Jacob Jankowski is a 93 year old man living in a retirement home. He is told what to do and what to eat - too old to take care of himself. He begins to tell the story of his life in the circus, when he was young. He had devastated to learn that both his parents were killed in an automobile accident. Their house had also been mortgaged to pay for his tuition. He leaves cornel university a mess, and stumbles upon a train. He jumps aboard, in search of a new life. The train belonged to the Benzi Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, and they quickly hire him as a veterinarian, (what he was studying before he left Cornel). It is then that he meets Uncle Al, the owner, August, the head trainer, who is mean and abusive to people, and animals. He also meets his Augusts wife, Marlena. He also meets Rosie, the elephant that is assumed to be useless until Jacob meets her. It just so happens that Jacob new Polish, and Rosie only responded to polish. As Jacob begins to train Rosie, he starts to develop feelings for Marlena - until August steps in.
I enjoyed this book. Wasn't my favorite, but I definitely liked it for not being the kind of book I would read. It was a little long, but not bad. The characters were in depth, and the setting was interesting, (depression era circus). I also liked the voice it was written in - the word choice, and descriptions. I would recommend this book to really anyone, but don't read it if you don't like love stories.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Slice of Life Vol. 2. Thrill Rides.
The gate closes with a clang. The rusty light blue cage that surrounds the seat feels more like a death trap than a life saving barrier. The seat is hard and small, the seatbelt old and tight. The cage leaves just enough room for my legs, and just enough room for me to sit up straight. The ride operator moves over the control panel, and flips a switch. We move forward and up in a smooth arc, at a surprisingly fast speed. two or three times faster than a regular ferris wheel. But this is not a regular ferris wheel, I think. It's a ferris wheel from hell.
I flash back to the moment four summers ago, right after third grade. Somehow I had willed myself to wait in line of the Tower of Doom without totally losing my s***, feeling the whoosh of air as the most recent set of falling seats came back down to Earth, and the daze, sometimes nauseated riders fumbled out of their seats; and hearing the automated voice say: "this ride contains high speeds and vertical drops, and is not recommended for pregnant women, or people with health conditions." Which just amplified my terror. But I had to impress the others in my summer camp, so I waited in line. Too soon it was our turn. I didn't know what I was afraid of exactly - I didn't think the ride would break, I just was horrified at the thought of dropping 220 feet in two or three seconds.
Someone next to me was counting. "I think the whole thing takes 17 seconds." He said. That makes it much better. I thought. Our ride was down now, and the operator was opening the gate. I walked to my seat in a dream like state. I fastened myself into seat. "All clear for dispatch" the operator said. He might as well have said: "Get ready to die," because that's what it felt like. Sealing my doom. The ride started moving, and my cousin yelled "I heard someone got their legs cut off!" and then made a cutting motion at her legs. We had talked about it earlier - someone had also had their hair and scalp ripped off. Now, it wasn't funny even a little bit. Go die in a hole I thought.
We moved up, and I didn't move. I couldn't, I was so scared. The warm summer sun beamed down on me. I could hear playful yells and laughing, and lots of talking. First I saw the top of the shelter we had just waited under, then the people milling about, then my cousin's mischievous face, then the Sea Dragon gently swaying, it's occupants screaming. Like a big swing is scary, I thought. Then I saw the enormous splash of shipwreck cove. More people came into view, more colorful umbrellas, tables, the mammoth wooden roller coaster, twister II in the distance. I still didn't move. I hardly thought, nothing mattered. Finally we reached the top, and I still didn't flinch. My life flashed before my eyes (just kidding). Then we dropped. I lifted off the seat, air rushed past me, and I had the sickening sensation of falling.
I then remember where I am, forty feet above the ground at the top of this weird ferris wheel that goes really fast, and has a cage around the seats. There was one more thing - the seats rocked. It could also be locked in position by the occupant, so the rider could keep it in the same position all the way around. Thats right, you could ride it upside down at some points. I am glad that I am not on the Tower of Doom right now, but then Daniel makes that same mischievous smile my cousin made. Oh, s*** I think as he pulls the bar that locks the seat into position.
We begin to move into a position so that the back of the seat is facing the ground. "No Daniel!" The seat goes even further back, so our heads are closest to the ground. The sun blinds me. He lets go. The cage rocks so much that suddenly we were facing the ground, then back to a lying down position. I scream, like super hardcore. After a few more times like this of me desperately trying to control him, I begin to enjoy it. We go longer in the same position, so that we sit upside down, then let go so it rocks 180 degrees. We even rode it in the same position for a whole cycle. More than once, in fact. It ended up being some of the best moments that summer. I had conquered my fear of a thrill ride from hell once more.
I flash back to the moment four summers ago, right after third grade. Somehow I had willed myself to wait in line of the Tower of Doom without totally losing my s***, feeling the whoosh of air as the most recent set of falling seats came back down to Earth, and the daze, sometimes nauseated riders fumbled out of their seats; and hearing the automated voice say: "this ride contains high speeds and vertical drops, and is not recommended for pregnant women, or people with health conditions." Which just amplified my terror. But I had to impress the others in my summer camp, so I waited in line. Too soon it was our turn. I didn't know what I was afraid of exactly - I didn't think the ride would break, I just was horrified at the thought of dropping 220 feet in two or three seconds.
