Post the book you're reading and its author.
Almost all fiction authors have to do some kind of research before they write their novels. For example, JK Rowling might have researched historical sites in London and different creatures from mythology. Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games series, might have researched different types of weapons or survival skills. The author of Twilight researched Native-American traditional stories.
Tell me something that you think your author researched before he or she wrote your novel. Explain why you choose this (how it relates to your novel).
53 comments:
I am reading the Scorch Trials by James Dashner.
He would have probably researched about the sun. That's because the Earth in this book is now a wasteland because of a sun flare. The sun destroyed cites and spread an unstoppable torturous disease to all humans. So James Dashner would have researched the sun and side effects of harmful rays to humans and the Earth.
I am reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Golding would have probably researched child psychology to determine how the kids in the story would have reacted to their situation and make is story more realistic, and he also might have researched Pacific Ocean islands. This is because the story is about kids who become deserted on an uncharted island with no grownups after being evacuated from England after an atomic bomb was dropped, in a war. (this is because this book was written during the Cold War in the 1950s, so the story WAS plausible)
K House5:
It probably would have taken a lot of sun research to figure out if such a solar flare as in the story occurred.
I am reading The Kill Order by James Dashner which is the prequel to the Maze Runner trilogy. I believe the author would have researched about contagious viruses. This is because in the book, there is a virus called the Flare and it is described to be extremely contagious. The author needed to research about how contagious viruses spread or the book wouldn have been difficult to describe the Flare and how it is affecting the whole world.
KHouse5: I was gonna post the blog on the sun as well until I read your post. Great minds think alike!
I am reading the City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. She probably researched major cities and places in New York, as well as creatures from mythology. This is because my book is set in the busy cities of New York and where the main character, Clary Fray, travels the most on her adventures and often encounters danger here. The author is able to describe in full detail about the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and the ways that subways are. She explains the cities as well as the suburbs, where Clary's mother's friend Luke Garroway lives and owns a bookstore. Also the author would have had to research about some mythical creatures. In her book she talks about different kinds of demons, vampires, werewolves, faeries, warlocks, angels, and Shadowhunters(based off humans' and angels' offspring that the author created). She is able to provide a detailed description of each creature or being, describing how they look and the kind of powers they have, etc. So, most likely Cassandra Clare would have researched about New York cities and mythical creatures from mythology.
JChoi6: According to your blog, I definitely agree that the author would have had to research about contagious diseases, or he wouldn't have been able to provide ways for how the Flare had spread and affected the people in the book without looking at real life examples today. Well done blog!
I am reading A Sisterhood Everlasting: The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares. She probably researched many major cities in The United States, as well as the country of Greece. The book takes place in the major cities where four girls Carmen, Tibby, Lena, and Bridget live. The author would need specific details to tell where they all live. One of the girls, Lena is from Oia Greece, so the author would also need details portaining to the cities, landscape, and climates.
JChoi6: That seems like your author would defenitely need to research about infectious diseases!
My book is The Last Apprentice: Clash of the Demons, by Joseph Delany, and some research that Delany probably would have had to do would have been on lamia witches, a type of witch with two forms, a feral and domestic. They are not common knowledge, so Delany would have had to research up on them.
J DeVoe6~~ I've wanted to read that book, and how would the author ever been able to fully predict the childrens behavior?
I am reading the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (ironically). Suzanne Collins, as you said, would have probably had to research different types of weapons or survival skills. But she would have also probably had to research different types of animals. What types of environments they live in, what they eat, if they are good to eat themselves. This would be because Katniss not only hunts them back home, but also in the arena. Additionally she would probably had to have researched coal mining, because Katniss lives in district 12, which is the district that mines for coal.
ABerryman6: Yes I agree that the author of your book would have to research those things. I wonder what the authors actually do research before they write their books!
I read The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron, the first book in s big series. My author actually talks about all the research he did to write the book on the first few pages- the authors note, specifically about the myths and folk-lore surrounding the unknown of Merlin's life. Merlin is the same wizard dude from King Arthur tales, just instead of being old and wise he's young and apparently stupid (sometimes). The books are originally based when Merlin is just a kid, because, the author said, that is the biggest blank in tales about Merlin. Barron would have to have read about Merlin's actions and decisionsaccourding to folklore to establish Merlin's mood throughout his series.
