The introduction of HOUSE OF LEAVES was very interesting and immediately grabbed my attention. As I continued reading the first chapter, I was slightly confused with how to read the story in comparison to the footnotes. I sometimes found it difficult to differentiate between the speakers. I must say I found myself very much drawn to the story in the footnotes as opposed to the real story itself.
What did Zampano mean when he said he didn't have kids anymore?
Why is house always written in blue?
Why did Karen scream when the books hit the floor?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Janie Cherestal
While reading House of Leaves, I found the storyline of Navidson, his family, and the mysterious house to be both captivating and peculiar. I enjoyed the way that the author characterized each individual of the story and how he described their interactions with each other. I also liked the bit about the impossible dimensions of Navidson’s house, for it gave the story an eerie, science-fiction-like twist that caught my attention, and how the author linked the event to the different ways adults and children face dilemmas in life.
However, I was confused by who was actually the voice of the story, for it is said that the story is written by a man named Zampaño, yet the extensive footnotes are told by a man named Johnny. I was also puzzled by the fact that the footnotes were so long and what significance they held to the story. Furthermore, what could possibly be stalking Navidson in the opening pages of the novel and Johnny in one of his accounts?
However, I was confused by who was actually the voice of the story, for it is said that the story is written by a man named Zampaño, yet the extensive footnotes are told by a man named Johnny. I was also puzzled by the fact that the footnotes were so long and what significance they held to the story. Furthermore, what could possibly be stalking Navidson in the opening pages of the novel and Johnny in one of his accounts?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
John Bonhomme
Chapters I to IV were very confusing yet interesting. Mark Z. Danielewski manages to do a good job of hooking the reader in without foreshadowing the end result of the story. It appears that two stories are going on at the same time. One story is the Navidson story and the other is coming from Johnny Traunt. The Navidson story is being told in an unique style. The author goes in and out of different prospectives at different times of the story. Sometimes the story is narrated from the Hi8 camera's which are located around the house, and sometimes it is being told from the prospective of a 3rd person. When reading this story it feels like a movie is being watched, yet at points in time we get more insight than what the movie is showing. However, this story has a concrete plot forming. Navidson has become fascinated with this house being bigger on the inside. In fact this fascination is so large that he calls his brother into the story, who he hasn't spoken to in eight years. The Johnny Traunt story however is a bit confusing. This guy seems to be on heavy drugs at times, which makes the story confusing since we are reading the thoughts inside his head. He thinks very sporadically and digresses a lot, although we see consistency in the theme of girls, drugs, and parties. He also has a friend Lude who I believe is infact himself. Lets see what happens later in the story.
Questions
Does Johnny Traunt remind anyone from the character in fight club?
Why is house always in blue?
At one point in time Karen's sister was talking about Karen, were her details fact or fiction?
Questions
Does Johnny Traunt remind anyone from the character in fight club?
Why is house always in blue?
At one point in time Karen's sister was talking about Karen, were her details fact or fiction?
Nian Liu
"House of Leaves": Chapters I-IV
I would like to say that the beginning of the story was very hard to take in all at once. Mark Z. Danielewski starts off with talking about and comparing what people think about "The Navidson Record" and mentions that this film is something that isn't "uneasily contained." At first I didn't understand which perspective the author was telling the story from until later in the text where you begin to notice that the author mentions not seeing certain things because it wasn't shown on "camera". The author speaks in a narrative way but from time to time he would get out of his narrative form and speak to you in person which I personally felt was weird. When I read these chapters I visioned a black and white film with chopped up sound. I feel that its creepy how Will Navidson's son Chad feels like somebody's watching and waiting, because this scene in the book reminds me of the scary movie "The Shining". One thing I would like to change about the author is the way he excessively uses words to describe the things that he is talking about.
Questions:
1) Who use to live at the house before Navidson moved in?
2) Is there anything stalking Chad or Navidson?
3) Do you think the addition of the new doors and black interior closet space is a theme for Navidson and his obession in trying to capture every part of life?
4) If there isn't anything wrong with Tom and Will's tools then what could explain the extra interior fraction?
I would like to say that the beginning of the story was very hard to take in all at once. Mark Z. Danielewski starts off with talking about and comparing what people think about "The Navidson Record" and mentions that this film is something that isn't "uneasily contained." At first I didn't understand which perspective the author was telling the story from until later in the text where you begin to notice that the author mentions not seeing certain things because it wasn't shown on "camera". The author speaks in a narrative way but from time to time he would get out of his narrative form and speak to you in person which I personally felt was weird. When I read these chapters I visioned a black and white film with chopped up sound. I feel that its creepy how Will Navidson's son Chad feels like somebody's watching and waiting, because this scene in the book reminds me of the scary movie "The Shining". One thing I would like to change about the author is the way he excessively uses words to describe the things that he is talking about.
