Book 1 Post 1

For my first reading assignment in WRIT340, I chose How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming by Michael E. Brown. I was drawn to this memoir because I’ve always loved outer space. As a kid, I read dozens of books on the solar system and made my dad watch every space-related documentary with me. This fascination stemmed from an irrational fear of aliens, but as I grew older, it morphed into a genuine interest. Because of this, I vividly recall when, in elementary school, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. I was thrilled to hear such big news about outer space, and I remember all the kids talking about it for weeks on end.

Given my interest in outer space—and my love for memoirs—I’m eager to learn about the actual facts and considerations behind Pluto's reclassification. I'm also excited to explore the more personal aspects of the book. I’ve read several memoirs in the past and enjoy this genre because of its personal nature. Memoirs feel more authentic and relatable to me than other kinds of books. I always find myself in a reflective and appreciative state after reading one, and they tend to have a greater impact on me.

So far, I’m really enjoying How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming! I appreciate how the author explores science in an accessible way. Even when he explains complex topics, like the functionality of a telescope or the Kuiper Belt, he does so in a friendly and relatable manner. Another thing I enjoy is how the author portrays himself as highly relatable. He discusses his experiences in school, frustrations with his personal life, and his "hunch" about the existence of a planet beyond Pluto. His relatability has made me more inclined to keep reading and root for his research and "hunch." I also like how he tells his overall story through a series of smaller snippets of his life. I can recall a collection of three or four different memories and moments that he discussed over the course of just a couple pages. For example, he recounts his conversation with Sabine, then jumps to a story about his childhood, discusses the impact of his first telescope, and then tells us about his first time observing planets move in the sky. This quick writing style keeps me engaged and makes the story easier to read. 

I look forward to continuing the memoir!