Last Blog Post :(

It's pretty hard to believe that this is my last blog post. I'm not exactly sad but I do know that I learned a few things from doing these blog posts. It's much easier to keep up with your emotions towards a book when you're doing a blog post. It's good to be able to see what you think about a book. Blog posts also encouraged me to elaborate on my feelings. I benefitted from this experience in a few ways. One way was that I could easily know more about a book if I wrote about it. So it shows that as you write more about what you feel about a book, you go deeper into the main aspects the author wants you to think about. Also, it helps me sort of learn about the chracter more than what's just on teh outside. Writing online is different from writing in a notebook in a few ways. Online is much quicker so it takes less time. What's also great is that online people can actually read and comment on your post so it makes you feel better if you think you've done a great job on a post. It's nice to see people appreciate your post. I don't know about people being more real online but I do know that you learn to not be as protective of your work. You get used to teh idea of others reading the work you spent a lot of time on. When I'm writing about a boook, I really don't care what kind of voice I get through so long as it explains what I'm thinking. You still have to be a little formal but that's not that big of a deal. When you're writing about a book, it's so much more than being afraid of others reading your post. It's about showing them that you have something to say and you would like for them to read it and see if they are interested in the book. All in all, I thought blog posts were very sucessful. They let you express your feelings in an easy and quick way.

Push by Sapphire

I just read this amazing book called Push. It's about this girl named Precious who was raped by her father countless times and abused by her mother as well.She even had two children by her father. But she lived through it. She is the definition of determination. All she's ever done was try to fight her way through all her problems. I mean, you have to be pretty strong to be able to live through situations like that. Any person who has been through what Precious has would definitely just want to lead a normal life. A life where you don't have to worry about your own father raping you or your mother kicking you in the face. Her mother kicked her in the face when Precious was pregnant and lying on the floor asking for help. I couldn't help think to myself, people have the heart to do that? You'd have to be pretty psycho to do that to your own pregnant daughter. Precious hasn't felt loved in her whole life. Not by her mother. Not by her father. To have to live such a lonely life is pretty disturbing. That's why when Precious had her second baby she gave him every ounce of attention. At the end of the day, she really tries hard not just for the benefit of herself, but so she can provide for her son. He is the reason why she made up her mind to stay strong. Since Precious did not have a good education she made sure her son did. The people at Each One Teach One, a pre-GED class, have given Precious something so valuable that it can't be destroyed. They gave her love and friendship. They stuck with her and helped her get through her tough times. That's what friends are for right? They're there when you most need them. Precious also feels very unimportant. There's this image she has where she talks about how she wishes she were born a pretty, white girl who had a good family. It's pretty insightful if you think about it because it's such a stereotypical idea that if you are pretty and white you just naturally have a great life ahead of you. But at teh end of the book, Precious learns to accept herself. Don't we all have to do that? Precious's mother has the most illegitimate reason for physically and verbally abusing Precious. She is jealous of her own daughter. She thinks it is Precious's fault that she was raped by her father. But truth is, Precious's motehr just stood by watching her husband rape her own daughetr. So really, she's to blame. Precious has been through a lot in her life. But she learned to hold her heaad high and try to make it as better as she possibly could. She took many steps to make her life work for her and her son. She is a very strong person. She deserves better.

The Clique

So this book is very dramatic and it highlights the fact that so many teenagers are always fighting for popularity. Massie and her Pretty Committee have made it their life goal to make the new girl, Claire, miserable. It's actually pretty ironic because Claire hasn't really done anything to them. I think the fact that Massie is so insecure makes everything make sense because it shows us why she wants to bully Claire. Bullying is really hurtful and I feel like if you aren't ready to accept others, tehn just let them be and stay away from them. You reallly don't need to get all up in her face and think of tactics that will hurt the person being bullied. Massie has everything. But given that she is the leader of her "Pretty Committee", the most popular group at OCD middle school, she feel she must live up to certain standards. It's like, she can't show anyone what she's feeling because it would make ger feel weak. And if she looks weak in any way in front of not just her friends but also her school, then they will assume she is not a good leader. She likes the power she holds over certain people. She enjoys being able to imflict hurt or happiness upon others. She just likes being in power. Showing that she has insecure feelings will make others doubt her. I think this book was very interesting and I think friendship plays a very big role. Although some people are desperate to be popular, they shoulnd't hurt others just to make themselves happy.Massie shouldn't be bullying Claire just because of her clothes. These are all so superficial.

