Dear Jodi Picoult,
I am reading your novel Nineteen Minutes for an outside of school reading assignment. I really am starting to enjoy it. There are a couple things I don’t quite understand though. In each chapter I feel like there are so many new characters such as Lewis, Peter, Jordan Brady, Carnivore, and Hayley. I thought it was really sad how in depth you get when you were describing how Josie felt about Matt’s death. I don’t know how I would react if my boyfriend died and I was there. One thing that I read that made me feel so sad was when Josie was at church and how Matt’s parents came up and talked to her. I love the way you write because you make me feel like I am there. Another part that I thought was interesting is how Peter, the one who killed all the kids, is in jail and you have this whole section about him. In some ways I feel bad for Peter when I was reading what he is going through and then I remembered all of those innocent people he killed. I found it so scary how Peter marked in his yearbook who he wanted to kill. It was really fascinating to me how he wrote next to Josie’s name “let live”. It was really heartbreaking when Lewis was saying how he liked going to work because he is not known as the shooters father there. This whole section that I read was really in detail. I felt like I could have been at the school shooting. Although this book is really sad I still enjoy reading it. I can’t wait to see what else will happen!
MC
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Nineteen Minutes post 2
“ Whether or not you believe in fate comes down to one thing: who you blame when something goes wrong. Do you think it’s your fault that if you’d tried better, or worked harder, it wouldn’t have happened? Or do you just chalk it up to circumstance? ” (91) This quote just really got me thinking about a lot of things. One thing that came to mind when I read this was how every single person would have a different answer. I think it is so fascinating to think of my answers to these questions. This quote just shows how if you read a Jodi Picoult novel you will get something out of it. I also like this quote because I think that every person has had a time where they regret something they did. This quote also got me thinking that I am sure this is what all of the characters were thinking after the shooting. I really liked how Picoult added this into her novel it made me feel like I was talking with someone. I think that it is intriguing that whenever something does go wrong people always do blame someone but when something goes good they only give credit to themselves. I feel like this quote has a lot of meaning to what the rest of the book will talk about. Although this quote is sad to think about it in so many ways it is true.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Nineteen Minutes post 1
Dear Jodi Picoult,
I am reading your novel Nineteen Minutes in English class for an outside reading assignment. I am not very far into it but so far I am very fascinated by what is happening. In the beginning there is some kind of note that is just starting to make sense. Throughout every paragraph in the chapters it is someone else being the narrator. I am kind of confused on how it goes from present day and all the characters are saying what they were doing on the shooting to sixteen years earlier. I feel bad for Josie, how she does not like her life and has hidden drugs. I could not imagine how she must feel everyday to even think of something like that for herself. I also do not understand why Patrick feels like he is always too late to help. So far in the book he has helped at the shooting and helped with a cocaine bust so why does he think he should help more? Although Alex tries to be a good mother and be there for Josie it seems like she should be more involved in her life. I am confused on how Lacy is involved in the story. I understand that she is helping Alex deliver Josie but I just do not understand why you went from talking about a shooting to having babies. I felt bad for Alex when she figured out that Logan was just using her for sex and she got pregnant and he is not willing to help. I really like how there is a lot of stories going on and am excited to see how they fit together. I can’t wait to keep reading!
MC
I am reading your novel Nineteen Minutes in English class for an outside reading assignment. I am not very far into it but so far I am very fascinated by what is happening. In the beginning there is some kind of note that is just starting to make sense. Throughout every paragraph in the chapters it is someone else being the narrator. I am kind of confused on how it goes from present day and all the characters are saying what they were doing on the shooting to sixteen years earlier. I feel bad for Josie, how she does not like her life and has hidden drugs. I could not imagine how she must feel everyday to even think of something like that for herself. I also do not understand why Patrick feels like he is always too late to help. So far in the book he has helped at the shooting and helped with a cocaine bust so why does he think he should help more? Although Alex tries to be a good mother and be there for Josie it seems like she should be more involved in her life. I am confused on how Lacy is involved in the story. I understand that she is helping Alex deliver Josie but I just do not understand why you went from talking about a shooting to having babies. I felt bad for Alex when she figured out that Logan was just using her for sex and she got pregnant and he is not willing to help. I really like how there is a lot of stories going on and am excited to see how they fit together. I can’t wait to keep reading!
