That was quite a read. Unfortunately I was wrong about the ending...again. I just never see them coming. Maybe I had an idea eventually that the way it ended was how it ended, but I can't remember. (There's irony there you will catch on to if you've read The Pact)
For this final blogpost I think I will discuss the use of dialogue.
Dialogue is interesting because it is the only time you get to really see a character for who they are. It's like the saying how actions speak louder than words but in this case words speak louder than thoughts.
Towards the end of The Pact was just dialogue. It was of a lawyer asking questions of the witness and a back and forth that was easily understood by the reader.
The struggle that arises when attacking dialogue is writing what you know. In order to speak as someone you must really know who they are. Even depending on the kind of lawyer a person is dictates how they will present opening and closing statements, and even how they interact with the witness.
An example of this is how a lawyer, Jordan, made those he questioned feel more comfortable, compared to the prosecutor. It doesn't only reflect on who the character is but allows real people to realize how they must be perceived in everyday life.
Thank you all and it has been fun keepin' up with the kardashi- i mean my blog.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The Pact- Half Way
This is some crazy stuff.
I now have a deeper understanding of what is happening as I have actually read it and I am revoking my previous statement that the mom did it.
So it is a little complicated so im going to try and explain this in the easiest way I can:
- 2 families
- One family has a daughter Emily
-Other family a son named Chris
- The 2 were always best friends as their moms were and eventually began dating
- Emily wanted to commit suicide
- She made a suicide pact with Chris
- They both tried to kill themselves one night and she was successful he was not
- Now chris is under trial as there is reason to believe he may have murdered Emily
- OH! and Emily was pregnant. Forgot that bit it seems important but no ones really talking about it
I now am going to say the Chris' dad has more to do with the whole scenario then is let on. We will see if I'm right.
I think I like Picoult books because the storylines are so interesting. Like Harry Potter, as I've mentioned before, I am interested and hooked in because of the actions taking place and then I become emotionally invested in the characters. That said, with novels where the characters are the focus I feel connected to them, and not as much the book.
Just some food for thought.
I now have a deeper understanding of what is happening as I have actually read it and I am revoking my previous statement that the mom did it.
So it is a little complicated so im going to try and explain this in the easiest way I can:
- 2 families
- One family has a daughter Emily
-Other family a son named Chris
- The 2 were always best friends as their moms were and eventually began dating
- Emily wanted to commit suicide
- She made a suicide pact with Chris
- They both tried to kill themselves one night and she was successful he was not
- Now chris is under trial as there is reason to believe he may have murdered Emily
- OH! and Emily was pregnant. Forgot that bit it seems important but no ones really talking about it
I now am going to say the Chris' dad has more to do with the whole scenario then is let on. We will see if I'm right.
I think I like Picoult books because the storylines are so interesting. Like Harry Potter, as I've mentioned before, I am interested and hooked in because of the actions taking place and then I become emotionally invested in the characters. That said, with novels where the characters are the focus I feel connected to them, and not as much the book.
Just some food for thought.
A Little Princess finished
My aunt told me a story of how she and my little cousins were in the car and their tire went flat. She said she told the boys that when you're in this family you must learn to expect the unexpected! And my cousin Zach looked at her and said, "Mommy that is impossible."
But you know what is possible?
Expecting the expected. Which is exactly what occurred with me and this novel. Don't get me wrong I love a happy ending as much as the next girl and I'm always excited when the girl who deserves it gets it but sometimes it is a little disappointing. But the plot wasn't the point of the story.
The book's sleeve basically tells you the entirety of what occurs. The point of the story was for people to see someone they have the ability to be. It tries to inspire the best in people. It is kind of like Tuesday's With Morrie in that way. But this book feels more distant because of the time as well as knowing that it never actually happened.
On a different note, I was happy to learn this novel was transformed into a musical! I had never heard of it before and was really curious as to how it may have been portrayed on stage. I can't say I'm surprised. I was getting a My Fair Lady feel from this book anyway.
But you know what is possible?
Expecting the expected. Which is exactly what occurred with me and this novel. Don't get me wrong I love a happy ending as much as the next girl and I'm always excited when the girl who deserves it gets it but sometimes it is a little disappointing. But the plot wasn't the point of the story.
