What is Creative Nonfiction?

     The first impression I recieved from the reading was that the term "creative nonfiction" seemed to stir up some turmoil about what exactly it entails, or does not entail. Many different styles of writing can fit into the category of creative nonfiction (CN), though some linger on the fence of other genre's, such as autobiography or memoir. But these can also be seen as sub genres in terms of CN. The term in itself seems controversial in many ways, with some believing others, such as "literary nonfiction", better suit the genre.
     But what seems to be generally accepted are the aesthetic and stylistic elements that make CN what it is. The presence of "I" seems to be very powerful, and it many times is not what is being written about that is substantial, but how it was written. The main purpose isn't normally for the author to persuade or convince the reader, but to move them. To bring the audience to a vivid moment in their life, and make them feel as if they saw what the author saw, felt what he felt. CN is about the reading experience.
      As CN is based upon the author's recollection of a moment, it is hard to categorize or draw limits to whether something is true, or embellished. It is based more on how the author felt, and trying to express that emotion to her readers. CN is supposed to be based on real life events experienced by the writer, but can be expressed creatively, as the term explains.

Part 2 of My 6 Panel Autobiography

      I vividly remember the day my parent sat my older brother and I, six at the time, down at the table to give us some "exciting news". They beamed that they would be bringing us a little brother or sister into the world sometime soon. My brother and I were giddy with excitement, and right then, I just knew that she was going to be a little girl.
      After living all six years of my life with my brother, I became certain that I had done nothing to deserve the unbearable punishment of having two brothers. This reasoning convinced me right away that the little baby stretching out my mom's stomach could be nothing other than a precious little girl, just like me.
So when the day arrived for my perfect little sister to pop out of my mother's belly button, I found myself slightly hysterical when I first saw the baby with a little blue cap and blanket. Why would they put boy clothes on my little sister? The reality started to seep in that the ugly little creature was in fact a boy, and I could think of only one thing to do: cry. And I did, for days and days, wondering what I had done to make God so mad.
      Now, twelve years later, I look back and laugh at my childish reaction to the birth of my adorable little brother, and realize that I wouldn't have wanted him any other way.

"Six Panel Autobiography" by Jeffrey Brown

     Different from the previous three creative nonfiction pieces we've read, Brown's autobiography is very contrite and to the point. I found it interesting and very telling for as brief as it is. The element of graphics in this piece is very revealing when combined with the short blurbs in each panel. Such as when Brown introduced his father as a minister, the illustration shows Brown sitting in a pew looking forlorn. This reveals a great amount about how Brown felt/feels about his father's occupation, and his involvement with it. Then, as he writes about his interest in reading and comics, the illustration shows the subtle happiness and content in his face. This informs the reader of Brown's interests and passions, and how it led him on the journey he chose. This continues in every panel, and in a very simple and practical manner. This combination of illustrations and captions is an effective way for a condensed autobiography to still effectively relay the intended affect.

"American Goth" by Sarah Vowell

     This nonfiction story by Vowell was a very enjoyable read. The combination of irony, self realization and satire keep the reader intrigued throughout the piece. One element that I especially appreciated was when Vowell was getting made over by her Goth friends, and as she was enjoying it, she realized that the "torture" her mother forced on her as a child, may have been her mother's attempt to communicate her love to her daughter. I could also personally relate to Vowell, as I have always had a book in my hand since childhood as well.
     An interesting point in the piece was how people's perceptions of us may stem from our outer appearance, but are held by out personalities and mannerisms. As much as Vowell wanted to be viewed as rough and distant, she couldn't escape her welcoming and happy aura, despite the tantalizing promises made by her Goth friends. Even decked out in black lace with a snake birthmark on her cheek, the taxi driver warmed up to Vowell and saw her kindness.

"My Little Brother Ruined My Life" by Stephen Elliot

      Here Elliot tells the story of a period of ten days spent with his younger brother, sent to visit him by Elliot's estranged father. Though the piece basically highlights the activities and outings shared between the brothers, Elliot incorporates his opinions and memories in a way that brings an intimate depth to the story. I especially enjoyed this because by reading Elliot's thoughts and concerns about Bosco, the reader develops a keen awareness of exactly how Elliot was as a teenager. By noticing the activities Bosco is participating in, as well as his naive sense of invincibility, Elliot portrays to the reader how similar he was to Bosco, and how he wishes Bosco not take the same paths he did. He also incorporates emotional irony, at first wishing his brother to go home, and at the end trying to figure out a way for Bosco to stay.
     This piece comments on the intricate and awkward relationship that brothers have, exemplified in the half hug half handshake that took place between the two at Bosco's departure. Elliot travels along the spectrum of love and envy when it comes to his feelings toward his brother, who he feel he can never fully relate to because of the animosity towards his father, aw well as their day and night up-bringings. This story reveals a significant amount about Elliot's family, and some built up resentment he has for the way things have turned out.

"Big Boy" by David Sedaris

      This passage by David Sedaris is a light, humorous piece about a man, presumably David himself) caught in a very sticky situation. I specifically enjoyed this piece of creative nonfiction because of how Sedaris incorporated a few very thought provoking questions in the final paragraph. I believe that he meant for readers to perceive his story as amusing and lighthearted, but not without twisting their brain to find some significance hiding between the pieces of smashed up turd. After torturing himself with the feces of an anonymous and assumedly very healthy eater, Sedaris questions why he even bothered with it in the first place. Was it because he was worried about how others would perceive him? Did he learn a lesson?
      Sedaris cleverly analogizes the times in a person's life when something unexpected happens that at the time may seem unbearable and life altering, yet when everything is all said and done, one wonders why they were so up in arms in the first place. Sedaris' piece is a fun read, with a little kick.