KHouse5: Thats cool, what happens to the people in the book?
JDevoe6: I've heard of the book The Lord of the Flies, its supposed to be giant!
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JChoi6-
I just finished the Death Cure today and i cant wait to read the Kill Order! Great post too!
C McFetridge6:
Lord of the Flies is only 194 pages.
I am reading Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. I think my author would have researched small towns and their traditions because in this book the main character moves into a small town and it talks a lot about how everyone knows one another and the small towns tradition. Also he could have researched what runaways do in order to get a "new identity". The main character goes through the book sneaking around to start a new life and explains in great detail about the acts she has to do in order to become a "new person".
ABerryman5- That is a great book. I like how you included the part about mythology because it fits well. The author must have had a lot of research to do on it.
I am reading "A Cousin's Prayer" (the second book in the Indiana Cousins series), by Wanda Brunstetter. The author would have had to research a lot about the Amish way of life,their lifestyles, and about dealing with grief. All of Brunstetter's books are about the Amish, and the characters in this book are mainly Amish with a few "English". Also, she would've had to research about dealing with grief because one of the charaters in my book, Katie, is recovering from the loss of her fiance, Timothy, who recently died in a buggy accident. The book basically talks about how Katie is trying to get over Timothy's death, and really just by how much she is impacted from his death in general.
JasunC6: I really want to read Maze Runner!!......And contagious viruses sound interesting. :)
Book: The Mostly True Story of Jack
Author: Kelly Barnhill
I think that Kelly Barnhill probably did allot of research in the Magic or Alchemist category because this book does involve allot of magic. This book is like flooded with magic. She would also have to do research Hazelwood in Iowa because she includes allot of details about the town.
ABerryman5: Werewolves are my favorite mythological creature, so now that book sounds AMAZING.
I am currently reading "Feed" by M.T. Anderson. This book is very unique, in that the author has set up a completely fictional, futuristic dystopia as the setting. Despite this, I imagine the author of "Feed" must have done some research on modern slang in order to predict what futuristic slang might be like, (considering she makes up her own slang for the characters to say in her book). In addition to this, the book also talks quite a bit about the moon, which I am guessing the author must have researched.
JDevoe,
That book sounds really interesting. Do you think the author might have also had to research accounts of other people who have been stranded on islands before?
CMcFetrdige,
The author would have probably also had to research the middle ages as well to provide a good setting.
My book is Tempestuous by Leslie Livingston. The book takes place in New York, mainly Central Park; the gate to the fairy (fey) realm. Leslie Livingston might have had to research the park so she could find a good place to put the gate. Leslie also had to research the different types of fey that could have lived in Central Park that would impact the story; as well as the different fey in general.
ABerryman5: That is probably what the author looked up because she went to all of these different places that he might not have known unless he looked them up! Great job!
I am reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. He would have had to research some nearby planets and stars, though there is much that is made up. He would have also had to research alien sightings and common ideas of aliens, and add on to them.
JChoi6: That is the book that I want to read so I can finish the series! The author would have also had to research terrible side effects to people (ex: exposed to strong gamma rays), to add on the terrible Flare.
I am reading Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson, a true story about a teenage boy who realizes that it is his duty to serve his Country because of September 11, 2001. I think the author of this novel would have previously researched different roles or (Jobs) in the Army and about 9/11. Also maybe about weapons a different techniques about the American Army's history.
MWilliams5: I love the Hunger Games and yes the author would have probably researched about those particular objects; just as Ms. Thomas said; Great Blog by the way!
I am reading New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. The author probably would of had to research the myths and tales behind vampires to "accurately" show their behavior and the secrecy they have in modern life. It would take knowledge of the legends behind vampires to create the feeling held for them throught the book.
CMcFetridge6: That definently makes sense to have to write the book, especially since not much was known about Merlin's life.
I am reading Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. This book is about a girl named Melody who is literally trapped inside her own body. She is a genius, but has a disability that prohibits her from speaking or walking. She is stuck in the same happy sunny classroom for years on end, learning the abc's over and over, having no way to show how smart she is. Until now. She now has a Medi-Talker, something that she can communitcate with and it allows her to interact with other people. Sharon Draper might have had to research different disabilities and their treatments before writing about a girl with a severe disabilty.
