SUMMER READING BLOG SPACE
Please list the title of your book and then comment. 
Avoid summary. Write observations, comments, questions, anything that would start or enhance a “conversation” about the reading. ENJOY!
Remember, you must blog at least five times for each of the books you are reading this summer. Your first fiction reading novel blogs are due by 7/1/09, your second by 7/20/09, your non-fiction by 8/15/09, and your contemporary by 9/2/09.
1:39 pm 
egrimm 
comment | June 3, 2009 at 20:48 | individual comment-link
I am reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin. So far I have read ten chapters, which is about forty pages in.
What I have noticed was the symbolistic reappearance of the sea. The main character, Edna Pontellier, views it as her chance at endless freedom and an escape from her life. Whenever she visits this sea, she seems to be overwhelmed with pleasant thoughts.
This is not a book I would normally pick up and read, but so far it really is not that bad. I am expecting to (or hoping to!) get more into the story as it proceeds.
According to the summary on the back of the book, Edna will leave her family. I believe this because a portion of the book stated that when she was away from her children for awhile, she was happy to not be burdened with worries. She never did admit this, though, to anyone including herself. Also, she is consistently not fully happy with how her life is going or where it is headed.
To anyone that is also reading this book-is Robert in love with Edna? I did not completely catch on to that.
comment | June 7, 2009 at 14:50 | individual comment-link
Well, I’m reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. So far I’m not sure whether I like it or tolerate it, just have to decide that at the end of the book I suppose. One thing though, is that I pity Heathcliff. It seems that life has been against him from the start. Hindley treats him poorly and even though Catherine claims to be in love with him, she goes off to marry Lindley instead. That seems reason enough why he is so bitter in the beginning.
Then Catherine, I think she’s too vain, and thats what draws her to become engaged to Edgar Linton. She said so herself that it would’ve brought down her social status to marry Heathcliff, and they’d be beggars. Class hiarchy is the thing that seems to strive Catherine to make the choice she has. To me it’s a shame that people back then couldn’t marry for love.
comment | June 14, 2009 at 09:12 | individual comment-link
So…Heathcliff comes back after a three year absence. That makes me wonder, where in the world could he have gone, what did he do? Even though Hindley hates Heathcliff I wonder what motif made him invite Heathcliff to stay with him. Hindley seems crazy to me. He invites someone he hates to stay with him and then he threatens to shoot him everynight, but because of Heathcliff’s door being locked, can’t. It’s just wierd.
Again, someone marries without love. Heathcliff and Isabella, even though she loves him, he doesn’t return that love, and only marries her to try and get back at Catherine. It must’ve been love at first sight, because to me I don’t think Heathcliff really shown any affection to her, at least untill he just decided to use her to get back at Catherine.
comment | June 14, 2009 at 15:49 | individual comment-link
I have officially started my summer reading with The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
So far, the book it pretty good. According to the back of the book the main character, Edna Pontellier, is supposed to be leaving her family soon. I think I will find that part of the book more interesting because it seems as though Edna needs to get out and have fun. Edna does not seem like she was ready to have a husband and kids and that burdens her. When she finally does get out she will most likely have a lot of self-discovery going on, and that should be interesting.
Briana-
Yes, I think Robert is very fond of Edna and we might see that relationship grow.
comment | June 15, 2009 at 19:22 | individual comment-link
I read a lot more of The Awakening by Kate Chopin today. I feel like Edna is becoming very restless. When I first started reading today I noticed she was being more adventurous, and she was starting to make more of her own decisions instead of letting her husband make them for her. Although, her husband sounds very controlling.. I do not think he is a mean man. He likes to have control, but he treats Edna very well. But, I think she wants to get away from her life regaurdless.
Also, when Robert leaves I noticed that Edna was very sad which was expected, but she showed more than expected which made it seem like she liked him as more than a friend. Or, I also think that Edna really admires Robert because he is having the spontaneous lifestyle she wishes she could have. This book is definitely starting to become more interesting.
comment | June 15, 2009 at 22:12 | individual comment-link
The Awakening by Kate Chopin has become much more interesting. I actually really like this book. Edna is changing more and more to a different person every day. I am surprised her husband is being so calm about her becoming a more idependent woman and making her own choices. It was also surprising to me that Edna’s dad was so mad that her husband was not more controling of Edna. But, I guess back then that is what men were like.
I cannot wait to see what happens with Edna’s new friend, Alcee, since he seems to be becoming way too friendly with Edna. Also, I would really love to see Robert come back for Edna because I think they are meant to be together. (:
comment | June 16, 2009 at 11:14 | individual comment-link
I am almost finished with The Awakening. I have to say Edna did not do what I expected her to. Instead of moving away from all the things that seemed to be weighing her down, she just moved down the road. I guess she wants to have both lives; her own individual life, and the one with her kids involved.
I am really happy that Robert came back though. I do not know what is going to happen between them yet, but I think they will end up together. Or at least I hope they do anyways.
comment | June 16, 2009 at 15:53 | individual comment-link
I’ve gotten far enough to see the second generation of characters grow up and interact with each other and the world around them. Catherine reminds me a lot of her mother. Then Hindley, even though he isn’t Heathcliff’s son, acutally reminds me of him when he was a boy. They seem to be in the same situation : Both the boys being hated was deemed into servitude by the master of the house. Now Linton, I’m not sure where he falls into play amoung the parents but I think that the idea that they go through the same things as their parents might be an improtant theme or symbol of some sort.
comment | June 16, 2009 at 22:08 | individual comment-link
I finished The Awakening by Kate Chopin today. The ending was really disappointing though.
I got really excited when Robert & Edna had their first kiss. I thought it was the begining of a relationship for them.. but when Robert left again I was sad for Edna. I did not like the ending at all because you never really know how everything turns out. I was also confused on what exactly happened to Edna at the end. I did not know if she drown or if she was just enjoying her swim at the end. I was really hoping for a better ending.
comment | June 18, 2009 at 10:45 | individual comment-link
I never expected Heathcliff to go “crazy” before he died. When he told Catherine’s spirit to haunt him I suppose in a way she really did. With him being reminded of her every where he went, and seeing her in Cathy and Hindley, and even digging up her grave. I think he brought the craziness upon himself, he was the one that chose to see those things in people. Deffinately the one who chose to open up her grave, with that, I see him as obsessed with Catherine. People may love and mourn people after they die, but open up their graves?
comment | June 19, 2009 at 10:09 | individual comment-link
I am reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin and thus far I cannot tell if i like it or not. It started off kind of slow and it seems a bit confusing to me. Although, I do like the main character, Edna. She is a very strong and independent woman who knows what she wants. Even though she is married and has children of her own, I do not think that will stop her from starting something with Robert. He is clearly attracted to her and from what I’ve read, others think so as well.
comment | June 19, 2009 at 10:13 | individual comment-link
After reading chapter after chapter of The Awakening, it is beginning to keep my interest. One thing that I have noticed is the way that Edna pretends that her husband is some perfect gentleman, when in reality he is not. People in this novel see what they want to see. While reading this, I am beginning to wonder when Edna and Robert will begin thing between them. I like both of their characters, but the book states that once every year Robert picks a woman to cater to all summer long. So is this just another one of his flings or true feelings? I hope I find out soon
comment | June 19, 2009 at 10:18 | individual comment-link
I am reading The Awakening by Kate Choplin. I’m not very far into it and I’m still not sure if I like this book yet. Edna, the main character, is always lost in her thoughts and confused about what she wants in life. I feel that she is fond of Robert because he understands the “weird” things she does. Her husband doesn’t understand it; he just thinks she should be a mother and a wife. I don’t think that Edna has admitted to anyone, even herself that she likes Robert.
I noticed that Edna compares the sea to her childhood home in Kentucky. At this point she still doesn’t go in the water. I can’t tell if she wants to be a kid again or is glad to be an adult. She speaks of her childhood happily but she compares it to something she doesn’t like.
comment | June 20, 2009 at 16:50 | individual comment-link
Well, after reading Wuthering Heights I figured it was an ok book. To me a lot of parts seemed to get dry, but once in awhile, something big would happen that would make me just want to keep reading. Also, for once, someone is going to truely marry for love, Cathy and Hindley; that made me so happy. Looking back on it was easy to tell that Hindley liked her, but I though she Cathy was going to be like her mother and just remarry for social status. I am glad however that they fell for each other and gives the world a nice little happy ending.
comment | June 21, 2009 at 21:37 | individual comment-link
I kicked off my summer reading with Emily Brontë’s novel, Wuthering Heights. I have read the first ten chapters and I found that the first five chapters were slightly confusing. At first I wasnt entirely sure if I liked the book, but with time it’s beginning to grow on me. I think the reason behind the confusion is to show the complex relationship between characters. I also noticed that many of the characters have similar names and are very close in relation, which again create confusion. I think that the ghost in the novel show history trying to repeat itself or maybe even the characters trying to learn from their past mistakes. I guess I’m going to have to read more to make my opinions more substantial.
comment | June 22, 2009 at 11:47 | individual comment-link
The Awakening is starting to get pretty interesting. Edna has become a totally new person. She does whatever she wants and doesn’t care what her husband thinks. She only associates with the people from Grand Isle. I thought it was kind of funny when she said that her husband is there just to pay the bills. Even people around her notice the change. I think that her husband will eventually take charge and not let her live in another house and do whatever she wants. Its like Edna has become a whole new character.
The doctor thinks that Edna is having an affair. He doesn’t say anything to anyone about it though. He thinks that because of the story she told at dinner, which I find kind of odd. I can’t wait to keep reading to find out what happens.
comment | June 22, 2009 at 12:09 | individual comment-link
I could tell Edna loved Robert when she begged Mademoiselle Reisz to read the letters. She even became a little jealous that he wasn’t sending her any letters. She was excited when he would ask about her and talked about her in the letters. Then finally she admitted she loved Robert, it was the first time she admitted it to anyone, even herself. I think before she admitted it she was in denial.
A theme I have noticed is social classes. Edna and all her friends are wealthy and of the upper class. Her husband won’t go to the horse races because he considers it middle class. I thought it was funny when Edna said her reason for moving into the small house was that their huge house was to big for her to take care of. The maids do everything and Edna doesn’t know how good she has it.
comment | June 22, 2009 at 13:40 | individual comment-link
I’ve joined the bandwagon and decided to start reading Awakening by Kate Chopin. So far it seems interesting enough. Edna to me seems trapped in her marriage, as her husband seemed to point out she doesn’t seem like a very “motherly” person. She even stated that sometimes she doesn’t even miss her children when they’re gone. I’m also starting to get the notion Robert has a little thing for Edna as well with the way he kept laying his head on her shoulder while she was drawing. I wonder what’s going to develop between them in the next comming chapters of the book.
comment | June 23, 2009 at 10:37 | individual comment-link
I’ve read a bit more last night and it seems that the sea is starting to turn out to be a symbol. When she was swimming out in the lake for the first time it seems that she enjoyed herself and like she was…free, and had controll over her body to swim out like she did. Also she talked about the water when she was comparing the experience to when she was in the field as a little girl. I think that might be important later on, or just significant in some way or another.
Also, when Robert was talking about a “spirit” rising up from the lake and taking Edna captive I think he was talking about himself, and how possibly his love for Edna seems to be growing.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 17:39 | individual comment-link
Wow. These posts make me not want to read the books I originally chose under “classics”. I notice that no one has written anything for Native Son, which I hoped someone might have. I haven’t started the classics yet but I have started Dreams from my Father.
as for speculations:
NO! IT IS NOT POLITICAL!
and
NO! It is not a lovey dovey father/son story!
I was really surprised so far with his father walking out and the failed marriages his mother endures. I assumed so much beforehand, that this autobiography comes as a surprise. There has been one quote that struck me as something he definately lived by. “You didn’t have to be rich to be respectable, you sure had to work harder at it if you weren’t”.
His family wasn’t rich, nor was his Kenyan father who studied under scholarships (much like Babamukuru/Maiguru from Nervous Conditions). I have related Obama’s father to the impression of Africa that I received from reading Nervous Conditions. Maybe I can touch more on this subject if his biological father becomes involved again throughout the rest of the story.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:33 | individual comment-link
While reading The Awakening, I was quite shocked when Robert announced that he was just going to leave for Mexico. At first glance the back cover of this novel made me believe that Edna runs away with Robert. But, while reading it again I think that her affair will be with a different man. I am beginning to like Edna’s character more and more and am constantly wondering when she is going to leave her husband. Is she going to leave her children as well? (I am assuming as much) I am almost finished with this novel and it is much better than when I first started reading it.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:35 | individual comment-link
I’m reading Tom Sawyer. I’m one fifth of the way in and I love it so far. Tom is quite the character. He is so sneaky and cunning. I love how he does all hese silly antics to try to get the new girl’s attention. I also think the trading game these boys have going on is interesting. Why anyone would want a pinching beetle or a human tooth, I don’t know. Where I left off, Tom had just met up with Huckleberry Finn. Judging from the book we read about him in Honors 11, the two will probably cause mischeif and potentially get into a great deal of trouble. Twain’s writing style is keeping me captivated. He uses unbelievable amounts of sarcasm and sometimes the characters say such funny things and are in comical situations. I’m looking forward to reading more.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:39 | individual comment-link
Well, now I’m two fifths of the way through Tom Sawyer. Twain’s humor is really funny. I like how Tom gets to feeling so sorry for himself when Becky Thatcher’s not at school because she’s sick. He makes all these ridiculous plans to run away and die tragically so she’ll be sorry. And then the whole story with Injun Joe and Muff Potter. I was dissapointed that Huck and Tom didn’t tell the real story to anyone, but I understand their reasoning for not telling. I would be scared to death of that Indian too. I love their little pirating act. I’m wondering how long it will last. My guess is, either until they run out of food or until they realize they won’t be getting any plunder because there’s no ships sailing by with riches- whichever comes first.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:43 | individual comment-link
Halfway through Tom Sawyer, the book is still holding my attention. The boys were homesick but of course Tom Sawyer thought of another one of his brilliant plans to keep them there for a few more days so they could play a trick. Tom’s always looking to play a trick. The trick was pretty funny too. I’m surprised nobody thought the boys were ghosts when they walked into their own funeral. I also think it’s funny how immature Tom and Becky are, trying to get back at each other. Tom makes Becky jealous so she makes Tom jealous and nobody ends up with the results they wanted. But then Tom does a very noble thing, as Becky called it, and saved her from her first lashing at school, so they got back together. I think it’s immature but kind of cute. I’m anxious to see what they have up their sleeve for this Examination Evening.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:47 | individual comment-link
I’m near the end of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The novel is getting really intense. Right now Huck has just followed Injun Joe and his friend to the Widow Douglas’ house. I think Huck will have to make a daring rescue. But I can’t believe the boys’ luck! Searching for buried treasure and they stumble upon someone who’s about to bury theirs. Twain writes very smoothly and I love his irony and sarcasm. I wonder if Tom and Huck will ever catch up to the treasure. I’m surprised Injun Joe isn’t looking for them to get “revenge” on them too. Tom is at the Widow Douglas’ house so I’m sure he’ll have something to do with this plot.
