My friends got me hooked on the House of Night Series books. I'm not going to lie; I didn't pay much attention when Mrs. Huff was talking about how good the book was because all I could think was, "vampires are overrated!" Boy, I was sure wrong!
(Each counts as 2 books.)
Marked: I started this book off thinking I was not going to enjoy it. As I got into it, though, I could not stop! I read the book in two days. It is written in a simple manner that is in modern language, so it was easy to understand and relate to. I really liked the fact that it brought vampires, or as Cast writes, vampyres, into a new light. She made the classic vampire into a more civilized creature, one that is more like a human than a monster. Cast incorporated the typical cliques: the good friend, the gay friend, the somewhat annoying friends, the evil girls, the hot guy. Plus, I'm always up for the good girl winning and getting the hot guy in the end :).
Betrayed: I had to read this book after reading the first one because it left me hanging, wanting more of my new-found love for vampyres. This book upset me, though. I did not want her friend to die! The best friend is not supposed to die! She is supposed to be there until the end. I did like the fact that it allied the evil girl and good girl together, but I was still mad that the one mother-like women to Zoey became an enemy. Plus, I could not stand the fact that Zoey was hurting the sweet Erik for a human and an adult vampyre, who I could tell was not good news! The way it ended, though, had me craving more!
Untamed: I read the 3rd book, Chosen, but I want to tell about the 4th one because the books get better as you keep reading, and Untamed has been my favorite (although, I am reading Hunted right now, and it's really good so far!). This book puts a whole new twist into the fantasy by bringing in some horror which I just love because I'm a fan of scary movies. I never thought a book could creep me out, but this book definitely succeeded in doing so. The book somewhat stressed me out, though, because of all of Zoey's stress and drama, all of which made me hurt and feel sympathy for her, while at the same time made me mad at her for causing it. As always, the ending keep me wanting more, so, of course, I immediately got the 5th book and started reading!
I would recommend these books to everyone because girls would love them, and guys might learn a thing or two from them. Beware: They are addictive! :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Abortion: Breaking The Silence
Abortion. Everyone knows about it, but very few people care to express their opinions on the issue for fear of causing disagreements and heated arguments. It's a silent issue that needs to be brought out into the open to discourage people of the practice.
_
Everyone knows the consequences of their actions, and when they can't handle those consequences, they immediately look for an easy way out. Abortion offers a quick fix for those who are not able to accept their mistakes or the possibilities that come with the birth of a child. Those people do not understand the damage they are doing not only to the baby, but also to themselves.
_
Abortion is selfish. Most people only use it to protect themselves from a hard life or to protect their status in life. Some, mostly young people, use it to protect their reputation and innocence; some use it to protect themselves from a child with disabilities; some use it to protect themselves from having to spend money on someone other than themselves; some, who get numerous abortions, even use it for birth control! The baby has no chance to even live its own life.
_
Abortion is murder. People try to convince themselves that what they are doing is right because they believe the child is not yet a person until a certain week in pregnancy or even until birth. The truth is, though, that a child becomes a living person when conceived. Abortion kills that baby. If you kill someone, it is murder whether that person in fully developed or not.
_
Abortion is harmful. Of course, the baby suffers death in an abortion, but the mother is also harmed. Usually, after an abortion, a woman may suffer from a life of perpetual guilt. Abortions can damage a woman's reproductive system making it impossible for them to ever conceive a child again, and, even if they do, it can increase chances of miscarriages, stillbirths, and other birthing complications.
_
People always try to argue that abortion can help protect the baby from a bad life of poverty, drugs, crime, etc. The women should have thought about the consequences before they acted and brought a baby into their life. If they did not take the time to think, there are options like adoption to help give the baby a better life because many people are not able to conceive and would be thankful for that baby.
_
Other people say abortion can protect a mother from death during birth. Today, doctors offer many test which can predict future birthing complications. Every woman who is ready to conceive should consider getting tested before they put their own life in danger and have to end the life of another.
_
There is only one exception. Abortion is only okay in certain issues such as rape where a woman cannot help the fact of conception and the complications that may follow. Even in this case, though, they should consider adoption rather than ending an innocent life.
