"Signifyin"

There is definitely a common vernacular found amongst most African-Americans. Moore very plainly states this among other things in the "Black Aesthetics" section of his book. Then he dives into the concept of double meaning, saying that in black literature this is mostly seen as a type of metaphor; it says one thing but means another. After reading The First Part Last, I was trying to find this relationship and after discussing the book with the class I understood it some what better. "Signifyin" represents the double meaning, or double voice found within black literature. Even though I can see some of what Moore is talking about in The First Part Last as it relates to his concepts, I do not feel that it is necessary nor is it 100% applicable. To me this is just a theory that he came up with. I find it very awkward that he puts a racial label on a book based on how it is written. I hate to disagree with him, but I feel that his theory is merely an assumption that can not be proven. With all that being said, I would not apply "signifyin" to this book, but I would say that there is language throughout the text that is found predominantly in African-American culture.

What makes What I Saw and How I Lied a book that might be worthy of the National Book Award?

Blundell does an excellent job with this book. First, with her language she creates a very mature and thought provoking setting. As soon as I began reading the book I pictured a scene from the "Notebook." It was a very nostalgic book that really draws you in. This was definitely National Book Award worthy. Blundell used imagery and language that, to me, is very relatable to any age. Her creation of relationships and how they interact throughout the book is very easily understandable and I am sure many of the young readers can relate. The book is also a page turner, with every page she creates new detailed imagery or brings in new characters that always keep the reader on the edge.
I definitely enjoyed this book and feel that it is worthy of the National book award. She created a great story that is mature and relatable.