Looking For Alaska, written by the amazing author, John Green. This book has won a printz award and is a New York bestseller. This novel focuses on Miles and his new life at Culver Creek. The main characters in this book are: Miles (Pudge), Chip ( The Colonel) , Alaska, and Takumi.
Each characters wants/desires:
Pudge- Pudge has always wanted to be admired by Alaska Young, who he's always had a crush on since the first day he arrived at Culver Creek. He also seeks a “Great Perhaps,” and really, any adventure greater than the bored loneliness of high school and people who never appreciated his quirky love of last words.
The Colonel- The Colonel's dream is to buy his mother a nice 2-story house of her own. That's his dream because his mother lives in a trailer home and he wants to do something nice for her.
Alaska- All Alaska wants is to live a fun life consisting of pranks and her boyfriend, Jake, who she loves very much. Alaska, unfortunately, is involved in bad situations and makes bad decisions like cheating on her boyfriend because she likes Pudge and Jake.
Takumi- He is in Alaska's group of friends but always feels left out and wants to be included in what they're doing more often. He also likes Alaska along with Pudge but it never works out because Alaska never showed any interest in him but she did in Pudge which made Takumi really jealous.
The theme is self- discovery. By the end of the book, almost every character has figured something out about themselves because of the experiences they have been through. Self discovery is much more present as the theme within Pudge because he is the character that undergoes the most change throughout the entire book. Pudge used to be shy, lonely and very excluded from social tendencies. Because of the Colonel and Alaska, Pudge becomes completely different and discovers his true self with their help. Alaska helps Pudge discover a lot about himself. When Alaska dies, Pudge discovers a new part of him filled with regret, guilt, love, sadness, bitterness and gets to understand himself better by experiencing all these new feelings and thoughts. The Colonel discovers a lot about himself after Alaska’s death also, parts of him he did not know he had.
The structure of this book is what I really enjoyed. John Green introduced Pudge and as the book went on it also included information about other characters' lives and situations. The story built up to Alaska's death and led you to discover the theme of the book.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Looking For Alaska : 1st Entry
Looking For Alaska, was written by the famous author and youtuber, John Green. John Green has also written some amazing other novels such as The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns. This book has won a printz award and is the New York Bestseller.
Some major characters in this book are:
Miles- After moving to Culver Creek and meeting his roommate "The Colonel" aka Chip, he gets nicknamed Pudge, which is ironic because he is tall, slender, and scrawny. Throughout the whole book the only talent Pudge seems to have is remembering peoples last words before they die, which is pretty cool if you ask me. Pudge went to the boarding school in Culver Creek in search of his own "Great Perhaps". He has feelings for this girl named Alaska Young, who for most of the novel does not return his feelings. He is frequently compared to Holden Caulfield of J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye.
Alaska- This crazy, moody, unpredictable, and rebellious girl captures Pudges' heart and attention. The Colonel most likely have crushes on her as well, although they are not stated in the novel. When Alaska was a child, her mother had a seizure due to a head aneurism. Alaska did not save her mother so she died. Alaska’s father blamed her for it and she regrets it to the present day in the story. Because of all of her issues at home, she turns to cigarettes and alcohol.
Chip- Also known as "The Colonel", A stocky, somewhat nerdy young man, he has gone to Culver Creek for a very long time. When he is not at school, he lives with his mom in a very small trailer. He is Pudge’s roommate, and he gives Miles the nickname “Pudge”.
***********SPOILER ALERT***********
Alaska Young dies in a car crash near the end of this book and Pudge and Miles think it's their fault because they let her go into her car drunk, pissed, and crying. Later, they figure out that if she was as drunk as she was and didn't want to die she would've swerved her car but instead she hit a cops car head-on as if it was suicidal. They also figure out their friend Takumi was actually the last person to see her and he also had let her go but it didn't really matter to Pudge and The Colonel. My predictions are that Alaska actually committed suicide because, Alaska remembered the anniversary of her mother's death and came to the room sobbing that she had to go, referring to her mother's grave. But it was already after midnight, the next day. She was drunk and angry at herself. When she saw the truck and the police cruiser she was either drunk enough that she thought she could pass through or she was so angry with herself that she committed suicide, taking the 'straight and fast' way out.