Someone next to me was counting. "I think the whole thing takes 17 seconds." He said. That makes it much better. I thought. Our ride was down now, and the operator was opening the gate. I walked to my seat in a dream like state. I fastened myself into seat. "All clear for dispatch" the operator said. He might as well have said: "Get ready to die," because that's what it felt like. Sealing my doom. The ride started moving, and my cousin yelled "I heard someone got their legs cut off!" and then made a cutting motion at her legs. We had talked about it earlier - someone had also had their hair and scalp ripped off. Now, it wasn't funny even a little bit. Go die in a hole I thought.
We moved up, and I didn't move. I couldn't, I was so scared. The warm summer sun beamed down on me. I could hear playful yells and laughing, and lots of talking. First I saw the top of the shelter we had just waited under, then the people milling about, then my cousin's mischievous face, then the Sea Dragon gently swaying, it's occupants screaming. Like a big swing is scary, I thought. Then I saw the enormous splash of shipwreck cove. More people came into view, more colorful umbrellas, tables, the mammoth wooden roller coaster, twister II in the distance. I still didn't move. I hardly thought, nothing mattered. Finally we reached the top, and I still didn't flinch. My life flashed before my eyes (just kidding). Then we dropped. I lifted off the seat, air rushed past me, and I had the sickening sensation of falling.
I then remember where I am, forty feet above the ground at the top of this weird ferris wheel that goes really fast, and has a cage around the seats. There was one more thing - the seats rocked. It could also be locked in position by the occupant, so the rider could keep it in the same position all the way around. Thats right, you could ride it upside down at some points. I am glad that I am not on the Tower of Doom right now, but then Daniel makes that same mischievous smile my cousin made. Oh, s*** I think as he pulls the bar that locks the seat into position.
We begin to move into a position so that the back of the seat is facing the ground. "No Daniel!" The seat goes even further back, so our heads are closest to the ground. The sun blinds me. He lets go. The cage rocks so much that suddenly we were facing the ground, then back to a lying down position. I scream, like super hardcore. After a few more times like this of me desperately trying to control him, I begin to enjoy it. We go longer in the same position, so that we sit upside down, then let go so it rocks 180 degrees. We even rode it in the same position for a whole cycle. More than once, in fact. It ended up being some of the best moments that summer. I had conquered my fear of a thrill ride from hell once more.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Slice of Life
I reach to top of the burm, the rows of houses, the buildings in the distance, and the great, majestic, snow capped mountains emerging from behind grasses that gently sway in the wind. It takes my breath away. I begin to walk along the top of the burm, observing to gracefully winding creek to my left, and the neighborhood to my right. A soft breeze swirls around me, and I put in my earphones. I am lost in my music, admiring the unnoticed beauty of the sights around me.
I stroll down the burm, walking along the busy road where fellow student are being driven home - 11th, then walking along the rows of houses I observed minutes before. After ten minutes, I reach Quebec and Carefully cross the street. A man and his son walk in from of me, peering back down the street, hurrying to get to a bus stop I assume. I hope they make it in time. I continue into the neighborhood of Mayfair, and walk past the school. Memories of this neighborhood bounce around in my mind, and it brings warmth to my heart. Students mill about, softly talking to one another.
I finally get across Monaco, where I walk between the tall trees and under their long, twisting, knobbly branches that claw at the bright blue Colorado Sky. I am careful to walk half a block down to get on the right street. I reach the big, black, shaggy dog that always barks at me and I smile, because I remember once more how he has made a full recovery. I then drift through my neighborhood, my feet growing tired, my thought no longer on the sweeping views I can see from the burm - now I think of home. I see my street in the distance and feel like this road keeps stretching on and on before me. Finally I reach my street, and I take a right. Finally I am home, and I unlock the door, and make a sigh of relief.
I stroll down the burm, walking along the busy road where fellow student are being driven home - 11th, then walking along the rows of houses I observed minutes before. After ten minutes, I reach Quebec and Carefully cross the street. A man and his son walk in from of me, peering back down the street, hurrying to get to a bus stop I assume. I hope they make it in time. I continue into the neighborhood of Mayfair, and walk past the school. Memories of this neighborhood bounce around in my mind, and it brings warmth to my heart. Students mill about, softly talking to one another.
I finally get across Monaco, where I walk between the tall trees and under their long, twisting, knobbly branches that claw at the bright blue Colorado Sky. I am careful to walk half a block down to get on the right street. I reach the big, black, shaggy dog that always barks at me and I smile, because I remember once more how he has made a full recovery. I then drift through my neighborhood, my feet growing tired, my thought no longer on the sweeping views I can see from the burm - now I think of home. I see my street in the distance and feel like this road keeps stretching on and on before me. Finally I reach my street, and I take a right. Finally I am home, and I unlock the door, and make a sigh of relief.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Limericks
Oh what a dazzling light
how wonderfully bright
the stars are out
out and about
what an amazing sight
Once again it's winter break
now the desserts start to bake
I'm so excited
I'm so delighted
Now it is time to eat the cake!
There once was a boy from Logan
he wanted to be the shogun
he made a yelp
but got no help
now he's stuck in hoboken
how wonderfully bright
the stars are out
out and about
what an amazing sight
Once again it's winter break
now the desserts start to bake
I'm so excited
I'm so delighted
Now it is time to eat the cake!