Bird

    This book is from three points of view. The first is from a conflicted girl named Bird. The second is from an innocent boy named Ethan, and the third is from a nostalgic boy named Jay. Each of them have their own share of problems but their lives seemed to constantly intertwine with each other other.


    Bird is on a mission. She left her home, her mother, her friends, her life. She left all these necessities to seek her step dad and bring him back home. As she hides in the shed of a "perfect" family. She realizes that Cecile her step father has another life. She wishes very much to be part of that family. Why do we become so emotional when people leave us? I think its because we have so many memories and experiences with them that its pretty hard not to become so emotional. When that person leaves each and every memory defines and magnifies itself to such a level of importance that its hard to let go. Bird just can't make herself let go of Cecile till the very end of the book. She realized that there was no point in trying to hold on to somebody who doesn't even have the heart to say goodbye before he leaves.


    Ethan has the perfect family. They do everything together, go to church, have meals together, and they all love each other. Ethan also had a heart transplant. There are two things Ethan just can't seem to cop with. Why his uncle Cecile comes and goes without saying anything any why there's a girl hiding in his shed. When he meets the girl they just seem to connect and instantly become friends. I think friendship plays such an important role in this book. You are just so alone without it. Although Ethan knows that Bird should go back to her home he still keeps her hiding a secret and brings her food. Why do we even keep secrets? Its not even something you should keep to hold against someone, its more a privilege. Secrets or knowing them actually are a privilege. You keep them to show someone you can be trusted. What is trust really? Its when you can believe in someone, its one you get the feeling of safety, its when you can be sure that a piece of you is safe with someone. So what is safety? Its when you feel protected from the overwhelming dangers hidden around you. Its like a force field. You feel safe when you trust someone or maybe you trust someone because you feel safe with them.


    Jay is very alone. His best friend is in juvie  and his brother died from a brain aneurysm. It should be mentioned that Jay's brother heart is the same is the same that is keeping Ethan alive. There isn't a day that goes by where Jay doesn't think about Derek. He doesn't even allow his mother to clean Derek's side of the room. I really can't understand how the death of someone you loved makes you feel. Does it feel like a dream? Is believing the death of someone feel like a dream or a nightmare? Maybe the dream part is when you can remember everything. When you can remember all the good times. And then the nightmare part, is when the realization hits you. The realization that that person is just gone. You'll never see them or hear them again. How do you resist the urge to just tear everything apart because you know you can't that person with you forever. Eventually Jay learned to cop with his loss. But many people aren't like Jay.


   So all three of their lives intertwine. Bird lives in Ethan's shed. Ethan has Jay's brothers heart. Jay is inspired by Bird. Bird understands Jay. Ethan keeps Bird a secret. Real friendship is built up from problems and trust. With every problem that requires trust comes a friend.


   

All These Things I've Done

         This book is about a girl names Anya (Annie) who has to face many problems. She has to face many changes in her life as well. Most of those changes are not that great but she tries really hard to cope with it. It's pretty hard given that her father was murdered, but only because he was a murderer himself. Her mother died in a car accident and her brother was injured in that accident and he had mental problems since then. Annie even has a little twelve year old sister to take of. So you can how Annie's life hasn't been the easiest. Another crucial piece of information I should say is that Annie is living in what the author predicts as the future. In this interesting image of our future, chocolate and coffee and other everyday products are illegal. 
         First of all, Annie has a lot of responsibility over her family. She had to take care of her Nana before her Nana died. Then she has her brother to take care of. He has the mind of an eight year old though he is actually eighteen years old. He is technically her and her sister's guardian but Annie can't help but always be concerned about him. I feel like when you're so used to having to do something you don't look at it the same way as an outsider would. You don't think much of it. It only comes to your attention when it is pointed out. That's what Annie's responsibility over her family feels like for her. She doesn't complain about it but she has accepted this role a long time ago.
        Annie's father means a lot to her. She quotes him many times in the book. She didn't think much about the little things he said but after he died, it all came back to her slowly. They were one of the few things she could grasp to remember her father. The things he said to her really did help her along the way. especially when she had to make important decisions that would not only affect her but her family as well. She looked to her father's words of wisdom not just for advice but also for comfort.
        Annie's relationships haven't always been something to brag about. Her ex-boyfriend, Gable, tried to force her to sleep with him. She only felt attracted to him for very superficial reasons. His looks, his bad boy edge, etc. Pretty soon she realized he wasn't exactly the ideal boyfriend. Later, she met Win. Win is straight out a really good person. He cares about her. Annie has had to break off her relationship with Win a couple times because Annie's family is a mafia, basically. By dating Win she is putting him in danger. Yes, her family is a mafia. Since chocolate was banned, they ran an illegal chocolate trade system.
       All in all, Annie is a good person who is very strong, or at least, she has to be in order for her to keep the amount of admiration and respect people hold for her. She has a certain way of viewing things. It's important and only up to her to make decisions thinking of how it will affect not only her but her family in the long run.

