Of Mice and Men by john Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a classic novel. This was a great book. It takes place during the Great Depression in California. It tells the story of two men named George and Lennie. These two people are completely different people and have opposite personalities. George is a small person, while Lennie is a big man and acts childlike and naive. But through all the loneliness and seclusion, they became best friends. They are migrant workers who went to a nearby ranch to get a job. They just escaped from their previous job because Lennie was accused of rape for toughing a women's dress to feel the softness. During their journey, Lennie finds a dead mouse and starts playing with it. He likes playing with small things. And George scold him for playing with it. Laborers in the California fields, work really hard, living a difficult time. George and Lennie had a plan. Their goal was to own an acre of land and a shack in which they can own. But when they get jobs on a ranch in Salinas Valley, they feel achieving their goal is completely difficult and impossible. And George can not always protect Lennie from flirtatious women, nor the disobedience Lennie has for George.

I thought one important theme of the book was the impossibility of an American dream. Many characters in the book are dreaming for a different and better lifestyle. George and Lennie's dream is to own a farm, which would let them have protection from the outside world. And during their journey, they realize the impossibility of this actually happening. They begin to realize that Crooks is right that "freedom, contentment, and safety are not yet to be found in this world". Even in society today, sometimes people's dreams are hard to achieve. But hard work will most likely help accomplish it.

I liked reading this book a little bit. This was one of the first classics I read this year. So, it gave me a different perspective. Also since in took place during the Great Depression, it is historically accurate. This is a great read and I encourage anyone who likes classics to read Of Mice and Men.

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult is an amazing book. It tells the story of a kidnapping case between a young girl and her father. The main character, Delia Hopkins, is the young girl in the trial. She had a great relationship with her father. Delia was raised by her widowed father in New Hampshire. She loved her job, which was searching for missing people and she was about to get married. This was a perfect life for her. Then unfortunately, this perfect life she was having, begins to crumble. Delia starts to get visions of people and places that she can not remember. Then she goes to ask her high school friend Fitz. Fitz is a journalist who discovers Andrew Hopkins's secret. The problem is that Andrew Hopkins, Delia's father, kidnapped Delia at the age of four. Suddenly, Delia life starts to shatter. Delia's name before was Bethany Mathews. Throughout these years, Delia faces many problems like she deals with some marriage issues with her fiance Eric and she learns that her father who was also known to be her best friend has been lying to her for many years. In trial she has to choose between her love for her father or her soon to be husband, Eric. Eric did have an impact in the trial because he represented Andrew by being his attorney. This trial did tear apart the relationship between Delia and Eric. The truth is revealed only when Andrew Hopkins tells it in trial. And sometimes the truth hurts.

This book is definitely a good read. One reason why I thought this was because of its writing structure. Jodi Picoult writes each chapter following the story of the trial. Each chapter is written with a different character's perspective. It changes from five different characters perspective. The different characters are the man in trial (Andrew, her father), his daughter (Delia), his daughter's fiance (Eric), his ex-wife, and his daughter's best friend. Also while the kidnapping case is being unraveled, the characters describe their memories of Delia. The story demonstrates how the trial affects everybody in different ways. This book is mysterious and suspenseful. The suspense made me so interested in reading the book. It is a very understandable and easy to understand the language. I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves a mystery and enjoys a thrill.

The link to read the book online:

http://books.google.com/books?id=1gokTenRmLIC&dq=vanishing+acts+summary&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=ug8OTPfUMMP-8Aaq7-mVCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

Genre Experiences

This year for English class, I have read and discovered many new genres that I have never read before. For the fourth quarter, the genre I have left to read is a classical book. In the first quarter, I read poetry (Crank by Ellen Hopkins). In the second quarter, I read memoirs (The Glass Castle and Running with Scissors) and in the third quarter I read fantasy (The Lovely Bones). From the genre experiences this year I definitely enjoyed reading poetry and memoirs. They are very enjoyable and show a different perspective. Most of the books I read are usually teen fiction books. So, by reading different genres, it gives me a different view of books. I liked reading poetry especially Crank because of the writing structure. For example, if it was talking about sadness the words would be shaped in a tear. And I like how the author uses rhymes and literary devices to tell the story. All the memoir books I read are so sad to read because of the childhood the author went through especially The Glass Castle. Lastly, The Lovely Bones was a fantastic book. This year, I also want to read a play because I have never read one other than the core books we read in class. Overall, the genre requirements have made open my mind to read other books not only teen fiction all the time.
For the third quarter, my all-time favorite book was Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald. It is a fictionalized book. It was one of the best books that I have ever read. It was about an Iranian women named Tamalia. For her twenty-seventh birthday she got a plane ticket to go to America. Since, her sister and her husband lives in Tuscon, Arizona she lived with them. The only way for her to stay in America permanently before her visa experiences, is to get married. There she meets an American man named Ike. Since, its an arranged marriage, her sister plans out the suitors for her to marry. As time passes, none of the suitors are the right one. The only one to save her from going back to Iran is Ike. Eventually, they got married and she stayed in America. The reason I really liked this book, is because it had a lot of culture that I could relate to. I understood everything that was happening. Because of the culture and the language, it made me involved with the book. While reading, I could never stop and put down this book. Also, this book had a different twist than most books I read. Overall, it was a great book.