comment | June 24, 2009 at 21:52 | individual comment-link
I just finished Tom Sawyer and really enjoyed the read. It was a pretty quick read. I think that’s because of Twain’s writing style. The way he words some parts are funny and captivating at the same time. I like the fact that, like your typical fairy tale, and like the novel Huck Finn, the story has a happy ending. Of course Huck and Tom find the treasure, of course they get to keep it, and of course everyone ends up happy. I think maybe that’s another reason I enjoyed it. The plot was like a mystery and a comedy rolled into one, which was good because I like both mysteries and comedies. This book was definitely worth reading.
comment | June 25, 2009 at 10:47 | individual comment-link
I only have a few chapters left in The Awakening. Edna is leading Arobin on. I think she is doing that because she’s trying to fill the void, when Robert is not around. When they kissed, I was shocked, and Edna felt extremely bad. She said what would “he” think. She was talking about Robert and her husband is barely apart of her life.
Robert returned and met Edna by accident. She was shocked that he didn’t come and visit her right away. I think maybe he doesn’t love her the way she loves him. I could all be in her head.
When Robert and Arobin were together with Edna. She totally blew off Arobin and wanted to talk to Robert. I thought that was kind of funny. I can’t wait to read the ending of the book and find out how everything turns out.
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:01 | individual comment-link
While reading the first section of The Awakening by Kate Chopin I was surprised by where the plot began. I did not expect this story to begin with the main character, Edna Pontellier, already introduced to Robert Lebrun. These two are already acquainted with each other. I was also surprised at how ignorant Mr. Pontellier is when it comes to his wife and Robert. The whole summer house knows that Robert has affairs with women every summer, except Mr. Pontellier. Edna does not seem to like to have a family she comments that “she was fond of her children in and uneven, impulsive way…she would sometimes forget them” (24). This illustrates how focused Edna is on herself, not her family. I also noticed that Edna seemed to be fascinated with the sea; it is a relaxing presence in her life. It seems like she focuses on it so she does not have to focus on her family.
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:01 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: Robert and Edna’s relationship continues to grow in throughout the novel. She comments that “no multitude of words could have been more…pregnant with the first-felt throbbings of desire” (40). This revelation comes after she learns how to swim, which I believe is a huge accomplishment for her. It made me wonder what else she would push herself to do. Edna seems to be attaching herself to Robert without thinking of the consequences of her actions. Will she act on her desires at some point in the book and will her husband find out? Will Robert go to Mexico and just leave her there?
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:02 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: Edna has become very depressed and sullen after Robert’s departure to Mexico. She realizes that his “going had some way taken the brightness, the color, the meaning out of everything” (61). This quote shows Edna’s deep devotion to Robert, and even neighbors have noticed a change. I noticed that Mr. Pontellier seems more aware of Edna’s behavior now that they are home instead of at the summer house. She has stopped caring about the social aspects of living in New Orleans; instead she focuses more on herself. Edna is not a timid housewife anymore; she wants something more out of life. How will Mr. Pontellier react to his wife’s new outlook on life? What will happen to the family? Does anyone suspect Edna of loving someone else?
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:02 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: Edna seems to further isolate herself from the rest of her family. Edna seems to be intentionally distancing herself from being attached to her husband and children. She has also has developed a romantic relationship with Arobin. What happened to Robert? I think her relationship with this man will tear her family apart. I believe Edna is very unhappy with being just a wife, so that’s why she begins to paint again. And this is also why she decides to move out and into a house nearby. Edna seems lost in the world, like she doesn’t know who she is. Will ever be happy with herself and her family? What length will she go to just to be separate from her family?
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:02 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: I was very surprised by the ending of this novel. I expected Edna’s and Robert’s relationship to grow and for Edna to leave Mr. Pontellier. I don’t understand why Robert revealed his true feelings towards Edna and then just left her. I also found it interesting that the doctor noticed that something was not quite right with Edna and he even wanted to meet with her and talk about it. I found it sad that having children and a husband was not enough to keep Edna from being depressed. I’m not sure about the ending, but I do think that Edna killed herself by drowning. I think the sea was her escape from everything.
comment | June 25, 2009 at 13:05 | individual comment-link
I started reading Wurthering Heights by Emily Bronte. So far it seems like a pretty interesting story. Some parts get a little confusing to me, and it has not totally grabbed my interest yet.. but I think it will get better. At least I’m hoping anyways.
From what I have read so far I do not like Cathy very much. At the begining she seemed like Heathcliff’s best friend, and all of the sudden she turned snobby and I hate it. I want her to stop trying to be like the Linton family, and stay down to earth like before. I guess we’ll see what happens.
comment | June 25, 2009 at 14:47 | individual comment-link
I have just finished The Awakening. Overall the book was okay. Edna again compares the ocean to her childhood home in Kentucky and that’s how the book ends. Edna probably feels safe and free in the ocean, like she did as a child. That could be why she compares the ocean to her childhood home.
I didn’t really like the ending because it just left everything and didn’t explain what happened. Maybe it was because I didn’t understand it. What happened in the end? Edna returned to Grand Isle to go for a swim. She is swimming out in the ocean and she is thinking about everything that has happened recently in her life. That’s all I really got from the ending. It was kind of a disappointment.
comment | June 26, 2009 at 12:29 | individual comment-link
After getting somewhat farther in The Awakening it seems wierd that Robert would just up and leave to Mexico. I know it’s probably because he loves her, and doesn’t want anything further to happen between then or anything but he could’ve done something less drastic. Also, it was deffinately then that Edna realized she had feelings for Robert. After that she’s trying to get to know him through the people that know him. I think thats her was of bridging the gap with Robert’s absence, is just to hear about him. I wonder if they’ll acutally write to each other back and forth, and what those letters would contain. Probably just random stuff to hold them back from saying what they really feel. I do think that when Robert comes back, things are going to start getting really interesting though.
comment | June 27, 2009 at 17:02 | individual comment-link
I’m on my second novel and I’m reading Native Son, by Richard Wright. So far I really like this novel. The main character, Bigger, is a twenty year old African American. He has a strong resentment for white people and wants to have the same opportunities they do. I find it ironic that he won’t rob white people but he will rob black people. It’s ironic because they are the people he dislikes the most. Bigger is all talk and no walk. He talks a big game but then he would chicken out when it came time to go through with it.
A major theme in Native Son is race. It is a constant obstacle in Biggers life, he doesn’t have the same opportunities and the odds are always against him. Bigger is trying to live in a world that is ruled by whites. It was funny when Bigger said rich white people like blacks, but poor white people hate blacks.
comment | June 28, 2009 at 17:25 | individual comment-link
I am about half way through Tom Sawyer and I am figuring out that I like the book alot. One of the most enjoyable things about this book is the humor that Twain gives Tom. The whole incident when Tom has to whitewash the fence but changes it into a trading fest. Tom here is so clever and makes everyone want to do a job that, to most kids, would not be to entertaining. Another part of the book that i like is when Huck gets introduced for the first time. Twain uses so much description about what people in the town think of him. A question that I have so far though that is really bugging me is, When Tom came across a clean cut boy and they started to fight. Who is this boy, and why, if so, is he significant? I am very excited to read more and see what happens!
comment | June 29, 2009 at 00:31 | individual comment-link
After blogging earlier today, I picked up Tom Sawyer and read some more. I came across a very interesting part that I am eager to see if anyone else has noticed. When Tom, Huck, and Joe run away to the island and pretend they are pirates, many people back in the town miss them. Especially Joe and Toms’ family. When Tom comes back for a secret visit, he listens in on some of the things that Aunt Polly says about him. From then on I feel that Tom views his life as important. At first he feels unwanted, but now after this incident he realizes that he does matter and people really do love him. I think that it is fasinating how Twain changes Tom’s feelings on his life through this incident. I can not want to finish this book! It is getting so good!
comment | June 29, 2009 at 12:27 | individual comment-link
In Wuthering Heights I think that Cathy is a self centered little brat. She uses other people to get what she wants. Her character is boring not that her sickly little cousin Linton is any better. He acts as if the world is out to get him and I don’t blame him. His father is the only interesting and dynamic character but he is also the kind of character that a reader loves to hate. I personally finding this novel a challenge to me because I can’t keep my eyes open long enough to finish a chapter.
comment | June 29, 2009 at 12:36 | individual comment-link
I’m still reading Wuthering Heights and I’m still not enjoying it. At first I thought the novel was going to be bearable but it’s still putting me to sleep in the middle of a chapter. I think I found an interesting symbol with the moors. It seems that the characters walk in the moors during confusing times in their lives and moors are usually hard for a traveler to navigate. This could possibly show a relationships between characters and their mental state thoughout the novel. I guess I’ll have to finish the novel to be sure.
comment | June 29, 2009 at 12:45 | individual comment-link
I’m almost finished with Wuthering Heights. I have about fifty pages left. While reading it had been hard to decipher the truth because the story is being told from Lockwood’s “journal entries” and Ellen’s tales of life with the families. With the story being told this way it makes it hard to tell truth from fiction. It seems that many of the characters actions are amplified to make for a more interesting novel whereas other characters down play their own actions to make themselves less important. This is another perplexing piece of the novel because the characters telling the story are most important because without their knowledge the reader would never hear about the other characters lives.
comment | June 29, 2009 at 14:29 | individual comment-link
I read more of Wurthering Heights today. The book is not great, but it is a little interesting. The story line is really good, but the way it’s told is not good. I think if the book were wrote in a more modern way I would enjoy it more, but a lot of the things that are going on are hard for me to understand completely because of how the book was wrote.
I was really shocked though when Heathcliff came back, and ran away with Isabella. That was a huge surprise, and I’m not really sure if I think of Heathcliff as a good person or bad. Guess I’ll have to keep reading and find out.
comment | June 30, 2009 at 13:34 | individual comment-link
I read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I really disliked Cathy. She was just so whiney and obnoxious. I don’t see what Heathcliff saw. She seems to do nothing of significance. Shes to into herself to care about any one else around her. The book has managed to thoroughly annoy me. I blame it on Cathy and her uselessness.
comment | June 30, 2009 at 19:14 | individual comment-link
As I read on in Tom Sawyer, I fall in love more and more. This book has so much hidden humor and Twain’s unique writing style is very clever. When Tom and Becky are trapped in the cave, I feel that a different side of Tom is shown. He tends to be more caring and sets aside all humor for awhile. It amazes me how Tom uses a string to find a way to light. Not only can Tom be humorous and caring, but he has a brainy side to him too.
comment | June 30, 2009 at 20:04 | individual comment-link
Now is the time where I start counting down the last few pages that are left for me to read in Tom Sawyer. It seems that I have come to a point where I just cannot put the book down. One question that I can not figure out is why does Huck not want to get recognized for anything good that he has done regarding Injun Joe? Even when he reports what happens so that the Widow will be safe. I mean I know that it is probably for his own safety and he does not want Injun Joe after him, but it’s Huck. This character is not supposed to have any care in the world. At the beginning of the book Twain made it so that Huck would do what he wanted when he wanted with no one telling him what to do. Why now has he changed?
comment | June 30, 2009 at 22:21 | individual comment-link
Finally I have finished The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I am so glad that I chose this book to read because I enjoyed it alot. The ending was happy which happens to be true in other books that Twain has wrote such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The money ends up belonging to the boys and everyone is safe and happy; kind of like a fairy tale. Another reason why I liked this book so much is because it was easy to follow along and comprehend. In this book the dialogue is not as complicated as in Huck Finn. I hope that the books that I still have to read will be as good as this one!