Questions:
1) Who use to live at the house before Navidson moved in?
2) Is there anything stalking Chad or Navidson?
3) Do you think the addition of the new doors and black interior closet space is a theme for Navidson and his obession in trying to capture every part of life?
4) If there isn't anything wrong with Tom and Will's tools then what could explain the extra interior fraction?
Robert Stevens
Well, I must say, this novel is a bit confusing for me to read. At first glance, it has the appearance of being two separate stories rather than Truant’s footnotes being a compliment to Zampano’s story. The mention of the old trunk being made in Utica, NY stood out in my mind, as I grew up not 35 miles from there and have family in that area (although I doubt it has much to do with the story). I was intrigued by the notion that the and the fact that Zampano’s story at one point had consumed Truant just as it had himself (which may have led to his death?). I also don’t understand the concept of why Navidson’s house would suddenly be bigger on the inside than the outside. Could that symbolize something wrong within Navidson himself? If you read the inside flap, there are several scribblings about murder there, is that significant? Either way, it is kind of creepy.
…and why is “house” always written in blue?
…and why is “house” always written in blue?
Natalya Gornopolskaya
“House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski Chapters I-IV
It starts out as a narrative by Johnny Truant, a man who works as an apprentice in a tattoo shop in Los Angeles, leading a seemingly carefree lifestyle centered on drugs and nightly outings. His world is abruptly shaken, upon receiving a phone call from his friend Lude. Lude tells him of his elderly neighbor, a man named Zampanò who just recently passed, leaving behind an apartment full of undiscovered secrets. Johnny is immediately taken by a manuscript he uncovers in this man’s apartment, and chooses to undertake the very difficult task of chronicling this work. The narrator is then switched to Zampanò reciting “The Navidson Record” which deals with a documentary by Will Navidson recording his family’s journey as they move into their new house in Virginia. This house defies all dimensions of reality by appearing larger on the inside than it is the outside. As the story progresses there are continuous shifts between narrators as we gain true insight on the Navidson family, the life led by Zampanò and the troubled past of Johnny Truant. The most fascinating character thus far is none other than Johnny Truant, as he shows various layers of his personality through his literary commitments, uncanny story-telling abilities and lust for women of questionable morals. The character of Zampanò is quite outrageous himself, having seemingly come up with an entire novels-worth of commentary, based on a nonexistent film called “The Navidson Record” ,despite him being blind and uneducated. The Navidson family is gripping as well, as they struggle to explain the phenomenon that is their new home while trying to resolve the issues of their broken family. I look forward to reading more as the story unfolds and we come to know the true nature of these edgy characters along with the horror that befalls within the House.
Questions:
1. What is the significance of the extensive use of footnotes?
2. Does the unconventional way this book is written apply to each character’s unique story?
3. What motivated Will Navidson to document his family’s move?
4. Does Zampanò have a sort of sixth sense?
5. Why is Johnny Truant so committed to his research?
It starts out as a narrative by Johnny Truant, a man who works as an apprentice in a tattoo shop in Los Angeles, leading a seemingly carefree lifestyle centered on drugs and nightly outings. His world is abruptly shaken, upon receiving a phone call from his friend Lude. Lude tells him of his elderly neighbor, a man named Zampanò who just recently passed, leaving behind an apartment full of undiscovered secrets. Johnny is immediately taken by a manuscript he uncovers in this man’s apartment, and chooses to undertake the very difficult task of chronicling this work. The narrator is then switched to Zampanò reciting “The Navidson Record” which deals with a documentary by Will Navidson recording his family’s journey as they move into their new house in Virginia. This house defies all dimensions of reality by appearing larger on the inside than it is the outside. As the story progresses there are continuous shifts between narrators as we gain true insight on the Navidson family, the life led by Zampanò and the troubled past of Johnny Truant. The most fascinating character thus far is none other than Johnny Truant, as he shows various layers of his personality through his literary commitments, uncanny story-telling abilities and lust for women of questionable morals. The character of Zampanò is quite outrageous himself, having seemingly come up with an entire novels-worth of commentary, based on a nonexistent film called “The Navidson Record” ,despite him being blind and uneducated. The Navidson family is gripping as well, as they struggle to explain the phenomenon that is their new home while trying to resolve the issues of their broken family. I look forward to reading more as the story unfolds and we come to know the true nature of these edgy characters along with the horror that befalls within the House.
