assign to the individual who grows up in house where his father is a minister and be becomes an atheist in college. This comic strip reminded me of when you people-watch and you just create a story for each person you see. With this character I was creating an episode/movie in my mind, filling in the gaps, of his life. Short and simple but still complex and creative . I really liked this one. 

"American Goth" - Sarah Vowell

From the start the authors grabs your attention. At first it seems like she's being tortured or held hostage, only to find out it's her mom. Truth is when growing up, living with your parents at times does feel like you're being held hostage. In teenage years we're filled with rebellion, we don't want to be a cookie cutter image of what our parents expect from us. When she describes "phases" that parents refer to, I myself remember countless times hearing my mom describe things I was up to as a "phase". Regardless of how it seems on the outside the only person you are fooling is yourself. Regardless of all the things you hide behind from the clothes to the make up. You can't change the person you are and like the main character we all realize it in the end. 

"My Little Brother Ruined My Life" - Stephen Elliot

While reading this piece I actually feel sympathy for the main character. He lived such a horrible and troubled past, though it gave him writing material now you can tell he still has tons of resentment. Its sad that he is a grown man but still needs to acceptance from those around him so badly to feel complete. He wants to impress everyone, a group of teenage girls, his ex-girlfriend, his stepbrother, and his dad. After a 10 day stay with his brother he realizes they share a lot of similarities and staying together wasn't so bad. I don't think the title of this story is appropriate, I just think he's jealous of the home-life his brother is receiving, one he never got to experience. 

"Big Boy" - David Sedaris

WOW. This one caught me completely off-guard with the last sentence in the first paragraph. Normally before I read a story I am completely guilty of guessing what the story may be about based on the title. I just find it quite amusing that this more man was so concerned about the toilet situation. However, at the same time most individuals can relate to ever being in a place (either their own home or someplace else) were the toilet gets clogged and it is completely embarrassing. I it was hilarious how he actually thought about throwing the turd out the window.