comment | July 1, 2009 at 13:24 | individual comment-link
I’m a little more than half way done with Wurthering Heights now. I have gotten far enough in the book to see Heathclilff and Catherine have babies.. and I’m begining to make connections with the people who were introduced at the begining of the book. It seems like the love story is a big circle because Catherine and Heathcliff were in love with each other, but now I think there kids are going to end up the ones being together. At least that’s what I’m starting to figure out. I really do not understand Heathcliff though. I don’t get why he’s so mean, and he couoldn’t even have a better personality when Catherine was having her last few hours of life. He’s a real jerk. I officially decided I do not like him.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 15:06 | individual comment-link
The more I read Wuthering Heights the moreI pitied Heathcliff. He went through so much, and the only emotion he shows from it is bitterness. He was treated terribly as a child by Hareton, but never said a word of it. His supposed to be best friend Cathy learns the way of a lady and turns into a snobby brat, it’s all so terrible. Not only does Heathcliff view Cathy as a best friend, he also loves her. Cathy then goes off and marries another. Heathcliff has had the worst of luck, but still lives unchanges by others views. He is just bitter, nothing more and nothing less.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 15:09 | individual comment-link
Heathcliff ened up being my favorite character. People would try to change him and make him more of a gentleman, but he wouldn’t do it, unless he wanted to. He is a free spirit and does as he pleases. No one can give him direction expecting him to do it. He could have ened up being weak because so much has happened to him, but I view him as one of the strongest. Heathcliff is an overall great character. Even though I didn’t exactilly enjoy the book I liked reading about Heathcliff. He made the book just alittle better in my mind.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 15:15 | individual comment-link
I found Wuthering Heights a little confusing. The story is told through journal entries and someone elses point of view. How is one supposed to know if the tales are the exact truth or exaggerated? Most people telling a story exaggerate it to make it more interesting and appealing. Even in the journal entries it is from one persons point of view. The situation could be completely different depending on the point of view. The whole story could have been utterly altered if someone else told the it. The confusion made the book even more difficult to read.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 15:17 | individual comment-link
After reading more of Kate Chopin’s Awakening I’m surprised that Arobin kissed Edna. I thought that after the apology from him for kissing her on the hand he wouldn’t do that but he did. To me it seems that Edna doesn’t love him; but loves Robert even more than she does her own husband. I think things will heat up even more when Robert comes home, but I still find it sad that he hasn’t written her at all during his absence. With that I’m confused, if he loved her, why would he not write her? For me that is hard to grasp that he’d try to forget about her and yet, in his letters to Mademoiselle Reisz, he’d hardly seem to talk about anyone else. I don’t think he’s doing that great of a job trying to forget her.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 15:17 | individual comment-link
I overall could not get into Wuthering Heights. It’s not a terrible book, but it just wasn’t for me. Maybe the lack of point of view from a specific character did it for me. I am not completely sure why I so strongly dislike the book, I only know it was a stuggle to get through. The best part of the book was how cynical Heathcliff was. It made the book just a little more entertaining. Wuthering Heights maybe a good novel for some, but it sure wasn’t for me. I wish I could have enjoyed it more and then maybe I would have something more positive to say.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 21:32 | individual comment-link
I am almost finished with The Awakening and I am amazed at how much Edna’s relationship with Mademoiselle Reisz has grown. They seem like such good friends and I think that is exactly what Edna needs to just relax. I am beginning to wonder when she is going to leave her husband and family–if at all. When Edna was visiting with Mademoiselle Reisz and she discovered that Robert had been writing to her shocked me. I thought that he possibly leaved to get away from her, but yet his letter focused on nothing but Edna.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 21:41 | individual comment-link
I was so happy to find out that Robert returns home from Mexico. Although, one thing I do not like about Robert is the way he acts so hot and cold towards Edna. She has been through so much in trying to find herself and what will truly make her happy. When I reached the very end of this book I was disappointed and surprised that Edna did in fact commit suicide. But, in her situation I suppose I understand why she did it. To either get away from all of the stress in her life, or because she simply did not see another way out. Even though this book was not one I would have choosen myself, it was not so bad in the end.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 22:31 | individual comment-link
I am reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin. The novel started out pretty slow but this is needed to fully describe characters and their motivations. I have a few questions so far, such as “Will Edna run away from her family?” and “Will Edna fall in love with Robert?” I also feel sorry for Léonce Pontellier because he loves his wife and family very much but Edna doesn’t love him back. Also I disagree with Sarah, I do not think Edna knows what she wants. I believe she feels lost and scared of being hurt by her emotions.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 22:31 | individual comment-link
I think Edna’s decision to marry Léonce was wrong. Edna loved two other men before she married Léonce but was hurt when they didn’t notice her and married other women. I believe because Edna was rejected by two men she had loved, she now feels that she is unworthy of love and settled for Léonce. I also think it was wrong of Robert not to tell Edna he planed on leaving so suddenly. Edna seems to feel abandoned and betrayed by Robert’s decision to not tell her about the move to Mexico.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 22:32 | individual comment-link
I don’t like how Léonce has changed so far over the coarse of the novel. He is controlling, rude and disrespectful towards Edna and she should follow her heart and leave him. I found it interesting that it took Edna so long to realize that she couldn’t pretend to love Léonce anymore. I also found her change in attitude towards Léonce and her friends a little juvenile and rather over the top.
comment | July 1, 2009 at 22:32 | individual comment-link
Again, I think the way Edna deals with her loneliness and the way she treats others is a bit juvenile. Edna’s father acts like Léonce but is much more forceful and mean. I am still waiting to see who Edna falls in love with and ends up staying with whether it be Robert, Léonce or Alcée. For a reason unknown to me I do not like Alcée Arobin very well. Still hoping Robert comes back…
comment | July 1, 2009 at 22:32 | individual comment-link
I rather enjoyed the book The Awakening by Kate Chopin although I was saddened by the ending. I was happy when Robert came back and was reunited with Edna. I felt glad when they shared their kiss and hoped they’d live happily ever after. But life doesn’t always have a happy ending and neither did this book, a lamentable story about love and loss.
comment | July 2, 2009 at 11:11 | individual comment-link
Well this morning I finished reading Awakening. I was rather suprised that Robert didn’t go to see Edna right away, but I was happy when they got together, and very mad when he left that note for her when she came back that night. I still think that he thinks he can’t love her since she’s married. That makes me wonder why she went back to the beach. Was she out there to look for Robert? I think it’s ironic the order she thought of people as she was swimming, she actually thought of her family first instead of Robert. I find that wierd since she doesn’t really seem to care for them all that much, and that for the longest time she couldn’t get Robert out of her head. Anyway, I thought the book was alright, but I was a little saddened by the ending. I do think however the bird that she saw with the broken wing flying into the ocean is a symbol of her changing life, and how it ended.
comment | July 3, 2009 at 12:18 | individual comment-link
Through chapter 26 now, Tom Sawyer has really matured as a character. He decided in court to do what was right, and rat on Injun Joe, instead of letting an innocent man rot in jail. He did this knowing that Injun Joe would probably want his revenge on Tom, so it was a very selfless act. Although as the story progresses Tom is maturing, it is also noticed that he is spending less time with Joe Harper and more time with Huck Finn. They are all very alike in ways, with the exception that Huck is more independent and on his own. Together, Huck and Tom seem to get in real life danger, as opposed to just make believe games. Examples of this include when they witnessed the doctors murder, and had their new tools stolen by the disappeared Injun Joe.
Mark Twain uses supense by suggesting that Injun Joe is out to seek revenge on Tom, and his fleeing the town leaves us wondering where he could be, how close he is, and what he’s plotting instead of doing his time in prison.
comment | July 6, 2009 at 12:20 | individual comment-link
I just finished Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, and I must say that I really enjoyed. This story is filled with continuous adventures and mischief, with the end resulting in the main characters being heros.
Tom matured alot more in the story. At the end, Tom is more than willing to return to a more civilized life, and urges Huck to give in to it as well, even though he’s not quite accepting of it yet. With that in mind, Huck also wanted to spend his share of the gold on candy, which doesn’t show a maturing character.
One of the reasons I chose this book was because I had been to the cave in the story. While I read it, it was very easy for me to picture Tom and Becky exploring, which was pretty interesting for me.
comment | July 6, 2009 at 18:00 | individual comment-link
Today I started to read Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, so far I love this book., it’s a lot easier for me to read then the other ones I’ve chosen, probably having to do with the diction and the style it was written. I’m starting to notice how feminine he seems to be in the beginning of the book. Like how perfect his hair has to be in order to go anywhere, and how clean and perfect his clothes need to be. I think it might also be Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or something of the sort. Or he could just be the really nit-picky, clean kid.
It seemed like it also that it was a good thing that his parents started to see Dr. Finch. I think if Augusten’s parents didn’t get some help some real damage and harm might’ve ensued. I wasn’t really surprised when it he said his parents got a divorce, it actually seemed better than trying to patch up the marriage to me.
comment | July 7, 2009 at 11:12 | individual comment-link
After being introduced to the Finch’s in their natural habitat (their house) it’s easy to see they are definitely not the average American family we would have expected back when all of this took place. I seemed to get the hint when Dr. Finch showed Augusten and his mother his masturbatorium, he seems comfortable enough with his sexual habits to show them that, but I still think it’s weird that he’d have a whole room dedicated to just…that. His house…seems like it needs some good cleaning and I could see that Augusten would not be able to stand the place. I was surprised he was able to stand staying there a week, and that he seemed to change little by little as he stayed there more often.
My guess with his feminine habits has taken a different turn from what I thought, he ended up being gay. That was a thought lingering in the back of my mind, but I never thought that’d actually be the reason. I wonder if him and Bookman will hook up? I’m sure that’d be interesting.
comment | July 8, 2009 at 10:04 | individual comment-link
I have just started Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and I must say that I do like it so far. However, I keep getting all of the characters mixed up. I hope I get them straightened out soon enough. The Heathcliff family seems quite interesting and I would like to get to know more background information on them, not to mention Cathy and Heathcliff. I am hoping this book turns out to be a good one
comment | July 8, 2009 at 14:08 | individual comment-link
One thing I was shocked to read about was how Augusten found out about his mother being a lesbian. I’m sure that would’ve scared any child for life, but doing it with the preacher’s wife? That’s definitely an odd twist. I have a feeling that it’s not going to end prettily, either Fern’s husband will find out and all hell will break loose, or someone will have a breakdown of sorts.
I suppose my assumption with Neil Bookman and Augusten came true as well. I don’t know how things will turn out between then but if he’s 35 going to continue having sex with a 13 year old, I’m sure it’d not going to turn out well. If he wasn’t a pedophile before hand I’m sure he’s going to be afterwards. His mother doesn’t really strike me as someone who would end up caring about that, Hope and the others don’t seem like people who’d really care either. But, I’m very interested on how this thing will turn out though.
comment | July 8, 2009 at 20:28 | individual comment-link
I am almost finished with Wurthering Heights. It seems like I have been reading this book forever. It’s so slow. I really hate heathcliff. He’s annoying and just plain mean. I cannot believe the things he has done to Cathy and Linton. I would like to see him die, but I know Linton’s the one who’s going to die, and poor Cathy will have to deal with Heathcliff until he finally dies. I feel horrible for her, because she is alone now when she used to have so many people who loved and cared for her. As far as her new husband goes, I really hope he gets his mind striaght before he dies. Cathy really needs someone to be there for her.
comment | July 9, 2009 at 16:24 | individual comment-link
I just finished Wurthering Heights. I really liked the ending to the book. I did not expect Cathy and Hereton to become friends, so it was a shock when I read they were getting married. I’m glad that everything turned out good in the story though, because honestly the story was very sad and disappointing. it seemed like everything bad that could happen, did happen. So, even though the story was not really great, and I did not get into it very much.. the ending was pretty good.
comment | July 11, 2009 at 18:53 | individual comment-link
I have now started A Thousand Spendid Suns by Khaled Husseini and I must say so far I really like this book. Already, in 80 pages, there has been many events from marriage to death. The main character, Mariam, is a very innocent young girl who is extremely mature for her age. She is very likable because even though she has been through horrible horrible things, she keeps herself grounded and respectable. I can tell this is going to be a sad but interesting book.
comment | July 12, 2009 at 18:27 | individual comment-link
I’m about 170 pages into A Thousand Spendid Suns by Khaled Husseini now and I’m still absolutly adoring this book. It’s been a pretty fast read for me, and that is probably because of the diction, it’s far more modern than The Awakening or Tom Sawyer. This story takes place pretty recently, varying so far from 1959-1992, but the female rights were still far fewer in Afghanistan compared to America. The women still were ordered to marry men their parents chose, and they were forced to have to take care of these men. Also, some of the women were still forced to have to coverup because “a women’s face is her husband’s business only” (page 70).
The story’s plot has now shifted from Mariam to a 9-year-old named Laila. Her mom has put some psychological damage on Laila as Mariam’s had done to her. All Laila does is try to prove to her mom that she, like her brothers, is worth living for.
comment | July 13, 2009 at 20:50 | individual comment-link
I’m about halfway through Wuthering Heights and so far I love it. At first I was a little confused on what was going on, but after Nelly started telling Joseph everything, things started to fall into place. The character that bothers me the most is Catherine and her love life. She is so confusing. I just do not get how she chooses to marry Edgar, but claims that she loves Heathcliff. I have a feeling it is because Edgar has a more elite backround. She just bugs me how she wants people to feel bad for her and her so called sickness when Heathcliff does come back after a long time away. She just needs to get her head on straight. I can not wait to read on!
comment | July 13, 2009 at 21:50 | individual comment-link
Lockwood’s series of dreams was rather odd I thought. Especially the part that described some ghost tapping on his window and then cutting his wrists on it..? This book is beginning to get quite strange. Wuthering Heights seems like a fictional and dark place the way it is described. And another thing that I do not understand is why Hindely treats Heathcliff so poorly, what did he do to deserve that?
comment | July 13, 2009 at 22:44 | individual comment-link
I’m about halfway through A Thousand Spendid Suns now, and I am still pleasantly suprised by how much I like it. Although I did predict that the characters Mariam and Laila were going to meet, I would have never imagined that they would end up married to the same man. The book continuously has heartbreaking events that occur which are important to future happenings. These make it a little difficult to read, emotionally anyways. Mariam and Laila have lost so many people in their lives it’s almost depressing. And along with that Rasheed, their husband, is a horrible man. I’d like to see him out of their lives.
comment | July 13, 2009 at 22:46 | individual comment-link
I’d like to fix my second to last sentence since it doesn’t seem right.
Along with their losses, they have to deal with Rasheed, their husband, who is a horrible, horrible man.
comment | July 14, 2009 at 09:30 | individual comment-link
Wuthering Heights is progressing at a nice pace. One thing that I do not like about Catherine is toying with two people’s feelings who she both claims to love. I feel that she picked to marry Edgar because he is a little higher up in society and also because Hindel dislikes Heathcliff so much. Even though Catherine decided to marry the wrong man (in my opinion), I feel as if things are not over between her and Heathcliff and they are bound to be together once again.
comment | July 14, 2009 at 19:03 | individual comment-link
I’m about half way through the novel. I like the book so far. Bigger has changed a lot throughout the story. Everything began to change after he killed Mary. He treats people different and talks in a different way. Bessie is the one he talks the most different to. He makes her do things and speaks more forceful to her. Ever since after the murder Bigger speaks with a little bit different dialect. An example is at the end of every sentence he says, “see?” It might be because he feels he has become a different person, because he accidentally killed Mary.