Bridge to Never Land

            I am reading this book called Bridge to Never Land. It is about a brother and a sister who discover a golden box filled with a  magical substance that makes you feel very giddy and makes you fly. It's called starstuff. It's like the fairy dust that made Wendy in "Peter Pan" fly. So they realize that they must put this rare starstuff in a safe island called Never Land. They end up gaining a friend along their journey. But the police and the FBI are after all three of them because they think that the kids were kidnapped by the other friend. Basically, this book has a lot to do with trust. If one person breaks their trust in another, then it leads to problems.
           Friendships are very much based on trust. But that makes sense because without trust, what have you got to hold on to in a friendship? I think that trust is a very important foundation in terms of not just friendship, but the wold in general. You don't really know if you can trust someone just by looking at them. You have to take the time to actually get to know them. 
           Trust is when you you can tell your friends things that you know they won't spill. Trust is when you don't have to worry about your secrets being shared. It's so incredibly easy to have someone to lose their trust in you that it almost becomes a gift when someone trusts you. Sarah and Aidan trust J.D. and vice versa. If one of them back out their mission, then the whole journey would be all for nothing. They don't realize it but they actually need each other to keep going.
          I know that I wouldn't want my friend to tell my secrets to other people. So I can't really do much but assume that they won't do that. It's really not that much to ask for. But I can also understand how it can be hard to keep secrets. Trust can be earned but it can easily be broken.You never know when this might happen but you can clearly avoid being in that situation by keeping secrets because it's pretty obvious that once that trust is broken, a lot of problems will spurt out like a erupting volcano.      

Room

            I just finished reading the book Room by Emma Donoghue. This is probably the most perplexing book I have ever read. Not perplexing as in I couldn't understand it, but more the fact that I couldn't imagine half the things in the book. It's almost disturbing in a way once you come to realize all the things this little boy, Jack, has come to see. Or actually, the lack of things he has seen. His mind has narrowed down to such little perspective that it makes us think about how much we see and know. He is five years old and has lived with is mother in a room for is whole life. His mother was kidnapped and raped in that room, and then he was born. But this intelligent little boy rescued himself and his mother. 
            I can't even imagine half the things he hasn't seen in his whole life. To grow up in such a limited environment is very confusing but it's pretty normal for Jack because he hasn't seen anything but the contents of that room. Everything in TV is not real to Jack. It's all just things made up in the world. When he is rescued he can't believe so much is actually real. I don't understand how Jack's mother copes with being in a room for 7 years. The only thing she has left to care for is her son. 
           A lot of this book is based upon routine.Life for Jack only goes so far. He wakes up, has his breakfast, and does many activities with his mother. It's his only pastime. That and watching TV. How does he even stand doing just that? But you grow accustomed to things as you spend more time practicing them. Jack must stay in the wardrobe when his father (the kidnapper) comes for his nightly "visits". Jack lives in this twisted world where he thinks that there is nothing out there except for the things in Room. 
         When Jack and his mother are rescued, Jack must get accustomed to everything he discovers. He realizes slowly that things in TV actually exist. It's a lot of things for his small mind to process especially since he has grown so used to Room. Jack actually wants to go back to his Room because he feels that it's only right and that Room is his home. 
         Jack has a lot to deal with because once you grow up seeing only a limited amount of things, you want to forget other things that you thought never existed. You don't want to accept that those things exist.          