There once was a boy from Logan
he wanted to be the shogun
he made a yelp
but got no help
now he's stuck in hoboken
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Sad End of the Last Russian Royal Family
it had been a long time since the protesters filled the square
a long time since the soldiers took them away from their home
a long time since the cold, frigid day
that the train came screeching to a halt, along with their dreams and hopes
It had been a long time since their mother had the vibrant warmth she used too have
a long time since the youngest girl had been on an adventure
a long time since their father had the respect of his people
a long time since they had had no fear
now they were here - abandoned, rotting away, shells of the people they once were
playing cards to pass the time, sewing jewels and precious metals into their clothes
for a future they would never have
their glory, wealth and dignity taken away
now they were being woken up in the middle of the night
now they were being taken down the stairs
now they were being lined up
it had been a long time since they had been happy, but now
they wouldn't be anything
ever again
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Stream of Consciousness
the deep and desolate void fills me up. It's silky blackness and utter silence are menacing. bright clusters of vibrant stars and dream like colorful gasses trick me into thinking this environment could sustain any life. Far away planets have an elegant beauty, with their soft colors and perfect spherical shape. A closer star has a dazzling white light. I soar through the abyss, gently drifting passed spectacular nebulas. suddenly I land on my feet, and slowly return to reality. a jungle of winding and twisting plants struggle for their way to sunlight. I fall back onto a bed of moss and leaves. I drift to sleep. When I wake up I am back in my bed. Time for school. Stress and sleep deprivation consume me. my mind floats away. I find myself in a magical wonderland. Anything is possible here, all you have to do is dream it. No sadness, no anger, no jealousy. Just happiness, warmth, and love. It crumbles away. Ashes in the wind. I am sucked away, unable to stop it. As I am sucked away into blackness, the deep desolate void fills me up.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
A Curse to King Jeoffrey
A curse poem for King Jeoffrey, a total @#$%^&*
may you accidentally pour acid into your eyes
may parasites infest your skin
may your teeth fall out
may you lose all your money at a casino in Las Vegas
may your kidneys get stolen by some random guy
may you throw a boomerang and jab your already burned eye out
may you slip on a banana peel, fall into a man hole, and get eaten by sewer alligators
may you drop your keys in a sewer drain, and have to break a window to get into your house, but then get mistaken by your girlfriend for an intruder so she tazes you and hits you on the head with a skillet before realizing it's you
may you go to jail on every turn whilst playing monopoly
may you burn yourself like really, really, super bad
may you run out of toilet paper at every bathroom you ever go in
may you walk into the street while texting and get hit by a car, and then have to pay the damage
may you accidentally hit "Send to all" when you write a late night booty call to your girlfriend
may a porta-potty get tipped while you are in it, so
may you accidentally send an embarrassing text to your mom
may you wet your pants and then get laughed at
may the milk always be gone by the time you get up, so you have to rinse it out
may you get Tourette's Syndrome and then say "I like to #@! #$%&*^#" In the middle of a crowded place then get super embarrassed and slowly back away
may your grocery bags break, and your really embarrassing purchases fall out, like your...
may you run into your girlfriends parents while being persued by the authorities, holding a bong
may your girlfriend taze you, then hit you on the head with a skillet for a second time because she realizes it's you, then throws you out on the curb
may you get attacked by one of those face-grabbing-stomach-egg-laying aliens from that movie, alien, then get eaten from the inside out before Sigourney Weaver can mercy kill you
may you get a botched labotomy like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, then walk around like a zombie while nurse Ratchet laughs at you
may you be stuck in a room with "Boyfriend" playing really loud over, and over, and over
may your mom snuff you out with a pillow while your sleeping, then exclaim: "well someone had to do it," then celebrate your death with like everybody ever because you are a terrible person and literally nobody loves you
may god drop kick you into hell, and then go: "Phew!' and continue celebrating
may satan throw you back, because even satan does not want you near him
may god enlist Michael J. Fox from Back to the Future to go back in time and tell your parents to use protection
may you accidentally pour acid into your eyes
may parasites infest your skin
may your teeth fall out
may you lose all your money at a casino in Las Vegas
may your kidneys get stolen by some random guy
may you throw a boomerang and jab your already burned eye out
may you slip on a banana peel, fall into a man hole, and get eaten by sewer alligators
may you drop your keys in a sewer drain, and have to break a window to get into your house, but then get mistaken by your girlfriend for an intruder so she tazes you and hits you on the head with a skillet before realizing it's you
may you go to jail on every turn whilst playing monopoly
may you burn yourself like really, really, super bad
may you run out of toilet paper at every bathroom you ever go in
may you walk into the street while texting and get hit by a car, and then have to pay the damage
may you accidentally hit "Send to all" when you write a late night booty call to your girlfriend
may a porta-potty get tipped while you are in it, so
may you accidentally send an embarrassing text to your mom
may you wet your pants and then get laughed at
may the milk always be gone by the time you get up, so you have to rinse it out
may you get Tourette's Syndrome and then say "I like to #@! #$%&*^#" In the middle of a crowded place then get super embarrassed and slowly back away
may your grocery bags break, and your really embarrassing purchases fall out, like your...
