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Story Proof: The Science Behind the…
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Story Proof: The Science Behind the Startling Power of Story (edition 2007)

by Kendall Haven

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingConversations
804332,845 (3.71)None
This was a required text for my Storytelling class, and I have to say, it wasn't a favorite by any means. I found parts of this to be awfully dry in places, particularly chapter nine when the author is relating the findings of all these different studies, and terribly technical when he's talking about how the brain processes stories. I also felt like the purpose of this book was kind of a "preaching to the choir" for me personally, because I obviously feel storytelling and stories are important, or I would a) be working with kids b) want to be a Youth Services librarian or c) be taking this course. I feel like the general gist of this book could have been achieved for the purpose of this class by simply reading some articles.

That being said, here's what the author was trying to get across: stories have the power to catch your attention and draw you in. They are easier to comprehend than other types of nonfiction/technical writing, and by exposing children to stories, you're setting them up for an easier time of it in school when it comes time for them to start writing. Stories even translate to higher math/science skills. So, in a nutshell, here's a one line sentence to sum up this book: Read to your kids! ( )
  ahandfulofconfetti | Mar 28, 2012 |
Showing 4 of 4
Really interesting, useful ideas for the aspiring storyteller to explain what the craft is about. That said, I found myself losing focus and skimming fairly often due to the dense writing style. ( )
  AnnaWaffles | Aug 28, 2020 |
This was a required text for my Storytelling class, and I have to say, it wasn't a favorite by any means. I found parts of this to be awfully dry in places, particularly chapter nine when the author is relating the findings of all these different studies, and terribly technical when he's talking about how the brain processes stories. I also felt like the purpose of this book was kind of a "preaching to the choir" for me personally, because I obviously feel storytelling and stories are important, or I would a) be working with kids b) want to be a Youth Services librarian or c) be taking this course. I feel like the general gist of this book could have been achieved for the purpose of this class by simply reading some articles.

That being said, here's what the author was trying to get across: stories have the power to catch your attention and draw you in. They are easier to comprehend than other types of nonfiction/technical writing, and by exposing children to stories, you're setting them up for an easier time of it in school when it comes time for them to start writing. Stories even translate to higher math/science skills. So, in a nutshell, here's a one line sentence to sum up this book: Read to your kids! ( )
  ahandfulofconfetti | Mar 28, 2012 |
The first half of the book sought to define the term, and the other half provided evidence for the effectiveness of story. It is a very well researched book that describes how the mind works and how to best take advantage of it.

I learned:

To teach most effectively you must find an appropriate story to answer questions.

Actions have no meaning without goals and motives.

Human memory circuits don't distinguish between real and false memories. ( )
  heike6 | May 28, 2009 |
We have been hearing recently about the trend away from narrative fiction as the choice of a new generation. NCLB may have something to do with this if there is such a trend, and personally, I have been recommending the inclusion of more and mor nonfiction or informational books in the fare we promote to children and teens, but Have comes at us with the most articulate defense of story as an essential element in education. A long-time storyteller himself, Kenall has published many many collections that stimulate conversation and interest on the part of the listener. He looks both at the tradition and examines the research behind story to make his major point that we cannot ignore this genre and we do so at the peril of effective teaching and powerful teaching strategies. Today through Web 2.0 technologies, every young person has unlimited ways to write, perform, and share story and they are doing it through blogs, through video, and podcasts as never before in history. So, in the face of drill and kill reading programs, Haven reminds us that story can and is as powerful as ever. It’s a good read. A powerful reminder. Thanks kendall.
  davidloertscher | Dec 27, 2007 |
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