Journal #5 - Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

In my opinion, Z.Z. Packer is a brilliant writer. It takes a very talented writer to write the way she does -- so sarcastic, blunt, in your face, and brash -- all while still being able to beautifully articulate her sense of place an atmosphere. Packer has a very distinct writing style. She does a great job using quotations and dialogue.

After really trying to focus on the more subtle parts of Packer's writing style, it seemed to me that she is able to make is exactly as if the reader were in the scene. She executes this style well -- pausing at various points in her stories or commentary to take the reader off in some other direction or thought. I believe that is her way of really putting the reader in the story. Packer is also not shy in her use of..... well.... lets say verbs. Some people may feel this style of writing is too in your face or up-front, but I think that is exactly what Packer is looking for. Packer is not afraid to curse or use slang in her stories. This brings a real authentic feel to them.

I think that all in all, Packer uses her different styles for one main reason -- to get the reader more involved in the story. Whether she be using similes and metaphors, sarcasm, or quotes, it is all done in order to give the story authenticity. Packer throws in whatever words will make the story flow in a very distinct way. It is almost as if she is poetic in her speech. When she does things like compare the Dean lighting his lighter to a detective, it allows the reader to see and feel the specifics of what went on.