The book's sleeve basically tells you the entirety of what occurs. The point of the story was for people to see someone they have the ability to be. It tries to inspire the best in people. It is kind of like Tuesday's With Morrie in that way. But this book feels more distant because of the time as well as knowing that it never actually happened.
On a different note, I was happy to learn this novel was transformed into a musical! I had never heard of it before and was really curious as to how it may have been portrayed on stage. I can't say I'm surprised. I was getting a My Fair Lady feel from this book anyway.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The Pact- Introduction
Right on along to the next novel!
For the final book of the Independent reading cycle I have chosen something by Jodi Picoult. I always enjoy her books and I am confident this book will be no exception. The plot does seem a little strange. All I know right now is that it circulates around 2 teenagers who make a suicide pact.
What I'm excited for is the twist ending. I know Picoult usually takes something that may be insane and makes it seem realistic. So this time around I'm going to look and try and find the connection before she makes it for me.
Before even starting I'm going to go ahead and say the mom did it.
For the final book of the Independent reading cycle I have chosen something by Jodi Picoult. I always enjoy her books and I am confident this book will be no exception. The plot does seem a little strange. All I know right now is that it circulates around 2 teenagers who make a suicide pact.
What I'm excited for is the twist ending. I know Picoult usually takes something that may be insane and makes it seem realistic. So this time around I'm going to look and try and find the connection before she makes it for me.
Before even starting I'm going to go ahead and say the mom did it.
A Little Princess- Midway
Is it bad I keep wanting to call the main character the little princess that could?
Yes? .... Okay fine.
This book is not bad! Unfortunately it does seem to be a little bit character only based but I'm enjoying it. Basically, Sara was extremely wealthy and dropped at a boarding school where she was doing really well until something happened and she became a beggar...kind of.
The whole idea of Sara is that she is who she is because of her ability to pretend. Specifically, to pretend she is a princess. Not because she wants to be treated as a royal, but because of how she wants to treat others. This video comes to mind.
It is something I appreciate. Pretending to be something to become that something I mean. It is kind of like fake til you make it but it sounds classier.
As much as the first sentence on this page was a joke, it is sort of true. Sara isn't trying to achieve something for herself, but she is a little girl who knows she can. She is the kind of character who is wise beyond her years and knows who she is. She is even willing to be a young girls adopted mother at at a very young age herself to help someone she knows could use it.
I'm quite excited to finish this book up. I know that is getting somewhere good. I feel as though it will all turn out for the better. Someone as good as Sara must be rewarded with good karma.
This book is not bad! Unfortunately it does seem to be a little bit character only based but I'm enjoying it. Basically, Sara was extremely wealthy and dropped at a boarding school where she was doing really well until something happened and she became a beggar...kind of.
The whole idea of Sara is that she is who she is because of her ability to pretend. Specifically, to pretend she is a princess. Not because she wants to be treated as a royal, but because of how she wants to treat others. This video comes to mind.
It is something I appreciate. Pretending to be something to become that something I mean. It is kind of like fake til you make it but it sounds classier.
As much as the first sentence on this page was a joke, it is sort of true. Sara isn't trying to achieve something for herself, but she is a little girl who knows she can. She is the kind of character who is wise beyond her years and knows who she is. She is even willing to be a young girls adopted mother at at a very young age herself to help someone she knows could use it.
I'm quite excited to finish this book up. I know that is getting somewhere good. I feel as though it will all turn out for the better. Someone as good as Sara must be rewarded with good karma.
A Little Princess- Introduction
Book number 4...what a wild crazy ride.
This book was recommended to me by Kara Miles. She says it's a good read, which as we all know can be quite dangerous.
The novel is realistic fiction, a period piece in the early 1900s, and is based upon a little girl named Sara. I do not know very much of what the story will bring. Here's what I'm hoping for:
A good story. Do you know how hard it can be to find those? Sometimes plots seem unreal and other times it is so focused on characters and symbolism that I find myself skimming through a page just to get to something interesting.
My mom asks why I reread Harry Potter over and over and it is mostly because for me, the plot just doesn't old. It was first the plot I came to enjoy, and then I felt connected to characters.
That may just be me though. Either way I'm excited for this read!
This book was recommended to me by Kara Miles. She says it's a good read, which as we all know can be quite dangerous.