Eclipse

       I just finished reading Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. This book was very interesting and is very captivating. Bella has to make quite a few important decisions that will affect her life more than she's imagined. But it's okay to say that decisions don't come easily to Bella. Nobody said that those decisions wouldn't hurt some of the people she cared the most deeply about.
       The first decision Bella has to make is if she wants to become a vampire or not. It's actually not that hard for her to decide because if she becomes a vampire, she can be with Edward for as long as they live. But then again, for her to become a vampire will be very painful for a few weeks. Bella is so willing to make things work for her and Edward that she's overlooking the factor of enjoying human things. I think that to give up the gift of life, you must have a lot of determination. Bella feels so strongly bout her love for Edward that she's willing to become a vampire just so they can be together. It takes a lot of courage to change yourself for the benefit or others. It's almost as if you're going to be entering new territory. Also, adjusting to a whole new life, or actually a new WAY of life, is going to take a lot of work and energy. Devoting yourself to change for the sake of love is kind of far-fetched but its understandable
.       Another decision that Bella has to make is, sadly, if she wants to be with Jacob or Edward. I felt like she should have chosen Jacob even though she's been through more with Edward. But the gain, Edward hasn't done anything wrong. To choose between two people you love you more than you can imagine is heart breaking. It hurts the rejected person. It's hard not to feel bad for Jacob because he was just so ready to fulfill anything Bella wanted done. He was willing to give up his life for her. He truly loves her but it's wrong that she can't love him back the way he wants her to. It's not that Bella doesn't wish to have him. It's just that with Edward in the picture, there's no way for the relationship between Jacob and Bella to work out. Once Bella becomes a vampire, she can't really have a great relationship with Jacob because he's a werewolf.
          Making choices isn't always easy. It can hurt tho you love. But it's OK because people get over it and realize that you chose what you think is right for you. Nothing should stop you from being happy with the person you truly love.     

Born Confused

            This book is about a girl who is really insecure about her image and is confused as to who she is, hence the title. This book interests me mostly because I like to pore over what exactly is going on with the relationship between Dimple and her best friend, Gwyn. 
             Dimple is just about drowning from all this loneliness. Figures that Gwyn has almost, but not completely, forgotten about Dimple after she started dating a guy. But then when the guy breaks up with her in the most embarrassing of situations, she goes crying into the humble shoulders of Dimple. I can't even think how hard it must be to not be angry at someone for ditching you for a guy. You don't realize you're hurting someone until you're forced to. It's like, every time Dimple gets even a drop of attention, Gwyn has to jump in and drag that drop of attention back to her. I know I'm making her sound like a really bad person but she isn't. She just doesn't understand Dimple as well she should given that they've known each other for so long.
            It bothers me that Dimple is afraid to almost be out there. What is stopping her? She can't always let Gwyn steal the attention. There are so many parts in the book where Dimple shows her jealousy of Gwyn. Gwyn can do anything. She's not scared of anything. But Dimple is glad just to have a guy look at her. It's not that she is butt ugly. It's just she doesn't try harder to be noticed. I feel like she thinks that Gwyn's shadow covers much of her own even when there's no sun out. That's how naturally things come to Gwyn. 
          Dimple has always been there for Gwyn. Gwyn didn't realize that until she needed someone to make her feel better. But when Dimple just wanted to talk to Gwyn about family problems, all of a sudden Gwyn is too busy chilling with her boyfriend. You can't forget about your best friend once you find someone you think you "love". Abandoning your friend in times of need is also not okay.
          I am enjoying this boom but I just wish Gwyn would stop and think about how Dimple is coping with her life. Everything is not about Gwyn. People assume that others are leading a marvelous life when they just don't take the time to push aside their ignorance.   

Homeless Bird

            I have just finished reading this book. It was actually a quick read because I was so enhanced by the book that I could not let go of it. It's basically about this girl, Koly, who lives in India,and she gets married at thirteen. Then, to make it worse, her husband (who is the same age as her) DIES. How horrible can a girl's life get? The things that go on in this book are things that I can't really imagine myself doing. I just can't see myself n that situation.  
           For someone my age to get married is a really big deal. It's also illegal. Well, at least in the U.S. If I were to get married now, I'd be so confused. Koly was pretty much pressured into getting married. It's like, you can't just steal the freedom of someone at such a young age. They should be able to do things like go to school, have fun, and just chill. They shouldn't have to worry about things like cleaning up the house, cooking,and having children. Maybe it's another tradition, but that doesn't allow you to take away someone's independence all together without warning.
           After Koly's husband died only a few days after they got married, Koly's mother in law just up and left Koly in the city to fend for herself. How is a thirteen year old supposed to live by herself in the streets in the city all by herself? Thank goodness that Koly found a widow helping house where they helped her get back on her feet. It's really helpful when you have many girls in the same situation as you to help you cope with your problems. It feels good to know you aren't the only one that is having such a hard life. When you have support from your friends, you feel safer and more confident. It's just natural to feel that way. 
          Once Koly has gotten married off, she never gets to see her parents anymore. I can't think of myself without getting to see my parents or brother for three years. But Koly can't even go back to her parents because it would shame her family if she went back. You are not supposed to go back to your parents when you husband dies. It brings disgrace to the family. So Koly has no choice but to stay with her mother and father in law. But then chances of survival decrease when she is dropped off to support herself in the city.
         I would not want to be Koly or be in any of her situations but I  feel like she is such a strong and good-hearted character and she deserves all the happiness there is.   