Some major characters in this book are:
Miles- After moving to Culver Creek and meeting his roommate "The Colonel" aka Chip, he gets nicknamed Pudge, which is ironic because he is tall, slender, and scrawny. Throughout the whole book the only talent Pudge seems to have is remembering peoples last words before they die, which is pretty cool if you ask me. Pudge went to the boarding school in Culver Creek in search of his own "Great Perhaps". He has feelings for this girl named Alaska Young, who for most of the novel does not return his feelings. He is frequently compared to Holden Caulfield of J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye.
Alaska- This crazy, moody, unpredictable, and rebellious girl captures Pudges' heart and attention. The Colonel most likely have crushes on her as well, although they are not stated in the novel. When Alaska was a child, her mother had a seizure due to a head aneurism. Alaska did not save her mother so she died. Alaska’s father blamed her for it and she regrets it to the present day in the story. Because of all of her issues at home, she turns to cigarettes and alcohol.
Chip- Also known as "The Colonel", A stocky, somewhat nerdy young man, he has gone to Culver Creek for a very long time. When he is not at school, he lives with his mom in a very small trailer. He is Pudge’s roommate, and he gives Miles the nickname “Pudge”.
***********SPOILER ALERT***********
Alaska Young dies in a car crash near the end of this book and Pudge and Miles think it's their fault because they let her go into her car drunk, pissed, and crying. Later, they figure out that if she was as drunk as she was and didn't want to die she would've swerved her car but instead she hit a cops car head-on as if it was suicidal. They also figure out their friend Takumi was actually the last person to see her and he also had let her go but it didn't really matter to Pudge and The Colonel. My predictions are that Alaska actually committed suicide because, Alaska remembered the anniversary of her mother's death and came to the room sobbing that she had to go, referring to her mother's grave. But it was already after midnight, the next day. She was drunk and angry at herself. When she saw the truck and the police cruiser she was either drunk enough that she thought she could pass through or she was so angry with herself that she committed suicide, taking the 'straight and fast' way out.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Why you should read TFIOS
TFIOS- The Fault In Our Stars
Why should you read this book? First of all, it's the cutest book ever. If you're really into romance books and stories you should definitely read it! Hazel and Augustus are pretty much the cutest couple ever. I love how they support each other no matter what. Even though Hazel doesn't think she's beautiful Augustus always makes her feel like she is. Also, when Hazel was ignoring him because she thought she was a grenade, “I'm a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?”, yet Augustus said that her ignoring him was not going to make him love her any less.
I totally fell in love with Augustus Waters, because he's vulnerable and also not perfect.
Second reason is that JOHN GREEN wrote it. John Green is an amazing writer, and some of you might know if from youtube ( crash course, vlogbrothers). He also wrote Looking For Alaska. He's one of my favorite authors and that is a pretty big reason to read this book to be honest.
Third reason is that this book is full of sarcasm and sense of humor and it will make you laugh and smile. But at the same time it will make you sad and probably cry. It includes a lot of exchanged elevated diction between most of the characters which was surprising because most teenagers wouldn't.
Fourth reason is that this book is just plain beautiful. It gave me so many emotions and made me really think and wonder what kids with cancer feel like. It also makes me a lot more grateful for the life I live, even though this book is fiction, it really speaks to me in many different ways. I seriously recommend this book to everyone and you will love it because I finished it in one day.
Why should you read this book? First of all, it's the cutest book ever. If you're really into romance books and stories you should definitely read it! Hazel and Augustus are pretty much the cutest couple ever. I love how they support each other no matter what. Even though Hazel doesn't think she's beautiful Augustus always makes her feel like she is. Also, when Hazel was ignoring him because she thought she was a grenade, “I'm a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?”, yet Augustus said that her ignoring him was not going to make him love her any less.
I totally fell in love with Augustus Waters, because he's vulnerable and also not perfect.
Second reason is that JOHN GREEN wrote it. John Green is an amazing writer, and some of you might know if from youtube ( crash course, vlogbrothers). He also wrote Looking For Alaska. He's one of my favorite authors and that is a pretty big reason to read this book to be honest.
Third reason is that this book is full of sarcasm and sense of humor and it will make you laugh and smile. But at the same time it will make you sad and probably cry. It includes a lot of exchanged elevated diction between most of the characters which was surprising because most teenagers wouldn't.