_
Women need to consider all consequences before they act and damage their life and the life of an innocent, little baby. Ignorance is the only thing keeping a woman from this. Women have the choice to protect themselves and others, but they must stay informed and make the right choices. Abortion is selfish; abortion is murder; abortion is harmful. Abortion is NOT right!
_
Everyone knows the consequences of their actions, and when they can't handle those consequences, they immediately look for an easy way out. Abortion offers a quick fix for those who are not able to accept their mistakes or the possibilities that come with the birth of a child. Those people do not understand the damage they are doing not only to the baby, but also to themselves.
_
Abortion is selfish. Most people only use it to protect themselves from a hard life or to protect their status in life. Some, mostly young people, use it to protect their reputation and innocence; some use it to protect themselves from a child with disabilities; some use it to protect themselves from having to spend money on someone other than themselves; some, who get numerous abortions, even use it for birth control! The baby has no chance to even live its own life.
_
Abortion is murder. People try to convince themselves that what they are doing is right because they believe the child is not yet a person until a certain week in pregnancy or even until birth. The truth is, though, that a child becomes a living person when conceived. Abortion kills that baby. If you kill someone, it is murder whether that person in fully developed or not.
_
Abortion is harmful. Of course, the baby suffers death in an abortion, but the mother is also harmed. Usually, after an abortion, a woman may suffer from a life of perpetual guilt. Abortions can damage a woman's reproductive system making it impossible for them to ever conceive a child again, and, even if they do, it can increase chances of miscarriages, stillbirths, and other birthing complications.
_
People always try to argue that abortion can help protect the baby from a bad life of poverty, drugs, crime, etc. The women should have thought about the consequences before they acted and brought a baby into their life. If they did not take the time to think, there are options like adoption to help give the baby a better life because many people are not able to conceive and would be thankful for that baby.
_
Other people say abortion can protect a mother from death during birth. Today, doctors offer many test which can predict future birthing complications. Every woman who is ready to conceive should consider getting tested before they put their own life in danger and have to end the life of another.
_
There is only one exception. Abortion is only okay in certain issues such as rape where a woman cannot help the fact of conception and the complications that may follow. Even in this case, though, they should consider adoption rather than ending an innocent life.
_
Women need to consider all consequences before they act and damage their life and the life of an innocent, little baby. Ignorance is the only thing keeping a woman from this. Women have the choice to protect themselves and others, but they must stay informed and make the right choices. Abortion is selfish; abortion is murder; abortion is harmful. Abortion is NOT right!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Homework Hurts
"It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?" ---Henry David Thoreau
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Work, work, work. Many children spend hours and hours doing their homework each night. Homework is supposed to help---right? Therefore, the more children do, the more positive effects it is having---right? Actually, excessive homework forces many negative effects on the shoulders of not only children, but also the families of those children.
_
Excessive homework hinders the proper development of children. Today's school children spend numerous hours completing the ridiculous amounts of homework distributed by their teachers which eventually strips them of their needed sleep and exercise time. At a young age, children need this time for not only proper brain and physical development, but also proper emotional development. Supposedly, homework's goal is to help mature the brain, but when it is given in excess, it only hurts the brain.
_
Not only is homework hurting children's brain, but also it is an unknown cause of obesity in children. Spending so much time on homework, children are deprived of the beneficial amounts of exercise time needed to stay healthy; therefore, becoming what Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish call "homework potatoes."
_
Children's families are also hurt by excessive homework. Family time becomes inferior to the homework. Most children feel compelled to finish their homework; therefore, they miss out on time that could be spent at the dinner table, on a family trip, or bonding with family.
_
One might argue that family involvement is a benefit that results from homework. Usually, though, excessive homework sparks family arguments and fights over the issue of the amount of homework and time spent laboring over the work.
_
One might also try to argue that homework itself is beneficial for children giving them the self-discipline and work ethic needed to survive the world. According to Bennett and Kalish, the truth is, however, that there is "absolutely no proof that homework helps", especially when given in excess. Almost every child can tell you that, as they try to avoid the unnecessary load of work, procrastination becomes a favored habit.
_
I understand that homework has been around for a long time. I understand that teachers are not going to stop giving out homework. There are things, though, where more is not necessarily better. Homework is one of those things. Excessive homework does nothing but hurt children and their families. Why give so much homework out when it goes against every goal that schools strive for students to achieve?
