Memoir Blog

   I read the memoir Game 5 by Anne D. She is a 13 year old girl from Pennsylvania who writes about the time her family went to a Pittsburg Penguins playoff game. The memoir is well written, especially by a 13 year old. The writer, Anne, accomplishes almost all of the goals of a memoir and covers almost all of the storytelling elements.

   The vocabulary and imagery used in the memoir helps the reader understand exactly what is going on and puts them in the arena that the writer is describing. Throughout the whole memoir, I felt as if I was actually at the game. The writer also uses a creative plot describing the overtime situation at the game. This not only leaves the reader suspenseful, but it also allows the writer to describe some of the feelings that her family and the people around her are experiencing. She also writes about her suspense and own feelings toward the game and continues to describe her own emotions after each important event in the game.

   The only thing that is missing from the memoir is dialogue between characters. Although there isn’t any dialogue, the descriptions used helps develop the characters. There are still facts as well as feelings from some of the main characters.

   Anne D. also covers all of the elements of a memoir. The memoir is written in 1st person about a specific event (playoff game) over a specific period of time (overtime). She also includes her feelings after the game. The memoir includes both the inside and outside story. The hockey game is described in great detail (many plays on the ice) as well as the feelings and thoughts of the writer and the people around her/at the game. The balance between inside and outside writing is excellent.

   The memoir includes a reflection after the game. Her feelings about the Penguins’ win stays with her after the game and into the city. She reflects on her experiences during the game and after the game is over. Lastly she leaves me, the reader, with an understanding of the significance. This relates to my personal experiences. I can relate to what she feels, having gone to many hockey/hockey playoff games before. I know the energy that she is describing and I know the feeling to win/experience a win. 

“I also know that because of this game the Penguins were not just prepared to play the Philadelphia Flyers,  but bloodthirsty, too. With the Flyers soon approaching, I knew I was.”