MC
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Outside reading book 4th quarter
The title of the book I am reading for fourth quarter is Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. There are many reasons why I want to read this novel. I am interested in reading this because I read My Sister’s Keeper and really enjoyed it. Also, Jodi Picoult is a great author and I am really intrigued on how she writes. Another thing that interests me is intense novels, and from the back cover and what I have heard from a lot of people this book is very intense. In addition, I heard that after My Sister’s Keeper this is the next best book by Picoult. I am really looking forward to start this book.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 7 post B
Dear Jodi Picoult,
I have wrote you a letter already when I was in the beginning of reading My Sister's Keeper but I recently just finished it. You seriously did a awesome job I just never wanted to put it down. I was so shocked to read that in the end Anna died. I mean how did you think to have that happen? I want to read all of your books so badly now. Seriously I really enjoyed reading this book and I don't usually say that about most books so thank you! I loved how you had so many messages in the book. I felt as though there were so many great things that I could take out from this book. This book made me so thankful for my family and espically sister. I can not believe that Anna died. I liked how while I read this book I learned so much about Kate's sickness and just how much it really affects a family not just Kate. You are a amazing author so I hope you keep writting storys! Can't wait to read more of yours!
MC
I have wrote you a letter already when I was in the beginning of reading My Sister's Keeper but I recently just finished it. You seriously did a awesome job I just never wanted to put it down. I was so shocked to read that in the end Anna died. I mean how did you think to have that happen? I want to read all of your books so badly now. Seriously I really enjoyed reading this book and I don't usually say that about most books so thank you! I loved how you had so many messages in the book. I felt as though there were so many great things that I could take out from this book. This book made me so thankful for my family and espically sister. I can not believe that Anna died. I liked how while I read this book I learned so much about Kate's sickness and just how much it really affects a family not just Kate. You are a amazing author so I hope you keep writting storys! Can't wait to read more of yours!
MC
My Sister's Keeper week 7 post A
Vocab
1. waive (214),trans verb: give up, forsake
2. endearment (178), noun: the act of showing affection
Figurative Language
1. " I spot Anna right away, sitting on the trampoline as an instrutor bounces them up and down like popcorn" (171). This is an example of a simile because it is comparing something while using the word like.
2. " Five years have passed, but the seats fit like an old baseball glove" (167). This is an example because it is comparing the years to a baseball glove while using the word like.
3. " That the power of positive thinking can work like a pair of wings to get you where you need to be" (178). This is an example of a simile because it is comparing positive thinking to a pair of wings while using the word like.
Quote
"Doubt thou that the stars are fire;
Doubt thou that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt that I love". (201) This quote is important to me because it reminds that having doubt in someone or something can make matters worst and that you should trust people more. I think this is true for the book because it so many parts I feel like the family just needs to communicate with each other. I really like how they have quotes from other books in this book when it is a new day. I think it is a great idea how on the new day they have these kind of quotes that make you think.
Theme
I think the theme of this book is to always believe in yourself and you will be suprised of who you can become or what you can do.
1. waive (214),trans verb: give up, forsake
2. endearment (178), noun: the act of showing affection
Figurative Language
1. " I spot Anna right away, sitting on the trampoline as an instrutor bounces them up and down like popcorn" (171). This is an example of a simile because it is comparing something while using the word like.
2. " Five years have passed, but the seats fit like an old baseball glove" (167). This is an example because it is comparing the years to a baseball glove while using the word like.
3. " That the power of positive thinking can work like a pair of wings to get you where you need to be" (178). This is an example of a simile because it is comparing positive thinking to a pair of wings while using the word like.
Quote
"Doubt thou that the stars are fire;
Doubt thou that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt that I love". (201) This quote is important to me because it reminds that having doubt in someone or something can make matters worst and that you should trust people more. I think this is true for the book because it so many parts I feel like the family just needs to communicate with each other. I really like how they have quotes from other books in this book when it is a new day. I think it is a great idea how on the new day they have these kind of quotes that make you think.
Theme
I think the theme of this book is to always believe in yourself and you will be suprised of who you can become or what you can do.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 6 post B
My Sister's Keeper is starting to get really interesting. One thing that I thought was really cool was when Anna talked about how they got to have a regular Thanksgiving because Kate was not in the hospital. I can only imagine not knowing on Thanksgiving if I am going to have a great meal or another meal from the hospital. I also liked when Brian told about a experience he had while he was on call for fire fighting. I think it is really cool to hear storys like that. When I read this part of the book I felt as though I was talking to someone who was telling me the story so that was really cool. I also liked when Brian talked about how miracles happen. It just made me believe that anything is possible. I always wondered how someone could become a firefighter so it was cool to hear why he became one. When I read the chapter that Anna wrote I felt sad because she loves her family so much and it is clear but she just wants to be her own person which I can tell is still hard for her. Also when I read how Julia still blames things on Campbell I felt bad for her. I kind of felt like everyone just wants someone to blame in this book.
My Sister's Keeper week 6 post A
Vocab
1. combustible (142) adj - capable of catching on fire and burning
2. rhododendrons(135) noun- any of numerous usually evergreen ornamental shrubs of the genus, having clusters of variously colored, often bell-shaped flowers.
Figuartive Language
1. " She crossed her legs against the wall, so that it looked like she was just sitting upside down" (134). This is a example of a simile because it is comparing the way she crossed her legs and sitting while using the word like.