may you run into your girlfriends parents while being persued by the authorities, holding a bong
may your girlfriend taze you, then hit you on the head with a skillet for a second time because she realizes it's you, then throws you out on the curb
may you get attacked by one of those face-grabbing-stomach-egg-laying aliens from that movie, alien, then get eaten from the inside out before Sigourney Weaver can mercy kill you
may you get a botched labotomy like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, then walk around like a zombie while nurse Ratchet laughs at you
may you be stuck in a room with "Boyfriend" playing really loud over, and over, and over
may your mom snuff you out with a pillow while your sleeping, then exclaim: "well someone had to do it," then celebrate your death with like everybody ever because you are a terrible person and literally nobody loves you
may god drop kick you into hell, and then go: "Phew!' and continue celebrating
may satan throw you back, because even satan does not want you near him
may god enlist Michael J. Fox from Back to the Future to go back in time and tell your parents to use protection
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Flygirl
Ida Mae Jones heart is in the sky. Ever since her dad taught her how to fly the crop duster for their berry farm in Louisiana, she has dreamed of being a pilot. However, being a black, female pilot in the 1940's is not a piece of cake. Especially once WWII goes into full tilt, Ida Mae's dream to fly is put on hold. An opportunity arises - the Woman's Airforce Service Program. Where women fly cargo cross-country. By forging a pilot's license, gathering the money for training, and passing for white (she has very pale skin) she may just pull it off - and live her dream of flying.
This was a good read. Easy, interesting, and a side of WWII you don't tend to see. Good characters, fine writing, good plot. It was nothing super special, but not bad at all. The main problem was the ending - it never really lead anywhere and didn't really have a climax to speak of. Maybe the author was trying to be realistic..? Who knows. It was a fine read; don't feel like your missing out if you don't read it, but it is definitely a good enough book.
This was a good read. Easy, interesting, and a side of WWII you don't tend to see. Good characters, fine writing, good plot. It was nothing super special, but not bad at all. The main problem was the ending - it never really lead anywhere and didn't really have a climax to speak of. Maybe the author was trying to be realistic..? Who knows. It was a fine read; don't feel like your missing out if you don't read it, but it is definitely a good enough book.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Pact
The Pact
George, Sam and Rameck grew up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1980's. They are african-american. None of them had a father that was continuously at home, one's mother was addicted to cocaine, another never received a substantial education. All grew up relatively poor - gunshots and sirens filled the streets, fights and drug deals happened around every corner, and their families went weeks at a time with no electricity. The Pact is their story - their struggle to survive in a hostile environment, with little to no hope of a stable future; living a life where many people around them never finish high school, and commonly resort to crime just to get by. However, in their senior year they make a decision that will change everything. A pact. A pact to become doctors.
This book is powerful, moving, and inspiring. A story - a true story about three men that grew up in the ghetto and beat the odds. Already I can tell this book has had a great impact on me like it has for so many others. It gives me the determination and drive to be successful and conquer my dreams. After all, they grew up in poor and dangerous areas drained of hope and did something no one thought they could; As Logan students, we have been given an opportunity they never had - if they can do succeed and lead rich and happy lives coming from worse circumstances than us, why can't we?
George, Sam and Rameck grew up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1980's. They are african-american. None of them had a father that was continuously at home, one's mother was addicted to cocaine, another never received a substantial education. All grew up relatively poor - gunshots and sirens filled the streets, fights and drug deals happened around every corner, and their families went weeks at a time with no electricity. The Pact is their story - their struggle to survive in a hostile environment, with little to no hope of a stable future; living a life where many people around them never finish high school, and commonly resort to crime just to get by. However, in their senior year they make a decision that will change everything. A pact. A pact to become doctors.
This book is powerful, moving, and inspiring. A story - a true story about three men that grew up in the ghetto and beat the odds. Already I can tell this book has had a great impact on me like it has for so many others. It gives me the determination and drive to be successful and conquer my dreams. After all, they grew up in poor and dangerous areas drained of hope and did something no one thought they could; As Logan students, we have been given an opportunity they never had - if they can do succeed and lead rich and happy lives coming from worse circumstances than us, why can't we?
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Freeverse Poem
Suddenly I stop to think. I stare deep into the crisp piece of paper before me, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation. I start to grapple just how fast my life is moving forward - I am plunging into a deep unknown abyss powerless to stop it. Eighth grade? About to leave Logan? Applying for High School? It feels like it was just yesterday that I was wondering what my final year at Logan would be like. Now I am in it - facing big decisions about my life. The truth of it hits me like a frigid blast of air. At the same time I can't help but wonder what direction my life is heading - will I be able to cope with the challenges? What will I be like? When will all this work pay off? Does it ever get easier? I slump down onto the couch lost in my own thoughts.
My thoughts eat away at me. My parents always tell me that everything will work out - that it will be okay in the end. How do I know they are right? Even scarier; what will I do when they are gone? The warmth and reassurence of their words crumbles away. Suddenly I start getting nervous - trying to come up with a reassuring answer to all these questions. I blink, and return to reality. All these worries are a long ways away - and all the adults in my life have gotten through them, why can't I? I calm down a little bit. There is still that nagging question like a thorn is my side - What is this all for? Why work so hard?
Then I realize that there is not simple black and white answer to this, like many things. I could choose to look at it like Tallahassee from Zombieland and think that enjoying life is about the little things. Or, look at it from no particular persons point of view and think that at the end off your life all your work and accomplishments will pay off - but old people really don't seem that happy. Suddenly I realize that there could be a completely new answer - that there is no answer to why people choose to keep on going like one that you could write on a test - or maybe the answer is specific to each person and that answer is true to them and makes sense to them. Maybe the answer to why people keep on going is meant to be found out as you progress through your life. I am only a thirteen year old after all, no one asked me to have an answer to the question people have probably been wondering for thousands of years.