_
Work, work, work. Many children spend hours and hours doing their homework each night. Homework is supposed to help---right? Therefore, the more children do, the more positive effects it is having---right? Actually, excessive homework forces many negative effects on the shoulders of not only children, but also the families of those children.
_
Excessive homework hinders the proper development of children. Today's school children spend numerous hours completing the ridiculous amounts of homework distributed by their teachers which eventually strips them of their needed sleep and exercise time. At a young age, children need this time for not only proper brain and physical development, but also proper emotional development. Supposedly, homework's goal is to help mature the brain, but when it is given in excess, it only hurts the brain.
_
Not only is homework hurting children's brain, but also it is an unknown cause of obesity in children. Spending so much time on homework, children are deprived of the beneficial amounts of exercise time needed to stay healthy; therefore, becoming what Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish call "homework potatoes."
_
Children's families are also hurt by excessive homework. Family time becomes inferior to the homework. Most children feel compelled to finish their homework; therefore, they miss out on time that could be spent at the dinner table, on a family trip, or bonding with family.
_
One might argue that family involvement is a benefit that results from homework. Usually, though, excessive homework sparks family arguments and fights over the issue of the amount of homework and time spent laboring over the work.
_
One might also try to argue that homework itself is beneficial for children giving them the self-discipline and work ethic needed to survive the world. According to Bennett and Kalish, the truth is, however, that there is "absolutely no proof that homework helps", especially when given in excess. Almost every child can tell you that, as they try to avoid the unnecessary load of work, procrastination becomes a favored habit.
_
I understand that homework has been around for a long time. I understand that teachers are not going to stop giving out homework. There are things, though, where more is not necessarily better. Homework is one of those things. Excessive homework does nothing but hurt children and their families. Why give so much homework out when it goes against every goal that schools strive for students to achieve?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sentence 12
Their sentence:
They weren't watching TV--they weren't in the computer room or the library, and they weren't in the kitchen, either.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The anaphora emphasizes the fact that Zoey is looking in many different places for her friends, and she still cannot locate them. The dash sets apart the failed continuity of her search after looking in the first location.
My sentence:
Dogs were lingering outside--dogs were in the car and the garage, and dogs were in the house, too.
They weren't watching TV--they weren't in the computer room or the library, and they weren't in the kitchen, either.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The anaphora emphasizes the fact that Zoey is looking in many different places for her friends, and she still cannot locate them. The dash sets apart the failed continuity of her search after looking in the first location.
My sentence:
Dogs were lingering outside--dogs were in the car and the garage, and dogs were in the house, too.
Sentence 11
Their sentence:
Sure, they were nice-looking--interesting actually, with their crescent moon outlines, and their uniforms that looked more like runway designs than school clothes--but they didn't have the glossy, inhumanly attractive light that radiated from inside each of the adult vampyres.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
Set apart with dashes, the descriptive phrase describing how nice-looking the young vampyres are--which also signals a subconscious break in thought--further heightens the unique beauty of the adult vampyres compared to that of the already amazing-looking young.
My sentence:
Yeah, we were smart--advanced actually, with our Pre-AP classes, and our calculators that looked more like huge computers than simple machines--but we didn't have the annoying, terribly repulsive arrogance that glowed from within each of the older students.
Sure, they were nice-looking--interesting actually, with their crescent moon outlines, and their uniforms that looked more like runway designs than school clothes--but they didn't have the glossy, inhumanly attractive light that radiated from inside each of the adult vampyres.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
Set apart with dashes, the descriptive phrase describing how nice-looking the young vampyres are--which also signals a subconscious break in thought--further heightens the unique beauty of the adult vampyres compared to that of the already amazing-looking young.
My sentence:
Yeah, we were smart--advanced actually, with our Pre-AP classes, and our calculators that looked more like huge computers than simple machines--but we didn't have the annoying, terribly repulsive arrogance that glowed from within each of the older students.
Sentence 10
Their sentence:
But remember, darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always bring good.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The antithesis within the sentence contrasts the balanced phrases while, at the same time, use them as a comparison of similarities to help Zoey, the main character, relate darkness to her knowledge of light in her initial life.
My sentence:
And think, wealth does not always lead to happiness, just as poverty does not always create sadness.