2. " The man beside me had sky-eyes, a black ponytail, and began to kiss a white-haired gentleman flush on the mouth" (151). This is a example of imagery because you can picture the way this person looks.
3. " I trick myself into believing that I can see those rogue leukemia cells moving like a rumor through her system" (138). This is a example of a simile because it is compaing the leukemia cells to her system while using the word like.
Quote
" We never know, at first, if we are headed into a cooker or a smudge" (141). I think this is a important quote because it just reminds me that you never know what your going to get and to be prepared for anything.
Theme
I think the theme of this part of the book is to remember all of the good times and not the bad.
1. combustible (142) adj - capable of catching on fire and burning
2. rhododendrons(135) noun- any of numerous usually evergreen ornamental shrubs of the genus, having clusters of variously colored, often bell-shaped flowers.
Figuartive Language
1. " She crossed her legs against the wall, so that it looked like she was just sitting upside down" (134). This is a example of a simile because it is comparing the way she crossed her legs and sitting while using the word like.
2. " The man beside me had sky-eyes, a black ponytail, and began to kiss a white-haired gentleman flush on the mouth" (151). This is a example of imagery because you can picture the way this person looks.
3. " I trick myself into believing that I can see those rogue leukemia cells moving like a rumor through her system" (138). This is a example of a simile because it is compaing the leukemia cells to her system while using the word like.
Quote
" We never know, at first, if we are headed into a cooker or a smudge" (141). I think this is a important quote because it just reminds me that you never know what your going to get and to be prepared for anything.
Theme
I think the theme of this part of the book is to remember all of the good times and not the bad.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 5 post B
Dear Julia,
Is being a twin ever get annoying? In the beginning of your chapter you were fighting with your sister, Izzy, about all of your kitchen appliances. I thought that was mean what you said to her about her girlfriend breaking up with her. Then right after you said that mean comment you were trying to have her forgive you which I understand but someone usually does not say something that mean and then ask for forgiveness right after you said it. I think it is cool how you were different when you were younger and your sister was the goody goody girl and now that you are in your thirties you are a lawyer and a GAL and your sister is a jewelry maker out of paper clips. I think you seem like a very loyal person for dropping everything you were doing to go get Anna from her house. I realize you took Anna to the zoo so she could feel more comfortable around you while you were asking her questions but I kind of think that didn’t really help Anna it just made her feel awkward. I thought it was nice that when Anna asked you to bring her inside so she would not get in trouble with her mom you did. I also liked that once you realized the case between Anna and her family that you went and talked to Campbell even though that was the last thing you wanted to do. I think you seem like a very caring, loyal, and responsible person. I can not wait to find out more about you!
MC
Is being a twin ever get annoying? In the beginning of your chapter you were fighting with your sister, Izzy, about all of your kitchen appliances. I thought that was mean what you said to her about her girlfriend breaking up with her. Then right after you said that mean comment you were trying to have her forgive you which I understand but someone usually does not say something that mean and then ask for forgiveness right after you said it. I think it is cool how you were different when you were younger and your sister was the goody goody girl and now that you are in your thirties you are a lawyer and a GAL and your sister is a jewelry maker out of paper clips. I think you seem like a very loyal person for dropping everything you were doing to go get Anna from her house. I realize you took Anna to the zoo so she could feel more comfortable around you while you were asking her questions but I kind of think that didn’t really help Anna it just made her feel awkward. I thought it was nice that when Anna asked you to bring her inside so she would not get in trouble with her mom you did. I also liked that once you realized the case between Anna and her family that you went and talked to Campbell even though that was the last thing you wanted to do. I think you seem like a very caring, loyal, and responsible person. I can not wait to find out more about you!
MC
My Sister's Keeper week 5 post A
Vocab
1.ad litem (128)- for the purposes of a lawsuit or legal action only, referring to a temporary guardian
2.derogatory (116)- to lessen the reputation of a person or thing
Figurative language
1." They'll watch the gibbons swinging around like Olympic gymnasts and just start talking about what happens at home, without even realizing what they are doing" (110) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing the gibbons to gymnasts while using the word like.
2." Her eyes go dull as old gold" (113) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Anna's eyes to old gold while using the word as.
3. " He's asleep, curled like a braided rug to the left of my desk" (117) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Campbells's dog, Judge, to a rug while using the word like.
Quote
" A photo says, You were happy, and I wanted to catch that. A photo says, You were so important to me that I put down everything else to come watch"(130) This quote was said by Anna and right before this she was talking about how her parents did not take very many photos of her and how she was sad about that. For some reason I just thought this was really cool because it reminds me that when my mom is being annoying and always trys to take pictures of me that its just because she cares about me and that I should be thankful that she does want pictures of me. This reminds me to just keep being thankful for all the great oppurtunties I have.
Theme
I think the theme for this part that I read is to work together and always be there for people who need help.