Also Biggers’ attitude toward people has changed. He feels like everyone else in the world is “blind” because only he knows what he has done. After the murder Bigger said that he feels distant from the gang and his family. He thinks about killing other people too. Which is odd because he killed her by accident and I thought he felt bad about what he did.
comment | July 14, 2009 at 19:10 | individual comment-link
As I read on in Wuthering Heights I just get more confused. I hate it how there are two Catherines. Emily Bronte is a good writer and I am enjoying the book as a whole, but I just wish it would be a little more simple when it comes to characters. One interesting part that caught my eye is when Earnshaw is talking to Isabella when she first arrives to live at Wuthering Heights. Earnshaw tells her to go up to Heathcliff’s chamber but to lock the door when she is in. The reason he feels that it is a good idea to do that is because in the night he gets an urge to kill Heathcliff. I just do no get what it is that gives him this feeling. My guess is the money that Heathcliff has. Maybe Earnshaw is a bit jealous. I guess i will have to read on to find out!
comment | July 14, 2009 at 20:16 | individual comment-link
I couldn’t be more shocked to find out that Laila’s old romance, Tariq, is still alive! It was so unexpected considering a man came by earlier to tell the family he had died. I have a prediction that it’s not going to end well because of her son’s poor reaction about him. That’s important because of how alike he is with Rasheed. Another prediction could be they end up adopting THEIR daughter back and running away together, though.
I don’t believe Rasheed will ever adopt Laila’s daughter back when he makes enough money because if he actually wanted to follow through on his promise, he might actually save his new earnings. I’m also afraid for Laila and Mariam because of how abusive he’s been toward them, almost killing them through his beatings several times, and even Aziza, Laila’s daughter, once as well. Even though it’s a pretty sad book, I can not wait to finish it and see how it ends.
comment | July 14, 2009 at 21:41 | individual comment-link
I was extremely disappointed when I discovered that Catherine died while giving birth to her daughter, Young Catherine. Although, I am excited to see how young Catherine grows up and if she is anything like her mother. If the novel progresses that far. I have to say that I was a little surprised that young Catherine married Heathcliff’s son. Now I can only wonder if their marrige will be strong enough to last.
comment | July 15, 2009 at 09:57 | individual comment-link
I have finally finished Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. And I have to say that this novel was not my type of book at all. One thing that I did not like about the ending of this book is the way that Heathcliff still harbored all of his feeling for Catherine. Why couldn’t he just move on with his life and find another love? However, one thing I liked in the end was how young Catherine ended up so much like her mother. It shows that the spirit of Catherine lives on. (At least to me) This was a tragic love story in the end, and I do not really care for those types of stories.
comment | July 15, 2009 at 10:13 | individual comment-link
I have recently just began reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and I have a feeling that I really will like this novel because I like more fiction-type novels, rather than the classic novels. The main character, Jacob, is a constant surprise. In the beginning Jacob was in a nursing home and accused an innocent man of not bringing water to elephants. I am assuming that I will learn more about that as the novel progresses. When I found out that Jacob dropped out of Cornell because his parents died I was not so surprised. And I liked that he just hopped on a random train that just happened to be a traveling circus. I really am enjoying this book thus far
comment | July 16, 2009 at 11:34 | individual comment-link
I just finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Husseini. This is definitly one of my favorite books. One thing I loved about it was that Rasheed died. Mariam killed him but she didn’t have much of a choice considering he was trying to kill Laila. What I wonder though was why did they just put his body in the shed instead of burying it? I did not like, however, that Mariam stayed behind to let herself be executed. I mean it was a selfless act but I think that if she ran away with Laila and the kids she would have been able to be free too. This was a story filled with many emotions that also showed the hardships in Afghanistan, and it was very interesting to read.
comment | July 16, 2009 at 13:43 | individual comment-link
I have recently started to read Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain and so far, I really enjoy it. I did notice that Tom never really gets in trouble because his Aunt Polly and his cousin Mary feel sympathy towards him. They seem to always fall for his tricks even if they are aware they are being tricked. Tom’s main concern in life seems to be having as many treasures as possible. He tricked his friends in to giving him seemingly worthless items, but they were valuable in his eyes. Will Tom continue to pursue Becky Thatcher?
comment | July 16, 2009 at 13:45 | individual comment-link
Tom Sawyer: I noticed that Tom is always looking for an adventure to have. He seems bored with just going to school and church every week. In this section, Tom and Huck witness the murder of the young doctor. They both are very superstitious and Tom has a strong conscience so I wonder if they will ever break their oath. I think the guilt will eventually eat away at both of them until they feel obligated to tell someone what happened. When Tom, Huck, and Joe run away to the island, the whole town searches for them. Will anyone find where they are or will they eventually go back home?
comment | July 16, 2009 at 13:46 | individual comment-link
Tom Sawyer: Tom did not get in trouble for returning the day of his funeral. His aunt did not punish him for running away because she was just so happy they were back. I noticed that for some reason, Tom’s conscience is stronger after his fake funeral. He seems to care more about how his behavior affects his aunt and his friends. For instance, he is nicer to his aunt and he takes the punishment for Becky. I think he really does care for his family even if it at times it doesn’t seem like it. Will Muff Potter be found guilty even though Tom knows he’s not?
comment | July 16, 2009 at 13:46 | individual comment-link
Tom Sawyer: Tom’s guilt must have finally got to him because he told his story at the trial. Injun Joe fled from the court room and Muff Potter was found innocent. Tom became the hero once more. I think Tom and Huck go looking for treasure to distract themselves from the fear that Injun Joe would find them. When they witness Injun Joe finding treasure, they want to track him and get the money. This is just another exciting adventure for the both of them. I don’t believe they thought about what would happen if they were caught. Will they get the money and escape from Injun Joe?
comment | July 16, 2009 at 13:47 | individual comment-link
Tom Sawyer: I just finished the last section of this novel. Once again Tom and Huck as well, become the heroes of St. Petersburg. Tom saves Becky from dying in the caves and he also finds Injun Joe’s lost treasure. Huck saves Widow Douglas from Injun Joe’s plot of revenge. Tom and Huck also feel a sense of relief because Injun Joe died from starvation inside the cave. However, Huck is upset because he is now forced to live in a civilized society. He hates that he has to wear shoes and bathe regularly. What will Tom and Huck do with their share of the money?
comment | July 16, 2009 at 17:28 | individual comment-link
As I get deeper into Wuthering Heights, I discover that overall I am loving this book. I did come across something that Heathcliff said to his son when first meeting him and Idid not think it was right. When Nelly brought Linton to Wuthering Heights because Heathcliff wanted possesion of his kid, the first thing that was said when he asked Linton if his mother ever talked about him was, ” What a shame of your mother, never to waken your filial regard for me! You are my son, then, I’ll tell you; and your mother was a wicked slut to leave you in ignorance of the sort of father you possessed” (201). I just feel like this is a horrible thing to say to your long lost son. It just creates an image that I would never want to have for father that I have never met before.
comment | July 16, 2009 at 20:06 | individual comment-link
I can’t believe his mother would give Augusten to Dr. Finch. I know she says it’s in his best interest but I don’t think so. I think it’s just the result of all the drugs she’s taking. It’s not making her thinks straight. At least he gets to stay over at her house when he likes too.
I guess I was right with Bookman, he didn’t seem right to me when he started acting like he did to Augusten. The way he said he was his life and how possessive he seemed to get. I really thought something bad was going to end up happening to Augusten. But it didn’t end the way I thought it would. Yes, I did say something about disaster but I never really expected him to up and leave to New York like that. Now that I look back he did have photographs of New York, but other than that, I didn’t know he’d leave. He seemed so attached to Augusten like he didn’t know what to do with himself otherwise. I did wish he’d come back to Augusten, even though I thought him a little creepy.
comment | July 17, 2009 at 08:39 | individual comment-link
With every turn of a page in Water for Elephants, the story line just keeps getting better and better. One thing I did not realize in the beginning was that August and Marlena were married. Although one thing that made me happy was that Uncle Al gave Jacob a chance to be the circus’ veternarian even though he never offically finished school for it. When Jacob had to put Silver Star down it only made me wonder what ws going to become of him in relation to the circus.
comment | July 18, 2009 at 21:30 | individual comment-link
I just started Dreams of our Fathers by Barack Obama. I don’t love this book but it’s not that bad either. I’ve noticed alot of issues dealing with race, and it really shows how recently it really was that colored people were still dealing with racism. Even his own grandmother, who happens to be white, was afraid of a homeless man who was of black race and refused to take the bus anymore. Also, his friend Ray made him think more into race than was probably necessary. “I’m just getting along, all right?…It’s there world, all right? They own it, and we in it” (page 83).
comment | July 18, 2009 at 23:14 | individual comment-link
So far, The Awakening is good. There hasn’t been much of a plot. What I think the author is trying to do is not only introduce the characters buy let us learn their personalities too before the real plot begins. I think it’s a little odd that Edna can just go off for hours at a time with Robert a nd not be suspected of anything. It’s not that was now a days. Edna is really fond of Robert and I think the fact that he’s leaving and going to Mexico will make her realize that she loves him. She’ll mope around for a long time after he leaves, that’s for sure, and maybe her husband will get mad. I don’t know, though, she and her husband don’t have a normal relationship either. I don’t really think she like Leonce, or at least she doesn’t love him. Maybe she was forced into that marraige or something.
comment | July 18, 2009 at 23:25 | individual comment-link
My second book I chose was The Awakening. From the very start I could tell that Edna Pontellier was unhappy with her lifestyle. She didn’t like bein gin the company of her husband or family unless she was in the mood for them. Being a parent and married shouldn’t you always enjoy the company of your family. I guess the begininng gave away a lot of what later happens in the book. With Edna’s attempts to get away from her family and have her own life. For the time period the book was placed in I could tell it was controversal.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 12:11 | individual comment-link
I am almost to the end of Wuthering Heights. Like I have said in all my other posts, I love this book still. The deeper I get into it, the more twisted and creative it gets. Catherine sneaking out to see Linton when her father and Ellen are sick is interesting. To me, I feel that she picked sides. Linton and her own father were sick and in a way she picked to help out Linton and make sure that his health improved. The sneaky visits that were made, to me, feel like she wanted to aid Linton and make his health better than her own fathers. Catherine is going to turn out just like her mother. I know it.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 15:42 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: Why does Edna keep leading Arobin on if she doesn’t love him? I have a couple of theories. One is just because she can. Her husband and children are gone and she is going to get away with as much as possible while she can. Plus, she said he was “interesting” and she probably enjoys his company. But my other theory is to fill the void that Robert created when he left. She is hungry for male companionship and I think Arobin is a lot like Robert in some ways, like the fact that he does anything she asks. I’m puzzled why she doesn’t stop being with Arobin once she finds out that Robert is coming home. I am just waiting for the akward situation where Arobin and Edna are alone together and in walks Robert. I guess we’ll see what happens.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 16:44 | individual comment-link
Well, I just finished The Awakening. The book was only 154 pages but there were 150 more pages of other stories in there so I didn’t divide it up correctly, so now I have to do 3 blogs at once. I think conflict is a huge thing in the novel. There are the more obvious conflicts, such as Edna and her husband as Edna becomes independent. But there are some that are much deeper. Robert’s internal conflict with himself is one of these. He loves Edna but she’s married, so he has to force himself to leave her so he isn’t dishonest. But in doing so, he not only makes his life miserable but Edna’s too. Edna also obviously has a huge internal conflict. She is willing to give up everything, as she said, to love Robert. But Robert is more controlled and he actually cares about his name and hers. Even now, once they both say that they love each other, Robert leaves and Edna realizes that pretty much her whole life is not what she thought it was.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 16:53 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: I find all of Edna’s friends from the Grand Isle interesting. First of all, did she not have any friends before she went to the Grand Isle? I guess not. Madame Ratignolle is a nice character. I find it strange that she doesn’t leave her house. I think she’s much more submissive to her husband than Edna is. I also think it’s interesting that MadameRatignolle is the one who says to Edna, “Think of the children.” I had thought it was a strange statement when, earlier in the book, Edna had said she would give her life for her children but not herself. But now I totally understand it. I think Madame Ratignolle’s comment is the thing that snaps Edna back to reality after her little meeting with Robert. In a way I feel bad for Edna, but Madame Ratignolle is right. Even though she loves Robert, she loves her children too much to destroy herself for his sake.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 17:03 | individual comment-link
The Awakening: Another thing I found interesting in the book was the characters’ honesty. For instance, Edna says to Mademoiselle Reisz, “I don’t know if I like you or not.” These days, people aren’t frank to others like that. She also says to Arobin, “Why don’t you go after you say good night? I don’t like you.” I guess if you’re trying to scare off a man, that’s a good thing to say, but I just find it strange since she actually does like him. Also, the doctor is quite frank with Edna when they have their conversation after Madame Ratignolle’s childbirth. Another time, Mademoiselle Reisz comes right out and says to Edna, “He loves you, poor fool.” It was true, but it was not very gracefully spoken.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 19:38 | individual comment-link
One thing that has been on my mind the whole time I have been reading Wuthering Heights is, why does Mr. Linton and Mr. Heathcliff hold their grudges even after both of the ladies it revolved around died? I think that for the childrens’ sake they should let it go and be normal, cheerful relatives. That would then minimize all the sneaky letter writing and visits. I think then all of this unknown sickness that comes about because of the absence of ones presence will also be minimized.
comment | July 19, 2009 at 22:37 | individual comment-link
I just starting reading A Mighty Heart today. The book is already starting to hold my interest, so I think I will really enjoy this book. It has a lot of factual information and a lot of names to keep up with, but I think the story is worth it. I also was not aware that their was a movie that came from this book, but my mom said it’s a good movie, so that means the book should be better. I am already starting to feel horrible for Danny’s wife, and I have a feeling this is book is going to be an emotional one.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 08:40 | individual comment-link
Native Son is getting better and more interesting. I’m pretty far in the novel. Thus far, Bigger has killed three people. He feels and acts different about each person he has killed. Mary was the first and it was the major one in his life. She was a white woman and it was the ultimate taboo. He feels bad about it, but he kind of likes how the white men didn’t know he did it. Bessie was the next person. She was the hardest one for him because, she was his girlfriend and she was of his own kind, as Bigger would say, and he felt like he betrayed his own kind. The cop was the last and the least emotional for Bigger. He didn’t even think twice about it.
