Third Response

"The Girls"
by Lori Lansens


Who else would be better to write an autobiography of your life but you? "The Girls" is an autobiography that is written by the main character Rose. Rose gets Ruby to write a couple of the chapters because it is the story of her life too. This style is effective because the reader then gets the first hand opinions and ideas of both of the girls. While writing, they will not let the other read what they have written. In the end they plan to put all their thoughts together. The way this is done is effective because opinions from both of the girls are given for different situations.

While telling their story the use of flashbacks is effective. Currently they are twenty nine turning thirty. When they are talking about a certain point in their life they flash back to it so that you as the reader feel like you are there watching. Due to the description that they use with everything they talk about which paints a picture in your mind. This gives you a double perspective because how they feel now about the situation is described as well as how they felt while it was happening.

A very informal tone is used through the novel. The way they talk is upbeat and exciting keeping the reader engaged. Tone, is the the voice that is trying to be heard through writing. Many examples are used to describe their life experiences.

Overall I felt the style used was very effective, especially the use of flash back and tone. I felt flashbacks gave a better understanding of the events happening, and the tone contributed to the perspective that the reader interprets.