1.ad litem (128)- for the purposes of a lawsuit or legal action only, referring to a temporary guardian
2.derogatory (116)- to lessen the reputation of a person or thing
Figurative language
1." They'll watch the gibbons swinging around like Olympic gymnasts and just start talking about what happens at home, without even realizing what they are doing" (110) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing the gibbons to gymnasts while using the word like.
2." Her eyes go dull as old gold" (113) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Anna's eyes to old gold while using the word as.
3. " He's asleep, curled like a braided rug to the left of my desk" (117) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Campbells's dog, Judge, to a rug while using the word like.
Quote
" A photo says, You were happy, and I wanted to catch that. A photo says, You were so important to me that I put down everything else to come watch"(130) This quote was said by Anna and right before this she was talking about how her parents did not take very many photos of her and how she was sad about that. For some reason I just thought this was really cool because it reminds me that when my mom is being annoying and always trys to take pictures of me that its just because she cares about me and that I should be thankful that she does want pictures of me. This reminds me to just keep being thankful for all the great oppurtunties I have.
Theme
I think the theme for this part that I read is to work together and always be there for people who need help.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 4 post B
Dear Campbell,
I feel like you are a confusing man. When we first meet you in the book you are not sure if you want to work on Anna's case and just confused about the whole thing, and now you are working on the case! I think it is really awesome how you are trying to help Anna with her case. I think Anna should have a right to her own body too. But I do not get how Anna does not stand up to her mother, the whole thing confuses me a lot. Anna says she wants one thing and then does not totally follow through with it because I think she chickens out. I think Anna will keep fighting though. How did you feel when you heard Anna was done with the case? I think that your job is very interesting and I want to know more about it so I hope I get to learn more about it in the book. I hope you keep helping other people with their lawsuits. I can not wait to see what else will happen with Anna and her family! Keep up the good work!
Molly
I feel like you are a confusing man. When we first meet you in the book you are not sure if you want to work on Anna's case and just confused about the whole thing, and now you are working on the case! I think it is really awesome how you are trying to help Anna with her case. I think Anna should have a right to her own body too. But I do not get how Anna does not stand up to her mother, the whole thing confuses me a lot. Anna says she wants one thing and then does not totally follow through with it because I think she chickens out. I think Anna will keep fighting though. How did you feel when you heard Anna was done with the case? I think that your job is very interesting and I want to know more about it so I hope I get to learn more about it in the book. I hope you keep helping other people with their lawsuits. I can not wait to see what else will happen with Anna and her family! Keep up the good work!
Molly
My Sister's Keeper week 4 post A
Vocab
1. Platelets (97) - noun, a colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that also can make blood clotting
2. Oncologist (97) - noun, the study of tumors
Figurative language
1. "His boat was a USA-1 class, a marvel of mahogany and teak, one he'd bought from the keyboard player J. Geils up in Marblehead. In other words: a dream, a status symbol, and a rite of passage, all wrapped up in a gleaming white sail and a honey-colored hull." (79) This is Campbell describing the sail so that we have a picture of it.
2."Then all of a sudden, she bursts to life, jerking up like a tire jack and puking blood." (96) This is an example of a simile because Jodi is comparing Kate to a tire jack while using the word like.
3.."I have seen her before be a tiger, fighting a medical system that isn't moving fast enough for her"(88). This is a example of a metaphor because it is comparing Anna's mom to a tiger and NOT using the word like or as.
Quote
" Kate and I are Siamese twins; you just can't see the spot where we're connected" (92) In the this quote Anna was just finishing telling about her feeling on how she does everything for Kate. For some reason this just really stayed in my mind while I read the next chapter. I think this is a good quote because it just really makes you realize how lucky we are and how much Anna does not like doing all of that stuff for Kate but does it anyway.
Theme
I think the theme so far in the book is fight for your rights.
1. Platelets (97) - noun, a colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that also can make blood clotting
2. Oncologist (97) - noun, the study of tumors
Figurative language
1. "His boat was a USA-1 class, a marvel of mahogany and teak, one he'd bought from the keyboard player J. Geils up in Marblehead. In other words: a dream, a status symbol, and a rite of passage, all wrapped up in a gleaming white sail and a honey-colored hull." (79) This is Campbell describing the sail so that we have a picture of it.
2."Then all of a sudden, she bursts to life, jerking up like a tire jack and puking blood." (96) This is an example of a simile because Jodi is comparing Kate to a tire jack while using the word like.
3.."I have seen her before be a tiger, fighting a medical system that isn't moving fast enough for her"(88). This is a example of a metaphor because it is comparing Anna's mom to a tiger and NOT using the word like or as.
Quote
" Kate and I are Siamese twins; you just can't see the spot where we're connected" (92) In the this quote Anna was just finishing telling about her feeling on how she does everything for Kate. For some reason this just really stayed in my mind while I read the next chapter. I think this is a good quote because it just really makes you realize how lucky we are and how much Anna does not like doing all of that stuff for Kate but does it anyway.