It really surprised me when Bigger killed Bessie. I don’t know why he did. He could have just ditched her and ran away. There was nothing big she could tell the cops about him that they didn’t already know. Bigger doesn’t think things completely through before he does things. I don’t like Bigger anymore because, he makes dumb decisions and is a murderer.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 13:21 | individual comment-link
I have almost finished the novel. One event that really stood out to me was when Jan forgave Bigger and was trying to help him. I thought Jan would be mad because, Bigger killed his girlfriend and then tried to blame it on him. Jan even said that he will take the blame for what millions of people have done to him. Meaning that he takes the blame for all the white people that hate him. Jan even brought in a Lawyer for Bigger, which really shocked me.
Communists are almost hated by white people as much as black people. It is interesting how unfair the world was during this time in the book.
Snow is a symbol throughout the novel. Bigger talks about it frequently. He talks about how it covers the ground, how there is a thin layer over everything, and how it separates the world from everything it covers. In a way he is talking about himself. He says he feels shielded from the rest of the world just like he describes the snow.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 18:18 | individual comment-link
Today I finally finished Running with Scissors. Overall I did really like this book, all the quirky things that have been happening are unfortunate, but seemed to keep me interested. I had no idea, and no clue that Dr. Finch was actually drugging Augusten’s mother and raping her. I knew he was strange but why would he do something like that to her? I can see his reason for leaving Natalie and his apartment to grab one of his one. If he had stayed things certainly would have gotten rough. What I wonder though is what happens after that? Did he ever come into contact with them again? And what terms were they on? I know they must’ve come in contact in order for him to write what had happened to Natalie and the others in the epilogue but it still makes me wonder.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:56 | individual comment-link
I have been reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It started out fine, and it gets pretty funny, but it is not “intelligent” humor it is just young kids doing kid stuff. I rather enjoyed how Tom not only tricked kids into doing his work, but he made them pay him. I like Tom because I used to do the same things as a child. I am still wondering if there is going to be more depth to this story or if it is just about some kid and his pranks.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:57 | individual comment-link
I really like the way Twain writes his stories. It never really feels like you are reading a story. The diction and descriptions really get you hooked. I don’t really like Sid. I do not have a younger brother, but is this how they all act? The way Tom gets revenge on Sid in chapter three was quite immature.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:57 | individual comment-link
I find it interesting that in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck always seemed to idolize Tom (always asking himself “what would Tom do” ) but in this novel Tom and the other boys always look up to Huck as a symbol of freedom.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:58 | individual comment-link
This novel has a few dark, yet humorous scenes such as the beginning of chapter twenty-two when Tom plans to wear the red sash to the funeral, but Frazier recovers which makes Tom resign then Frazier relapses and dies the same night. Also when Becky uses Alfred to get back at Tom and then Alfred tries to get back at Tom because of it, young love…
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:58 | individual comment-link
I finished The Adventures of Tom Sawyer today and I really like how they wrapped up the story. It was a little anti-climatic how Joe and his companion die, but what can you do? I like the last chapter because Twain lets the reader know that these events had helped in maturing Tom and Huck and that they would soon become men. Overall I liked the novel. It was full of adventure, humor and was really hard to put down.
comment | July 20, 2009 at 22:59 | individual comment-link
I’m very near the end of Native Son. I like this book overall. It held my attention and there were a lot of unexpected events that happened. For Bigger the reality of what he had done really set in when everyone important in the book was in the jail room with him. When he saw his mom, brother, sister, and friends he felt very ashamed and wished they weren’t there. That was a major scene in the novel because almost all major characters were involved. It was emotional for every one of them.
When Bigger signed the confession statement he felt the policeman acted like they had already began to forget about him. I thought that it was interesting because, I thought it was never about the attention or remembering who her was. It seemed like it was just an accident but, why would Bigger care if they forgot him? Maybe this was all part of a big plan but I’m not sure.
During the hearing the court favored the prosecution over Bigger. They let them talk about anything and even bring in Bessie’s body into the courtroom. Bigger said this wasn’t about Bessie, no one cared about her, she was just a piece of evidence to everyone. Which I agree with she was just there to illustrate what a monster he was.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 12:47 | individual comment-link
I found Mr. Pontellier to be a shallow, yet confusing character. In the beginning the narrator said that he liked his wife because she was something to look at, but a chapter or so later it stated that she was his only reason for living. I believe those two feelings are not compatable; it has to be one feeling or another. Also if the second statement was true then why we he go and gamble his nights away and never spend time with his wife and children? None of that made sense to me. It sort of felt like he liked the time away, and would rather spend time with strangers than his family.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 12:54 | individual comment-link
I found no surprise in Edna cheating on her husband with Robert. It was obvious that she would much rather spend time with him then her own family. They would laugh and have inside jokes. I was surprised her husband never really noticed the bond that Edna and Robert shared, It was obviously a bond of people who consider each other as more than friends. I guess I’m trying to state that the eliment of surprise on Edna cheating was not there for me. I knew it was only a matter of time before the author revieled that these moment were actually hidden signs of promiscuality.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 12:59 | individual comment-link
With Edna leaving her husband and getting her own place it seemed like something normal in our society, but one has to remember this book takes place long before that was acceptable. Back in the day that was nothing less than scandalous. Women were usually married to people they never really loved. The parents still got the say in whom their daughter would marry. I understand why she would be unhappy with a man who ment almost nothing to her. What did take me by surprise is her suicide at the end. I know she had a lot going wrong for her, but I didn’t think she would take her own life. I guess looking back it made sense in a matter. I don’t believe it was the right choice though.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 13:03 | individual comment-link
Overall I thought The Awakening was an okay novel. I didn’t partcularly enjoy it, but it wasn’t a stuggle to get through. It was also benificial that it was a short novel. I thought the plot was decent and I didn’t get confused as often as I did during Wuthering Heights. Compared to Wuthering Heights the Awakening was a drem novel. I hope the books I chose get better and better.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 14:03 | individual comment-link
I read more of A Mighty Heart yesterday. I’m really enjoying the book. It’s definitely keeping my interest which is nice. I cannot believe the e-mails that have been sent to Mariane though. It would be so hard to see someone you love in chains with a gun to thier head. It’s really sad, but I’m also amazed at how strong of a woman Mariane is being.
The only bad thing is that the Danny Peal story is so well known that I knoow the outcome, and I wish the end wouls be more of a surprise to me. I don’t really mind though because I don’t know a lot of details and I’m sure the book will be very detailed. It has been so far anyways.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 15:17 | individual comment-link
Today I started to read Dreams from my father by Obama. Just by looking at the title and with what I’ve read so far it may not be a father/son relationship but I think his father is going to play a small but significant role. With what I read his father seems to remind me of Nyasha, both of them are not just characters but symbols. I think they could both represent the people around then. The way Nyasha represents the people of Africa could be a way his father represents the dreams of anyone.With the way he treated Barack about his homework instead of watching how the Grinch Stole Christmas, I can tell he was only telling him to do his homework because he wanted the best for his son, even though he went about it the wrong way. I hope his dad comes in again later to see whether my idea of him as a symbol is proven false or correct.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 16:44 | individual comment-link
I took a break from Dreams from my Father and started A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
I hated the fact Mariam’s father could just give her away. I don’t understand the whole polygamy thing either. I’m having a hard time actually breaking it down though. I find it more of an entertainment read than something of higher value. It hits points of interest with women and the oppression the Afghan’s face but I hardly see any symbols. Maybe further reading will show more depth
comment | July 21, 2009 at 16:50 | individual comment-link
I was so disappointed when the story switched over to Laila, I couldn’t get enough of Mariam. She’s such a sweet character. I think her miscarriages were symbolic but not for the reason she thinks. I don’t blame anything on her being a harami. I love the diction. Using native words contributes to the novel and if you replaced them with english, it’d take away from the general effect. I’m also curious about Laila’s appearance. Blonde hair and green/blue eyes seems uncommon and perhaps could be a symbol?
comment | July 21, 2009 at 16:55 | individual comment-link
Everything is very exact. The references of politics, communists, the taliban and even the different citizens such as the Tajik people. I guess living in America, there are so many ethnic groups and so many intermixed races, we don’t pay attention to tribes or heritage.
Afghanistan is invaded time and time again. I have to say the Taliban has been the worst. I cannot conceive the idea that woman are seen as animals, pets.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 16:59 | individual comment-link
I am starting to see Mariam as a symbol herself. She is a martyr for woman’s rights and can be seen as freedom itself. I never thought she would have the nerve to kill him, but he deserved it.
also the fact they would put the female daughter in an orphanage but keep the male is beyond me. I am reminded of Sophie’s choice, why are the female children always given up for the male?
comment | July 21, 2009 at 17:09 | individual comment-link
I finished A Thousand Splendid Suns in one day and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Some parts were difficult to stomach. I cried, laughed and definately got angry. I was surprised at the father’s letter to Mariam at the end, but it was sort of cliche. The overall effect is empowering yet devastating to the female gender. Perhaps with a reread I can cypher through the novel to find stronger literary elements.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 23:05 | individual comment-link
One thing I like about Jacob is the way he falls for things very quickly, like Marlena and Rosie. His feelings for Marlena seem so intense and real and he just wants to keep him safe, although he tries to protect Rosie from August too. Jacobs drunken night on one of his first nights on the train was disastrous. Barbara is a real piece of work. What she did to Jacob made me feel so bad because that is one thing that he did not want to do, at least that is the way he made it come off in the beginning.
comment | July 21, 2009 at 23:09 | individual comment-link
The way August treats Rosie is appalling. He just beats her and treats her horribly. The scenes that described Rosie getting beaten and bleeding. It not only upset Jacob but Marlena too. Also, when August threw a fit because he assumed that Marlena and Jacob were sleeping together it was uncalled for. I am eager to see though if Jacob and Marlena’s relationship will blossom any further.. I hope it does
comment | July 22, 2009 at 09:29 | individual comment-link
I can’t put A Mighty Heart down. It’s getting very good. Although I know in the end Danny dies.. every time something comes up and they think they’re getting closer to finding Danny I get excited because I want that to happen. I’m about to read the last real story part of the book before the letters to Danny and Mariane. I know the ending is going to be really emotional. I almost don’t want to read it, but I know I have to. I just really wish the ending was going to come out different.
comment | July 23, 2009 at 16:44 | individual comment-link
I read the last of the story part for A Mighty Heart. Although I knew it was coming I was really sad when Mariane found out the Danny was really dead. I still cannot believe how strong she was through the whole ordeal. I loved how she also had the last word as far as her and the terrorists go. She proved that although they took Danny from her he will still live on in her heart, Adam’s heart, and the hearts of the millions of people who rallied behind Danny and his entire family.
comment | July 23, 2009 at 17:17 | individual comment-link
I finished reading A Mighty Heart. The letters written to Mariane, Adam, and the rest of the Pearl family were very touching. It was a nice way to show the family and the world that the world is standing against terrorism and the crimes committed against Danny Pearl. I have a feeling Adam is going to benefit greatly from the book itself and the letters everyone wrote for him. He will definitely know his father was a great man that stood against the wrongs of the world.