Pride and Prejudice.

   So I have just started reading this book. I actually heard it was a really great book so I thought I'd give it a try. So for this book is interesting enough for me to continue reading it. I want to just explain some of the recurring ideas that are just popping up everywhere.
            Given the title, I took more attention to this one issue. It's pride. These people really do take pride of who they are. They feel that pride is bad when you have too much of it and it twists into conceitedness. But I feel like you have a right to have pride in who you are especially because you have earned your way up to that kind of level. Your just entitled to it. But it's your decision if you want to turn it into something bad or not. It doesn't take much work for you to turn something good into something bad. Conceitedness is frowned upon in this society (I mean the society in the book). It is made clear when Mr.Darcy is talked of by the people in the Bennet family. He has good looks and he is very rich. But his actions towards others makes him seem like a snob. 
           Another thing that I noticed is something that is still obvious to us today. The way you carry yourself really shows a lot about who you are. Those who hold their head high and walk with a  certain airiness are admired. They know what they are doing. They are the "sophisticated" ones.  It somehow lets their image get bumped up to a higher level. I think it's easier to respect people who seem confident and sure. Like, there's no way anything they do can be wrong. So the people of the society take comfort in knowing that they can trust these people. The manner in which you carry yourself shows a lot.

         I am really liking this book and I’m going to continue reading it. 

The Truth About Forever

            This book is about a girl, Macy, who loses her father and has to cope with her mother. Her mother is not the type of person to share feelings or show her grieve. This whole book is very much based on trust and letting go. 

            It is based on trust because Macy trusted her father so much and to have him die in front of her eyes must have really hit her hard. To have someone that you love gone right before you could register it is so tough. Macy didn't just lose her father, she lost his love. She no longer was as easily embraced as she was when her father was alive. After the death of her father, her mother went in her own direction and sort of shut Macy out in a very subtle way. I feel like trust is a funny thing. When you have it, you feel protected, like nothing can hurt you because someone's got your back. But when that trust is gone, you feel very empty and helpless. All Macy wants is to be able to talk to her mother but the fact that her mother has formed this very hard shell around herself makes it hard for Macy. Trust comes and goes. When a person leaves, the trust leaves with that person. Maybe that's how Macy feels about her dad. 

             Letting go also has a lot to do with this book. Macy's mother is very tight with her feelings. She doesn't really make an effort to help Macy deal with her father's death. I think it's because she, herself, is very afraid to deal with it herself. I think that ties into the fact that she doesn't talk to her daughter about anything that has to do with her husband. People can't really help others with problems that they can't overcome themselves. It surprises me because I would think that a mother would try to stay strong and help her family out during the death of a loved one.But I also understand Macy's mother because she has her problems as well. But even at that, she should still leave some time for Macy. Macy's mother is very obsessive about her work. It's her way of dealing with big life changing problems. Everyone has ways of dealing with problems but that doesn't mean you can shut out others around you and sort of go into a bubble.  Especially those you care about. 

           This book was really deep and I really liked it. It gave me an insight into what it is like to lose someone even though I haven't experienced it myself. Death of a loved one does not let you forget about the rest of the world. It's supposed to make you realize that you have to be more tuned into whats going on around you. It's supposed to make you realize that you should care more about the people around you because they can leave anytime as well. Death is like a storm cloud that hangs over your head from the second you're born. Nobody really knows when the rain will come falling down. So you should try your best to make the sun come out even knowing that the rain can fall whenever it wants to. Let the sun shine while it can. 