Theme
I think the theme so far in the book is fight for your rights.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 3 post B
Dear Kate,
I am not sure if you are ever going to narrate a chapter in My Sister’s Keeper but I just really want to know more about you. If I were you and had leukemia and all of the other diseases that go along with it I think it would be really hard for me to enjoy life, is it hard for you? In some ways I think you are so strong and then other times I just really don’t understand you. I can only imagine all of the pain that you go through but this might sound mean of me but do you ever think of how it affects your family too? Sometimes when I read chapters where some one is saying something about you I think you only really care about yourself. I understand how you should be concerned about your health but personally I really do not think you should be treated differently by your parents. I am sorry that this is a mean letter towards you but this is all I really know about you. I hope that after I read more about you that I will discover some of these things are not true. Hope all the surgeries go well!
Sincerely,
MC
I am not sure if you are ever going to narrate a chapter in My Sister’s Keeper but I just really want to know more about you. If I were you and had leukemia and all of the other diseases that go along with it I think it would be really hard for me to enjoy life, is it hard for you? In some ways I think you are so strong and then other times I just really don’t understand you. I can only imagine all of the pain that you go through but this might sound mean of me but do you ever think of how it affects your family too? Sometimes when I read chapters where some one is saying something about you I think you only really care about yourself. I understand how you should be concerned about your health but personally I really do not think you should be treated differently by your parents. I am sorry that this is a mean letter towards you but this is all I really know about you. I hope that after I read more about you that I will discover some of these things are not true. Hope all the surgeries go well!
Sincerely,
MC
My Sister's Keeper week 3 post A
Vocab
1.emesis (pg. 59)- noun, the act of vomiting
2.metastasized (pg. 69)- verb, to spread to other parts of the body
Figurative Language
1. " It feels like a fist in my gut, now that it's here and happening" (pg.52) This is a literary element because it is comparing how she feels to having a fist in her gut while using the word like.
2." She's got a few acquintances,sure, but mostly when they come over they look like they're serving out a sentence, and sit on the edge of Kate's bed counting down the minutes until they can leave and thank God this didn't happen to them"( pg. 57) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing how when people come to see Kate they look like they do not want to be there and they compare this using the word like.
3." To the legions of childeren with pink emesis basins tucked beneath their arms like teddy bears-these people have all been here before us, and there's safety in numbers" (pg.59) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing something while using the word like.
Quote
"I say, when what I really want to tell him is to pick up that baby of his and hold her tight, to set the moon on the edge of her crib and to hang her name up in stars so that she never, ever does to him what I have done to my parents" (pg.53) I thought this quote was cool because Anna said this when she walked by a new born baby and her father. The signifigance of this quote is that even though Anna does not like the way her parents treat her she still wishs that she was nicer to them. I think it is really cool how Anna is so mature and just by seeing something which some might just think of as a cute new baby she thinks way more then that.
Theme
I think the theme for this part that I read is live your life to the fullest.
1.emesis (pg. 59)- noun, the act of vomiting
2.metastasized (pg. 69)- verb, to spread to other parts of the body
Figurative Language
1. " It feels like a fist in my gut, now that it's here and happening" (pg.52) This is a literary element because it is comparing how she feels to having a fist in her gut while using the word like.
2." She's got a few acquintances,sure, but mostly when they come over they look like they're serving out a sentence, and sit on the edge of Kate's bed counting down the minutes until they can leave and thank God this didn't happen to them"( pg. 57) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing how when people come to see Kate they look like they do not want to be there and they compare this using the word like.
3." To the legions of childeren with pink emesis basins tucked beneath their arms like teddy bears-these people have all been here before us, and there's safety in numbers" (pg.59) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing something while using the word like.
Quote
"I say, when what I really want to tell him is to pick up that baby of his and hold her tight, to set the moon on the edge of her crib and to hang her name up in stars so that she never, ever does to him what I have done to my parents" (pg.53) I thought this quote was cool because Anna said this when she walked by a new born baby and her father. The signifigance of this quote is that even though Anna does not like the way her parents treat her she still wishs that she was nicer to them. I think it is really cool how Anna is so mature and just by seeing something which some might just think of as a cute new baby she thinks way more then that.
Theme
I think the theme for this part that I read is live your life to the fullest.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 2 post B
Dear Jodi,
I have only read one other book where the author switches who is the narrator of that chapter, what made you decide to make My Sister’s Keeper written in that way? I heard you are coming to Minnesota at Barnes and Noble this March so I wanted to read your book so that if I wanted to meet you I could. I know I am not very far into it yet but I know I for sure am very interested in coming to Barnes and Noble to speak with you. I really like how this is a serious book and how there is a problem in it but then you add a lot of humor to it. Humor lightens the mood and I love how you know where to add some and where not to. I see that your book has won an award and I just wanted to tell you that even though I have not read much I know it deserved every award it as gotten or will get. I really like how when I pick up this novel I do not want to put it down and I find out something new each chapter. How did you decide to make Anna’s real name Andromeda? I love how you had Brian explain the meaning of that name. I think it is great that Anna is finally speaking up for herself. I can not wait to see what she will do or say next!
