Do you remember the summer that everything just felt perfect, at home, and like it was suppose to be? I do. We all do! When I read Sarah Dessen's That Summer, it took me to a place in time a few years ago.
A lesson I learned from this book is that sometimes, it is easier to roll with the tide than try to go against it. Haven, was going through some difficult changes in her life. Her dad was getting remarried and having a baby with a new woman. Her sister was getting married to a strangley quiet and dull guy, and Haven is around six feet tall and steal moving on up.
In Haven's life she felt like there was no way out. Not even a soul to talk to. I think that the reason I liked this book so much was because I knew how well it related to many people in the world. How many times do we feel like we are trapped under pressure, not good enough, or just plain depressed? Come on...ADMIT IT! We all feel that way at times.
I recommend that you not only read this book, but also some of Dessen's other novels. The characters will capture your heart. You will not be able to put these great reads down.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Jack London's Call of the Wild is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. Jack London wrote so vividly, it is easy to relate what happens in the book to my life.
The main lesson I learned from reading this book is to always take a stand for myself. For example, Buck, the main character, gets dog napped. He is taken away to be a dog that runs routes to and from areas in the "Northland". He eventually attacks a man who he feels threatened by. I think young people today need to follow this example, in a way. When they feel that "the real them" is being compromised, they should figure out a solution. People should never lose the real them.
London also does an exquisite job of really allowing you to get to know the characters. My love for the characters makes me like the book even more. Spitz' fight for superiority, Buck's hunger for the wild, and Thorton's love for Buck make me absolutely crazy about this wonderful piece of literature.
I recommend reading all of Mr. London's books. Of all the books I have read, his are definitely the best. I am absolutely consumed and awed by his works. Are you, too, feeling the call to read Jack London's works?
The main lesson I learned from reading this book is to always take a stand for myself. For example, Buck, the main character, gets dog napped. He is taken away to be a dog that runs routes to and from areas in the "Northland". He eventually attacks a man who he feels threatened by. I think young people today need to follow this example, in a way. When they feel that "the real them" is being compromised, they should figure out a solution. People should never lose the real them.
London also does an exquisite job of really allowing you to get to know the characters. My love for the characters makes me like the book even more. Spitz' fight for superiority, Buck's hunger for the wild, and Thorton's love for Buck make me absolutely crazy about this wonderful piece of literature.
I recommend reading all of Mr. London's books. Of all the books I have read, his are definitely the best. I am absolutely consumed and awed by his works. Are you, too, feeling the call to read Jack London's works?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Antigone Anyone?
To break the law or not break the law, that is the question. How far would you be willing to go to bury a dead relative? Would you be willing to risk your own life? Most likely not, but in the case of Antigone, it seemed she had no choice. Sophocles' Antigone is quite an uninteresting read.
Sophacles chose a very dull topic. Whether or not Antigone should bury her dead brother, was basically all the book was about. In every story you read, you will find tragedy and perhaps a choice to be made. There was that, too, but all of this revolved around Antigone burying her dead brother.
In this story, you will feel as if you do not know the characters well enough to really care about what is going on in the story. Who cares if Antigone dies? She disobeyed the law of the king, did she not? What about Hameon? Who even is Hameon besides the son of the king and the lover of Antigone? Did he ever even show that he loved Antigone throughout the play? No.
Also, throughout the play, there is very little change of scenery. In scene one, there is the palace. In scene two, there is the palace. You will feel like you never leave the palace, if you even feel like you are there at all.
I recommend that you do not waste your precious time reading such a ridiculous play. You would be better off sitting and watching the time go by than reading Antigone.
Sophacles chose a very dull topic. Whether or not Antigone should bury her dead brother, was basically all the book was about. In every story you read, you will find tragedy and perhaps a choice to be made. There was that, too, but all of this revolved around Antigone burying her dead brother.
In this story, you will feel as if you do not know the characters well enough to really care about what is going on in the story. Who cares if Antigone dies? She disobeyed the law of the king, did she not? What about Hameon? Who even is Hameon besides the son of the king and the lover of Antigone? Did he ever even show that he loved Antigone throughout the play? No.