ABerryman5: OH my gosh I LOVE the City of Bones!!!! It's an awesome series! That is so true, she would have to research that.
I am reading The Scorch Trials by James Dashener.The author would had to research the myths and stories of Greek or other countries. The author would research about the survival skills and . Also, I think he needed to research about the future life. This relates to the novel because this story is in 2024 and Thomas , the main character, needs to survive from the maze.
AMeling5: I had read those series and I think he might had to research about the myths of scary creatures.
I am currently reading Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. These books are about Percy going to Camp Half-Blood. This is where he realizes that he is half-God and half-human. His father is Poseidon, the Sea God. The Lightning Thief has many references to mythology and the gods. Therefore, that is what Rick Riordan would have to study in order to write this book.
TCummings6- I love books by Nicholas Sparks. I will have to look into reading Safe Haven. Great Post!!!!
I am reading Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.
Mitch Albom would have probably researched about funerals and what a eulogy is. He would have to research that because this book is a true story where Mitch has to create a eulogy for someone. He meets someone who he becomes very close with and the man happens to be dying. He visits with the, Reb, as everyone calls him to discuss the eulogy. Mitch had to learn much about him to write this and he learned much more about life as well. To have written this book, Mitch Albom would have had to pretty much learn about life in general.
TCummings6: I really want to read that book. I like how you included the part where you said a "new identity. It makes me want to read the book even more. It sounds like you know what the author would have had to research.
I am half way through Destined (fourth book in Wings series) by Aprilynne Pike. She would have probably researched faeries and other myths. The entire book is based on faeries, trolls, and other mythical creatures; of course in the book they are real. She would have had to research what we think faeries are in order to properly describe faeries in her novels. If she hadn’t she might have written about faeries who had wings and were human. Instead she did her research and wrote about faeries who were plants and weren’t magical.
HLee6:
I loved the first book, Maze Runner, and am about to read Scorch Trials!! Your blog made me want to read it even more!!!
The book I am reading is The Mark Of Athena by Rick Riordan. In the book the basis is Greek and Roman history. Rick Riordan would definitely have to research Greek mythology as well as roman mythology. The book features a lot of Greek and Roman gods and customs. Rick Riordan would have to research the mythology to have written the book and explain some of his research to his younger audience.
@KatyP6: What he has to research sounds kind of depressing but very interesting.
I am currently reading The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells.
I think that H.G. Wells might have researched Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and Gregor Mendel’s research on genetics. I believe he may have researched these topics because in the book the one of the main characters is a mad scientist named Dr. Moreau. Dr. Moreau’s main goal is to give animals human intelligence, as to create the perfect breed. He begins to mix human DNA with animal DNA in his own island and thus creates horrifying, intelligent beasts. He creates these beasts by combing genetics of intelligent species and adds the evolved characteristics of other animals into the concoction as well.
MLangston5:
I read that book as well, and she probably would have to research a lot about disabilities and their effect on the brain. How far are you in the book? I hope you are enjoying it.
I am reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Martel would probably research zoology because in the beginning of the story, Pi describes his life as a child when his dad was the owner of a zoo. Pi tells about his experiences around the zoo and the animals. He probably also researched what life at sea is like because later in the story, Pi ends up at sea.
J DeVoe6- Nice blog, that book sound interesting!
Brotherhood Chronicles by John Flanagan
He would have researched a about sea "language" and also a lot about old boats and how to work them. He would also need to research many types of weapons that were used in Scandinavia. There is a lot of fighting and talk of weapons and even weapon training in the book.
J DeVoe6-I've always imagined that happening and thinking of which friends i would want to have with me.
The book that I am currently reading is Reached by Ally Condel. SHe would have most likely researched famous distopian uprisings and medical tactics used on the plauge.
JDeVoe6: I have heard of that book but have never read it. That is interesting that the author would have researched child psychology.
I am reading Delirium by Lauren Oliver. In this book society believes love is a disease. Before writing this book Lauren Oliver would definitely have to research or experience love herself. The book is very descriptive, therefore it would be essential for her to understand how love feels and what are its many "symptoms". Without her knowledge on this, it would have been impossible for her to write this book.