Thanks!
Molly C
I have only read one other book where the author switches who is the narrator of that chapter, what made you decide to make My Sister’s Keeper written in that way? I heard you are coming to Minnesota at Barnes and Noble this March so I wanted to read your book so that if I wanted to meet you I could. I know I am not very far into it yet but I know I for sure am very interested in coming to Barnes and Noble to speak with you. I really like how this is a serious book and how there is a problem in it but then you add a lot of humor to it. Humor lightens the mood and I love how you know where to add some and where not to. I see that your book has won an award and I just wanted to tell you that even though I have not read much I know it deserved every award it as gotten or will get. I really like how when I pick up this novel I do not want to put it down and I find out something new each chapter. How did you decide to make Anna’s real name Andromeda? I love how you had Brian explain the meaning of that name. I think it is great that Anna is finally speaking up for herself. I can not wait to see what she will do or say next!
Thanks!
Molly C
My Sister's Keeper week 2 post A
Vocab
1.coroner (pg.50),noun, - an officer who investigates deaths that are not from natural causes
2. incinerator (pg.37),noun, - a furnace for burning garbage
figurative language
1."She picks the pan up with her bare hands, as if her skin is coated with asbestos. (pg.38) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing her skin to asbestos while using the word as.
2." It almost seems like a cheat that after all these years of defying the odds,it won't be the leukemia that kills her"(pg.43) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Kate's death while using the work like.
3." Some of them burn slow and long, like red dwarfs"(pg.43) The is a example of a simile because it is comparing how stars when they burn look like red dwarfs while using the word like.
Quote
"My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah,my foes, and oh, my friends--
It gives a lovely light!" (pg.47) This quote was said by Edna St. Vincent Millay right before the section of Tuesday starts. I think this quote shows significance because for example no matter how much Anna does for Kate it is never enough but at some point appreciated. This quote signifies to me that you should apprecaite what you have and I think Anna does that for the most part.
Theme
I think the theme so far in the book is that love conquers all in its own way.
1.coroner (pg.50),noun, - an officer who investigates deaths that are not from natural causes
2. incinerator (pg.37),noun, - a furnace for burning garbage
figurative language
1."She picks the pan up with her bare hands, as if her skin is coated with asbestos. (pg.38) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing her skin to asbestos while using the word as.
2." It almost seems like a cheat that after all these years of defying the odds,it won't be the leukemia that kills her"(pg.43) This is a example of a simile because it is comparing Kate's death while using the work like.
3." Some of them burn slow and long, like red dwarfs"(pg.43) The is a example of a simile because it is comparing how stars when they burn look like red dwarfs while using the word like.
Quote
"My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah,my foes, and oh, my friends--
It gives a lovely light!" (pg.47) This quote was said by Edna St. Vincent Millay right before the section of Tuesday starts. I think this quote shows significance because for example no matter how much Anna does for Kate it is never enough but at some point appreciated. This quote signifies to me that you should apprecaite what you have and I think Anna does that for the most part.
Theme
I think the theme so far in the book is that love conquers all in its own way.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
My Sister's Keeper week 1 post B
Dear Anna,
I don’t really know that much about you or your family yet but I want to know more. I think it is cool how you know your parents made you to help your sister and you try and accept that aspect of your life. You seem pretty mature for only being thirteen years old is it hard to find friends especially when you are in surgeries trying to help your sister? I know your brother lives above the garage and is kind of shady but otherwise I don’t really know anything about him and I hope he does not get shadowed by your sister. Your mom like you said defiantly has a problem about buying dresses from BlueFly.com but I mean if that is what keeps her calm then I do not blame her. Although your mom seems like she only cares about Kate I can tell that she actually does care about you and your brother but she worries a lot about Kate so it just seems as though that is all she does. In that soup opera that Kate watches I think that it is funny how into it she gets and like she puts herself in the show and I think that’s interesting because I do the same thing. I think that is really cool how you want to help your sister so you go and see that doctor. Also I think it is so nice that you are optimistic when it comes to helping your sister it must make everything easier. Oh and one more think I think it really nice how you are so willing to help when your sister gets sick because I know a lot of kids that would just ignore their parents and not do that. Can’t wait to see what else will happen to you! Take care!