Maybe if we just will ourselves to go on with another day, day after day, we will find joy in our lives, and eventually find that answer. I then start to think of all the wonderful things I could do. I could compose music that brings people to tears. I could write a book that has all the answers to my questions. I could raise children and teach them those answers - or watch them learn them themselves. I could change the world in ways no one ever thought was possible. I have a sudden bright, warm and powerful feeling - hope.
I understand it will be hard - life is hard. But I know that in the end, I will be happy that I willed myself to go on day to day, and I will continue to find joy and light in my life, and do things I am proud of. Then I look at my watch and realize I have homework so I get up to go grab a soda before I head up to my room.
My thoughts eat away at me. My parents always tell me that everything will work out - that it will be okay in the end. How do I know they are right? Even scarier; what will I do when they are gone? The warmth and reassurence of their words crumbles away. Suddenly I start getting nervous - trying to come up with a reassuring answer to all these questions. I blink, and return to reality. All these worries are a long ways away - and all the adults in my life have gotten through them, why can't I? I calm down a little bit. There is still that nagging question like a thorn is my side - What is this all for? Why work so hard?
Then I realize that there is not simple black and white answer to this, like many things. I could choose to look at it like Tallahassee from Zombieland and think that enjoying life is about the little things. Or, look at it from no particular persons point of view and think that at the end off your life all your work and accomplishments will pay off - but old people really don't seem that happy. Suddenly I realize that there could be a completely new answer - that there is no answer to why people choose to keep on going like one that you could write on a test - or maybe the answer is specific to each person and that answer is true to them and makes sense to them. Maybe the answer to why people keep on going is meant to be found out as you progress through your life. I am only a thirteen year old after all, no one asked me to have an answer to the question people have probably been wondering for thousands of years.
Maybe if we just will ourselves to go on with another day, day after day, we will find joy in our lives, and eventually find that answer. I then start to think of all the wonderful things I could do. I could compose music that brings people to tears. I could write a book that has all the answers to my questions. I could raise children and teach them those answers - or watch them learn them themselves. I could change the world in ways no one ever thought was possible. I have a sudden bright, warm and powerful feeling - hope.
I understand it will be hard - life is hard. But I know that in the end, I will be happy that I willed myself to go on day to day, and I will continue to find joy and light in my life, and do things I am proud of. Then I look at my watch and realize I have homework so I get up to go grab a soda before I head up to my room.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The Pact
The Pact
Non-fiction
George, Sam and Rameck grew up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1980's. They are african-american. None of them had a father that was continuously at home, one's mother was addicted to cocaine, another never received a substantial education. All grew up relatively poor - gunshots and sirens filled the streets, fights and drug deals happened around every corner, and their families went weeks at a time with no electricity. The Pact is their story - their struggle to survive in a hostile environment, with little to no hope of a stable future; living a life where many people around them never finish high school, and commonly resort to crime just to get by. However, in their senior year they make a decision that will change everything. A pact. A pact to become doctors.
Non-fiction
George, Sam and Rameck grew up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1980's. They are african-american. None of them had a father that was continuously at home, one's mother was addicted to cocaine, another never received a substantial education. All grew up relatively poor - gunshots and sirens filled the streets, fights and drug deals happened around every corner, and their families went weeks at a time with no electricity. The Pact is their story - their struggle to survive in a hostile environment, with little to no hope of a stable future; living a life where many people around them never finish high school, and commonly resort to crime just to get by. However, in their senior year they make a decision that will change everything. A pact. A pact to become doctors.
So far I really have nothing bad to say about this book. More than that, I highly recommend it. Most books we read are for pleasure - for the fun of reading them. This book not only engrosses you, but it could potentially make a large difference on your life. It is inspiring, and motivational - a story about how three men managed to beat the odds and claw their way to the top. I very highly recommend this book.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Where the Red Fern Grows
Where the Red Fern Grows
Wilson Rawls
Billy lives in the Ozarks. He lives with his Mom, Dad, and his three younger sisters. When he is ten years old, he decides that he wants to own a pair of redbone coonhounds that he could hunt with. He sees an add in a magazine for redbone coonhounds for 25 dollars a pop. He decides to get the money himself. He works hard for a couple years, buys the dogs, and walks all the way to a nearby town to pick them up. His work was worthwhile however - because Billy soon finds that his dogs are talented, and smart. Together they will do great things.
I suppose this book was too young for me, but I picked it up because I have been hearing about it forever and everyone else read it a while ago so I decided I must read it. It was a good book, I think I would have enjoyed it more a couple years ago, but it was nice to read it. It was sad, and funny, and heartwarming, and it had a pretty interesting plot. It was kind of an adventure type story. I would recommend it, but I am sure many of you have read it, and it is a little young for our age group.
Wilson Rawls
Billy lives in the Ozarks. He lives with his Mom, Dad, and his three younger sisters. When he is ten years old, he decides that he wants to own a pair of redbone coonhounds that he could hunt with. He sees an add in a magazine for redbone coonhounds for 25 dollars a pop. He decides to get the money himself. He works hard for a couple years, buys the dogs, and walks all the way to a nearby town to pick them up. His work was worthwhile however - because Billy soon finds that his dogs are talented, and smart. Together they will do great things.
