"The Road"

I have read more of the road and I think this may become one of my favorite books. I am somewhat near the end of the novel and the father and son have just ran into another human. This is the first human contact they have had in a long time. They find an old man walking on the road and the young boy begs his father to help the man, and the father reluctantly follows. Eventually, however, the father tells the son that they cannot help the savage. I think that this is a very questionable decision and reveals a lot about human nature. If you were to imagine yourself in the same situation as this father and son find themselves, would you help a weak, old man, who may be the only other survivor on earth? Or would you leave him on the side of the road, because it is not worth wasting you limited supplies on him? I do understand that the old man is too weak to continue on the journey, but does that mean it is okay to leave him on the side of the road to die? The father really has the main priority in mind which is living, and he will go through any measure, even if it causes disappointment for his son, to keep them alive. It is a very interesting example of human nature and when food, shelter and supplies are scarce, every man is for his own and there is survival only for the fittest. The novel gets even more gripping as it progresses, and I am interested to read in detail about the epic disaster that led the father and son to live in this state: being deserted, and living in destruction.

The Road

I have just started "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy and im totally loving it. I must say, its a rather depressing book, but everything about it draws me in. McCarthy's writing style is especially interesting to me: her constant use of short/simple sentences, not using quotation marks during dialogs, never referring to the characters by their actual names.... She doesn't over complicate the plot by trying to make her writing sound "fancy". To me, it sounds very real and she captured a good tone/voice for the book.

For about half the book, the story is told of a father and young son who, after surviving a fatal, world-wide disaster, travel for years to find survivors like themselves. Although they face a constant cycle of traveling, hiding from the "bad guys" (they young boy refers the cannibals who have resorted to eating humans as this), and searching for food, the book never seems to get repetitive. Their struggle is described night by night in the book, and it somehow seems interesting every time I read their experience, even if it is very similar to what was described a few pages before that. The author has a great way of revealing all the details to give a vivid, and emotionally stimulating picture in my mind. Yet, she also doesn't give away all the details, leaving room for suspense and predictions of my own. I still have so many questions: What exactly was this epic disaster that left them to be two of the few people actually remaining? Will they ever reach a place where survivors like them can live? I'm totally loving the book! I am enjoying and am interested by McCarthy's writing style in this novel (it's hard to describe, so I really suggest this book so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about). Can't wait to keep reading!

The Sublte Knife: end

It has been a few weeks since I last blogged about this book and I have just finished it. I was very interested by many of the topics mentioned in the book. But, I must say that it was a bit hard for me to understand what was going on at some times since this is the second book in "His Dark Materials" collection and I didn't read the first book in the series. Also, I have not read a fantasy book on my own involving other magical realms in a while. This was actually one of the main reasons I picked up the book. Usually when we read fantasy in class (like the epic poem, The Inferno), we analyze many of the events that occur. As I read this book on my own, I tried to visualize it to help my understanding. Now that I am finished with it, I am extremely happy I read this book not only because it was a genre that I'm a bit uncomfortable with, but because it helped expand my creativity and out-of-the-box imagination.
There was a lot of abstract thinking, such as imagining the doorways between Ci’gazze and other universes. But, I was also interested in topics that relate to real life. Part of the plot in this novel is that a girl named Lina ventures out to another world to learn about this mysterious "dark matter". This was my favorite part of the plot because we talk about this subject in science sometimes. Just like in the book, "dark matter" is hypothesized to be this undetectable mass. In our science world, there are theories that "dark matter", or "dust" (as called in the book), makes up the majority of the mass in the universe. I think this is the main reason why enjoyed this book so much. Even though it evolved a lot of fantasy, I also could relate to it in some way. This book has definitely changed my opinion on fantasy books and I am looking forward to reading more novels from this genre.

The subtle knife START OF Q2!

Last week, I was reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I was excited to read it, especially because so many people have told me how good it is, but I couldn't really get into it. I also tried this book because there was some historical content in it. However, the entire plot didn't really interest me and I was actually quite bored. Finally, by around the eighth chapter, I did learn more about why the book is called the Kite Runner and I also learned a lot more about the culture of people in Afghanistan. I was learning a lot throughout the whole book and it was interesting to relate to what I learned last year in Global (about rival religions and cultures in this part of the world), but I wasn't really intrigued by the book. I am happy I gave it a try, but I don't think I am going to stick to it.
This week I also started reading The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman. It is a big change from The Kite Runner; this fantasy book really gets my creative thoughts flowing and my imagination running. It has been a while since I have picked up a fantasy book on my own (especially not one that involves alternate worlds) but The Inferno, which we are reading in class, reminds me of this book. I am just at the beginning of The Subtle Knife, but it is attention-grabbing to imagine kids being transferred into a complete different world. It is fun to imagine myself in the world that Will and Lyra find themselves in. They are both on their separate missions in this world, called Cittagazze. This also reminds me of Odysseus in The Odyssey because there are so many things he completes on his journey before he goes home. In the book, Will needs to find his father, who is in this alternate universe, meanwhile Lyra is on a mission of her own. This is a really fun book and I am enjoying it a lot!