But remember, darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always bring good.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The antithesis within the sentence contrasts the balanced phrases while, at the same time, use them as a comparison of similarities to help Zoey, the main character, relate darkness to her knowledge of light in her initial life.
My sentence:
And think, wealth does not always lead to happiness, just as poverty does not always create sadness.
Sentence 9
Their sentence:
He's calling in our family shrink, the Incredibly Expressionless Man.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The appositive phrase sarcastically describes the family's shrink by labeling him.
My sentence:
She's summoning up their dead grandpa, the Unforgettably Fearless Guy.
He's calling in our family shrink, the Incredibly Expressionless Man.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The appositive phrase sarcastically describes the family's shrink by labeling him.
My sentence:
She's summoning up their dead grandpa, the Unforgettably Fearless Guy.
Sentence 8
Their sentence:
Something smelled amazing--hot and sweet and delicious.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The sentence further explains the extraordinary smell while the use of the polysyndeton set off by dashes emphasizes each individual description of the smell making them each equally important to the next.
My sentence:
Everything felt unwelcoming--chilly and quiet and unfriendly.
Something smelled amazing--hot and sweet and delicious.
from Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast
The sentence further explains the extraordinary smell while the use of the polysyndeton set off by dashes emphasizes each individual description of the smell making them each equally important to the next.
My sentence:
Everything felt unwelcoming--chilly and quiet and unfriendly.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sentence 7
Her sentence:
Kayla couldn't help but think that she probably ate like a...bird.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
In the sentence, Kayla's observation of a girl collides with realization of her possible identity--set apart from the rest of the sentence by a series of periods--as she remembers information revealed earlier in the book.
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My sentence:
I couldn't help but notice that she seemingly ran like a...robot.
Kayla couldn't help but think that she probably ate like a...bird.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
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In the sentence, Kayla's observation of a girl collides with realization of her possible identity--set apart from the rest of the sentence by a series of periods--as she remembers information revealed earlier in the book.
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My sentence:
I couldn't help but notice that she seemingly ran like a...robot.
Sentence 6
Her sentence:
Yes, I am down about a lot of things: I miss Kayla; I'm banged out about what's happening with David Young; I feel weak from the beating I took; and having this bar code on my wrist drives me into a murderous rage sometimes.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The independent clauses separated by semi-colons following the colon further explain the different "things" that are bringing the character down.
_
My sentence:
Indeed, she is happy with everything in life: She loves everyone; She's excited about her relationship with Charles; She looks toned from the workouts she attended; and obtaining the looks of her mom transforms her into an undeniable beauty somehow.
Yes, I am down about a lot of things: I miss Kayla; I'm banged out about what's happening with David Young; I feel weak from the beating I took; and having this bar code on my wrist drives me into a murderous rage sometimes.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The independent clauses separated by semi-colons following the colon further explain the different "things" that are bringing the character down.
_
My sentence:
Indeed, she is happy with everything in life: She loves everyone; She's excited about her relationship with Charles; She looks toned from the workouts she attended; and obtaining the looks of her mom transforms her into an undeniable beauty somehow.
Sentence 5
Her sentence:
The phoenix--the bird that is burned to ashes but rises to live again.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The fragment emphasizes a thought of realization while also bringing into perspective the significance of the phoenix with the appositive phrase.
_
My sentence:
Spanish--the subject that is hated by most but comes into relevance often.
The phoenix--the bird that is burned to ashes but rises to live again.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The fragment emphasizes a thought of realization while also bringing into perspective the significance of the phoenix with the appositive phrase.
_
My sentence:
Spanish--the subject that is hated by most but comes into relevance often.
Sentence 4
Her sentence:
Mfumbe was in the line, the top of his head ablaze, his eyes fixed blankly ahead.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
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The modifying phrases following the independent clause help complete the sentence by adding the information needed to know about Mfumbe's torturous situation and empty feelings. The phrases add more meaning to the significance of the line where he stands.
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My sentence:
The cat was under the car, the hair on her back erect, her claws protruded defensively ahead.
Mfumbe was in the line, the top of his head ablaze, his eyes fixed blankly ahead.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The modifying phrases following the independent clause help complete the sentence by adding the information needed to know about Mfumbe's torturous situation and empty feelings. The phrases add more meaning to the significance of the line where he stands.