Fat Kid Rules the World

                 This book is so sad. I can't help feeling so sorry for the character. He is a high school student who is, unfortunately, three hundred pounds. Troy is a very nice person but people disrespect him because of his image. Image is such a problem nowadays. It can either work for you or against you. If there are accepting people all around you then it will be easier for you to accept yourself for who you are. But if there are tons of people who view you as a gross excuse for a human then how are you going to be able to live with yourself? Troy's own brother is disgusted just at the sight of Troy. But Troy has found a friend , Curt, who actually cares about Troy. Curt makes Troy feel special. 
                 Many people have the instinct to look at you, judge you, and then be done with you if they decide not to like you. Yes, it's normal. But is it right? No. Troy deserves respect. He can't exactly control his passion for food. I'm sure if he could he could lose a little weight he would. I really feel that obesity in students affects their social life in a very big way, and not for the best. They will try to find many ways to fit in with the rest of the crowd. But it's really hard when everyone is making fun of your thighs rubbing together when your walking. I want to hug troy because he really needs a friend that believes in him. 
                 I just cannot believe how much of a jerk Troy's little brother is. Ugh I want to punch him. How does a person feel when their own brother is embarrassed to be seen with them because of their weight? I would be so mad. Troy really feels like he should show his brother who's older. But he seems to be scared of his own little brother. This is what hate does to a person. They are scared to show they aren't going to just stand and let themselves be pushed around. Even Troy's dad is aware of how Troy's brother treats him and still he doesn't say anything in defense of Troy. What kind of a father just mopes around letting his younger son bully his older son? 
                 I'm very glad that Troy now has Curt as a friend. Curt has this vibe that he carries around with him wherever he goes. It makes you really jealous because it makes you wish you were him. He has this sort of power that lures you into his deep thoughts and the ways he views the world. It almost seems as if once you start conversing with him you don;t want to leave. He makes words seems like a fantasy. He is a very admired character and his personality reflects it without wavering. Troy will very quickly feel better about himself with the never ending support of Curt. 
                Troy is a great person. There are so many people out there that don't deserve to be treated the way they are. Troy is one of them. He exceeds the limit for which you should be nice to someone. He needs more than nice to mend his pain.   

Ask Me No Questions

            So I just finished reading this really good book about a girl who is an illegal immigrant just like the rest of her family. It made me think of many new ideas. It showed me how many people have so many different lives. Not everyone can always understand your story if they don't really get what that story is. They can't even talk to anyone about their problem. It's almost like they're barely surviving in a locked up cage. There's no way to get out without endangering themselves.
            Nadira strikes me as a very strong character although her uncle just views her as a fat and lazy girl. Just because she doesn't always show how strong she is doesn't mean that she isn't strong inside. How can she even be strong if she has to watch out for every word that comes out of her mouth? For her, I think it feels like she's being watched every second of her life. And if she makes a single wrong move, her whole family could get deported. All her family can do is cling on to the hopes that they can just get their papers as soon as possible without any problems. With every hope comes problems. But not every problem comes with a solution.
            There are some parts that I really feel are unfair. One part that stuck out to me was how people viewed Muslims after 9/11. It's like everything changed so fast after that one day. And I guess I can kind of feel how Nadira feels because I'm also Muslim and I don't really think I would be able to work with how hated I would be. It's like, she wants to find a way to fix the way of thinking that people have. But really, you can't do that. They are their own person. And if someone makes a suggestion for the better, it'll just go ignored and not cared for. Nadira feels that the idea of acceptance is very foreign to some. But she can't do anything to fix that way of thinking.  
            Her father was detained for months. How does it even feel to have your own father taken away from you? Nadira can't think of any way to try to save her dad. She has no control over what the laws that immigration police abide by. It's as if everything that has happened  to her just happened without her control. 
             I thought this was a very deep and inspiring book. It really spoke to me. It shows a lot about a girl's life that has to be accepted whether she likes it or not. But now, she can decide which way she wants to take control of. 

Maniac Magee

            This is a book that I have read many times. It is one of the saddest books I've ever read as well. Maniac Magee is not a maniac. This is just what people labeled him because he runs around all the time and he is homeless. He has no parents because they died in a car accident. 
            I would feel horrible if I were in Maniac Magee's place. His real name is actually Jeffrey. So I would feel horrible because it's hard for me to imagine not having any parents. I'd feel so lonely all the time. There'd be no one to come home to. There would be no one to hug. No one to ask you how your day went. Parents are the people you trust from the moment you come into the world. So what happens when you lose them? You just feel even lonelier. Jeffrey has nothing to do but run away from his aunt and uncle.
            Jeffrey becomes known as this Maniac because he runs around town by himself. This is what people do. They label you without trying to know who you really are. Yes, that's cliche. But a lot of things are only cliche because they are very important. People just assume things about you without actually ever talking to you. I don't know how you can even try to change that. 
            Sometimes you need to give people a chance to prove themselves. You need to not judge them based on appearance or just from what people say. Those things are all very superficial and don't take in account how that person really is on the inside. Small things like this hurt. And they affect what people think of themselves. 
           Jeffrey has had a very hard life. He doesn't deserve to be called a maniac. He doesn't deserve to have no parents. He doesn't deserve a lot of bad things that just happen to him. But he needs to find a way to overcome all these obstacles. No one said it would be easy though. It'll take time. Time and effort. And hope.  