Questions:
1. What is the significance of the extensive use of footnotes?
2. Does the unconventional way this book is written apply to each character’s unique story?
3. What motivated Will Navidson to document his family’s move?
4. Does Zampanò have a sort of sixth sense?
5. Why is Johnny Truant so committed to his research?
Sylvia Bea
The book starts out with a guy named Johnny Truant, who is the narrator. His friend Lude tells him about an old man named Zampano who died. He lived in the same apartment building as him. Johnny looks in his apartment and finds a manuscript written by Zampano about a documentary film called The Navidson. He looks through the old man's trunk, reading papers found in there and learns some interesting stuff. Zampano's narrative is about the Navidson family. When the Navidson return home from Seattle, they realize the house had changed. What's peculiar is how the measurements from the inside of the house are different from the outside. This seems to be a mystery.
It's very intriguing how this book is written and the unusual page layout, which sets it apart from other books I've read. It was surprising at first how the story switched back and forth on Johnny's life and Zampano's report on the film. This may seem complex, but the different font/ style of the text helps make it easier for the reader to follow what's going on. It helps distinguish one topic from another. The way things are described and how the story is written, helps grab the attention of the reader. I noticed that the word "house" in blue letters appeared several times. This seemed to have caught my attention and makes me wonder if this signifies anything. Also, the riddle in Chapter IV has caught my attention as well as some foreign languages seen in the text.
Discussion questions:
1) Does the word "house" in blue letters signify anything?
2)Are the footnotes important, do they mean anything?
3) What is the significance of the riddle in Chapter IV?
It's very intriguing how this book is written and the unusual page layout, which sets it apart from other books I've read. It was surprising at first how the story switched back and forth on Johnny's life and Zampano's report on the film. This may seem complex, but the different font/ style of the text helps make it easier for the reader to follow what's going on. It helps distinguish one topic from another. The way things are described and how the story is written, helps grab the attention of the reader. I noticed that the word "house" in blue letters appeared several times. This seemed to have caught my attention and makes me wonder if this signifies anything. Also, the riddle in Chapter IV has caught my attention as well as some foreign languages seen in the text.
Discussion questions:
1) Does the word "house" in blue letters signify anything?
2)Are the footnotes important, do they mean anything?
3) What is the significance of the riddle in Chapter IV?
Emily Skahill
Truthfully, this novel is confusing me. It's hard to follow The Navidson Record because Truant's footnotes are always in the middle of pages. Traunt's stories are easier to follow whereas The Navidson Record seems to be constantly building anticipation for future events while giving a background for all the characters. Despite my confusion I'm still very curious to find out what will happen. Does the word house have a deeper meaning other than a place people reside? Navidson does not seem very sane at some points, is there something in particular wrong with him? Are all the footnotes relevant to the story? I mean, is it important to read about Navidson's childhood, will it help me to understand the novel better? This novel is really going to freak me out. For example, Traunt's description of someone waiting in the silence for him about to attack really scared me. I'm scared yet still intrigued.
julie Morvitz
When I first started reading House of Leaves, I was confused as to whether the narration was all part of the movie, or whether Johnny was speaking. As I continued reading, I found it interesting that Johnny was speaking through the footnotes, which seem to be an important part of the reading. This is unlike many other books, where most people barely notice the footnotes. I also found it interesting that The Navidson Record is actually a film that is being described in writing, which is unusual to see.
After reading the inside flap of the book, I expected the house’s size to be strange from the moment the family moved in. Having the family come back from vacation only to find their house different than it was before is an interesting way to bring this twist into the plot.
Questions
1. Why are there so many references to the word “blue”, and why is every time “house” is mentioned, it is printed in blue?
2. Is there significance to the number ¼ or 5/16? In other words, why not make the house 2 inches different on the inside than on the outside?
3. What happens to Navidson’s family when he gets old?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Katherine Tesi
Although we have just begun to read this novel, within the first forty pages I can’t help but feel as though the narrator, Johnny, is anything but reliable. The book begins with Johnny’s introduction of how after researching Zampano’s writings of the “Navidson Record”, he finds that much of what is written about the movie, is false and based on a movie that doesn’t even exist. Johnny’s issues with drugs become apparent and his sanity can begin to be questioned. Zampano’s writings are dusted with the narration of Johnny’s daily life, which often include seemingly bizarre topics and stories. Upon reading most of Johnny’s tales and incidents, I cannot come to trust a word he writes. In reading Johnny’s accounts I can only think that he too has begun to falsify much of his stories, similar to Zampano.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is the word “house” printed in blue?
2. How can the reader distinguish between the truth and lies within both Zampano’s and Johnny’s stories?
3. What is the significance of the way the children react to the new closet compared to the reaction of the adults?
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is the word “house” printed in blue?