I suppose this book was too young for me, but I picked it up because I have been hearing about it forever and everyone else read it a while ago so I decided I must read it. It was a good book, I think I would have enjoyed it more a couple years ago, but it was nice to read it. It was sad, and funny, and heartwarming, and it had a pretty interesting plot. It was kind of an adventure type story. I would recommend it, but I am sure many of you have read it, and it is a little young for our age group.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell
If you looked at the island from above it would appear to be a big fish sunning itself an the sea. Hence the name the island of the blue dolphins - or perhaps the name comes from the blue dolphins that cluster around the island. The island has little plant life, and the rocks are smooth from the driving wind and current. The inhabitants of the island are the citizens of Ghalas-at, a native american village. It is at least forty-five leagues away from Santa Barbara and the Californian coast - and many of the villaigers have never even been off the island, which is why they were shocked when a great ship with billowing white sails came to their island. It took the villagers away to the east - but one girl was left behind. Her name was Karana, and she had grown up on the island - but until that day, had never lived there alone... or been so lonely. Would the boat ever come back? would she ever see her family again? would she survive all alone?
I was sitting alone in my room on Thursday night, having the unlucky fortune of forgetting to get a book from school. I searched my room until I found this book - so I had to read it. The story was rather depressing, and the writing style was flat and uninteresting. The most interesting thing about it was that it is based on a real island, and a real girl who was stuck there for eighteen years. Ouch. It was also a little young for me, and anyone else in our class. I would only recommend it if you find yourself stuck without a book on a Thursday night like I was. Other than that scenario which I would try to avoid if I were you, don't read this book.
Scott O'Dell
If you looked at the island from above it would appear to be a big fish sunning itself an the sea. Hence the name the island of the blue dolphins - or perhaps the name comes from the blue dolphins that cluster around the island. The island has little plant life, and the rocks are smooth from the driving wind and current. The inhabitants of the island are the citizens of Ghalas-at, a native american village. It is at least forty-five leagues away from Santa Barbara and the Californian coast - and many of the villaigers have never even been off the island, which is why they were shocked when a great ship with billowing white sails came to their island. It took the villagers away to the east - but one girl was left behind. Her name was Karana, and she had grown up on the island - but until that day, had never lived there alone... or been so lonely. Would the boat ever come back? would she ever see her family again? would she survive all alone?
I was sitting alone in my room on Thursday night, having the unlucky fortune of forgetting to get a book from school. I searched my room until I found this book - so I had to read it. The story was rather depressing, and the writing style was flat and uninteresting. The most interesting thing about it was that it is based on a real island, and a real girl who was stuck there for eighteen years. Ouch. It was also a little young for me, and anyone else in our class. I would only recommend it if you find yourself stuck without a book on a Thursday night like I was. Other than that scenario which I would try to avoid if I were you, don't read this book.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
John Boyne
Bruno was nine years old when he walked into his room in Berlin to find Maria packing up his things, even the secret things that were in the back of the closet and were nobody else's business. His mother informed him that they would be moving away, because his father had very important job and the fuhrer needed them to go - although Bruno could still not place exactly what his fathers job was. He liked his house, and didn't want to leave - especially once they arrived at there new home. It was in the middle of nowhere, and had only three floors instead of five. Bruno was forced to unpack his things, (with the help of Maria, the maid) even the the secret things that came from the back of the closet and were nobody else's business. His new home was terrible, and he didn't even know why he was there - but the most frustrating thing was that he was very lonely and there was a bunch of kids in a large camp only fifty feet away from the house. They had a huge fence around them, and they all wore striped pajamas - he didn't understand why he couldn't go play with them. Why were they on that side of the fence? Why was his family here? and why did all the people on the other side of the fence appear to be so... sad?
If you haven't already figured it out, this book takes place in Europe in the early 1940's. One of the many things that makes it so interesting is the fact that it is from the perspective of a nine year old German boy, a naive nine year old German boy. His parents try to shelter him from the atrocities that are happening a short fifty feet away from their home, while he tries to understand just what is going on. While your reading it you know the whole time what is happening to the people on the other side of the fence, but Bruno still does not see what is happening right before his eyes. Throughout the book, the author gives subtle hints as to what is going on inside of the camp through Bruno's point of view - which makes it terrifying, saddening, and intriguing all at the same time. I love the writing style - it's amusing, almost lightening the whole situation. It's the holocaust through a child's eyes - which makes you re-examine the whole topic. The book is a quick and easy read, but makes you think, and asks a very important question: Why are people on different sides of the fence? and because of those reasons, I highly recommend this book.
John Boyne
Bruno was nine years old when he walked into his room in Berlin to find Maria packing up his things, even the secret things that were in the back of the closet and were nobody else's business. His mother informed him that they would be moving away, because his father had very important job and the fuhrer needed them to go - although Bruno could still not place exactly what his fathers job was. He liked his house, and didn't want to leave - especially once they arrived at there new home. It was in the middle of nowhere, and had only three floors instead of five. Bruno was forced to unpack his things, (with the help of Maria, the maid) even the the secret things that came from the back of the closet and were nobody else's business. His new home was terrible, and he didn't even know why he was there - but the most frustrating thing was that he was very lonely and there was a bunch of kids in a large camp only fifty feet away from the house. They had a huge fence around them, and they all wore striped pajamas - he didn't understand why he couldn't go play with them. Why were they on that side of the fence? Why was his family here? and why did all the people on the other side of the fence appear to be so... sad?
