A reaction paper is a written response to a book, article, or other text. It is a way for the writer to express their thoughts and feelings about the material, and to demonstrate their understanding of the material. In the social sciences and other fields, a reaction paper is often written in the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Here is an example of a reaction paper written in APA style:
Title: "Reflecting on 'The Glass Castle'"
Introduction:
In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls tells the story of her unconventional childhood and the tumultuous relationship she had with her parents. As I read this memoir, I found myself both moved and disturbed by the events described in the book. The poverty, neglect, and abuse that Walls and her siblings endured were difficult to read about, and I found myself feeling angry and frustrated on their behalf. However, I also appreciated the way that Walls was able to find hope and resilience in the midst of these challenges. In this paper, I will reflect on my reactions to the book and discuss some of the themes that stood out to me.
Body:
One of the main themes of "The Glass Castle" is the importance of family and the ways in which our relationships with our parents shape our lives. Walls' parents, Rex and Rose Mary, were deeply flawed individuals who often put their own desires ahead of the needs of their children. Rex was an alcoholic who was unable to hold down a job or provide for his family, while Rose Mary was a dreamer who was more interested in her art than in practical matters like feeding and clothing her children. Despite this, Walls and her siblings loved their parents and were willing to forgive them for their mistakes. This unconditional love and loyalty was both touching and heartbreaking to read about, as it was clear that the Walls' parents were unable or unwilling to provide the kind of care and support that their children needed.
Another theme that stood out to me was the power of perseverance and resilience. Despite the many hardships that Walls and her siblings faced, they were able to overcome their challenges and build successful lives for themselves. This was particularly striking to me because it showed that it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances and find success. Walls writes about her determination to succeed in school and her desire to escape the poverty and instability of her childhood. She also writes about her siblings' successes, including Lori's career as a lawyer and Brian's successful business ventures. These stories were inspiring and reminded me of the importance of hard work and determination.
Conclusion:
Overall, "The Glass Castle" was a powerful and thought-provoking read. It was difficult to read about the neglect and abuse that Walls and her siblings experienced, but it was also inspiring to see the ways in which they were able to overcome these challenges and build successful lives for themselves. The themes of family, perseverance, and resilience were particularly striking to me, and I will carry these lessons with me as I continue to read and learn about the world around me.
