Classmate/Short Take Response: Small But Mighty Winter

*Drum roll* *Mic descends* *Contenders strut forward*

On the Short Takes corner, spanning 7 pages long, story about a father and his outdoor furnace, let's hear it for Larry Woiwode's Winter! *crowd cheers*

And on the classmate essay corner, checking in with 4,304 characters, of siblings and might, give it up for Small and Mighty by Samantha Caulfield!! *enthusiastic chants*

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Thing thing I find similar with the two stories are their concise and simple writing style. Both authors project simple complete sentences, devoid from complicated abstract notions that occasionally "turns off" the readers interest, which generates an intimacy with the readers--as if the author is your friend and is speaking directly to tell you a story. Related to that, both Woiwode and Caulfield employ dialogues in their writing to give a real life representation of the characters and the moments they experience and further establishes a connection with reader.

The thing I enjoy most about the two pieces are how both are able to present a meaningful message through trivial-everyday-routines.Woiwode's perspective on life's short span, stemming from a broken furnace, and Caulfield's discovery of sisterhood through a racing sport, shows readers how their minds work and challenges our own thoughts about family bonds.