If you haven't already figured it out, this book takes place in Europe in the early 1940's. One of the many things that makes it so interesting is the fact that it is from the perspective of a nine year old German boy, a naive nine year old German boy. His parents try to shelter him from the atrocities that are happening a short fifty feet away from their home, while he tries to understand just what is going on. While your reading it you know the whole time what is happening to the people on the other side of the fence, but Bruno still does not see what is happening right before his eyes. Throughout the book, the author gives subtle hints as to what is going on inside of the camp through Bruno's point of view - which makes it terrifying, saddening, and intriguing all at the same time. I love the writing style - it's amusing, almost lightening the whole situation. It's the holocaust through a child's eyes - which makes you re-examine the whole topic. The book is a quick and easy read, but makes you think, and asks a very important question: Why are people on different sides of the fence? and because of those reasons, I highly recommend this book.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Life As We Knew It
Life As We Knew It
Susan Beth Pfeffer
Science Fiction
It was a normal Wednesday for Miranda and her family. She took the bus to school, went to classes, and went to swim practice after school. Her Mom picked her up, and they invited Mrs. Nesbitt over to watch the meteor hit the Moon. People gathered in their yards with their lawn chairs and picnic blankets, having no idea what would happen at 9:37 that evening. There was something the astronomers hadn't calculated correctly - when the meteor hit the moon, it was pushed closer to Earth. Immediately the tides raised and lowered to extreme levels across the globe, killing millions. Earthquakes and freak storms ravaged the planet. Electricity was lost. Phone lines down. Grocery stores ransacked. Chaos in the streets. It was the beginning of the end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was intense, exciting, and sad. Many post-apocalyptic novels take place after the cataclysmic event, which makes this book stand out. It also seemed very realistic which made the fear very real. This book is not a very difficult read, and I think it would be suitable for anyone in the class. I would definitely recomend this book.
Susan Beth Pfeffer
Science Fiction
It was a normal Wednesday for Miranda and her family. She took the bus to school, went to classes, and went to swim practice after school. Her Mom picked her up, and they invited Mrs. Nesbitt over to watch the meteor hit the Moon. People gathered in their yards with their lawn chairs and picnic blankets, having no idea what would happen at 9:37 that evening. There was something the astronomers hadn't calculated correctly - when the meteor hit the moon, it was pushed closer to Earth. Immediately the tides raised and lowered to extreme levels across the globe, killing millions. Earthquakes and freak storms ravaged the planet. Electricity was lost. Phone lines down. Grocery stores ransacked. Chaos in the streets. It was the beginning of the end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was intense, exciting, and sad. Many post-apocalyptic novels take place after the cataclysmic event, which makes this book stand out. It also seemed very realistic which made the fear very real. This book is not a very difficult read, and I think it would be suitable for anyone in the class. I would definitely recomend this book.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Forgive me, Leonard Peacock
Mathew Quick
Drama
It's Leonard Peacock's eighteenth birthday. It's also the day Leonard will kill his former best friend, and then kill himself. No one remembers his birthday, not even his mother who he barely sees. Before the murder-suicide, Leonard must give presents two his four best friends; Meaningful presents to show them how much they meant to him. He goes throughout his un-remembered eighteenth birthday dishing out his personal items - secretly hoping someone will save him, even notice him - before he ends it all.
It's hard for me to describe my emotions on this book. It was powerful, intense, and thoughtful. In the book, the main character discusses deep topics - like if adults are really happy with their lives, and if life ever becomes worth living. That being different is okay, admirable even; and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a good book - thought provoking, and has increasing tension and intensity throughout. It is on the mature side, featuring somewhat adult language, references and themes, and the book is pretty dark; but nevertheless, I would highly recommend this book.
Mathew Quick
Drama
It's Leonard Peacock's eighteenth birthday. It's also the day Leonard will kill his former best friend, and then kill himself. No one remembers his birthday, not even his mother who he barely sees. Before the murder-suicide, Leonard must give presents two his four best friends; Meaningful presents to show them how much they meant to him. He goes throughout his un-remembered eighteenth birthday dishing out his personal items - secretly hoping someone will save him, even notice him - before he ends it all.
It's hard for me to describe my emotions on this book. It was powerful, intense, and thoughtful. In the book, the main character discusses deep topics - like if adults are really happy with their lives, and if life ever becomes worth living. That being different is okay, admirable even; and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a good book - thought provoking, and has increasing tension and intensity throughout. It is on the mature side, featuring somewhat adult language, references and themes, and the book is pretty dark; but nevertheless, I would highly recommend this book.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Outliers
Malcolm Gladwell
Non-fiction
This book focuses on real life examples of outliers. People that go beyond the rest of the population, people that are more than just normal - particularly focusing on success, talent, and just groups of people that are abnormal. It talks about why some become successful and other don't - why people are talented and others aren't. The book focuses on a different outlier each chapter, talking about Bill Gates, the Beatles, etc. I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is entertaining and very interesting. I learned a lot, and enjoyed reading the book. It is a relatively easy read, it is informational, thoughtful, and entertaining. I would recommend this book to just about anybody; but especially people who enjoy non-fiction.
Malcolm Gladwell
Non-fiction
This book focuses on real life examples of outliers. People that go beyond the rest of the population, people that are more than just normal - particularly focusing on success, talent, and just groups of people that are abnormal. It talks about why some become successful and other don't - why people are talented and others aren't. The book focuses on a different outlier each chapter, talking about Bill Gates, the Beatles, etc. I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is entertaining and very interesting. I learned a lot, and enjoyed reading the book. It is a relatively easy read, it is informational, thoughtful, and entertaining. I would recommend this book to just about anybody; but especially people who enjoy non-fiction.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes
The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes - Marcus Sakey
Mystery/ suspense
A man wakes up on a beach naked and cold, close to death. He crawls out of the water, and stumbles over to an unlocked BMW to warm up. The thing is - he does not know how he got there, or even who he is. Upon further investigation of the car, he finds clothes that fit him perfectly, an drivers license with a picture of him on it, and several hundred dollars cash. The drivers license lists Malibu, California as his home, so he heads there - to find out who he is - and why he awoke naked on a beach on the other side of the country.