Great book!
comment | July 23, 2009 at 23:20 | individual comment-link
I have just finished Water for Elephants and I absolutely loved the ending because his life is ending on a circus just as it once began. Because there he embraced his skills as a veternarian and the show is where he met his future wife and the mother of his children. One thing about the ending I loved was the way that Jacob and Marlena had no idea what they were going to do with her carrying and child, having no jobs, and owning an elephant, eleven horses, a money, and Queenie. It goes to show that life is unpredictable and anyone can work through manyh obsticales–big or small.
comment | July 24, 2009 at 14:50 | individual comment-link
I’m now about 180 pages into Dreams from My Father. This story helps readers to understand the struggles blacks were still going through just twenty years ago. Barack is a very motivated person and it helps that the people he meets are, too. His natural leadership is showing up more and more as his career as an organizer goes on. Everytime he gives a speech he is able to inspire many.
comment | July 26, 2009 at 14:43 | individual comment-link
I started reading my last book Water For Elephants. I heard this book was good and so far it is. I haven’t gotten that far in the book yet, so I dont have much to say. I do like the main character Jacob though. When the book goes back to his old age he is really funny. I love how he’s stubborn and picks fights with the nurses about not getting proper food. He’s right and it’s funny that he stick up for himself. I have a feeling I;m going to like this book too.
comment | July 27, 2009 at 11:56 | individual comment-link
I continued reading Water for Elephants this morning. I am really anjoying this book. Some of the things that happen during the book I cannot believe though. The circus life is definitely crazy. I did figure out though that August is married to Marlena though which was surprising. My guess is that Marlena and Jacob end up together though. I don’t know why I think that, but it just seems right. I guess I’ll have to keep reading and find out.
comment | July 27, 2009 at 13:44 | individual comment-link
I cannot put down Water for Elephants! This book is so good. The story is so interesting and eventful I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I also think more than ever that I’m going to be right about Marlena and Jacob. They have to end up together. I doesn’t seem very likely right now that August is ever going to allow his wife to be around Jacob long enough for them to figure out they want to be together, but I’m sure they will find a way. I’ll be very diappointed if they don’t.
comment | July 27, 2009 at 17:21 | individual comment-link
Wow! I’m almost done with Water for Elephants. It’s so good. Now, I’m almost sure Jacob and Marlena are going to get married since they’re basically together now. I just hope that Uncle Al doesn’t mess everything up. I was thinking though at the begining of the book Jacob remembers Marlena killing someone he really did not like, and I’m starting to think it’s August who she kills. Maybe that’s how everything will be resolved in the end. Honestly, I hope so because August is CRAZY! Well, I’m sure I’ll be back to blog about the end soon.
comment | July 27, 2009 at 18:52 | individual comment-link
I just finished Water for Elephants, and I absolutely loved the story! It was by far the best book I’ve read for the summer reading. The ending was great. Everything I hoped happened between Marlena and Jacob actually happened. I was really shocked about who Augusts’ real killer was. I won’t mention the name so I don’t ruin the ending for anyone who is still planning on reading the book. I recommend this story definitely! AWESOME BOOK!
comment | July 29, 2009 at 21:15 | individual comment-link
I have started The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve. So far I am loving the writing style. For example, the way Shreve uses the weather system and compares it to Kathryn’s feelings of emotion is facinating. Also when Kathryn’s marriage is compared to a radio reception and how is comes and goes, just like Jack himself does. One question that I do have though is, Why is Robert turning his job into a personal issue? To me I feel that Robert wants to get involved with the whole “finding Jack’s secret life” and I feel that it is not his job to do that. In my opinion, I think that he should give kathryn some space even if she does need comforting.
comment | July 30, 2009 at 08:04 | individual comment-link
So, Obama always quotes things his wife told him. She counsels him and seems a big part of his conclusion… However, I am hating this race thing. He thrives with the black society, such as when he is in college, and goes on about the white community. He grew up with white relatives! I understand there is struggle with identity but come on, it’s rather obnoxious. You cannot just pick and chose what you are.
Also, Obama’s father wrote that he hopes Barry and his mother might come to claim their place by his side in Africa – Doesn’t he have a wife and family already? Am I sensing some polygamy or what?
comment | July 30, 2009 at 08:08 | individual comment-link
Wuthering Heights isn’t so bad as everyone has claimed. I was very confused during the first “ghost” scene though. I am not quite sure I understand what the journals were all about. There is also much difficulty in understand Joseph’s dialect. I can’t make out everything that he is saying so I have to skip some of his speeches.
I also made a little family tree to help me remember which characters are whom. There were so many in the beginning it reminded me of when I tried to keep them straight during The Count of Monte Cristo.
comment | July 30, 2009 at 15:22 | individual comment-link
After finishing part one of Dreams From my Father I can see how steeped his life must’ve been in racism and questions in the early years of his life. Being in the middle of everything I can see how it’d be difficult for him to see his own path in all of this. Especially when Toot said she was scared of a black guy on the street. I think that all of this is making him stronger though, to see both sides of the story maybe. I remember that story being broadcasted everywhere during the campaign at one point. For the briefest of moments I was excited when his half-sister was going to come to America for a visit. I thought it would’ve been good for him to see his dad’s culture first had rather than just hear stories, but oh well. If I remember correctly, doesn’t he go to Kenya later on? Now that he’s in Chicago the story seems to be getting a little bit dry to me. It’s just, committee this, committee that, and nothing is really getting done. I can honestly feel some frustration with that. I hope the committee turns around pretty soon and does something good for the district.
comment | August 1, 2009 at 13:38 | individual comment-link
I have started to read A Mighty Heart by Mariane Pearl and so far I really enjoy it. I noticed there was a very strong bond between Mariane and Danny, they seem perfect for each other. Mariane seems very courageous because she did not fall apart when she knew that Danny was missing. I think she will continue to display her courage in the face of terrorism throughout this book. So far, Mariane also has a supportive team surrounding her, and I think Asra will become an influential person in this book.
comment | August 1, 2009 at 13:45 | individual comment-link
Mariane struggles to understand why an innocent journalist would be kidnapped by terrorists. Even though I know how this story must end, its upsetting to see how hard Mariane is working to bring Danny home. At some points, the plot becomes confusing because of all the characters involved and all the twists and turns. I think it was important to understand that not all of Pakistan was involved in the kidnapping, just one group of people.
comment | August 1, 2009 at 13:53 | individual comment-link
It seems like once the news broke that Danny was missing, the whole world got involved. I couldn’t believe that many news stations wanted interviews with Mariane. But she continued to display great courage and strength in the face of terrorists. She even held it together when the emails arrived with pictures of Danny. Mariane never gives up hope that Danny will be found, it never crosses her mind that he could already be dead. They come close to catching the kidnappers multiple times but each person involved leads to another. I know how this story ends, but when this happens, I couldn’t help but to hope too.
comment | August 1, 2009 at 13:58 | individual comment-link
The plot twists and turns make me wonder how many people were involved in this kidnapping? How many people helped to plan his death? What was the real reason he was murdered? Because he was jewish or just a good journalist? When Mariane finally learns of Danny’s death, she breaks down. I think this was a long time coming. This whole ordeal was very stressful, especially on someone who was pregnant. It was inspiring to read that even though they killed Danny they couldn’t kill his spirit. Danny and Mariane never gave up hope.
comment | August 1, 2009 at 14:06 | individual comment-link
I think Mariane’s confidence in people is renewed when she receives thousands of encouraging letters from across the world. People she doesn’t even know support her and her son. I believe it strengthens her faith in humanity. I think their son, Adam will grow up and know who is father really was. I think Adam will benefit from a father that can inspire thousands of letters.
comment | August 4, 2009 at 10:46 | individual comment-link
I find it rather odd that Obama would struggle finding his place or a job with the educational background he bestows.
There is also an interesting point when his brother dies and he doesn’t cry because he has never met nor talked to David before. It almost relates to the beginning when he doesn’t cry over his father’s death because he felt that he doesn’t quite know or understand his father. Death seems to follow along with a strange apathy.
comment | August 4, 2009 at 10:49 | individual comment-link
In Wuthering Heights, I was rather relieved when Charlotte died. She was a nasty character.
The place of her burial is rather intriguing. The moor seems to be a middle ground of all the tyranny. It seems to be the only place conflict can exist without killing or being observed.
The children also seem to take on the personality or convictions of elder characters, particularly Heathcliff and Charlotte.
comment | August 4, 2009 at 20:20 | individual comment-link
Finding out Jack’s secret life in The Pilot’s Wife was something I kind of figured out. These days when I hear things like that I automatically think of cheating. I just can not imagine what Kathryn feels. She was always so loyal and held on through rough patches when Jack was out of town, practically being a single mother all through Mattie’s life. For her to still find strength to move on after this horrible news is amazing! I do not really know how I would react. I feel like I would need comfort at all times by my family, and I would go find and meet Jack’s mother that I never knew!
comment | August 4, 2009 at 20:48 | individual comment-link
Adrift: I admire Steven Calahan for not losing his mind after the boat sank. He’s all by himself with almost no chance of rescue. I know I couldn’t survive because I don’t like being alone and I don’t like fish. Well the book is only one fifth over so I know he doesn’t get rescued anytime soon. I wonder how he’ll pass the time. I would probably write or draw pretty much the whole time. I hope the waves die down because he can’t get water or fish in such high waves.
comment | August 4, 2009 at 20:52 | individual comment-link
Adrift 76 Days Lost at Sea: Callahan has finally reached the shipping line. He feels hopeful because this is his best chance of rescue. But since the book is only two fifths of the way done, I have to assume that he doesn’t get rescued here. The sharks are really scary and I wonder when his raft will start to show signs of wear from their attacks. I’m glad his stills are working and that he has food now. I can’t believe the sharks haven’t already damaged the raft more than they have. I also think the dorados that bite at the bottom of the raft are funny, but they would probably be annoying.
comment | August 6, 2009 at 20:24 | individual comment-link
When I read the part in The Pilot’s Wife about when Robert knew all along that Jack was involved in some kind of smuggling process and never told Kathryn, I lost all respect for him. If I were Kathryn I would never talk to Robert again. She has already been through so much as far as finding out about Jack’s secret life and all and Robert was the only person that I really felt she could trust. My question is, why did he choose not to tell her?
comment | August 8, 2009 at 17:27 | individual comment-link
Adrift: Well, right now the book isn’t even close to being done and I don’t know how Callahan is going to last any longer. His raft is deflated which means a bunch of bad things like storms could kill him and rubber is destroying his skin. Plus the still isn’t working right so he’s got no water. I thought it was interesting that the more salt you get in your body the less the ocean tastes salty. Also another bad thing is that he’s losing all his metal for catching fish and if he loses this last one he’s pretty much toast. I can’t believe he can still think sanely and rationally but I’m sure by now it’s just instincts. Eat, drink, sleep, that’s pretty much all he can do and it’s not an easy task.
comment | August 8, 2009 at 17:31 | individual comment-link
Adrift: Callahan is getting so anxious because he can sense that he’s getting close to land. When I go on a trip I get anxious as we near our destination and I’m not fighting to survive so I can only imagine the hope he feels. I wonder how the rest of his life will go after he gets rescued. Will he miss the dorados and triggerfish he likes so much that he feels guilty killing? I think that he will obviously feel a lot more thankful for what he has. He will probably have different taste. Maybe fish will be his favorite food now, or maybe he won’t want to touch it. Well he’s in the home stretch so I hope he hits land soon.
comment | August 8, 2009 at 17:35 | individual comment-link
Adrift: I just finished the book and it was pretty good, especially for a nonfiction book. I thought it was a little monotonous, but it was an accurate portrayal of how his days must have been. After he got rescued, Callahan went back to his normal life. He said that every time someone said to him, “Let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving,” it made him think and remember. That made me think because I say that a lot too and I’m nowhere near starvation. I am surprised that he didn’t have more health problems after getting so weak and having such an unbalanced diet. But overall, I liked the book.
comment | August 9, 2009 at 17:42 | individual comment-link
I started to read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen the other day. The prologue introduced some kind of conflict and murder, which immediately held my interest. The narrator seems like an intelligent and shrewd sort of old man. It was interesting to read how Jacob Jankowski began his career in the circus. I wonder how long he will last on a traveling circus, or if he will leave as quickly as he got there. It also surprised me that some of the circus workers quickly accepted Jacob and tried to get him a job. Will Jacob be successful in his veterinarian job?
comment | August 9, 2009 at 17:43 | individual comment-link
Water for Elephants: I think it is very clever of the author to flashback to Jacob’s past when there is a similarity to something when he is an old man. I’m learning a lot about what the circus life must have been like. It’s pretty crazy; I would not have expected all the drama. One character that bothers me is August. I’m not sure why, but there is something about him that’s too intense. I hope Jacob furthers his friendship with Marlena because she seems like one of the few honest and good people in the circus.
comment | August 9, 2009 at 17:43 | individual comment-link
Water for Elephants: This book is turning into my favorite novel of the summer. The story and the characters are really interesting and funny. In this section, Jacob made a few friends while he was very drunk. This event seems to affect him for some time after it happened, because he was so embarrassed. Jacob and Marlena become closer in this section, I’m sure they will somehow end up together by the end of the book. I think there is seriously something mentally wrong with August. He behaves so strangely, one minute he is loving and the next he is beating an elephant half to death. I hope Marlena escapes from her before he hurts her.
comment | August 9, 2009 at 17:44 | individual comment-link
Water for Elephants: This book is almost coming to an end, and I have really liked it. There was a breakthrough when Jacob discovered Rosie could understand Polish. This was a relief because August continued to beat Rosie for every little thing she did wrong. I was right about August and Marlena, he actually did hit her. Will this really be the last straw for Marlena? I hope holds her ground and really does stay away from August.
comment | August 9, 2009 at 17:45 | individual comment-link
Well I just finished the last section of Water for Elephants. I really enjoyed reading this book over the summer. I’m very happy that Marlena and Jacob ended up together at the end of the novel. One thing that shocked me was that Jacob’s friends Walter and Camel were red-lighted and they died. I was not expected them to be murdered. I also didn’t expect who Augusts’ real killer was. I’m glad Jacob got to stay with a traveling circus when he was older; he felt it was his home.
comment | August 12, 2009 at 20:43 | individual comment-link
I have just started A Mighty Heart and I really like it so far. The main characters are Mariane and Danny Pearl. They are traveling journalists.
Race, religion, power, politic’s, and women in society were themes I noticed right away. In Pakistan, where they are living, they are all evident. Women can only wear and do certain things. Different races and religions are at war with each other because of politic’s and they want the power.
There are also flashbacks every so often in this book too. Mariane doesn’t like Asra’s fiancee and she doesn’t call him by name. She only calls him “the lover” which is kind of funny. I really hope that they can find Danny.
comment | August 12, 2009 at 22:52 | individual comment-link
I really like A Mighty Heart. It gets better and more exciting as you read. When they got the pictures of Danny he was telling Mariane not to be defeated. He did it in a humorous way too. “I start to smile, because in one of the next photos, Danny is smiling too…And then I see it-in one photo, his fingers form a V for victory, in another his is giving his captors the finger” (105). I thought that was funny he did that. It helped Mariane get through it she knew he was trying to tell her everything is going to be okay.
