Feed, by M.T. Anderson

Feed by M.T. Anderson was an intriguing book, describing the possible consequences of allowing media to infest themselves into our lives. Bringing the situation to a fatal extreme, the eerie novel leaves the reader knowing the importance of being unique. The book also provides a peek into the future—a place of flying “up-cars”, new slang, partying on the moon, and a personal shopper, instant messenger, and reference book, installed into almost everyone’s brain (called “the feed”). However, what seems to be amusing era of awesome technology turns out to be a manipulating and deadly one, especially when malfunctions occur. Anderson creates a tone and mood that makes the reader feel like they really are in the future. His theme, of nonconformity, can be applied to any decade, but it is the setting that really makes the book wonderful. He concentrates on every aspect of the time, from house design, to technology, to fashion, to education. However, he maintains connection with the reader, by showing that, despite all this, people will always act the same towards each other. Anderson’s interesting outlook on originality and the results of giving in to “the system” is combined with a thrilling tragedy to make for a page-turner.

The end of Toby Tyler

Toby Tyler, by James Otis describes the adventures of a young boy who ran away from home to join the circus. What is a simple story of “The grass is always greener on the other side” can be dissected further through analyzing symbolism throughout the novel. For example, Toby’s pet monkey, whom he befriended at the beginning of his journey, symbolizes naivety or immaturity. During Toby’s first day at the circus, he latched on to this monkey (named Mr. Stubbs) that he was sure could understand every word he said, for what he needed the most at the time was a friend—this proves Toby’s initial naivety and simple outlook. However, at the end of the book, when Toby runs away from the circus, with a new perspective on life, Mr. Stubbs is shot, representing the end to Toby’s naivety and immaturity. One thing I never completely understood about the novel was why Toby ran away in the first place. At the start of the book, he described there being little to eat, and that he was not treated very nicely by his guardian. However, at the end, Toby is thrown into his guardian’s arms who expresses his love for Toby in an affectionate manor. But then, it is referenced that Toby’s friends predict that his guardian will whip Toby every day because he ran away. James Otis seems to jump around about Toby’s guardian’s personality, but possibly it is to demonstrate the imagination and exaggeration of Toby. Toby Tyler was a fun book to read, but, because of simplicity, it gave the reader an opportunity to examine and scrutinize the book more carefully.

Toby Tyler by James Otis is a simple story about a young boy who runs off and joins the circus, only to be displeased with his new life. Despite the simplicity, when one takes a deeper look at Toby’s relationships with those he meets along the way his journey, Toby’s inner feelings and traits are revealed. For example, up until a point, everyone Toby met was unusually cruel, so he resorted to befriending a monkey. The monkey, who he’s named Mr. Stubbs, does not judge Toby; the monkey does not threaten Toby; S/he does not do anything but listen to Toby, something no one else has done for Toby throughout his life. Toby is convinced that Mr. Stubbs understands every word he says. This shows Toby’s naivety and childishness. When Mr. Ben, a member of the circus with whom Toby travels with, attempts to convince Toby he is only imagining the monkey’s “responses”, that Toby claims to see (such as a tug at his coat, and a wink). He tells Toby that the monkey is completely oblivious to every word Toby says. Instead of being upset with the realization, Toby argues with Mr. Ben, holding true to what he thinks is right and standing up for his new friend. This displays Toby’s persistence. Although Toby Tyler tells a small tale about the American child dream—running away to join the circus—his small acts of immaturity expose his personality.