The novel is realistic fiction, a period piece in the early 1900s, and is based upon a little girl named Sara. I do not know very much of what the story will bring. Here's what I'm hoping for:
A good story. Do you know how hard it can be to find those? Sometimes plots seem unreal and other times it is so focused on characters and symbolism that I find myself skimming through a page just to get to something interesting.
My mom asks why I reread Harry Potter over and over and it is mostly because for me, the plot just doesn't old. It was first the plot I came to enjoy, and then I felt connected to characters.
That may just be me though. Either way I'm excited for this read!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
To Kill A Mockingbird- completed
No spoilers are really ahead as I would like to discuss something a little different.
Titles. Book titles are so surprisingly important. It is what makes us reach for a specific novel on the shelf and is what grabs interest. I feel as though all too many book don't have nearly enough thought in the title. But this one did.
Confession: When I was little and saw my brother reading to Kill A Mockingbird I did not know what it was about. All I really knew was of a person named Boo Radley, who I decided was a soldier and I did not understand why he was killing birds. That is the beauty in the title.
On page 74 Atticus Finch says when discussing what is and isn't okay to shoot, "...but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
Another character Miss MAudie goes on to explain to Scout that Atticus is right as "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us."
The same thing goes for people. You cannot try and hurt the defenseless. It is a sin.
Scout seems to learn this lesson as the title is mentioned again later in the story. on page 234 she says on the death of someone who needs to played a certain way, "Well it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?" Making it clear the lesson meant to be taken away from the novel.
I like the this title did not resemble plot, but rather a them. It isn't about what it's like to kill a mockingbird. It's about the repercussions from it and recognizing when what you're shooting at could very well be a bird trying to make some music for you.
Titles. Book titles are so surprisingly important. It is what makes us reach for a specific novel on the shelf and is what grabs interest. I feel as though all too many book don't have nearly enough thought in the title. But this one did.
Confession: When I was little and saw my brother reading to Kill A Mockingbird I did not know what it was about. All I really knew was of a person named Boo Radley, who I decided was a soldier and I did not understand why he was killing birds. That is the beauty in the title.
On page 74 Atticus Finch says when discussing what is and isn't okay to shoot, "...but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
Another character Miss MAudie goes on to explain to Scout that Atticus is right as "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us."
The same thing goes for people. You cannot try and hurt the defenseless. It is a sin.
Scout seems to learn this lesson as the title is mentioned again later in the story. on page 234 she says on the death of someone who needs to played a certain way, "Well it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?" Making it clear the lesson meant to be taken away from the novel.
I like the this title did not resemble plot, but rather a them. It isn't about what it's like to kill a mockingbird. It's about the repercussions from it and recognizing when what you're shooting at could very well be a bird trying to make some music for you.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
To Kill A Mockingbird- Halfway
The book is living up to what I expected.
(Quick sidebar and commentary:
Isn't it the worst when you expect great things from a book and walk away disappointed. You want to enjoy it and yet you can't make yourself. I kind of admire those can make themselves. I feel like they are also the people who are happy in every situation of life as well.)
Back to the book. The story is focused around the Finch family living a small town during the 1930s. Atticus Finch is raising his 2 children (Jem and Scout) motherless, trying to teach them to view every person as an equal. Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill are mesmerized by the seemingly haunted Radley house across the way where a man named Boo Radley is said to be yet is never seen. Also, Mr. Finch is a lawyer who is to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who everyone feels will lose. Currently many plots are occurring but I can feel that they will come together. I just need to know how.
Character wise, I love Scout. She is the younger sister who tries to be a lady and usually fails, but is obviously very bright. Often time Harper Lee writes of small occurrences that seem unneeded to the plot development such as Scouts relationship with Dill. However, like a play everything in the story is there for a reason. Part of what makes a good book great is when the characters feel incredibly real. Without the little aspects included in the story, everything might feel different.
(Quick sidebar and commentary:
Isn't it the worst when you expect great things from a book and walk away disappointed. You want to enjoy it and yet you can't make yourself. I kind of admire those can make themselves. I feel like they are also the people who are happy in every situation of life as well.)
Back to the book. The story is focused around the Finch family living a small town during the 1930s. Atticus Finch is raising his 2 children (Jem and Scout) motherless, trying to teach them to view every person as an equal. Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill are mesmerized by the seemingly haunted Radley house across the way where a man named Boo Radley is said to be yet is never seen. Also, Mr. Finch is a lawyer who is to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who everyone feels will lose. Currently many plots are occurring but I can feel that they will come together. I just need to know how.