The mood shifts throughout the novel. In the beginning it was contented and their normal routine. It changed to fear and confusion when Danny was kidnapped. I can’t put the book down because I just want to know what is going to happen next. Even though I already know the outcome.
comment | August 13, 2009 at 13:10 | individual comment-link
I’m still currently reading Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama. It’s an alright book, but so far not my favorite of the summer. I love getting to understand everything Obama has really gone through before his presidency though. He had it pretty rough, moving from Hawaii to Indonesia, and practically living his life with no father. I would have never expected that from the very put together man he is today. Also having to deal with all the racism that he did, it’s made me respect him all the more.
comment | August 13, 2009 at 20:17 | individual comment-link
In a Mighty Heart religion has become a huge obstacle in trying to keep Danny alive. Danny is Jewish and only a few people know that. The people who kidnapped him hate Jews and would kill him right away if they found out. Danny’s family is staying hidden from the media so that the kidnappers won’t find out. An interesting quote I found was in a flashback. “Danny and I spent a wonderful night with Lebanese friends…when he discovered that Danny was Jewish and that my father had been, too, our friend was dumbfounded. He’d never imagined that a Jewish person could be someone like Danny…he was out with a Jew, and he had things in common with him, and he liked him. At the end of the evening he told us he understood he’d been taught to reject people he knew nothing about. It was as simple and as hideously complicated as that” (124). I never thought that people hated each other that much just because of what their religion was. The entire war their fighting in the book is because the different religions cannot get along with one another. I just think its insane to hate somebody they know nothing about. The kidnappers thought the same way as their friend previously had about Jews and it would be a death sentence for Danny, if it got out. I can’t wait to keep reading to see what happens next.
comment | August 13, 2009 at 20:28 | individual comment-link
Mariane will speak as it is the present and at other times she speaks like she’s looking back at that time. I really like it how she does that because it gives the book sort of a different viewpoint.
Several different news stations broadcasted that Danny Pearl had been found dead. Mariane started calling all the policemen she had been working with trying to figure out if that was true. It was false and the news stations an hour after broadcasting he was found dead, went back on air and told the world it was false. Which I thought was kind of funny how they missed up but, horrible for Mariane and Danny’s family.
This case seems like it has become personal to everyone involved. Captain, Dost, Bussey, and the other policemen have been there for hours and hours at a time. They barely see their families and everyone looks exhausted from working almost non-stop. Everyone wants to see Danny get home safely.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:01 | individual comment-link
I have finished A Mighty Heart and I really enjoyed it. After they found out Danny was killed the mood changed to depression and sadness. She doesn’t hold anything against Pakistan or it’s people. She only hates the certain people who did that to her husband.
I really like the epilogue where it tells what happened to each person that was really involved. I was surprised a lot of their careers were ruined because of it. They all kept in touch long after all this was over.
The letters that Mariane and the family received where touching. It helped her through some tough times. They came from average people and higher profile people, from all over the world. It was very kind of all those people.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:14 | individual comment-link
The Contemporary and final novel I read was The Pilot’s Wife. The main characters name is Cathryn. She is going through the biggest tragedy of her life, her husband died. He was a pilot and his plane crashed. She describes everything mostly using sight, touch, and smell. When she describes her home she says what it looks like and what it smells like.
Cathryn is a wreck and everything reminds her of him. When she had to tell her daughter, Mattie, about everything it seemed more real to Cathryn. During the flashbacks of Cathryn and Jack, her husband, there are never any quotations when people are speaking. It shows how those were memories and separates it from real life. I can’t wait to keep reading the book.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:17 | individual comment-link
I really like the Pilot’s Wife so far. It is an easy read and it seems to go really fast. I can’t believe I’m already half way through it. When they told Cathryn they thought it was suicide, she didn’t believe it.
I’m surprised at the amount of press that sits outside her house everyday. She can barely get to the road in her car.
Robert is the one who is helping her through everything. I’m surprised he came back on his vacation time. He might really like her.
Cathryn’s parents died many years ago and Julia has always been the one that raised her. She never mentions her parents names, she just calls them Cathryn’s mom or Cathryn’s dad. I think this is because she never really had any respect for them. Cathryn and Jack both came from childhoods with messed up parents. That’s a connection between the two.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:20 | individual comment-link
I still really like The Pilot’s Wife. Cathryn found out Jack’s mother never did die. She was shocked and didn’t know what to say. This is starting to raise many questions in her head. Why did he never tell her his mother was alive?
She also found out Jack was having dinner with someone the night before the crash. All these different things are taking a huge toll on Cathryn and she doesn’t know what to think anymore. Mattie brought up an interesting question. Do you ever really know somebody? It made me think a little bit and I don’t really have an answer. I see that as a theme of the book.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:22 | individual comment-link
The book is getting really interesting. Muire Boland was expecting Cathryn. How could she never have even suspected Jack of having a double life? Also how could Muire marry a guy who she knew was already married and had a kid? That just seems so weird to me. The tone of the book changed after this encounter. Cathryn was first depressed and after her visit it became more anger. The anger was not just for Jack but at her too.
I can’t believe Robert lied to her. I really liked him up until that point. I wanted him to be a good guy.
When Cathryn threw her wedding ring into the ocean. It was a symbol for her, that she is separating herself from him and his lies. It helped her to try and move on.
comment | August 14, 2009 at 12:25 | individual comment-link
I really enjoyed this book and it was a really easy read. Cathryn was always trying to figure out which wife Jack cared more about. The one he married first, her, or the one he created a double life for.
To Cathryn there were always triggers, or little things that would remind her of Jack. An example would be an east wind. Every time she felt it she thought of the day they bought the house. One thing Cathryn always talks about in her memories or in real time is what the people around her are wearing.
A theme of this book would be do you ever really know somebody.
comment | August 16, 2009 at 11:56 | individual comment-link
The Pilot’s Wife: When Kathryn finds out what is really in Jack’s carry-on, I can only imagine what she is feeling. If I were in her shoes, I would not only be ashamed and embarassed, but also confused. It would hurt bad to know that your husband has been keepig dark secrets from you. My question though is, what made Jack want to be involved with something of this level? Was is because it was risky and he liked the feeling of danger? I guess he found out the hard way what a bad idea is was and now is leaving his family to pay the price of being humiliated.
comment | August 16, 2009 at 12:03 | individual comment-link
The Pilot’s Wife: The ending of the book was not as good as I felt it should be. It is good that Kathryn cares about Jack’s other children, and if she is going to find them and see if they are okay, that whole scene should be included in the book. It would be so hard trying to care for children that are connected to you in the worse way possible, but I feel that this concern that Kathryn has shown makes her a great person . I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery. I surely am glad that I picked this one to read!
comment | August 16, 2009 at 21:42 | individual comment-link
I just started to read A Mighty Heart by Mariane Pearl and although I am only two chapters in it is not a slow read at all. I loved the opening paragraph, it just conveyed how much she loves her husband and how she longs to be with him. The fact that she is pregnant brings a smile to my face and it adds to the story. When I learned that Danny never came home from his interview it just broke my heart when the readers are aware of how much love for one another they have. I am anxious however to find out what really happened to Danny Pearl.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 00:14 | individual comment-link
woo! Finally have internet back from that nasty storm.
I actually got into Wuthering Heights. It was dull at first but after Catherine died (Thank God) It was very enjoyable.
One thing, why do they always kill dogs? seriously? Is it a connection or a symbol or did they just believe in animal cruelty back then.
I was confused when Isabelle and Heathcliff reproduced. I think he probably raped her, if not, why on earth would she sleep with him even if he was her husband!
There is no way that the moors can be a symbol of tranquility. Anywhere that Catherine is, peace cannot follow.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 00:18 | individual comment-link
I have decided that Linton is a recarnation of Catherine, and little Cathy is Isabelle or even perhaps Edgar. Hareton is my favorite character. You can’t help but love him when you can understand what he is saying. He is the opposite of Heathcliff even though Hareton is supressed far more than Heathcliff was.
I don’t find Heathcliff romantic at all. I was looking up some information about him online and I disagree. He isn’t the bad boy that everyone falls for but something far more cynical. I found it odd that the father Earnshaw would name the gypsy boy Heathcliff after a son that died in childhood. Heathcliff seems like a demon that came back to haunt them.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 00:20 | individual comment-link
I finished the novel and loved it. I wasn’t expecting much from what I had read on the blog but I have to disagree. It’s very entertaining in a twisted way.
I am curious though, why does little Cathy keep on marrying her first cousins?!?
Also, the mention of curls could be something. Whenever people are beautiful it is because they’re happy and pure. The evil even when happy have dark features. Whenever Cathy is happy her hair seems to be so light and curly and her features light. In the end even Hareton has curls that blend with Cathys when she is leaning over his shoulder.
It could mean something but I found it peculiar.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 02:27 | individual comment-link
I’ve been reading Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner I found it amazing that teachers cheated that way. I have always wondered if teachers cheated and now I find myself wondering if any of our teachers have cheated.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 02:33 | individual comment-link
I found it interesting that many crack dealers make less than minimum wage. Apparently only the higher ups make any real money. I don’t really understand why that don’t just ask for more money if the dealers are doing all the work with a high risk factor (one in four die) they should be entitled to more money.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 03:12 | individual comment-link
I found it rather for lack of a better word strange that crime went down do to abortions. It was fascinating how Levitt made the connection to broken home mothers giving up their child thus preventing a child from growing up in a poor environment which removed a troubled person/criminal.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 03:22 | individual comment-link
I found the section about guns in pools every relevant, to put it simply it states more children die in pool than in gun related accidents which I could relate to. I have been around guns my whole life and have never had an accident happen to me or my family but I have almost died in the water many times. I also thought the section on racial names was interesting (people with a “distinctively black name” are much less likely to get what they are applying for, a job for instance) I have seen people being judged by their name before they have even been introduced.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 03:30 | individual comment-link
After reading Freakonomics I started to notice things about different businesses after our a damaging storm we had a few days ago I’ve noticed many businesses increase their prices, for example a tree removing company that charges made two to three hundred dollars pre tree is now asking for three times as much because people need they gone. Freakonomics taught me all about incentive and that one man’s loss is another man’s gain. Many people were without power but the stores and restaurants with power would see a very large increase in profits which is an example of one mans loss becoming another man’s gain.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 09:37 | individual comment-link
After finishing part two I really liked how he tied together all the things that seemed to be happening with Reverend Wright’s sermon. It kind of shocked me that his sermon title was the “Audacity of Hope” not only is that the title of the book following this one, but the speech he gave and the Democratic National Convention of 2004. I think it really summed up his experience in Chicago.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 10:48 | individual comment-link
I got into part three today and things really seem to be picking up for him again, and it was once again sparked my interest. It seems already that you have to know people who know people in order to get what you want in Kenya. At least concerning Barack’s missing luggage. I remember how in Nervous Conditions how people washed their hands according to rank in the house or the tribe. I don’t know if that’ll apply here but would Obama have to visit people according to rank? I didn’t really expect the waiter at the restaurant to treat Barack and Auma like that. I guess the world of Kenya caters more towards the tourists then it does its own people. I find that kind of sad actually.
comment | August 17, 2009 at 11:22 | individual comment-link
After finishing the book I realize it really does come to a good end concerning how much he truly knows about his father. Even though it is not all about his father he did end up playing a vital and important role in the book. I am still certain he is a symbol of some sort, just not really sure what exactly he is a symbol for. I really did enjoy Granny’s story about Barack Sr. and Barack’s Grandfather. For me it was like filling in the holes that still remained a small mystery. I liked the Epilogue as well. Another nice way wrap up the end of his life story until he started his next book. All and all I did like this, even though it did get slow for me around the middle of the book. I’m not sure if I’d read the “Audacity of Hope” though, but it’s always a thought.
comment | August 19, 2009 at 22:17 | individual comment-link
A Mighty Heart is picking up and although I know how the story is supposed to end, I am still hoping for the best. I cannot imagine what is going through Mariane’s head or heart and I would never want to; it would be completely devestating. Her pregnancy keeps getting brought up and I can only pray that it is a little boy because then in addition to thinking about Danny everyday, she can see certain parts in her son. But, at this point I am sure that she is just wishing for a healthy child. Losing her husband is quite enough heartache for a lifetime.
comment | August 20, 2009 at 14:54 | individual comment-link
Every page of Obama’s book feels like a jab in the eye. I can’t stand it. I was so excited when I first got it and now its a painful task.
Everything could be simpler. The writing style is odd. I feel like the vocabulary was added after the story was written to try and make it sound more intellectual.