The stanger (ending) and The Kite Runner

I have finally finished up the last few chapters of Stranger and I actually am left a bit perplexed. Of course, I am surprised that by the end of the book Meursault stops bothering to question his future/execution. But I am also very refreshed by his character. In a lot of books I read, the ending seems to be dragged out, however Meursault takes life for what it is without pondering why every minute detail occurred the way it did in his life. Sure, he was shocked by his death penalty sentence and even panic a little. At first, he says, "All I care about right now is escaping the machinery of justice"(108). However, later on in the chapter, he realizes that he may actually be facing his death in the near future and he excepts it. He doesn't try to look to a source of inspiration or courage (he is atheist and refuses to looks to God's help) or desperately try to repent for "sinning". The very last sentence in the book interests me yet also leaves me baffled, "I only had one wish that there be large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate"(123). He has a very interesting point of view and is definitely a confused young man. How is he able to accept his horrible fate? It also seems like he is against himself and wants people to look down on him. This book has left me in a state of consternation.
This week i have also started The Kite Runner. I'm finding it interesting so far I have learned many subjects from the book in my Global class. It is fascinating to see how the history I learn in class actually comes to life and impacts the characters in the book. In the beginning, the main character, Amir, talks about an account in his childhood he claims that it "made me what I am today"(2). I am excited to learn more about this event and how it effected him.

The Stranger by Albert Camus

This is one of the most fast-paced books I have read in a long time. Within 120 pages, i jump into the life of Meursault, a troubled young man. He is seems to be very nonchalant even when facing serious situations. From the start of the novel, he faces his mother's death, although he doesn't shed one tear. Later on in the novel he impulsively kills a man that he barley knows. He is a very interesting character and actual reminds me a bit of Holden Caulfeild form Catcher in the Rye. They both act on instinct and do not think of consequences later. nevertheless, I am interested in finding out why Meursault acts the way he does. Why does he barley give a fight in the courtroom that determines his fate? Why does he not even bother to assist his his legal advisers in fighting his innocence? Does this relate to the reason why he doesn't believe in God (which is highly emphasized in the book)? I can't wait to finish up the last few chapters of the book because it is very thought provoking and I am actually entertained by Meursault's character and surprised by the many choices he is making in the book.

The Lovely Bones-Ending

AMAZING ENDING!! I was even crying when I read the last ten pages! This book actually had so many life lessons and also made me think about family members who have passed away. Are all of our lost ones really looking down on us, reading our thoughts, living our experiences with us? I don't want to give too much away, but towards the end something really surprising happens and I was so happy for the main character, Susie. The entire book I really enjoyed reading about the life she left behind, however many parts of the book are sad and have unfortunate outcomes.
Actually, Susie's interest with her family on Earth doesn't seem to wane even after a long period of time. I don't mean to sound callous, but Susie has all of Heaven however she is only concerned with minor, even unimportant details in the lives of her family. At the end I think she finally accepts what has happened after several years, although she will never forget. This really conveys how strong a child's connection is with their family and how hard it is, especially for child, to be separated from those they love. I think that usually when people die, everyone on Earth mourns and acts like it is a major loss for themselves but nobody had really ever considered the person who died. I'm sure the person who passed away also miss everyone on Earth, but usually we say that they are "in a better place". After reading this story, I think that line is just our excuse to feel better about death and the effects it has on the living and dead. Especially with the touching ending to wrap it up, this book is up there with the rest of my favorite books and I highly suggest reading it!!

The Loveley Bones-middle (part II)

I wasn't able to read as much this week but I am almost done and hopefully I'll finish by next week. The book, surprisingly, is getting a bit boring and the storyline is slowing down. But, i am still very interested about all the details of the lives of her friends and family on Earth. Many of the scenes are very depressing. Susie's mom has taken her affair farther with Len Fenerman farther and has completely deserted her hope and commitment to her family. one of my favorite quotes which sparked a lot of emotions for me was, "Mr. Harvey left his house for the final time while my mother was granted her most temporal wish. To find a doorway out of her ruined heart, in merciful adultery" (197). it really is disgraceful how the police officers fail to recognize Mr. Harvey's guilt and how preoccupied Susie's mother is with fulfilling (only momentarily) her broken heart. As Susie witnesses this scene, she actually doesn't seem to be too let down by her mothers betrayal, which surprises me. at the exact time time as this scene, Mr. Harvey disappears from town, possible forever. Its amazing how an eighth grader has the maturity to let go of the past of her murder and gracefully understand the current needs of her family members.
Later on in the book, on the one year anniversary of her death, fellow students, neighbors and even teachers gather together on the cornfeild as a meorial for Susie. Susie is very suprised by the outcome of poeple and also very appreciative. This reminds me of Holden Caulfield, a chracter from Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger. He would always fantasize about his death and he once wondered who would come to is funeral. If this memorial was for Holden and if he was looking down from heaven, I think he would take it the exact oppisite way from the way Susie did. He would probably describe the people remorsing his death as phonies because they hardley knew him so therfore they couldnt be so upset about his death. Since I was reading this book last night and I finished reading The Lovely Bones just now, I have really noticed the difference between the characters.
I'm looking foward to the rest of the book and my friends tell me it is going to get even better so I cant wait to see what happens!