KaylaN5: Very original! I would not have thought of having to research vampire tales and myths. I knew you would love the series:)
The book I’m now reading is Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet (book 1) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In order for him to have written this book he would’ve had to have done some research on English customs because the story takes place in England in the 1800s (I think). He would also have to know about how crime scenes work and how one such as a detective would go about solving them. Holmes is in the story as most would know a detective and solves cases in interesting ways. He would need to know about things such as chemicals and other odd things that Watson always finds Holmes messing with. Also he would need to know about weapons such as guns and swords because in the crimes there is usual a weapon involved in which Holmes can figure out exactly what it is.
Kaslanidi5- I’ve really wanted to read it but haven’t gotten around to it. He would defiantly have to research zoology and what life at sea would be like. I think it would be interesting to research what life at sea is like.
I am reading Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Honestly, I don't know what the author would have to research to write a book about a suicide. Even though this is depressing, I would guess he researched teen depression, suicide, and bullying. Hannah, the girl who made the tapes, explains her decision to kill herself. In almost all of her stories she is bullied in some way. Then, she becomes depressed. The author was decriptive in explaining her problem, so he might have reasearcherd the symptoms of teen depression.
ABerryman5: City of Bones is a really good book! I wouldn't have thought of that for the author to research.
I am reading The Dawn Treader by C.S, Lewis. C.S. Lewis would have researched Mythology because there are multiple references to strange creatures like centaurs. He may have created many animals himself, but they are definitely based on Greek Mythology. He also would have had to research old battle strategies. He needed to know how people in the time of Narnia thought because the characters make plans to save Narnia. In The Dawn Treader, they are on a boat. He would have had to research the parts of boats, how they work, and who does what in the crew.
TCummings: I heard about the movie and was planning to read the book first. It seems really good.
I am reading The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan. Something that Rick Riordan would definitely have had to research to write this novel were Egyptian Mythology and specifically, the Egyptian Deities. He had to research Egyptian Mythology because the whole story revolves around Carter and Sadie, two siblings who are descended from families of hosts for Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. They use the help of their hosts, Carter's is Horus and Sadie's is Isis, and their own magic to try to prevent Apophis, an Egyptian demon, from spreading chaos all over the world. Including Egyptian Mythology in this novel is very important because that is what the plot is based upon.
OCallen6: I would not have thought of that to write for this blog. That was very clever of you.
I am currently reading Reached by Allie Condie. I think that the author that wrote reached must have done some research on distopias. This is basically because the whole story is a distopia.Aside from this, i do not think the author would have done any other research on a certain topic.
BNyguen5: Good answer! i have read that book and would of not really thought of that answer if my blog was on it.
I am reading the book Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn. This book is about the Titanic and how a couple was about to get married on the Titanic, however the Titanic hit an ice glacier and sunk. The author had to do some research about the Titanic and when the ship went off to sail. Also where the ship stopped at the different port. She would also have to research who was on the ship and the events happening on the events during this time.
VanessaG6: I love dystopias and I think the author had to defiantly had to research about dystopias.
Sorry that is me on the last comment I accidental pressed enter.
I am reading Divergent by Veronica Roth.
Roth would have probably researched weapons such as guns and knives for hand-to-hand combat. This is because when the main character, Beatrice, travels to the Dauntless compound, their instructor teaches them how to use guns and knives. Durring this part, Roth goes into some detail on how guns work, and when it would be appropriate to use knives durring a battle.
Book: Twelfth Night
Author: William Shakespeare
He may have had to do some research on mythology since of his plays are based off of stories from mythology.
Dphan6: I really want to read that book and your blog informed me what’s going to be in it.
I am reading Daniel X: Destiny By James Patterson
James Patterson probably researched about Extra Terrestrial life forms of some sort and read other books about aliens. This information could have given him the ideas for the descriptive details about the aliens and ideas to explain the reason and cause for aliens. Also he could have researched L.A. or visited there to be able to give specific destinations and detail.
TCummings6: I want to read that book. It sounds interesting and thanks for the insight.
Book: CHERUB Mission 5 Divine Maddness
Author: Robert Muchamore
My book deals a lot with the cult known as the Survivors and the terrorist group known as Help Earth. Because of this, the author would have to research cult brainwashing and history. He would also need to find out how terrorist organizations, like Help Earth operate and what their goals are. Cult and Terrorist activity play a huge role in this book, and it would be hard to write about them without an understanding of them.
@JDevoe6: That book looks good. I like the points you make about child psychology research having needed to be researched for that book.
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