Character wise, I love Scout. She is the younger sister who tries to be a lady and usually fails, but is obviously very bright. Often time Harper Lee writes of small occurrences that seem unneeded to the plot development such as Scouts relationship with Dill. However, like a play everything in the story is there for a reason. Part of what makes a good book great is when the characters feel incredibly real. Without the little aspects included in the story, everything might feel different.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
To Kill A Mockingbird- Opening
"This could be the start of something new"-High School Musical
A new book that is.
Onto number three.
A classic is a classic for a reason. I am so happy I can begin a novel that is so universally loved, To Kill a Mockingbird. There are so many references made to this book in all aspects of life I'm just excited to be a part of them. For example, one of my favorite TV shows made a reference to Scout:
I can't find the video. Watch the series and then we can talk.
What I expect from this book is a story that will make me think. Something that is a reflection on time and the people living in the era. Something that explains why so many chose this novel as their favorite of all time.
Given research and reflection on the times, I expect to see racism and the people evolving out of it. I hope I can gain a very thorough understanding of the period in time history class has always harped on, but in the format of a story telling of true lives (well not true, but realistic).
A new book that is.
Onto number three.
A classic is a classic for a reason. I am so happy I can begin a novel that is so universally loved, To Kill a Mockingbird. There are so many references made to this book in all aspects of life I'm just excited to be a part of them. For example, one of my favorite TV shows made a reference to Scout:
I can't find the video. Watch the series and then we can talk.
What I expect from this book is a story that will make me think. Something that is a reflection on time and the people living in the era. Something that explains why so many chose this novel as their favorite of all time.
Given research and reflection on the times, I expect to see racism and the people evolving out of it. I hope I can gain a very thorough understanding of the period in time history class has always harped on, but in the format of a story telling of true lives (well not true, but realistic).
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Tuesdays with Morrie- FINISHED
That book was amazing. I said that in my last post but I would like to reiterate it here. Where to even begin. It was one of those books that gave you life lessons...mostly because that was the premise of the story. But for this final reflection I would like to discuss the author's craft.
The author, Mitch Albom knew he was going to write this book when Morrie was still alive. He knew it was something he could pursue, even though he was just a sports journalist then. His style of writing was so interesting. He constantly used moments to reflect on how he had been a bad person, yet I never disliked him. Just through the way of his writing he proved even further how important it is to recognize what has happened in your life that you are not proud of. It is the only way to do something different.
Mitch Albom was quite similar to the man who wrote "Cancer's Oddest Effect" Dan Barry. It may have just been the fact that both men reflected on the fact that life is precious and sometimes it takes death to clear it up. But I also feel as though their usage of sarcasm, even how they admired their wives for their ability to see things clearer than them were strikingly similar.
From this I hope to develop my writing a little differently. I want to approach it in a similar way as Alborn and Brown just to try it out. I think it is amazing when just reading a book makes me want to change not just my writing but sometimes even me.
The author, Mitch Albom knew he was going to write this book when Morrie was still alive. He knew it was something he could pursue, even though he was just a sports journalist then. His style of writing was so interesting. He constantly used moments to reflect on how he had been a bad person, yet I never disliked him. Just through the way of his writing he proved even further how important it is to recognize what has happened in your life that you are not proud of. It is the only way to do something different.
Mitch Albom was quite similar to the man who wrote "Cancer's Oddest Effect" Dan Barry. It may have just been the fact that both men reflected on the fact that life is precious and sometimes it takes death to clear it up. But I also feel as though their usage of sarcasm, even how they admired their wives for their ability to see things clearer than them were strikingly similar.
From this I hope to develop my writing a little differently. I want to approach it in a similar way as Alborn and Brown just to try it out. I think it is amazing when just reading a book makes me want to change not just my writing but sometimes even me.
I highly recommend this book.
Tuesdays With Morrie- Midway/Sorry I kind of finished it but I'll post two seperate post ideas
So I started my book Tuesdays With Morrie during IE one day and then was finished by the time I got home. It was really good. I'm lucky I got this book right after my last one...I was starting to give up on books. Just kidding.