Molly
I don’t really know that much about you or your family yet but I want to know more. I think it is cool how you know your parents made you to help your sister and you try and accept that aspect of your life. You seem pretty mature for only being thirteen years old is it hard to find friends especially when you are in surgeries trying to help your sister? I know your brother lives above the garage and is kind of shady but otherwise I don’t really know anything about him and I hope he does not get shadowed by your sister. Your mom like you said defiantly has a problem about buying dresses from BlueFly.com but I mean if that is what keeps her calm then I do not blame her. Although your mom seems like she only cares about Kate I can tell that she actually does care about you and your brother but she worries a lot about Kate so it just seems as though that is all she does. In that soup opera that Kate watches I think that it is funny how into it she gets and like she puts herself in the show and I think that’s interesting because I do the same thing. I think that is really cool how you want to help your sister so you go and see that doctor. Also I think it is so nice that you are optimistic when it comes to helping your sister it must make everything easier. Oh and one more think I think it really nice how you are so willing to help when your sister gets sick because I know a lot of kids that would just ignore their parents and not do that. Can’t wait to see what else will happen to you! Take care!
Molly
My Sister's Keeper week 1 post A
vocab
1. embryonic- (pg. 8) ,adjective, meaning developing
2. promyelocytes- (pg.33), noun, meaning the predominant cell type seen in leukemia
figurative language
1." Anger glows around this kid like electricity." (pg. 21) This is a example of a simile because it is compairing the kid's anger to electricity while using the word like.
2."Acually, that's not quite true- right now she doesn't have it, but it's hibernating under her skin like a bear, until it decides to roar again." (pg. 10)
This is a example of a simile because Anna is compairing Kate's leukemia to a bear using the word like.
3. "I'm alone in the office long enogh to note that his desk is so neat, you could play Chinese football on the blotter" (pg. 17) This is a example of a imagery because it helps you picture what Mr. Alexander's office looks like.
Quote
"Normal, in our house, is like a blanket too short for a bed-sometimes it covers you just fine, and other times it leaves you cold and shaking; and worst of all, you never know which of the two it's going to be." (pg. 11) I think that this quote tells a lot about this book because with their sister, Kate, having leukemia their whole family revoles around if she gets sick and they really dont ever know when that is going to be and just like with the blanket sometimes it is no big deal but other times it could be more serious.
Theme
I think that the theme in this book so far is that you should always be ready for what life throws at you.
1. embryonic- (pg. 8) ,adjective, meaning developing
2. promyelocytes- (pg.33), noun, meaning the predominant cell type seen in leukemia
figurative language
1." Anger glows around this kid like electricity." (pg. 21) This is a example of a simile because it is compairing the kid's anger to electricity while using the word like.
2."Acually, that's not quite true- right now she doesn't have it, but it's hibernating under her skin like a bear, until it decides to roar again." (pg. 10)
This is a example of a simile because Anna is compairing Kate's leukemia to a bear using the word like.
3. "I'm alone in the office long enogh to note that his desk is so neat, you could play Chinese football on the blotter" (pg. 17) This is a example of a imagery because it helps you picture what Mr. Alexander's office looks like.
Quote
"Normal, in our house, is like a blanket too short for a bed-sometimes it covers you just fine, and other times it leaves you cold and shaking; and worst of all, you never know which of the two it's going to be." (pg. 11) I think that this quote tells a lot about this book because with their sister, Kate, having leukemia their whole family revoles around if she gets sick and they really dont ever know when that is going to be and just like with the blanket sometimes it is no big deal but other times it could be more serious.
Theme
I think that the theme in this book so far is that you should always be ready for what life throws at you.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Dede- "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
Dede inspires me because if I had four sister who had passed away I don’t think I would be able to talk about it all of the time. I am also interested about knowing more about her because I feel like we have not learned that much about her. One thing that really struck me about her is that she made a museum in memory of her sisters who passed away and tries to remember all of the good times with them and not the bad. I know if I had people asking me questions like they ask Dede I would not be able to handle it so I think it is really cool how she has the ability to do that. I picked this song because I feel like from part one of the book what stuck out to me must is how she was the only sister who survived and in the song it says “Feel the rain on your skin, No one else can feel it for you, Only you can let it in, No one else, no one else, Can speak the words on your lips, Drench yourself in words unspoken” and this is so true for Dede because she is the only sister to tell their story. Also in the song it says, “I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined” this also explains Dede because unlike the other sisters she has not shown her opinions on very many things so it is hard to say what will happen to her in the next chapters compared to the other sisters. I also think the song title, Unwritten, explains a lot about Dede so far in the book because there is so much more to learn about her but we have not read it yet.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Top 10 list
1.The setting of this book takes place in Upper East Side of New York City. Constance is where the girls, Blair, Serena, Jenny, Vanessa, and some of their friends attend school. Constance is in the Upper East Side as well. This is a very wealthy community and all the girls are used to getting whatever they want. Jenny Humphrey on the other hand lives on the West side which is not as nice or wealthy.