Fourth reason is that this book is just plain beautiful. It gave me so many emotions and made me really think and wonder what kids with cancer feel like. It also makes me a lot more grateful for the life I live, even though this book is fiction, it really speaks to me in many different ways. I seriously recommend this book to everyone and you will love it because I finished it in one day.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Fault in Our Stars
Lately, everyone has kept going on and on about this book written by John Green, so I decided to read it finally. TFIOS is one of the greatest books I've ever read. It's so beautiful and powerful at the same time I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Most teenagers in real life don't use elevated diction that often but I didn't mind it because that's one of the things I loved about it. I never really understood the pain and sadness that is involved with having cancer until I read this book. I know John Green actually didn't have cancer but he must have researched it or something because it was incredibly insightful even though he didn't have personal experience with cancer. Ever since reading it I feel more and more grateful for the life I have.
My favorite character is Hazel. I have no idea how a sixteen year old could be that strong. After all, she did go through her boyfriends death and is still going through cancer. Sorry, spoiler alert! She's my favorite because I love how she doesn't talk about her illness in lurid, self-pitying detail at all; instead, she tackles it with a healthy dose of humor. "I didn't tell him that the diagnosis came three months after i got my first period. Like: Congratulations! You're a woman. Now die." (2.13). Also, Hazel doesn't care whats in and cool anymore -- she just knows what she likes. Hazel is true to herself which I deeply admire. My question for all of you : is she handling her impending death well or is she hiding some deeper sadness?
I enjoyed this book very much and I hope all of you will too. I give TFIOS a 5/5 stars. :). Is anyone else as excited about the movie coming out as I am? After the movie tell me of you liked it better than the book.
I enjoyed this book very much and I hope all of you will too. I give TFIOS a 5/5 stars. :). Is anyone else as excited about the movie coming out as I am? After the movie tell me of you liked it better than the book.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
~Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children~
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a beautiful work of art and the first novel by Ransom Riggs. Sadly, I didn’t love it nearly as much as I wanted to, and am still feeling conflicted by it.
The book includes really cool old photos that are all taken from private collections and I applaud Ransom Riggs’s ability to construct a story around so many odd images.
Where this book failed is that I don’t believe quite as much attention to detail was involved in the actual telling of this tale as was put into the presenting of it. Yes, this book is visually striking. But after a strong beginning, the story falls a little flat. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children features sixteen year old Jacob Portman, who is just starting to wonder if there is some truth to the crazy stories his grandpa has told him his entire life. Stories of strange birds, monsters and, of course peculiar children living together in an orphanage on a tiny island off the coast of Wales. I feel like this book has a lack of character development, insight, and emotions.
The peculiar children here are defined by their oddities, rather than their personalities. Jacob spends a considerable amount of time with children who are considerably younger than him (grade school and middle school age) and the interactions aren’t any different than when he is spending time with adults or other teens. A sweaty, hormonal, impatient sixteen year old boy should have a big brother complex, a power complex, or some reaction to spending time with younger kids, but Jacob does not. Jacob himself should be an interesting kid to read about. He is a bit of a loner, doesn’t have any friends and has (predictably) emotionally absent parents. Yet, we don’t see him struggle with his own oddness or social issues. When adversity strikes, Jacob steps up to the plate.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children isn’t a bad story. Not by any means. It’s a decent story in an eye-catching book and features a new paranormal world that will surely fascinate tons of people. However, all of the attention put to the looks, the plot and the action left the characters to suffer. Plus, there is one major issue with the fantasy aspect that was never explained and that itself bothered me more than anything else. If you don’t mind a small spoiler, go ahead and read (this is something that becomes introduced around page 150).
It’s doubtful that I will read the next in this series. I am however eagerly anticipating Ransom Riggs book of found photographs, Talking Pictures ,which will be released next year. His writing style is not for me, but he (apparently) has an amazing collection of found photos.
The book includes really cool old photos that are all taken from private collections and I applaud Ransom Riggs’s ability to construct a story around so many odd images.
Where this book failed is that I don’t believe quite as much attention to detail was involved in the actual telling of this tale as was put into the presenting of it. Yes, this book is visually striking. But after a strong beginning, the story falls a little flat. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children features sixteen year old Jacob Portman, who is just starting to wonder if there is some truth to the crazy stories his grandpa has told him his entire life. Stories of strange birds, monsters and, of course peculiar children living together in an orphanage on a tiny island off the coast of Wales. I feel like this book has a lack of character development, insight, and emotions.