_
My sentence:
The cat was under the car, the hair on her back erect, her claws protruded defensively ahead.
Sentence 3
Her sentence:
You were pumped with adrenaline; now you're feeling the letdown.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The two independent clauses are balanced against each other with the use of a semi-colon. The semi-colon also indicates the contrast between the sentence stating the character's initial feeling and the sentence stating the character's current feeling.
_
My sentence:
Pioneers were excited about the win; today they're fighting the soreness.
You were pumped with adrenaline; now you're feeling the letdown.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
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The two independent clauses are balanced against each other with the use of a semi-colon. The semi-colon also indicates the contrast between the sentence stating the character's initial feeling and the sentence stating the character's current feeling.
_
My sentence:
Pioneers were excited about the win; today they're fighting the soreness.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sentence 2
Her Sentence:
The one who will not be caged.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The incomplete structure of this fragment expresses her thoughts about the person she is, although she does not know for a fact her complete identity and fate as she would like to think she does. Despite her determination for freedom, her passive voice in the sentence shows that she is in a society where, as much as she does not want to admit it, she is helpless and under their control.
_
My sentence:
A boxer who can not be fought.
The one who will not be caged.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
_
The incomplete structure of this fragment expresses her thoughts about the person she is, although she does not know for a fact her complete identity and fate as she would like to think she does. Despite her determination for freedom, her passive voice in the sentence shows that she is in a society where, as much as she does not want to admit it, she is helpless and under their control.
_
My sentence:
A boxer who can not be fought.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sentence 1
Her sentence:
Hastily, she tosses out old clothes, a sketch pad, charcoal pencils, anything she can't sell.
from The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn
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The use of asyndeton further expresses her haste in throwing items out of the bag in the urgency to find an item that will be useful to her. She has no time to waste, and the sentence reflects that by not wasting the time to put a conjunction.
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My sentence:
Quickly, he grabs onto his children, his wife, his dog, whatever he can save.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
More Than Meets The Eye
Out of Pink's book, I decided to try Simon Baron-Cohen's Mind in the Eyes Test because the activity sounded interesting to me. I learned more in the ten minute test than I do some days.
People's eyes are used for much more than just seeing. Eyes tell a lot about a person's emotions. Before I took this test, I never noticed that a person's eyes can even tell more than a smile can. People can fake a smile, but, as I learned in Pink's book, their eyes will always rat them out and reveal the true emotion.
People's eyes are used for much more than just seeing. Eyes tell a lot about a person's emotions. Before I took this test, I never noticed that a person's eyes can even tell more than a smile can. People can fake a smile, but, as I learned in Pink's book, their eyes will always rat them out and reveal the true emotion.
I only missed six of the thirty-six questions, and the questions I missed were ones in which I did not go with my first instinct. I answered fifteen questions right before I missed my first one because I started doubting myself. When I started doubting myself, I started missing. Not only did I learn that eyes tell a lot about a person's emotions, I learned not to doubt myself and go with my first instinct.
Below are a couple of examples from the test:
The possible answers for the first picture are ashamed, nervous, suspicious, and indecisive. For me, the answer was obviously suspicious, and I was right. The possible answers for the second picture are impatient, aghast, irritated, and reflective. The answer was not as obvious as the one for the first picture. I chose impatient, but the actual answer was reflective. For each picture, I had to analyze whether the emotion was positive, negative, or neutral. From that point, I could eliminate some of the choices to reach the right one.
Some emotions are not as noticeable though the eyes as others. For the most part, though, most emotion are expressed clearly through people's eyes. I not only learned to distinguish emotions from people's eyes but also learned the usefulness of the test taking skills of elimination and going with that first instinct.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sophmore Year
YAY! My sophmore year has ended. Compared to my freshman year, this year has not been as fun. The homework seemed to be piled on this year. I know we are getting prepared for college, but I still would like to have some free time sometime! Okay...so I am exaggerating a little. I am still very ready for summer to be here!
I went to the homecoming dance for the first time this year, and I have to admit I did not stay long because the dance was just not that fun. The dressing up and going to the football game before the dance were more fun than the dance itself. I still had fun that night, though, with Shelby, my best friend. We get together and fun follows! :)
My grades this year were good. Even though I hated all the work I had to do, in the end, all the hard work paid off. I received many awards at awards night, which made my parents very proud. Plus, I received many comments from people such as, "I did not know you were smart." I guess I showed them!