The Loveley Bones-middle

I'm about half way through this book and I am really enjoying it. One of the main issues in the book, which has just been introduced, is that Susie's father is looking for her killer independently of the police /investigating agents. He becomes more involved and even obsessed in proving that Mr. Harvey (Susie's real killer) is the murderer. But, many of the characters believe that he is crazed or just finding his neighbor to be the scapegoat and they claim there is no evidence confirming him as a suspect. This is one of the parts that gets me to the point where I am even annoyed at the characters. In some ways I think that the investigators or ignorant for missing the criminal when he is right under their noses. However, on the other hand, I can understand that they just think the father is going bit crazy because he just lost his daughter. I can understand from both sides why the characters may or may not find it plausible to call the Salmon Family's neighbor a criminal.
As the book progresses, I can see how the murder of Susie is causing a break down of her family members. First, as her mother is finding it very hard to cope with pain from the death and stress from her complicated life, she turns to the investigator for help, mentally and sexually. This represents a turning point because I think it symbolizes turning her back on her daughter and failing to solve the mystery. Her mother gives in when to her weak will power and she kisses the investigator, Len. While her husband vigorously and pasionatly works to make justice and find closure to their daughters death, she doesn't support him and she kisses the investigator, who has given up and closed the case.
However, even though her father is trying to continue her memory, he is also re cooperating from the loss. From heaven, Susie can see the special treatment he receives from his co-workers and even his boss and her father notices it, too. Although I have never experienced a great loss like this, I know friends that have lost a sibling or parent and I can sometimes see the special treatment they receive. I have never thought that those people would realize it, but do they notice how people act completely differently towards them. In the novel, Susie's family will always be associated with her murder and will always receive a different treatment from all the people they meet because of the labeled tragedy that is attached to their name.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

I Just started reading this book and I am totally LOVING it! I think the plot is one the most intriguing parts to me. I mean, how many times do you read a book where the narrator is in heaven describing her own murder? I was actually a bit hesitant at first about reading this book because the person that requested it said that apart from the odd plot, some parts of the book could be a bit eerie, too. But, so far I am really happy I picked up the book. Most of all, I am enjoying the narrative voice in this novel because the fourteen year old girl telling the story gives the story a relaxed tone. Also, since I am also a fourteen year old girl, it is interesting and relatable to get inside the head of a girl my age. This book can actually be a bit frustrating to read because although Susie Salmon (the girl who was murdered) knows her killer and she is telling the story of her family and friends on Earth, who are trying to figure out the mystery. In this way, I am actually reminded a bit of The Memory Keeper's Daughter because in that book too, I read about a women who had no idea that she had a child who was alive and leading a completely different life. I guess this dramatic irony can get annoying, but it also contributes to how good the book is in the end when all the characters find out the great mystery. I'm really looking froward to the book unwinding!

The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares

I first picked up this book because a few years ago I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series and absolutely enjoyed the writing style and the fun-loving plot. This book was no exception to the high standards I have for Ann Brashares and I appreciate her writing once again because this is a more mature plot. The main characters in this book complement each others personalities. I actually was able to relate to two of the main characters, who are sisters. Riley, who is a tomboy and a lifeguard, reminds me exactly of myself when I was younger because swimming was my favorite sport and I was usually the only girl in a group of boys. But this past summer when I read this book, my favorite character was Alice because she is a gentle, sensitive and sometimes timid character, which also reminds me of some qualities that I have now. Both sisters, now their twenties, have qualities that work at their advantages and disadvantages but through out the book they always fall back on each other for help. This was a beautiful book that included light enjoyable topics such as finding love and also some deeper problems, like a serious illness that is hidden as a deep secret. And although it sounds cliche, the ending really showed that life is too short to waste time hiding feelings or keeping secrets from those who you love.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

I LOVED THIS BOOK! From the start, suspense is established as the main character makes a life altering decision. This shocking turning point was a total grabber for me since unpredictability is what keeps me reading. When delivering his twin babies, Dr. David Henry discovers one of his children has Down syndrome. He decides irrationally to send this child to an institution withought his wife's knowledge. However his nurse, Caroline, takes baby Phoebe and moves far away with her. As the book progresses and years pass, I enjoyed reading about the life struggles and yet all the happiness of Caroline Gill, who raised Phoebe. At times this book was almost frustrating to read because in one somber chapter, the story of depressed and lonely Norah Henry is told (the doctor's wife) and in the next one I would dig deep into Phoebe's life, in which Norah is deceived into thinking she is dead. The bitter-sweet ending ties the lives of Norah, Caroline, Pheobe, and her twin brother all together however at the end I was still thinking about what happened after the pages stopped and how the past would affect their future together as a reconnected family.