The peculiar children here are defined by their oddities, rather than their personalities. Jacob spends a considerable amount of time with children who are considerably younger than him (grade school and middle school age) and the interactions aren’t any different than when he is spending time with adults or other teens. A sweaty, hormonal, impatient sixteen year old boy should have a big brother complex, a power complex, or some reaction to spending time with younger kids, but Jacob does not. Jacob himself should be an interesting kid to read about. He is a bit of a loner, doesn’t have any friends and has (predictably) emotionally absent parents. Yet, we don’t see him struggle with his own oddness or social issues. When adversity strikes, Jacob steps up to the plate.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children isn’t a bad story. Not by any means. It’s a decent story in an eye-catching book and features a new paranormal world that will surely fascinate tons of people. However, all of the attention put to the looks, the plot and the action left the characters to suffer. Plus, there is one major issue with the fantasy aspect that was never explained and that itself bothered me more than anything else. If you don’t mind a small spoiler, go ahead and read (this is something that becomes introduced around page 150).
It’s doubtful that I will read the next in this series. I am however eagerly anticipating Ransom Riggs book of found photographs, Talking Pictures ,which will be released next year. His writing style is not for me, but he (apparently) has an amazing collection of found photos.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Divergent vs. Hunger Games
Divergent and The Hunger Games. Two of my favorite book trilogies. Divergent was written by Veronica Roth, and is about a society that was split into 5 different factions that each represent a different idea or purpose. Teenagers have to decide if they want to stay in their faction with their families or switch to another for the rest of their lives. There is the Dauntless, Abnegation, Erudite, Candor, and Amity. In the novel, The Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the cruel Capitol randomly picks one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts to fight against each other in a game of survival.
These two book trilogies are similar because they are both set in futuristic, dystopian societies. They both include the main characters having romantic interests, Katniss with Peeta and Gale, and Tris with Four. They are both based on stories of how the government and society could go wrong and how different we could end up if the safety and power over people relied on the wrong people like the Capitol and the leaders of Erudite. The main characters Tris and Katniss are both brave and love and protect the people they care for and would risk everything for their safety and well being. I look up to Katniss and Tris and am inspired by them because of how strong- willed and independent they are.
What was different about them is that they had two completely different plots. In the Hunger Games the situation seemed scarier and worse (than divergent) then it really was because there's more overall effect in Divergent. There was a bigger effect with Divergent because if they didn't stop Erudite from trying to take over then Abnegation would die suddenly. Also because you don't know whats behind the fence and I like how your sort of left hanging.
My favorite, out of the two, would have to be........*drum roll*.......Divergent!!! I picked Divergent because I put in more interest in its plot than in the hunger games. Divergent didn't have a love triangle like The Hunger Games but it still won me over.
My favorite, out of the two, would have to be........*drum roll*.......Divergent!!! I picked Divergent because I put in more interest in its plot than in the hunger games. Divergent didn't have a love triangle like The Hunger Games but it still won me over.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Blogging Assessment #1
My post, http://nazsreadingblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/divergent.html , really demonstrates my strong, authentic voice because while I was writing it I put in my personal opinions and thoughts to share with the readers and audience.
Divergent, written by Veronica Roth, has got to be one of the best books I've ever read and I'm only half way through the book. Divergent is one of the most original and exhilarating plots ever. I've also saw the movie version and I'm glad I did because that opened my mind and I can picture the book. You could say this book is similar to The Hunger Games, but sorry guys I like this book a lot better."
This paragraph shows how I can have different and unpopular opinions. Sometimes I write with slang or sometimes I am more elaborate with my diction and my 'writer's voice', this is because I want to connect with my readers and keep them interested in what I'm saying. The type of diction I used in that quote was low and informal diction. I used low and informal diction to make my post really easy to read and understand. Also otherwise it would be boring. For syntax, I use a lot of quotes to let the reader see what I'm refering back to and to fully understand what I am trying to describe. Also, I use a lot of fragments to really draw in the reader and it's nice because fragments are just really easy to understand rather than really long borning and elevated sentences.
I picked this post to assess because I really showed the readers that it is a fun and really interesting book while keeping the audience entertained and focused on my post.
Divergent, written by Veronica Roth, has got to be one of the best books I've ever read and I'm only half way through the book. Divergent is one of the most original and exhilarating plots ever. I've also saw the movie version and I'm glad I did because that opened my mind and I can picture the book. You could say this book is similar to The Hunger Games, but sorry guys I like this book a lot better."