The sports went well this year for me. We won state in cross country and track again this year (5-peat for both!). That makes 4 state rings for me! :) Basketball could have went better, but I love playing, so even though I wish we could have done better, I still enjoyed playing. I am looking forward to basketball next year because I have a very good feeling about the season.
The teachers this year were great. I enjoyed all of my teachers, and I hope next year they will be just as funny and entertaining. My friends were great! I love them! I do not think I could make my way through school without them. I made some new friends this year and became closer to other people who I would have never thought I would get along with. The drama was hardly present this year, and I was very happy about that. I hate drama!
I drove to school for the first time this year. I turned sixteen on September 30, 2008. I drove 3 different vehicles to school this year, but I drive the same one all the time now. The GMC Yukon's name has not yet been decided. Any suggestions? HAHA :)
I guess now that I think back, this year has not been as bad as I thought. For the most part, the year was enjoyable. More than what I named happened, but I would be typing forever and would not finish this blog in time. I am going to miss the seniors this year, and I wish the best of luck to them. I am ready to be a Junior because Sophmore just does not sound as good as Freshman, Junior, or Senior. This is my last blog for Mrs. Gillmore's Pre-AP English 10 class, and I would just like to thank her and other teachers for teaching me this year. Without them, I would not be who I am today.
I am going to end the year and my final blog of tenth grade with this quote:
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
In other words, your best is a gift and you should appreciate what you can do and use what you got! You should work hard and to the best of your ability. That kind of drive and determination makes successful people.
I went to the homecoming dance for the first time this year, and I have to admit I did not stay long because the dance was just not that fun. The dressing up and going to the football game before the dance were more fun than the dance itself. I still had fun that night, though, with Shelby, my best friend. We get together and fun follows! :)
My grades this year were good. Even though I hated all the work I had to do, in the end, all the hard work paid off. I received many awards at awards night, which made my parents very proud. Plus, I received many comments from people such as, "I did not know you were smart." I guess I showed them!
The sports went well this year for me. We won state in cross country and track again this year (5-peat for both!). That makes 4 state rings for me! :) Basketball could have went better, but I love playing, so even though I wish we could have done better, I still enjoyed playing. I am looking forward to basketball next year because I have a very good feeling about the season.
The teachers this year were great. I enjoyed all of my teachers, and I hope next year they will be just as funny and entertaining. My friends were great! I love them! I do not think I could make my way through school without them. I made some new friends this year and became closer to other people who I would have never thought I would get along with. The drama was hardly present this year, and I was very happy about that. I hate drama!
I drove to school for the first time this year. I turned sixteen on September 30, 2008. I drove 3 different vehicles to school this year, but I drive the same one all the time now. The GMC Yukon's name has not yet been decided. Any suggestions? HAHA :)
I guess now that I think back, this year has not been as bad as I thought. For the most part, the year was enjoyable. More than what I named happened, but I would be typing forever and would not finish this blog in time. I am going to miss the seniors this year, and I wish the best of luck to them. I am ready to be a Junior because Sophmore just does not sound as good as Freshman, Junior, or Senior. This is my last blog for Mrs. Gillmore's Pre-AP English 10 class, and I would just like to thank her and other teachers for teaching me this year. Without them, I would not be who I am today.
I am going to end the year and my final blog of tenth grade with this quote:
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
In other words, your best is a gift and you should appreciate what you can do and use what you got! You should work hard and to the best of your ability. That kind of drive and determination makes successful people.
Of Mice And Men...AGAIN
I read Of Mice And Men earlier in the year. Here is the link to my book review of the novelette:
http://overloadingthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/02/3-of-mice-and-men.html
I was still confused of the significance of the title when I read the book again, but as I read a handout of the poem which helped named the story, I came to understand the title more. The way the title is worded still confuses me, but the characters in the poem and the characters in the story relate to one another because they are both being moved around.
I still recommend this book to others as I said in the earlier review. The ending is not one to be given away! Let people read the book for themselves! I accidentally gave the ending away to someone I thought had read the story and ruined the reading for them. The book is so much more enjoyable with all the surprises the plot offers.
http://overloadingthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/02/3-of-mice-and-men.html
I was still confused of the significance of the title when I read the book again, but as I read a handout of the poem which helped named the story, I came to understand the title more. The way the title is worded still confuses me, but the characters in the poem and the characters in the story relate to one another because they are both being moved around.