Character Connections between books

This year, I have read many books that are inter-related. They are either similar because they have the same genre, the same story line, or have the same character roles. I thought the characters in the books Crank by Ellen Hopkins and the book Things Change by Patrick Jones have similar character roles. In Crank, the main character was Kristina. Kristina eventually changes into this new person named Bree. She used to me a perfect girl who got the perfect grades, and who made her parents proud. But, when she got involved in the "crank" and a new group of people, her life changed and she could not control it. In Things Change, it talks about this girl named Johanna and how her life changes when she meets Paul. Before she met him, she got straight As, she respected her parents, and had a close relationship with her friend. But when got in a relationship with Paul, her main focus was to make him happy. And if she didn't she would get in trouble by him. In both books, people and certain things are what impacts the main character's life to change. People are the ones that influence Johanna and Kristina to act differently, which is outside there comfort zone. The main theme in both books is "change" and how character transform and develop from entirely different. In the beginning, they are innocent and towards the end, they are evil and dishonest. Also, both novels helps people to deal and understand life. They are fictionalized books. The main connection is that the outside world is a big target that can change one's mind.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold Entry #1

I just started reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold this week. It is a fantasy book. It is about a fourteen- year-old girl named Susie Salmon and she is in heaven. As she looks down at this new strange place, she tells the story of her past life and her death. After her death, she watches how her life goes without her. She sees her school friends spreading rumors of her disappearance, her family hoping that she will be found, and her killer covering up his tracks. In the beginning, Susie explains how her death started. The murderer was Mr. Harvey, a neighbor. He tricked her to come into his cornfield. Then he raped her and she died. It was not that clear of her death. But after death, her family found one of her elbows and some of her school papers. Later, as months pass without finding her, her parents marriage started falling apart, her sister started becoming a stronger person and her baby brother started understanding the meaning of "gone". Through her time in heaven, she discovers that it is just like her school. She starts to meet new friends and counselors. Whenever she wants something, it will be there. But, the thing Susie really wants is to go back to Earth with the people she loves. As time passes by, her father started a risky quest to find the murderer. This is mostly the plot of the story.

I really like reading the book. It is different from most stories because it has a different story plot and it has a different genre that I usually do not read. So, reading fantasy helps me experience a new reading style. It is very interesting how it is a mystery to find the murderer. I can't wait to read more and tell you more in the next blog.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Entry #2

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls was an amazing book. It was one of the greatest memoirs that I have read so far. This story is very moving and emotional. It tells the story of how a family who is poor tries to raise their children. This book is written through the perspective of Jeannette, who is one of the children of Rex and Rose Mary Walls (parents). So, Jeannette has four siblings. One child actually died at birth. But, later on in the story they get another child. The story is basically about how the family runs away from place to place like nomads so that they don't have to pay their bills. So, the children don't go to school because their parents teach them everything. But one day, their money runs out, and they wander their way to West Virginia, a mining town. And Rex Walls, the father does everything he can to escape. So he starts drinking. Then he steals money from the grocery story and disappears for days. As their family escalates, Jeannette has to find a way to support her siblings and find a place a place to stay.

The story is interesting and definitely sad because it shows how their parents don't really show much love for their children. The way their parents just leave and don't come back shows the lack of care they have. I think the most fascinating part is how Jeannette tells her own story in a positive way and how she describes her parents with a positive attitude. This story is definitely moving and I recommend anyone who likes memoirs or nonfictional books to read this one. You will truly love this story!

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Entry #1

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, is an amazing book so far. It is about the Walls family and how they live their life. This book is a memoir and is written from Jeannette's perspective. Jeannette is one of the four children of Rex and Rose Walls. So, the book starts out with a foreshadowing part. It shows Jeannette and her husband live in an apartment and how she is so embarrassed of her parents. For example, her parents started digging in the garbage looking for food and resources. It was really embarrassing for Jeannette. Then the book goes into a flashback of Jeannette as a child. So, when their family ran out of money they started wondering around, looking for where to live like nomads. They did this because they didn't want to pay the bills. The west from California to Virgina and different places. Then they landed in this dessert. Since, they are children they didn't go to school. Their parent taught them everything. Their dad was a generous. he taught them math, science and geology. Their mom provided food and everything. In the end, their dad promises to build them a Glass Castle to live in.

I personally like this book a lot. the writing structure is really good. I like how it went from a foreshadowing point to a flashback point. But, I feel like their parent s really don't care about their children because their was one part in the book when their was a sandstorm the desert and their parents didn't protect them. I hope to read more soon and to write more next time.

Things Change by Patrick Jones Entry #2

Things Change by Partrick Jones was a great book. While reading this book, I felt so bad for Johanna and her encounters with Paul. When she started fighting with her parents, the words that came out of her mouth was unbelievable. I would of never thought, she could be so mean.