This paragraph shows how I can have different and unpopular opinions. Sometimes I write with slang or sometimes I am more elaborate with my diction and my 'writer's voice', this is because I want to connect with my readers and keep them interested in what I'm saying. The type of diction I used in that quote was low and informal diction. I used low and informal diction to make my post really easy to read and understand. Also otherwise it would be boring. For syntax, I use a lot of quotes to let the reader see what I'm refering back to and to fully understand what I am trying to describe. Also, I use a lot of fragments to really draw in the reader and it's nice because fragments are just really easy to understand rather than really long borning and elevated sentences.
I picked this post to assess because I really showed the readers that it is a fun and really interesting book while keeping the audience entertained and focused on my post.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Characterization {Divergent}☯
Tris Prior ☯ Tris Prior, born as Beatrice Prior, is the main protagonist and narrator of the Divergent Series. As a sixteen year old she is strong- willed and loves her family more then anything but that comes into question when the choosing ceremony comes up and she has to choose if she wants to stay with her family or if she wants to leave and express her true personality. Tris was born into the Abnegation faction. They are selfless and kind. But Tris never felt like she was a true abnegation. She is even more confused when she gets an inconclusive test score to see what faction she should be. Tris ends up picking dauntless because of how much fun they seem to have and how free they were.Favorite Quote by Her: "Beatrice was a girl I saw in stolen moments at the mirror, who kept quiet at the dinner table. This is someone whose eyes claim mine and don’t release me; this is Tris"
Four ☯ Tobias Eaton, more importantly known as Four because of his four fears. He is the instructor for the transfer initiates. He becomes the love interest of Tris Prior. He comes off as a really mean and tough guy but on the inside he's the opposite. Being with Tris really opens him up and lets the reader fully see his emotions. After he figures out what Tris really is, he decides to keep it a secret and wants to help her. This shows how loyal he really is to Tris.
Favorite Quote by Him: "I don't want to be just one thing, I can't be. I want to be brave and I want to be selfless, intelligent and honest and kind."
Christina ☯ She transferred to Dauntless from Candor, and was Tris Prior's first and best friend during her initiation into the faction. She was first introduced when she helped Tris onto the train after the choosing ceremony. Christina befriends Tris and becomes a vital part in the beginning of Tris' new life in Dauntless.
Favorite Quote by Her: "I'm used to saying whatever is on my mind. Mom used to say that politeness is deception in pretty packaging."
Out of these 3 characters and all of them in the Divergent Trilogy which one is your favorite and why? Mine is Tris because she is strong and brave and also because she's divergent which is pretty cool to me.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Krista Ramsey
The column I chose was, Raising kids to embrace the world, then they do, by Krista Ramsey. This column is told from a parents point of view about the sadness of your child finally growing up and living on their own. I chose this column because I wondered how parents feel when their children are ready to leave the nest. I would describe this column as pathos because it makes me feel sad for the parents of the kids and sad when I'm going to have to go through that when I decide to have kids.
URL: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/03/06/krista-ramsey-young-adults/6144909/
Krista's writing style touches the hearts of many which is her main goal, I think. She adds emotion and depth in her sentences and words and makes her columns interesting so it is easy to read and understand. She wants to make the reader feel as much emotion as they can so they can know and feel what the parents in the column are feeling so they can really comprehend the text more.
"On our best days, we silently congratulate ourselves for raising children who really were ready for the world. On our worst, we want to clarify that we meant the world within a two-hour drive of us." This quote really impacted me because it made me realize that when parents want you to go out and live your life and go on adventures around the world they were kind of lying because while they want you to really make your life fun and memorable they don't want you to go away because it'll make them feel older and lonelier. I probably don't understand the parents point of views that much since I'm not a parent yet but even though you're going to miss your kids you've got to let them live their own life, own adventures, and someday a family of their own.
My questions to Krista are:
What inspired you to become a columnist?
Why did you want to write a column on this subject in particular?
URL: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/03/06/krista-ramsey-young-adults/6144909/
Krista's writing style touches the hearts of many which is her main goal, I think. She adds emotion and depth in her sentences and words and makes her columns interesting so it is easy to read and understand. She wants to make the reader feel as much emotion as they can so they can know and feel what the parents in the column are feeling so they can really comprehend the text more.
"On our best days, we silently congratulate ourselves for raising children who really were ready for the world. On our worst, we want to clarify that we meant the world within a two-hour drive of us." This quote really impacted me because it made me realize that when parents want you to go out and live your life and go on adventures around the world they were kind of lying because while they want you to really make your life fun and memorable they don't want you to go away because it'll make them feel older and lonelier. I probably don't understand the parents point of views that much since I'm not a parent yet but even though you're going to miss your kids you've got to let them live their own life, own adventures, and someday a family of their own.