Jacob Have I Loved

            In this book, there are two twin sisters. Even though they are twins, they are very much different. Louise is the more tomboy-ish type and Caroline is the more feminine type. There are many things in this book that interest me. Two of which that are very important to me are how the twins' parents treat each daughter a different way. The other thing is how Call, a young childhood friend of theirs chooses to marry Caroline rather than Louise. 
            It really intrigues me how the parents of the two girls treat each daughter with a different manner. They give Caroline more opportunities to live her dream. They listen to her whenever she has anything to say. But when it comes to Louise's education they are more reluctant to take care of business. I can't imagine how Louise would feel. It's like, the worst feeling to have it seem like your parents love you sister more than you. It's not like Louise's parents hate her. They just feel as if she doesn't need all the opportunities that are given to Caroline. Just because she isn't as talented as Caroline doesn't mean that she can't go away to college. Everyone treats Caroline with delicate care because she is very talented, very pretty, and very naive. But everyone expects Louise to just do her own thing. They do not encourage her to pursue her dreams as she would please. All Louise wants is to get the same attention as Caroline. I feel like Louise feels like she has to consider her actions because people have created standards in which she must follow. She's the one always going fishing with her father and doing guy jobs while Caroline is the one wearing girly dresses and the one getting music lessons. At one point Louise was sick of having rough hands from all her hard work. All she desired were soft feminine hands like Caroline. How does it feel to have your parents give your sister more attention than  you? Louise has never had anyone give her attention. She says that only when she was born before her twin that she got only a few minutes worth of attention. After that, it was all about Caroline. 
             It makes me so angry to think that Call chose Caroline over Louise. He chose to marry Caroline instead of Louise. After all the times that Louise and Call spent together throughout their childhood and more after that, how could he choose Caroline? They hardly ever even talked. It frustrates me a lot because it's as if people just forget about others so easily. You can't do something as preposterous as that if you truly cared about that person. He didn't do the right thing by choosing Caroline. Just because she is a little bit more successful than Louise doesn't mean she is better than Louise. If Louise had the chance to be successful, then she would have gone above and beyond what was expected. But she never even go  that kind of attention. She never got the chance to prove herself to others.
            I would never want to be in Louise's place. But then again, I would never want to wish this kind of problem upon someone either. Louise is a really good person. If only she was given the chance to show that she would have been even better than Caroline. Caroline doesn't deserve to always be the better daughter. Louise actually helps the family by making money. But Caroline? All she does is live her life from the money that is not even hers. 

The Hunger Games

            This book really spoke to me. I think that it is a beautiful book and the way that it capture's a reader's attention is amazing. So many things are going on in this book. There's the relationship between Gale and Katniss. Then there's the bloody Games in the arena. And then there's the fact that Katniss is willing to show everyone how she is not afraid to rebel because everything that the Gamekeepers do is not fair. 
            The relationship between Gale and Katniss strikes me as promising. But there are so many things that stop them from showing each other how they really feel about each other. Like how the Capitol is watching their every move. I wish they could just let all their affection pour out. I don't even know how I would feel if someone was watching me every minute of the day just so I don't do anything that would displease the people of the Capitol. I feel that there is a limit to where Gale and Katniss's relationship can reach. If they go beyond that limit, their lives and the lives of their loved ones will be threatened. How can a person live under those circumstances? How can you even love someone under so much surveillance? I can understand how hard it must be for Gale and Katniss even though they both already know deep down the amount of love they have for each other.  
            I have no clue what the Gamekeepers are thinking when they set up the Hunger Games in the arena. It's just hard to imagine people finding entertainment in watching innocent people lose their sanity, and even worse, get killed. They wouldn't be laughing if they were the ones being thrown into a deathtrap. Just thinking about it makes you shudder. A tribute for the Hunger Games must need to have so much courage in order to face the challenges of the arena and the people out to kill them. But sometimes, it's hard to find that courage when you're about to get killed. I don't think there is any way to put a good spin on the idea of losing your life just because you were chosen by some lottery. Even kids have to go and compete to stay alive. When I'm reading about how resourceful most of the tributes are, it makes me think about myself in that situation. I can't imagine myself being in that situation. I feel like if I were in Katniss's place, I would die faster than you could say murder. It's not right for someone to choose when you die. No one should have to fight for their life.
           I feel that since Katniss tries to rebel against the Capitol and the Gamekeepers, it shows how they can't stay in charge forever. People are not in favor of watching others die. If more and more people rebel against those in charge who are making these decisions, then eventually they will have to give up with the Hunger Games. Change will only come if you show that you can be in power too. That your thought counts as well when it comes to the lives of innocent people all around you. Nobody wants to see their loved one going into a place where they are getting ready to, basically, die.
           I truly enjoyed this book and I'm continuing the series. It shows how evil people can be when they have the power to do whatever. How they can make really bad decisions where they don't think of anyone else but themselves.      