Skov taught us about racial slurs which we didn’t know were racist such as getting “giped” (slur against gypsies). I found it rude that everything is carefully put as african american or black but they call people of middle eastern ethnicity arab. It’s hypocritical.
comment | August 23, 2009 at 21:50 | individual comment-link
My third book was A Mighty Heart. The beginning was very dull. Reading about someones everyday life is not something I fancy. I mean it should have been more interesting since they lived in a foreign country, but it wasn’t. It seemed as if they were trying to stay as normal as possible in such an abnormal place. To read about how different their culture was from ours was a little interesting, but it didn’t really catch my attention.
comment | August 23, 2009 at 21:53 | individual comment-link
The book got interesting when her husband was kidnapped. You really start to see some raw emotion. Then being in a foreign unfriendly place gets worse. One really starts to feel for this women. Taking in everything she sees and feels takes you to a new level. You hope for the best, but know that it won’t end that way. After I read about her husband’s kidnapping I couldn’t put the book down. I was happy to find something that I’ve read to catch my attention.
comment | August 23, 2009 at 21:57 | individual comment-link
I started to try and put myself into the women’s shoes. I thought about how I would feel if my husband was taken away from me. Just the thought of having someone so dear be put into grave danger is a huge heart ache. Not only was she worrying about her husband she was also pregnant! You would think nothing worse could happen, but it did. She had to deal with having the death of her husband taped and thrown all over the internet. Having everyone in the world know what happened and to have seen it themselves. People watching you and knowing everything. I could think of nothing worse for this poor women.
comment | August 23, 2009 at 22:03 | individual comment-link
By the end of the poor I felt nothing, but pure pitty for this women. She has gone through so much it was unbareable. If I ever met this women I would give her a hug. I know it’s weird, but I just feel so bad for her. If I was her I would not have had the strength to write all of these tramatic events for everyone to read. I would want everything to stay hidden. To let the world wonder about the true story. To have her strength would be a gift. I can do nothing for this women except feel bad and wish her life turned out happily, if that is possible.
comment | August 23, 2009 at 22:07 | individual comment-link
Overall this was my favorite book I’ve read this summer. It had so much raw emotion. I got into this book and couldn’t put it down once it started. I would recommend it to whomever feels they are prepared to feel the pain this women went through. Im not really one to read books over again, but I feel I could read this one several more times. I’m excited I found a book out of this list that I liked. I can only hope the next one is even better.
comment | August 24, 2009 at 10:10 | individual comment-link
The Pilot’s Wife: I like the book so far. The author describes Kathryn’s grief in a very real way. I feel like I can relate to her. I’m glad Robert has been there for her to fight off the press. She most definitely would have said something incorrect or wrong. I wonder what she will do with her life now. Will she keep living in that house with all the memories of Jack? And I know Mattie will struggle with it. I wonder if Kathryn will be able to get past her own sadness enough to help Mattie. I know if I lost my father at age 15 it would be really hard to get over.
comment | August 25, 2009 at 14:39 | individual comment-link
I’m reading The Pilot’s Wife. I can’t believe they think Jack commited suicide. Kathryn couldn’t think of any reason why he would be unhappy enough to do that. I think that would be even harder than dealing with a natural death because maybe she thinks she’s a little to blame. I can’t imagine how Mattie feels. It said she was really close to her father. I wonder if they will stay there and how long they will be able to ward off the press.
comment | August 25, 2009 at 19:04 | individual comment-link
The Pilot’s Wife: Kathryn just called the number she found in the back of Jack’s pocket. It was written on a lottery ticket. When the person picked up she was too scared to answer it, but I think she should have tried to figure out who it was. I think she will eventually. The back of the book said Jack had a secret life, but we’re 3/5 of the way through and I haven’t seen many signs of one. Maybe Robert is holding out on Kathryn. He has been really helpful and honest though. I don’t think he would do that.
comment | August 25, 2009 at 22:09 | individual comment-link
The Pilot’s Wife: Wow, a lot happened in that fifth of the book. I can’t believe Jack. The affair is bad enough. The fact that he had two kids makes it worse. But to top it off, he lives his life completely differently when he’s with Muire. He’s a devout Catholic with Muire and with Kathryn he never goes to church. Why would he be like that? And why would he tell Muire everything and hide things from Kathryn? I’m wondering why Muire still wanted to marry him after she found out he was married.
comment | August 25, 2009 at 23:23 | individual comment-link
I just finished The Pilot’s Wife. It ended up being a really good book. I think that Kathryn probably should have told Mattie about Muire but she did what I would have done. I don’t know if Mattie could have recovered at all if she knew about it. The question Mattie asks Kathryn, “How well can you really know a person,” is a really good question. I guess the answer can be different for everyone. I would feel dumb if that was me who didn’t realize my husband had a totally different life for almost 5 years.
comment | August 27, 2009 at 17:06 | individual comment-link
So I am almost finished with A Mighty Heart and I feel so terrible for Mariane. Getting so many false leads and fake tips. The book makes it sound like they are so close, but the back of the book tells the truth. She is getting farther along with her pregnancy and just found out that Asra is pregnant as well, so I am happy that they have one another to confide in. It might be the only good thing that Mariane is going throught at the moment. And this book is beginning to get slower..
comment | August 29, 2009 at 16:13 | individual comment-link
I am reading Adrift by Steven Callahan. Being stuck out in the ocean alone would be a hard battle to fight. When Steven talks about the dorado’s that bump the raft all the time no matter what time of day it is, I would get irritated and a little scared. Feeling that constant reminder that if he does not tend to his still for fresh water, catch fish for food, and make all repairs on the raft, that he soon with be with them in the water, putting his life to an end. Also the shark attacks. Steven only has a limited amount of things that he could use as a weapon. This would be the thing that would make it hard for me to sleep at night. My question now is, how much longer is he going to last?
comment | August 29, 2009 at 16:22 | individual comment-link
Adrift: On Steven’s voyage through the sea, he has a lot of time to think about life and learn many meaningful lessons. One in particular that stuck out to me was, the difference between human needs and humans wants. In life he has always felt the he needed more than what he already had, even though the things he already held were what anyone needed for survival. Before reading this part, I feel that I too was like him. Even though I had food, shelter, water, and a family to love me, I always wanted more. I feel that this section of the book made me appreciate what I already have and not be so greedy about the human wants that really do not fit into my “need” category.
comment | August 30, 2009 at 19:40 | individual comment-link
Adrift: Since Steven has been at sea for about 59 days now, I feel like he is getting a little wierd. He feels as if he has an imaginary companion that watches over the raft when he sleeps and swears that he recalls conversations with this person. I guess anyone would be wierd like this though when being alone for so long. I think that being around people is essential for living a healthy life. The way that Steven describes this makes me want to believe that there is really someone with him. He has so much detail when telling about his feelings of company.
comment | August 30, 2009 at 23:39 | individual comment-link
Am I finished with A Mighty Heart and the only part I hca left is the Epilogue. Although this book was extremely sad, it had a great ending because of the fact that Mariane is such an accomplished writer. I am happy that her son was born happy and happy and is living on his father’s legacy, so to speak. I have no idea how she was able to cope with the abscence of a husband and her life’s partner, but now with her son and Asra, things might be looking up for Mariane.
comment | August 30, 2009 at 23:40 | individual comment-link
Am I finished with A Mighty Heart and the only part I have left is the Epilogue. Although this book was extremely sad, it had a great ending because of the fact that Mariane is such an accomplished writer. I am happy that her son was born happy and happy and is living on his father’s legacy, so to speak. I have no idea how she was able to cope with the abscence of a husband and her life’s partner, but now with her son and Asra, things might be looking up for Mariane.
comment | August 31, 2009 at 16:43 | individual comment-link
Adrift: When Steven finally makes it to the shallower waters of the continental shelf, he discovers a lot of pollution floating in the water. This is a good sign for him showing how much closer land should be. Since Steven is so hungry he takes this pollution and eats stuff. I don’t think that I would be able to do this even if I was starving. I feel that I would gage and not be able to keep any of these raw fish or barnacles in my stomach. I guess though I can’t make assumptions because I am not in his situation. I hope now Steven will be able to get strength from this food to make it the rest of the way to shore! He is so close!
comment | August 31, 2009 at 16:49 | individual comment-link
Adrift: Steven has finally made it to shore and is surprisingly still in good health for a person that has been at sea for so long. One major thing that he struggles with for about five days is when he is anemic. His body is not getting rid of fluids well, and they are sinking to his legs. I have a feeling that this would be pretty painful having your legs inflame with fluid. I feel bad because he just got over a hard painful voyage and right when he thinks everything is over, he gets stuck with this. I am just happy that he decided never to give up until he made it to land! I have much respect for him for holding on even when he could of gave up and been done with it all! This book was so worth my time to read and I have learned lessons about myself through what Steven had to share.
comment | August 31, 2009 at 17:01 | individual comment-link
Dreams from my Father was of no significant importance. I find it over praised and just another self finding wannabe “spiritual” memoir. The emotional scene at the end was too well scripted to be real. The whole novel felt fake and stiff. I can’t say much else about it.
comment | August 31, 2009 at 17:07 | individual comment-link
I started A Native Son by Richard Wright awhile ago but had no time to post blogs until now.
I found Bigger very confusing and abstract. The lines drawn between racial/social classes is odd and I don’t understand where Bigger gets his ideas from. I know there was segregation, Jim Crow laws, and everything of that nature but the feelings he felt towards his own race was very peculiar. I also didn’t understand the masturbation in a public place. There was also a scene similar in Angela’s Ashes. The desecration of public property seems to be one of the few crimes they can commit to express themselves without getting into alot of trouble if caught.
comment | August 31, 2009 at 17:09 | individual comment-link
I noticed the repetition of “blotting” things out. I wonder what Bigger means when he always mentions it.
Also, did he intend of raping Mary before her mother walked in?
I can’t seem to like Bigger no matter how hard I try. His character is ever changing and growing. He manipulates everything around him including himself without even realizing him. He thinks the world is out to get him.
The talk of communism is also interesting. I can’t wait to see what the role of politics will bring later in the novel.
comment | September 1, 2009 at 15:39 | individual comment-link
Sorry it has been awhile since I’ve written a blog but I’ve been very busy.
I’m still not loving Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama, it seems like the plot is the same throughout the whole book. The whole story is pretty much about the racism he has dealt with in his life, not to say racism should be taken slightly. Like I have said before, it has really opened my eyes to the realism that race issues occured only years before I was born and is still going on now. It’s really an upsetting concept, but something more people should come to realize. Some parts of the book I don’t understand because it is written with a high diction, but overall it’s a pretty easy read. I find it inspiring that after everything negative that has happened in Obama’s life, he still wanted to become president and help his country.
comment | September 1, 2009 at 15:45 | individual comment-link
As of ten minutes ago I am completely finished with A Mighty Heart. All of the letter that were included in the back were extremely real and heartfelt. I cannot imagine the sea of emotions that Mariane felt while receiving and reading the letters from all of whom felt sorrow and anger. One thing that I know for certain is that Adam will grow up with one of the strongest mothers there is and a world of support behind him–and his mother as well.
comment | September 2, 2009 at 20:28 | individual comment-link
The wording during the rape scene of Bessie is very … I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s like the chapter in Beloved where the rhythm doesn’t flow and most of the sentences are simple or fragments. It’s very powerful and has quite an effect.
I also can’t see a whole city going crazy to find one killer over one girl. Now days, no one would line up to volunteer or have people search their houses. It was a whole different time.
comment | September 5, 2009 at 17:18 | individual comment-link
The end of A Native Son took me longer. It was hard to read because it frusterated me. How would they actually use Bessy as a peice of evidence? and why are they so stuck on pinning Bigger as a rapist? The public image of a black man is terrible that they project.
comment | September 5, 2009 at 17:19 | individual comment-link
I love how at the end, Bigger still didn’t get it. I mean the character change was dramatic and the high point of the novel but still. I don’t know if I am too fond of the ending. All in all it was a decent book but perhaps because I couldn’t relate I didn’t get some things.
comment | September 7, 2009 at 20:18 | individual comment-link
I am about to read The Joy Luck Club. I have heard from friends that it is a good book. I remember reading something from Amy Tan in tenth grade but I didn’t like it to much so I hope this is good. I didn’t like how her stories are very similar it is almost as if you are read the same thing.
comment | September 7, 2009 at 20:19 | individual comment-link
So I have been reading the joy luck club and just as I thought there is a Chinese woman feeling that her daughter has disappointed her by not reaching her full potential. So far the story is going very slowly.
comment | September 7, 2009 at 20:29 | individual comment-link
Still reading The Joy Luck Club and I still do not find it very interesting. I found it pretty nasty when An-mei’s mother cut her own flesh and put it in a bowl of soup to heal her own mother. I thought that the Red Candle story was pretty good I rather enjoyed the lies told by all the different people.
comment | September 7, 2009 at 20:46 | individual comment-link
The Joy Luck Club is getting better I like the story “Rules of the Game” I found it interesting that Waverly compared her life a chess game a few times, trying to ponder her next move. I also found it strange that Ying-ying (in The Voice from the Wall) did not seem to enthusiastic about her unborn son but was very distressed when he died.
comment | September 7, 2009 at 21:00 | individual comment-link
I actually found the novel quite interesting, I like how she set it up into four parts divided into four sections. It did get boring at points and it seems as if I have read parts of this before. All in all it was a pretty good book.
comment | September 8, 2009 at 21:41 | individual comment-link
My final book was Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. Everyone believes there life is messed up in some ways, but I can think of no one who has a life as bad as Augusten did. His family wanted nothing to do with him so they sent him away to live with another, thats just weird. Reading through the book you can see a change in Augusten. He stopped caring so much about himself and started to care for others. Living with the Finches I believe helped him grow into a better person than he could have been otherwise. It just shows that out of bad situaions things can turn out good.
comment | September 8, 2009 at 21:46 | individual comment-link
The whole relationship Augusten had with Neil Bookman was rather sickening. Bookman was a major perve and wanted nothing more from Augusten than sex. I mean the man practically raped him after a few meetings, what kind of person does that! The best part of their relationship was when Augusten was in a bad mood and went out of his way to make Neil hate himself. I found that so amusing that I would actually laugh out loud and get strange looks from people who just didn’t understand. I also liked how at least Augusten had all of the power in the relationship. The whole relationship was weird, but sort of humorous. It just didn’t make sense.
comment | September 8, 2009 at 21:50 | individual comment-link
Naturally at the Finch’s Augusten clung to Hope because right off the bat she seemed most normal, we found out later otherwise. Augusten later became better friends with Natalie, and I believe it is because they have delt with similar situations. They both dated older men, wanted to make something better of themselves. Natalie is very loud and slobish, but she was also honest. Augusten always needed to be brought back down to reality. Augusten and Natalie completed eachother. I was sad to see that their friendship ended over their parents. I thought they could make it through anything, but they proved me otherwise.
comment | September 8, 2009 at 21:55 | individual comment-link
At the end of the of the novel when Augusten’s mother claimed rape on Dr. Finch I didn’t know what to believe. Deirdre made up stories often and wasn’t always in reality, but she seemed so normal in the end it was hard to tell. I’m at a loss to know who to believe. Dr. Finch is a bit of a creep and I thought they had relationship of some form, until Deirdre clamed she was a lesbian. It all just caught me off guard, and I am at a loss of whom I should believe. Each case seems plausible. If I had to take a guess I would say that Finch did have sex with her, but it might have been consentual at the time.
comment | September 8, 2009 at 21:58 | individual comment-link
Running With Scissors was by far my favorite book this summer. It has the dark tone in a book that I enjoy. It’s not sad, but not all to happy either. I really enjoyed all of the dark humor. To think that these things happened is crazy. It seems so fake because of how bizaar everything is. I’m glad that my life is not anything like Augusten’s, and I hope it never is.