My questions to Krista are:
What inspired you to become a columnist?
Why did you want to write a column on this subject in particular?
Monday, April 7, 2014
Characterization of Clarisse
Fahrenheit 451 is set in the future in the United States. Clarisse, one of the main characters, is a seventeen year old girl who describes herself as crazy in the beginning of the book. She has voluminous blonde curly hair, she's really pale, and thin. Clarisse isn't like the girls who are her age. She is out of the norm and she seems to be one of the few people who know about the past and questions why books are burnt. In the book she meets a fireman name Guy Montag. Montag sees Clarisse as having no manners and being really odd but he loves to have conversations with her. On page 11 she says, "You know, I'm not afraid of you at all." then Montag replies "Why should you be?". After that Clarisse says "So many people are. Afraid of firemen, I mean. But you're just a man, after all...". This quote shows that Clarisse is a lot different than most people.
The most important quote said by her is, "Strange. I heard once that a long time ago houses used to burn by accident and they needed firemen to stop the flames." This quote is very important because it tells you that Clarisse knows more then what she should know. My favorite character is Clarisse because she is the person that makes Montag question whether he's happy or in love or if he even enjoys burning books. Soon he realizes he doesn't enjoy burning books but learns to appreciate them and try to gain knowledge from them by secretly collecting books. What I don't understand is, is why Clarisse died so early in the book when she was such an important character.
The most important quote said by her is, "Strange. I heard once that a long time ago houses used to burn by accident and they needed firemen to stop the flames." This quote is very important because it tells you that Clarisse knows more then what she should know. My favorite character is Clarisse because she is the person that makes Montag question whether he's happy or in love or if he even enjoys burning books. Soon he realizes he doesn't enjoy burning books but learns to appreciate them and try to gain knowledge from them by secretly collecting books. What I don't understand is, is why Clarisse died so early in the book when she was such an important character.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Divergent
Divergent, written by Veronica Roth, has got to be one of the best books I've ever read and I'm only half way through the book. Divergent is one of the most original and exhilarating plots ever. I've also saw the movie version and I'm glad I did because that opened my mind and I can picture the book. You could say this book is similar to The Hunger Games, but sorry guys I like this book a lot better. This novel is set in the future where our society has been divided into 5 factions- Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Amity, and Candor. Everyone in that society is born into the faction their parents are in, until they turn sixteen and can take the aptitude test which finds out which faction is best for you. The day after that is the choosing ceremony where you choose if you want to stay in the faction where your family is or leave them for good. Beatrice, the main character, has a lot of trouble deciding if she wants to abandon her family and be happy or if she wants to stay with her family. The Abnegation are all about trust, kindness, and selflessness. You can't even look in the mirror for two seconds without being considered vain. Abnegations color is gray. They must wear gray lose fitting clothes to not attract attention to themselves."I choose to turn away from my reflection, to rely not on myself but my brothers and sisters, to project always outward until I disappear".
People in Dauntless they believe in freedom from fear. They are pretty much the city's policemen except they're protecting them from what's outside the fence surrounding their city, which citizens don't even have knowledge of what could be behind it. My favorite faction by far is Dauntless and I would want to be apart of Dauntless because they aren't afraid of anything. Also because they seek adventure and fun. The Dauntless color is black, in which members completely dress. Dark makeup and tattoos are also recommended for members. "We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives somebody into standing up for another, we believe in shouting for those who can only whisper, in defending those who can't defend themselves".
The Erudites are the most intelligent of all of the factions. They value knowledge and are big on speeches. They must wear at least one article of clothing that is blue because blue causes your body to release calming chemicals. "Knowledge is the only logical solution to the problem of conflict. Therefore, we propose that in order to eliminate conflict, we must eliminate the disconnect among those with differences by correcting the lack of understanding that arises from ignorance with knowledge".
Amity is a faction that values peace above all else. They mostly have a laid back, happy mood and are often seen clapping hands and singing songs and viewed as artists. Tris ( aka Beatrice) refers to this faction when she says, " The goal of my life isn't just... to be happy". Members of this faction are dressed in red or yellow. "Give freely trusting that you will be giving what you need... Do not be angry. The opinions of others cannot damage you... The wrong is past".
