When I was reading section II of the book, what really stood out to me the most was actually the very beginning. First off, Lynsey really got my attention with the title of chapter four, “You, American, Are Not Welcome Here Anymore,” (pg 69). I started thinking about the current issues in our nation with immigration and all but when I kept reading further, the title took on a new, and much deeper, meaning.

When 9/11 occurred, the whole nation, no, the whole world, was changed.  Lynsey does a great job of capturing that in her writing because she relates what is going on the other periods in time. She references how, in Afghanistan, other reporters drew connections of starting a ground war in Afghanistan was similar to that in Vietnam. Lynsey provides a great amount of detail throughout her writing that makes you feel immersed in what she is doing. Not only that, but she also manages to pull you in emotionally.

As a reader, I always find myself to enjoy books the most when they not only have great details, imagery, and historical facts but when they also manage to pull you in emotionally. I don’t like books that focus too much on appealing emotionally to the audience because then it seems too fake and not really a factual or compelling story. On the other hand, if a book focuses too much on the facts and details, it gets too boring, redundant, and unappealing.

It is my goal as a writer to find that perfect balance of facts and emotions to keep my audience both entertained and wanting to read more. Lynsey does a great job balancing these two things throughout section II which made me enjoy reading the section immensely. I want to try to have the same effect on my readers when they read my blog about D.C.

(and of course here are some more dog pictures because I love dogs and miss my dog Quincy a lot)