Using Aristotle's Appeals

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

West pulled every possible appeal from Aristotle's list from me.
1. Logos- I not logical at all when it comes to reading. Okay, so logic in general is the appeal I struggle with as a writer and a reader. There is a part of me that doesn't understand how logic and art can exist as one; however, I know that many see literature, the humanities and other artistic genres through logical lenses. I didn't use these lenses while reading this text but I could identify her use of effective, persuasive reasoning and understood its importance.
2. Ethos- As an educator, and one who loves to read and write, I make the effort to see all sides of the content I research. When grading persuasive papers, I often find myself stretching my own personal ethos in order to see what the writer is trying to convey. I don't always agree with my students, but I don't grade based on common interests; if they have the sources to back up their claims, my opinion doesn't matter.
There were a few areas in West's book that pushed my own private boundaries, but it doesn't mean she doesn't have a moral compass. In fact, her drive and determination to share her message speaks volumes; she knows who she is and what she believes. I admire her courage for tackling issues that have become way too easy to sweep under the rug. We live in a country where we can read what we want and say what we think. Stashing frustrations and concerns into the closet when company visits may seem safe and/or tactful. I, myself, have stood back, sat quietly, or refrained from sharing my opinion for fear that I may offend the company I keep. Ethos doesn't expect one to shout from the rooftops. That very act would be a page taken from the book of pathos. A well thought out comment filled with consideration would make Aristotle proud.
3. Pathos. My Achilles heel. I love and hate. I am full of sadness and then overwhelmed with joy. I am a mountain climber who isn't afraid to cannonball into a deep, dark chasm. I live in the mob mentality and tend to let my feelings borrow the keys to my heart without taking the big picture into consideration. I've learned over the years that controlling my sensitivity sensor is a necessity. When I sit down to write, I emotionally vomit into the computer; I have to purge my inner passions before I allow ethos and logos to enter the building. 'Shrill' is full of pathos, which is probably the main reason I shouted "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" as well as expressing a series of four-letter words when I felt an uprise or protest was a possibility. Raw, authentic awareness is a great way to persuade and/or appeal to the reader's emotions. West reeled me in with wit and candor. I could include a plethora of quotes to show how I was beguiled but I believe one quote will suffice: “For me, the process of embodying confidence was less about convincing myself of my own worth and more about rejecting and unlearning what society had hammered into me.” The honest, genuine, terrifying truth in that statement speaks volumes.
West is brilliant. This text is magnificent. There were a few areas where her language or blatant honesty took me by surprise, but I won't condemn it. When recommending her book, I do include a brief statement regarding the language and subject matter. I don't include that clause to discourage future readers, I enclose it because the logos and ethos inside of me feel it is important; Aristotle would expect nothing less.