Also, throughout the play, there is very little change of scenery. In scene one, there is the palace. In scene two, there is the palace. You will feel like you never leave the palace, if you even feel like you are there at all.
I recommend that you do not waste your precious time reading such a ridiculous play. You would be better off sitting and watching the time go by than reading Antigone.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Taking a Stand: Yay or Nay?
In fourth grade, a student named Maria moved to Batesville from Mexico. Maria was lovely and sweet. Some people, however, treated her badly simply out of jealousy.
When she first arrived, almost everyone appeared to want to know Maria better, with the exception of a few girls. They seemed not to like her because of her beauty and personality. Whenever Maria would sit down at lunch, these girls would cease their conversations and sit in silence, leaving Maria and I in conversations of our own.
Finally, I had taken enough of their stupidity. I marched over to the monkey bars and told the girls what I thought. That was that they were just making themselves look bad. The expressions on their faces went from triumphant to defeated.
A few days later, after out little chat, the girls attitudes toward Maria had made a complete turn-around. When walking through the halls, I could barely get a word in for all the girls standing around Maria. Maria gave me a very rewarding smile. That smile made my talk with the girls worth all the effort.
When I felt the need to take a stand, I did. Maybe that is one of the joys of being children. We speak what we feel and think, which can be a good thing and bad, but in this case good. I still always try to take a stand when I feel the need. I cannot ever tell if my effort will make an impact, but I might as well take a chance and find out.
When she first arrived, almost everyone appeared to want to know Maria better, with the exception of a few girls. They seemed not to like her because of her beauty and personality. Whenever Maria would sit down at lunch, these girls would cease their conversations and sit in silence, leaving Maria and I in conversations of our own.
Finally, I had taken enough of their stupidity. I marched over to the monkey bars and told the girls what I thought. That was that they were just making themselves look bad. The expressions on their faces went from triumphant to defeated.
A few days later, after out little chat, the girls attitudes toward Maria had made a complete turn-around. When walking through the halls, I could barely get a word in for all the girls standing around Maria. Maria gave me a very rewarding smile. That smile made my talk with the girls worth all the effort.
When I felt the need to take a stand, I did. Maybe that is one of the joys of being children. We speak what we feel and think, which can be a good thing and bad, but in this case good. I still always try to take a stand when I feel the need. I cannot ever tell if my effort will make an impact, but I might as well take a chance and find out.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
One Down and Five to Go!
The first semester of my high school career has been somewhat that of a roller coaster ride. There are harder classes, more drama, and more boring World History movies than I could have ever imagined possible. There are also, however, more good times than I could ever have hoped for. For example, tastier lunchroom food, funny phrases learned in Spanish, and Mi Ranchito chip and salsa. Yum!
As far as classes go, my most difficult are Pre-AP Chemistry and English. Chemistry sometimes drives me to the point of insanity. But once I master a million-step problem, I feel like I have actually accomplished something extraordinary. English is the same way. I never knew, until this year, that I could chart a sentence. Now I know that, and also that this could very well be my least favorite thing to do. Though the classes are hard, the teachers are amazing.
The chip and salsa from Mi Ranchito, I must say, is my favorite aspect of Spanish, besides the people I take the class with. We have an amazing woman for a teacher who cares about our grades as well as our stomachs.
As I look forward to the next semester, I can only hope that the upcoming session of school will be half as amazing as the first. Until then, I will be studying hard for semester tests and relaxing over the Holidays. Merry Christmas!
As far as classes go, my most difficult are Pre-AP Chemistry and English. Chemistry sometimes drives me to the point of insanity. But once I master a million-step problem, I feel like I have actually accomplished something extraordinary. English is the same way. I never knew, until this year, that I could chart a sentence. Now I know that, and also that this could very well be my least favorite thing to do. Though the classes are hard, the teachers are amazing.