Anyway for the purpose of this post I'm going to write as though 'm halfway through.
The novel is basically about a man named Morrie who is diagnosed with ALS and basically has a year to prepare himself for death. The author, Mitch, is reflecting on his relationship with his old teacher Morrie, who in his last year was able to give Morrie all his secrets to life on subjects such as death, family, ect.
This book is full of highlightable, fold the page to go back to kind of quotes. Below are some of my favorite:
Page 64: "The culture doesn't encourage you to think about such things until your about to die. We're so wrapped up in egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks- we're involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going.So we don't get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, Is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?"
Pg 83: "Most of us walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half asleep, ding thing we automatically think we have to do."
pg 103: "Learn to detatch. " He opened his eyes. He exhaled. "You know what Buddhists say? Don't cling to things because everything is impermanent."
That's all for now! Continue to my final one of this book to see more!
Anyway for the purpose of this post I'm going to write as though 'm halfway through.
The novel is basically about a man named Morrie who is diagnosed with ALS and basically has a year to prepare himself for death. The author, Mitch, is reflecting on his relationship with his old teacher Morrie, who in his last year was able to give Morrie all his secrets to life on subjects such as death, family, ect.
This book is full of highlightable, fold the page to go back to kind of quotes. Below are some of my favorite:
Page 64: "The culture doesn't encourage you to think about such things until your about to die. We're so wrapped up in egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks- we're involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going.So we don't get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, Is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?"
Pg 83: "Most of us walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half asleep, ding thing we automatically think we have to do."
pg 103: "Learn to detatch. " He opened his eyes. He exhaled. "You know what Buddhists say? Don't cling to things because everything is impermanent."
That's all for now! Continue to my final one of this book to see more!
tuesdays with Morrie- Introduction
Well I'm moving on. Away from a book I say I will but probably won't finish.
I'm taking a new person's recommendation: Delany Doran.
I trust this girl so I'm hoping for good things. The novel Tuesday's with Morrie is one I feel as though I will enjoy. I'm sort of expecting it to be like sitting down and receiving wisdom from my grandfather. Except through paper. And also...not from my grandfather.
So far all I saw was a picture of Morrie dancing on the inside cover and already I know I'll like this book. I see that guy dancing and I already thought "Yeah, that's what I want to be like when I'm old."
I see tears ahead as I know the sad fate for Morrie is death. I'm interested to see what it is like reading a book already knowing what is going to happen to the characters. Will it be like if I read Divergent already know that
***SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ IF YOU PLAN TO LOOK INTO THE DIVERGENT SERIES. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SCROLL***
Tris dies?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
A Prayer for Owen Meany- Midway
- Introduce
the concept of the story.
- Provide
a reaction/reflection based on what has surprised, delighted, and/or
disappointed you.
- Embed
a few quotes with analysis
- Make
predictions based on your inferences and analysis
- Incorporate
ideas from the recent reading workshop lessons
This novel is a struggle. I am in struggle city and I am the mayor. The book is about everything and nothing at the same time. The basics are listed below:
The relationship between childhood friends
A relationship with religion
Maturing
Familial Conflict
In a more specific way of describing it:
The narrator is reflecting on his younger life and his best friend Owen Meany. They grew up together and the narrator views Owen as holy, and as a godly figure. The struggles their relationship went through more trouble than most kid friendships. For example, Owen is partially responsible for the accidental tragedy of the narrator's mother.
Because the plot does not seem to be developed, I have no idea where the book is going. The novel is frustrating because I can recognize symbolism and yet I have no idea what it means. It is quite annoying.
I have chosen to take a break from the book. I'll come back to it (I hope) but for now I am going to move on to another novel which will hopefully be more enjoyable.
Monday, March 3, 2014
A Prayer for Owen Meany- Introduction
This book was written by John Irving, a very well known author though not for this text necessarily. The genre is realistic fiction and is centered around the relationship between to young boys as well as their relationship with religion. This book was recommended to me by another English teacher, Mrs. Smith, who told me it was an amazing read. I expect a very good read as Mrs. Smith said she "cried at the end, not necessarily because it was sad but because she was so attached to the characters." From the beginnings of the novel, the historical context seems to be pretty present day though the narrator speaks frequently of the past. I hope it's a good read!!
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