Post #5

I believe there should be a line between genres. I think a memoir has to be at least 98% true to be considered non- fiction. Since an author is specifically writing a memoir- about one’s life, it should be true. You should be basing you memoir off your life and the adventures you have experienced. Therefore, an author shouldn't be making up events or story that hasn’t happened in their life. I also think that when using false information it can take away the meaning of the book.  I do believe that they can include a few details that are false; however there has to be very little and they are not included in major parts of the book.

I think its okay to add half- truths into a story to make it better, more interesting, and to hook the reader. However there is a limit with half- truths; the author shouldn’t be adding them everywhere and maybe 4-7 throughout the book. They also shouldn’t be exaggerated a ton. It could possibly upset the reader.

James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces, book was published as a memoir but later was marketed as semi- fictional due to using false information. I believe its okay that James used half- truths and some false information. However, because of the change of a memoir to a semi- fictional proves that James Frey used excessive amount of untruthful and dishonest material. This can make many readers upset and sad possibly to know that the story they just read they believed be true is false in parts.

Yes, I think David Shields is right, there needs to be a line between genres. There should be a strict line between fiction and non-fictional. It might even become where there shouldn’t be any false information at all. However as of now I believe in a non-fictional book there can be a few lies told. There should be a line between genres to help readers know what they are going to be reading. It will help prepare them and not upset them when told they were reading a memoir and later found is full of lies.