2. How can the reader distinguish between the truth and lies within both Zampano’s and Johnny’s stories?
3. What is the significance of the way the children react to the new closet compared to the reaction of the adults?
Kristy Medina
A Brief Synopsis: House of Leaves, by Mark Z. Danielewski, is a novel broken into three sections, the first being “The Navidson Record.” The family just moved to a house in Virginia. It is determined to have wrong dimensions. The house is a quarter of an inch too long from the inside than from the outside.
“The Navidson Record” is written down almost as a form of therapy because Karen gives him an ultimatum to either give up his professional life or lose his family. Navidson records events on a Hi-8 (recorder) around the house to capture realistic events, which is compared to MTV’s The Real World. One of the events shows how much Navidson cares for Karen.
Comments: The novel so far reminds me of some horror movies especially the Nightmare Before Christmas or Grindhouse, or even something written by Edgar Allen Poe. The style of writing seems to have multiple authors, which makes a lot easier to follow their distinct stories. I find this fun and interesting to see the two different perspectives however it has yet to fully grasp my complete attention. It seems a bit random and obscure. Yet the ideal of it being a horror story still compels me.
Questions:Why does house appear in blue text, even as a part of another word, example whorehouse?
Who is Holloway Roberts?
Should we be paying much attention to the footnotes?
Mike Lampasona
The beginning of this book caught my attention, with the narrator expressing regret for answering Lude's call. This book seems interesting, and I especially enjoy reading the sections written by Johnny Truant. However, it is confusing at parts, and I also do not understand the footnotes. Am I supposed to be absorbing any information from these footnotes?
Also, the descriptive language in this book is great. I thought the little tangent about the coffee and surface area, and the explanation for it, was a pleasure to read. I'm also curious about why house is written in blue, and I'm guessing that 5 and a half minute video clip has something to do with what's going to happen to the house later on. Zampano's history also seems like it can offer insight into the house, as I don't really understand his writings. I'm curious about Navidson's film, and also eager to learn about the fate of Daisy and Chad. I also noticed that Daisy is a common name for girls in books. Maybe I'm wrong but I've never known someone named Daisy in person, but heard it a few times in books. Well that's not really relevant, I guess. So here's my discussion questions...
1. Why is house written in blue?
2. What happened at the end of Chapter 4?
3. What's the passage about riddles on pages 33-34 about?
-Mike Lampasona
Also, the descriptive language in this book is great. I thought the little tangent about the coffee and surface area, and the explanation for it, was a pleasure to read. I'm also curious about why house is written in blue, and I'm guessing that 5 and a half minute video clip has something to do with what's going to happen to the house later on. Zampano's history also seems like it can offer insight into the house, as I don't really understand his writings. I'm curious about Navidson's film, and also eager to learn about the fate of Daisy and Chad. I also noticed that Daisy is a common name for girls in books. Maybe I'm wrong but I've never known someone named Daisy in person, but heard it a few times in books. Well that's not really relevant, I guess. So here's my discussion questions...
1. Why is house written in blue?
2. What happened at the end of Chapter 4?
3. What's the passage about riddles on pages 33-34 about?
-Mike Lampasona
Carly Cooper
I think that this book is really interesting, I was really confused at the beginning about what the Navidson record was, I did some research which helped a little but I am still pretty confused. The book is written in an interesting way that confuses me but also makes me curious about what will happen; it makes me want to read more. One important question I have is how to go about reading the foot notes; it seems that the introduction to the book has nothing to do with the actual story which is puzzling. However, many of the long footnotes seem to be a continuation of that introduction story.
First I was wondering why Navidson moved to this house in the first place. Also is there something psychologically wrong with Navidson? I ask this because of his unusual nightmares and the mention of a women’s name who nobody seems to know: Delial. Another issue I was having was with the written clips from the movies that Navidson has apparently made: exploration #4 being one of them. I don’t understand the clip of the staircase, the little girl crying, or the blood on the floor.
First I was wondering why Navidson moved to this house in the first place. Also is there something psychologically wrong with Navidson? I ask this because of his unusual nightmares and the mention of a women’s name who nobody seems to know: Delial. Another issue I was having was with the written clips from the movies that Navidson has apparently made: exploration #4 being one of them. I don’t understand the clip of the staircase, the little girl crying, or the blood on the floor.
Victoria Gornopolskaya
Chapter I-IV: House of Leaves
When I began reading this novel I was very intrigued by the way it was written. The introduction immediately caught my attention with the conversational and humorous style in which the narrator spoke as well as the suspenseful and dramatic tone that was used to illustrate the events that occurred. I loved the way Johnny Truant discussed his desperate wish to somehow go back and not answer Lude’s
Questions:
Is there a specific meaning the blue coloring of the word “house” each time it is used?
Was the measuring equipment used by the men really inaccurate?
How did Zampano discover all of this information if he was blind?
-Victoria Gornopolskaya
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
