B.J. Novak response

All You Have to Do

B.J. Novak’s voice is very conversational. His tone is friendly, as if he is truly given advice to his dear friend, the reader. I enjoy how simplistic this short story is. Novak does not attempt to burden the reader with complicated language, but rather allows the simple images (i.e. red shirt) to speak for themselves.

“…should you wear another shirt on the date besides the red T-shirt, so it doesn't seem like you only have one shirt? Or should you wear the red T-shirt as always, in case the first date doesn't go well and you want a simple way to check if you caught anyone else's interest while you were out on the date?...I will let you know what I do when that comes up.”

Novak’s voice in the excerpt forms a common bond between himself and the reader. It is as if Novak is reaching out the reader for advice, then later assuming the reader’s interest in the subject. I also observe that I find myself caring more for the character through Novak’s amiable voice than I would through a more neutral voice.

Missed Connection: Grocery spill at 21st and 6th 2:30 pm on Wednesday

I love the connection between these two stories. I love how each character has a distinctive way of speech and how Novak is able to execute this through his word choice for each character. The format of each story says a lot about each character as well. The Male character speaks in concise thoughts and ideas, whereas the female is portrayed to have a continuous stream of dialogue. Each sentence she speaks inspires each additional sentence. I also love how Novak is able to vividly paint the brief relationship between these two characters through many specifics (Trader Joe’s red, medium salsa, the spelling of Lila). Novak’s effective portrayal of the two characters allows the reader to repaint the image of the two characters meeting.