Lastly, the Candor faction. This faction values honesty. The ones who can't even tell one little lie. A member of Candor can be recognized because of his black suit and tie. They see the truth as black and white so that's what they wear. "Truth makes us transparent. Truth makes us strong. Truth makes us inextricable".
Divergence is the tendency to diverge from the norm which is, in this case, the mindset and way of thinking the factions are meant for. If you get a faction choice of more than one, you are considered Divergent. I feel like I am and some people, in present time society, are divergent in a way because I am not categorized into one "faction", I am a combination of those things and I'm curious as to why that's a bad thing in the books society.
Monday, February 24, 2014
My Blog Reflection
My blog post ( http://nazsreadingblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/evermore-why-you-should-read-it.html) is my best and favorite post because in it I exemplified my ability to analyze complex characters and I've analyzed the development of the theme. I worked hard on it and tried to use the rubrics for it. In my post, I talked about several different aspects of the book which is important to do because you need to keep the reader interested. My teacher, Mrs. Noble, has given me great tips and advice for my blog posts and I have best demonstrated it in that post. I also have added pictures and have had more then 2 paragraphs of text which is pretty important to do. I have described the plot so that people know what it's about but at the same time I didn't give a lot away to spoil it for the reader.
My goals for next trimester are to make sure to understand the text that I am reading because sometimes you can glance through the pages without really understanding and reading the book. My goals for writing are to use all of the tools of writing( imagery, similes, metaphors, personification, etc.) and also to really think about what I will write and what I will talk about. It's important to also read and comprehend the book from the p.o.v of the author, the characters, and of course the reader. I've struggled a lot with keeping up with my reading and posts every week because being in high school is very time consuming but at the same time you need to manage your time wisely. I've overcome this struggle by making time for each class and making sure I get everything done and also I've made school my number one priority. One strength that I had while blogging was that I can write and explain my view and feelings about a subject or a book and make my posts look interesting to want to read. (I've done choice 1 & 2)
My goals for next trimester are to make sure to understand the text that I am reading because sometimes you can glance through the pages without really understanding and reading the book. My goals for writing are to use all of the tools of writing( imagery, similes, metaphors, personification, etc.) and also to really think about what I will write and what I will talk about. It's important to also read and comprehend the book from the p.o.v of the author, the characters, and of course the reader. I've struggled a lot with keeping up with my reading and posts every week because being in high school is very time consuming but at the same time you need to manage your time wisely. I've overcome this struggle by making time for each class and making sure I get everything done and also I've made school my number one priority. One strength that I had while blogging was that I can write and explain my view and feelings about a subject or a book and make my posts look interesting to want to read. (I've done choice 1 & 2)
Monday, February 10, 2014
R.L Stine: The New Girl
I have just finished reading the novel, The New Girl, by R.L Stine and I love it just like all of his other books. I first wanted to read this book because R.L Stine was one of my favorite authors when growing up and it was one that I haven't read before. The book is set in present time around fall time in the high school Shadyside High. When Cory Brooks, the main character, lays eyes on the new girl for the first time he is lost in her light blue eyes and can't get her out of his mind. Cory Brooks finally finds out who the new girl is and her name is Anna Corwin. Anna has light blonde hair, pale as a ghost skin, beautiful light blue eyes and always wears dresses. Cory just can't get over how much she likes this girl. Later, he finds out that she lives on Fear Street. That's a street that is said to be really scary and dangerous and Cory is surprised that she lives there. Anna for some reason keeps disappearing, and Cory finds out she is dead. It is up to Cory and his friends to find out the secret behind Anna.
The thing that I love about R.L Stine is his writing style. First he develops two or three main characters and several secondary characters. Then, he keeps the plot moving at a steady pace and he knows his audience so he knows whats interesting and what's not. He will make the reader think one thing will happen and then do something else to trick us. Then, he outlines the book so that the plot makes sense. Finally, he always has an exciting and satisfying ending.
How he writes (quote by R.L Stine):
"I think of the titles first. I think I work backwards from most authors. Most authors get an idea for a story and they start to write it, and then later they think of a title. But I think of the title first and then the title sort of leads me to the story. ...I know the ending, so then I know I can always get there. I plan out every book first before I write a word. I do a chapter-by-chapter outline of every book. So before I start to write, I know everything that’s going to happen in the book. I have it all planned, and then I can just enjoy the writing. I’ve done all the hard part. I’ve done the thinking before I start to write." - from an interview with The Author Hour.
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