I still recommend this book to others as I said in the earlier review. The ending is not one to be given away! Let people read the book for themselves! I accidentally gave the ending away to someone I thought had read the story and ruined the reading for them. The book is so much more enjoyable with all the surprises the plot offers.
Monday, May 11, 2009
#11- The House on Mango Street
At first, The House on Mango Street was just a jumbled mess of random stories. In the end, though, the story all came together and connected to tell a great story.
Sandra Cisneros, the author, has a life much like the one of Esperanza's in the novel. They are both Mexican American women trying to overcome the hardships of their lives. The short stories show how her neighborhood is and what the people who live there are like. Most of the stories in The House on Mango Street probably hit close to home with Cisneros which, to me, gave the book more meaning.
Esperanza's neighborhood is not one many people would be proud to live in, but the neighborhood belongs to the people living there. From the old, small house and apartments to the grown up garden, the people belong to the neighborhood whether they want to or not. They learn many lessons living there and respect what they get because they are not quick to take advantage of what they get.
The biggest lesson of the book seemed to be that people never need to forget who they are just because who they are is not good enough for some people. Esperanza is not happy with the neighborhood and wishes to have a better life. She is eventually able to do this, but others remind her not to forget the person she is and where she is from.
This was not one of my favorite book, but the story was a very meaningful one.
Sandra Cisneros, the author, has a life much like the one of Esperanza's in the novel. They are both Mexican American women trying to overcome the hardships of their lives. The short stories show how her neighborhood is and what the people who live there are like. Most of the stories in The House on Mango Street probably hit close to home with Cisneros which, to me, gave the book more meaning.
Esperanza's neighborhood is not one many people would be proud to live in, but the neighborhood belongs to the people living there. From the old, small house and apartments to the grown up garden, the people belong to the neighborhood whether they want to or not. They learn many lessons living there and respect what they get because they are not quick to take advantage of what they get.
The biggest lesson of the book seemed to be that people never need to forget who they are just because who they are is not good enough for some people. Esperanza is not happy with the neighborhood and wishes to have a better life. She is eventually able to do this, but others remind her not to forget the person she is and where she is from.
This was not one of my favorite book, but the story was a very meaningful one.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
#10 - The Giver
I have read The Giver twice. After reading the novel the second time, the book had a little bit of a different meaning to me. I understood the story better and was more aware of what was taking place. I enjoyed the book very much both times.
Jonas, the main character, goes through a very deep transformation. Being selected as the "Receiver of Memory, he begins to realize his "perfect" community is not so perfect. He sees that his people are deprived of some very special aspects of life that today I know I could not live without. He tries to make his closest friends and family understand that life has a lot more to offer than what they are getting.
After reading this story, plus, many others which are similar, I am convinced that a true "utopia" can not exist. People are going to be constantly rebelling and trying to find loopholes which prove that their world is not perfect like Jonas does. Too many different mindsets and differences among people exist for there to be a world where all people are happy and everything is perfect. There will never be a "perfect world".
This book is a great read for everyone. I recommend anyone to read the novel if they get the chance. The story is a fast read and very enjoyable. Although, I can predict that some people will be unhappy with the ending. I thought the ending was good, though. You just have to think a little bit. You have to make your own ending.
Jonas, the main character, goes through a very deep transformation. Being selected as the "Receiver of Memory, he begins to realize his "perfect" community is not so perfect. He sees that his people are deprived of some very special aspects of life that today I know I could not live without. He tries to make his closest friends and family understand that life has a lot more to offer than what they are getting.
After reading this story, plus, many others which are similar, I am convinced that a true "utopia" can not exist. People are going to be constantly rebelling and trying to find loopholes which prove that their world is not perfect like Jonas does. Too many different mindsets and differences among people exist for there to be a world where all people are happy and everything is perfect. There will never be a "perfect world".
This book is a great read for everyone. I recommend anyone to read the novel if they get the chance. The story is a fast read and very enjoyable. Although, I can predict that some people will be unhappy with the ending. I thought the ending was good, though. You just have to think a little bit. You have to make your own ending.
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