The chip and salsa from Mi Ranchito, I must say, is my favorite aspect of Spanish, besides the people I take the class with. We have an amazing woman for a teacher who cares about our grades as well as our stomachs.
As I look forward to the next semester, I can only hope that the upcoming session of school will be half as amazing as the first. Until then, I will be studying hard for semester tests and relaxing over the Holidays. Merry Christmas!
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
When I first read the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, I realized that my attention was not focused on Caesar, but Brutus.
Brutus, to me, appears to be the one who suffered most out of the whole ordeal. He was foolish and untrustworthy, and as the play neared the end, he realized this about himself.
Brutus was foolish enough to believe that the Roman public favored him over Caesar. Only days earlier people had gathered in the streets to sing their praises to Caesar. Also, Brutus allowed Cassius to sway his opinion of Caesar. Deep down Brutus knew that Caesar was an honorable man who wanted was best for his country. After only a few moments of talking to Cassius, Brutus had begun to question his opinion of his best friend.
Brutus was unfortunately untrustworthy also. He acted like Caesar's best friend right up until the moment he stabbed him. To be that two-faced is absolutely unbelievable.
At the end of the play, Brutus commits suicide. The cause of this, I am sure, was because Brutus had realized the person he had become.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar should have been renamed The Fall of Brutus, The Most Noble of Romans, for this better suits the play.
Brutus, to me, appears to be the one who suffered most out of the whole ordeal. He was foolish and untrustworthy, and as the play neared the end, he realized this about himself.
Brutus was foolish enough to believe that the Roman public favored him over Caesar. Only days earlier people had gathered in the streets to sing their praises to Caesar. Also, Brutus allowed Cassius to sway his opinion of Caesar. Deep down Brutus knew that Caesar was an honorable man who wanted was best for his country. After only a few moments of talking to Cassius, Brutus had begun to question his opinion of his best friend.
Brutus was unfortunately untrustworthy also. He acted like Caesar's best friend right up until the moment he stabbed him. To be that two-faced is absolutely unbelievable.
At the end of the play, Brutus commits suicide. The cause of this, I am sure, was because Brutus had realized the person he had become.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar should have been renamed The Fall of Brutus, The Most Noble of Romans, for this better suits the play.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Follow the Leader
After having read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, I noticed that the actions performed by Cassius not only took guts to accomplish, but also superb leadership qualities.
Being a leader means choosing what is best for your subjects, thinking issues out before acting, planning ahead, and perhaps being a bit manipulative.
Having a good head on his shoulders, Cassius seemed to have all of these attributes.
When he started his conquest to kill Caesar, he believed that what he was doing was for the best of the Roman people. He told Brutus that he thought Caesar was becoming too ambitious.
Also, he planned out the assassination of Caesar, the great warrior. He and his accomplices decided how, when, and where they would kill him.
They knew that they had better be able to have one good excuse for murdering the most beloved Caesar, which is why they thought ahead.
Cassius was also quite manipulative. He was the one who convinced Brutus of the power he held inside. At first Brutus wouldn't hear the words oozing from Cassius' mouth. But Cassius knew what Brutus wanted to hear and told him willingly.
Cassius, a man of questionable character, had one of the best attributes possible. That attribute was leadership.
Being a leader means choosing what is best for your subjects, thinking issues out before acting, planning ahead, and perhaps being a bit manipulative.
Having a good head on his shoulders, Cassius seemed to have all of these attributes.
When he started his conquest to kill Caesar, he believed that what he was doing was for the best of the Roman people. He told Brutus that he thought Caesar was becoming too ambitious.
Also, he planned out the assassination of Caesar, the great warrior. He and his accomplices decided how, when, and where they would kill him.
They knew that they had better be able to have one good excuse for murdering the most beloved Caesar, which is why they thought ahead.
Cassius was also quite manipulative. He was the one who convinced Brutus of the power he held inside. At first Brutus wouldn't hear the words oozing from Cassius' mouth. But Cassius knew what Brutus wanted to hear and told him willingly.
Cassius, a man of questionable character, had one of the best attributes possible. That attribute was leadership.
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