This book was exciting and entertaining, and I did enjoy it to an extent. However, I would not recommend this book to classmates. It includes swearing, some violence, and mature references. The plot line of the book also wasn't all that intriguing, even though the beginning was very captivating. This book just isn't anything special, and I'm not sure how happy your parents would feel about you reading it.
Mystery/ suspense
A man wakes up on a beach naked and cold, close to death. He crawls out of the water, and stumbles over to an unlocked BMW to warm up. The thing is - he does not know how he got there, or even who he is. Upon further investigation of the car, he finds clothes that fit him perfectly, an drivers license with a picture of him on it, and several hundred dollars cash. The drivers license lists Malibu, California as his home, so he heads there - to find out who he is - and why he awoke naked on a beach on the other side of the country.
This book was exciting and entertaining, and I did enjoy it to an extent. However, I would not recommend this book to classmates. It includes swearing, some violence, and mature references. The plot line of the book also wasn't all that intriguing, even though the beginning was very captivating. This book just isn't anything special, and I'm not sure how happy your parents would feel about you reading it.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
The Road
The Road- Cormac McCarthy
Survival, 287, medium reading level.
Pictures From: "The Book and the Movie – The Road | A Swede Talks Movies." A Swede Talks Movies. Wordpress.com, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
Father and son travel an abandoned road in a post-apocalyptic United States. Everything is covered in ash, the trees are nothing but burnt trunks. The stores have long since been looted, and decaying bodies still remain in the streets. With only a shopping cart full of food, blankets, and toys for the boy, they head south, towards the coast. It's October - and they know they cannot survive another winter where they are. They have only two bullets to defend themselves. If they don't die of hypothermia, starve, or get eaten by some of the cannibals that roam the wasteland - they might just make it - but what will they find?
This is a good book; but fairly disturbing. It's intense, powerful, and frightening - not boring at all. I enjoyed the imagery in the book, and the insight on what it would be like in a world where almost everyone is dead. While I enjoyed this book, it definitely had mature content - so if your looking for a dark, but interesting survival book - this is the one for you.
My next book: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes - Marcus Sakey
Survival, 287, medium reading level.
Pictures From: "The Book and the Movie – The Road | A Swede Talks Movies." A Swede Talks Movies. Wordpress.com, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
Father and son travel an abandoned road in a post-apocalyptic United States. Everything is covered in ash, the trees are nothing but burnt trunks. The stores have long since been looted, and decaying bodies still remain in the streets. With only a shopping cart full of food, blankets, and toys for the boy, they head south, towards the coast. It's October - and they know they cannot survive another winter where they are. They have only two bullets to defend themselves. If they don't die of hypothermia, starve, or get eaten by some of the cannibals that roam the wasteland - they might just make it - but what will they find?
This is a good book; but fairly disturbing. It's intense, powerful, and frightening - not boring at all. I enjoyed the imagery in the book, and the insight on what it would be like in a world where almost everyone is dead. While I enjoyed this book, it definitely had mature content - so if your looking for a dark, but interesting survival book - this is the one for you.
My next book: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes - Marcus Sakey
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Overall, this was a good book. It's about Nick Carraway, who lives in a small house sandwiched between huge, elegant, mansions on Long Island in the roaring 1920's. His neighbor, Jay Gatsby, hosts massive parties on the weekends, hoping that the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, will happen to stop by. She's now married, and lives just across the bay, in an equally huge mansion. The book is beautifully written, and chronicles the lives of rich New Yorkers in the 20's; which involves lot's of partying, drinking, and partying. It's a very interesting book to read, it's also a classic. However, I might not have understood everything that was happening if I hadn't seen the movie, (which followed the book very well) I enjoyed reading the book, but like I said, it was mostly because I'd seen the movie. While this book is definitely worth reading, you might as well just wait until High School, where it will probably be assigned reading; it is just kind-of difficult to read, and not super exciting. But good.
My TBR list:
Divergent
Eleanor and Park
The Night Circus
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Maiden Voyage
Flygirl
The Green Glass Seas
Overall, this was a good book. It's about Nick Carraway, who lives in a small house sandwiched between huge, elegant, mansions on Long Island in the roaring 1920's. His neighbor, Jay Gatsby, hosts massive parties on the weekends, hoping that the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, will happen to stop by. She's now married, and lives just across the bay, in an equally huge mansion. The book is beautifully written, and chronicles the lives of rich New Yorkers in the 20's; which involves lot's of partying, drinking, and partying. It's a very interesting book to read, it's also a classic. However, I might not have understood everything that was happening if I hadn't seen the movie, (which followed the book very well) I enjoyed reading the book, but like I said, it was mostly because I'd seen the movie. While this book is definitely worth reading, you might as well just wait until High School, where it will probably be assigned reading; it is just kind-of difficult to read, and not super exciting. But good.
My TBR list:
Divergent
Eleanor and Park
The Night Circus
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Maiden Voyage
Flygirl
The Green Glass Seas
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