The Daughters Break the Rules

      I find this book very fascinating. It really magnifies the problems of a girl who has this very busy dad, who is, by the way, one of the richest people in the world. He has no time for her. Ever. 
      I think that family is so very important for a person. Carina never really expects much from her dad. She's learned that he doesn't really have the time for her. It really bugs me that he can't even set aside a little bit of time to spend some quality time with his daughter. After all, she is the only kid he has. He even fought for custody over her. What's the point of having her under his custody if he doesn't even have the time of day to ask her how she's doing in school?
      Maybe it isn't his fault that he doesn't have any time for her. Maybe he just has so much work to do that he has no free time. Bu that's not an excuse. Or maybe he does lover her. He just isn't the type of person to show his love. Maybe he doesn't even know HOW to show his love.  But it's just not right. Whenever him and Carina go on a trip, or vacation, he always ends up leaving for a business trip or an emergency meeting. 
       What really makes me mad is that he feels that money is the answer to everything. He has let money overcome the love and affection that his daughter needs. He actually thinks that just because he gives Carina money and lets her buy anything she wants that he's being a good father. Like, what are you tying to do? He said "Haven't I been a good father to you? I've payed all your credit card bills." That doesn't do anything. Money just blinds you. 
       You cannot let money change the course of your love for your daughter. A kid deserves some attention and affection from their parent. A thousand dollar dress will never be as valuable as the love of a parent.

Model

         The book I am reading right now is called Model. This book really shows all the things that new models have to go through. There's the good and then, as usual, there's the bad.  
       I feel that Cheryl is enjoying all this because she is now a MODEL. It's like a step towards being famous and known all over the world. But then you have to think about all the criticism these models receive and then it's not all fun and games and look beautiful. You have to work really hard in order to impress all those who made your dream come true for you. 
       I think it's like that with all careers. You can't just expect everything to be laid out for you in life. You have to go searching for what you love to do. You have to work at it. This is what makes people strong. If everything was already laid out for people, then they would all turn out lazy. 
       Cheryl is ready to work her butt of for this modeling career but she realizes that things aren't going to be easy. If I were her, I would be nervous about doing photo shoots and fashion shows. But that's the difference between her and others, she's not afraid to do what she loves.
       Cheryl is the strongest character in the book. She can really shine. You need to be strong in order to succeed. You can't just let other people trample. you because you should just keep in mind that it's your dream. It's your goal.    

Alex's Blog! http://alexstutt5.blogspot.com/2011/12/girl-in-translation-appreciation.html

             I thought that this piece was very beautifully crafted, as are her other posts. But this one stood out to me the most partially because it was so fantastic/elaborate and partially because this is on my most favorite book in the world. 
             I have read this book before and I just fell in love with with. I agree with Alex when she talks about how hard it is for Kim to sort of lead a double life. I also wish she could have both Matt AND go to college. But in life, there's always that one situation where you just have to make a choice based on what is important to you. Yes, Matt is important to Kim, but college is the key to the layout of her whole life. But there will always be those pangs of regret when Kim thinks about Matt and how she could have led a wonderful life with him. 
            Alex talks about how you should consider others when you're choosing which direction in life you will go. For example, she talks about how Kim really doesn't want to leave Matt for college, but college is the only way she can help her mother rise out of all the hardworking and suffering. Choosing college is her way of saying that she is not a stupid immigrant. That she can do more than is expected of her. I think that is very important because in life, people always feel that they must go above what others expect of them to prove that they can do it. To prove that they are trying to make the best of whatever their situation is. To prove that they don't give up. 
          I'm thinking about how immigrants can be taken advantage of in many ways, even by people who are close to you. Like Kim's aunt. She would always act as if she actually wanted the best for Kim and her mom, but all along, all she did was make things worse for them. You just, you can't do that. How much hurt do you want to cause for someone so innocent? Why? What would be in it for you? 
          I feel that the way that Alex's blog is set up is very reasonable. The way each paragraph almost fits into each other like a puzzle is pretty organized. All in all, I feel that Alex did an amazing job with this post. Keep it up!