2.The main Characters in the book Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, Nate Archibald, Dan Humphrey, Jenny Humphrey, Vanessa Abrams, and Chuck Bass. Blair, Serena and Nate are all best friends. Nate’s best guy friend is Chuck. Dan and Vanessa meet at their first real high school party and start to have a relationship. Jenny is two years younger then all of them, but she looks up to them a lot and does whatever Blair makes her do. Dan and Jenny are also obsessed with Serena but she doesn’t know who they are.
3.This book’s narration is done in second person. This is so important that it is told from an outsiders view because the narrator bounces around to many different groups of friends and conflicts. If it were told by just one person’s view, say for example Serena, the book wouldn’t have anything to do with the Humphrey’s because they aren’t friends at all.
4.The plot of this book is that the narrator is following around a group of wealthy teenagers and observing what its like in their society with the peer pressure and influence of sex, drugs, partying, alcohol and more. It also follows the lives of the not so wealthy part of town and puts their lives into perspectives of how different their lives are.
5.The biggest conflict throughout the book is the conflict over Nate between best friends Serena and Blair. Serena and Blair have always been attracted to Nate since kindergarten but neither had ever dated him or even kissed him. Once Blair and Nate started dating, Serena get really jealous and Nate ended up cheating on Blair with Serena during their long summer apart.
6.The character that evolved the most would have to be Dan. In the beginning he was a really good kid and always did the right things. By the end of the book he was a big smoker and drinker. He was never irresponsible about it though. Dan didn’t party much and if he drank he would be at home with Vanessa or his dad.
7.How the book ended was that Nate, Serena and Blair had spent the whole summer away with their families and were all just ready to come back home. Nate got home form his house in Maine first, so he called Serena right when he arrived. Serena took a train to see him and they ended up hooking up at Nates house. Blair came home that day ( a week early) but Nate and Serena made up a story, then Serena left so Blair never found out.
8.The style of this book was very hip and present lingo. The intended audience would defiantly be for teenagers and young adults. The older generation isn’t used to everything going on in teenagers lives theses days, hence they are not the targeted audience.
9. The theme of this book is that money can’t buy you everything in life. Once Blair and Nate were dating Serena was willing to do anything for him and she thought that she had the perfect life and she couldn’t understand why she couldn’t just have Nate too. Serena did learn though that she wasn’t going to be able to pay off Blair to get the one she thought she loved.
10. The meaning of the book is to show teenagers what life is like for this group of people. Even though the story line is fiction, it still makes the readers realize what some people think is a glamorous life style, sometimes is not so great.
2.The main Characters in the book Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, Nate Archibald, Dan Humphrey, Jenny Humphrey, Vanessa Abrams, and Chuck Bass. Blair, Serena and Nate are all best friends. Nate’s best guy friend is Chuck. Dan and Vanessa meet at their first real high school party and start to have a relationship. Jenny is two years younger then all of them, but she looks up to them a lot and does whatever Blair makes her do. Dan and Jenny are also obsessed with Serena but she doesn’t know who they are.
3.This book’s narration is done in second person. This is so important that it is told from an outsiders view because the narrator bounces around to many different groups of friends and conflicts. If it were told by just one person’s view, say for example Serena, the book wouldn’t have anything to do with the Humphrey’s because they aren’t friends at all.
4.The plot of this book is that the narrator is following around a group of wealthy teenagers and observing what its like in their society with the peer pressure and influence of sex, drugs, partying, alcohol and more. It also follows the lives of the not so wealthy part of town and puts their lives into perspectives of how different their lives are.
5.The biggest conflict throughout the book is the conflict over Nate between best friends Serena and Blair. Serena and Blair have always been attracted to Nate since kindergarten but neither had ever dated him or even kissed him. Once Blair and Nate started dating, Serena get really jealous and Nate ended up cheating on Blair with Serena during their long summer apart.
6.The character that evolved the most would have to be Dan. In the beginning he was a really good kid and always did the right things. By the end of the book he was a big smoker and drinker. He was never irresponsible about it though. Dan didn’t party much and if he drank he would be at home with Vanessa or his dad.
7.How the book ended was that Nate, Serena and Blair had spent the whole summer away with their families and were all just ready to come back home. Nate got home form his house in Maine first, so he called Serena right when he arrived. Serena took a train to see him and they ended up hooking up at Nates house. Blair came home that day ( a week early) but Nate and Serena made up a story, then Serena left so Blair never found out.
8.The style of this book was very hip and present lingo. The intended audience would defiantly be for teenagers and young adults. The older generation isn’t used to everything going on in teenagers lives theses days, hence they are not the targeted audience.
9. The theme of this book is that money can’t buy you everything in life. Once Blair and Nate were dating Serena was willing to do anything for him and she thought that she had the perfect life and she couldn’t understand why she couldn’t just have Nate too. Serena did learn though that she wasn’t going to be able to pay off Blair to get the one she thought she loved.
10. The meaning of the book is to show teenagers what life is like for this group of people. Even though the story line is fiction, it still makes the readers realize what some people think is a glamorous life style, sometimes is not so great.
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