In the end, Johanna did lose everything especially her life because Paul had abused and bruised her so much that she was able to survive barely. Sher friend Pam, but made some new ones like Kara. But throughout the book, Pam was with her the whole time even though she did not feel like talking to Johanna.

I really thought the cover of the book told the whole story. It showed the rose petals and the blood. This is both a good and bad thing. The blood shows how Paul abused and tore Johanna's heart. But, the rose symbolize the happiness that both of them shared.

I was kind of confused in Paul's last letter to his dead father, he promised to change one last time. But, when I read the epilogue, it showed that this girl, Sarah that Paul liked was seen with a black eye. So, in the end he never did change.

I was so moved and interested in this book. I read it the whole time and could not stop reading. This book was so interesting that I even felt the emotions that Johanna had. I would rate this book with a nine out of ten. I strongly recommend anyone to read this book especially if you like fiction.

Things Change by Patrick Jones (Blog Share)

Things Change by Patrick Jones is an amazing book that I read. It is a teen fiction book. The story is about this girl named Johanna and how her life changes when she meets Paul. So, before she met Paul, she was perfect. She got straight As, she respected her parents and spend a lot of time with her friend, Pam. Paul is this abusive student-body president. At school, Paul and Johanna started becoming great friends. As their friendship grew, Johanna learns that she has to make Paul happy all the time because if she doesn't she will end up with having these bruises. And as she spends more time with him, she loses everything from her past. This includes her grades, her best friend Pam, and her relationship with her parents. Most of the time, she starts getting into intense fights with her parents. Johanna starts considering Paul's happiness to be more important than her family, her friends, her grades, and her safety.

This book is mainly about change and chances. And how people promise to change, but never really does. Johanna gave many chances for Paul to change and he never did. He was very abusive to her and many other people.

One interesting part of the book is when Paul writes a letter to his dead father saying "I know you; I know everything about you. I listen to your music and I live your life, but I will be better than you, I will change, and Johanna will take me back". (Pg. 210) This quote tells how Paul finally sees his mistake and decides to change.

The title of the book is called Things Change. Its kind of ironic because in the end of the book, Paul never does change. The cover of the book is very creative. The red circles are supposed to be blood and rose petals. These are two things are considered to be symbolic and is seen throughout the book.

This book is a easy read and is easy to understand what is happening throughout the text. I suggest people who like fiction, to read this book. This book is found in the Independent reading list under teen fiction.

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs Entry #1

Running with Scissors, by Augusten Burroughs, is a memoir book. It is a true story about a boy named Augusten Burroughs, whose mother gave him away, so that he can be raised by her psychiatrist. He was very odd and strange. At the age of twelve, he was living in a dilapidated Victorian, which is a quiet house. Throughout the time, the doctor/psychiatrist, Mr. Finch, showed disturbing feeling towards Augusten. There, he didn't go to school and lived without rules. For example, the Christmas tree stayed there until the summer. Basically, this story is telling how a boy struggled to survive in extraordinary circumstances.

The story starts out with Augusten's parents arguing every single day. So, their parents went for counseling with Mr. Finch. Since, his parents were fighting more often, they eventually got divorced. So, his mother went to Mr. Finch to discuss her emotions and how she should act around Augusten. Throughout, the time, he met Hope, Mr. Finch's daughter. They had a few conversations and all. Then, they visited Mr. Finch's house. So, far the book is great.

My reaction to the main character:

I really feel bad that Augusten ( the author and the main character) who went through this childhood where his parents argued, divorced, and how he never really had friends because his mother pulled him away from all of it. I suggest anyone who likes memoirs to read this good book because it will tell how a boy with no one around him faced life.

Glass by Ellen Hopkins The end (pg 400-680) Entry #3

This week, I finished reading Ellen Hopkins's book, Glass. This book is written well in telling the story of this girl Bree. This book is a sequel to Crank. All her life, Bree was really Kristen. The name changed because she could not recognize herself anymore. Before, Kristen used to be this straight A student, who loved her family, and had a shy personality. But, after her visit with her dad, she met new people and started making unhealthy choices. She started following drugs. Later on, she had a baby named Hunter. She lived with her mother the whole time. After a while, her mother realized that Kristen is acting different. She never eats, and never sleeps or anything. She found out she was on drugs. She told Kristen to change, but she would not. Her mother took care of Hunter because Bree never did. Then, her mother disowned her and . She didn't even let Bree take Hunter. So, she had to live on her own. While on her own, she meets up with Trey( her friend). When Trey went to college, she went to Trey's cousins house, Brad. Throughout, that time, she depended on drugs more in her life. She had money problems, which made her steal from her mother's own house. She stole a huge load of checks. In the last part of the story, she and Trey both went to jail. Bree realized she wasted her life, and finally decides to change her behavior.

Reading Progress:
Personally, I enjoyed this book. I have read it everyday. It had a good, true story behind it. But, it was way to long, and started getting a little boring. This book was not a struggle for me to read. It was fairly easy. I chose to read this because I already read the first book and I wanted to finish her story. Both books are by Ellen Hopkins.

Recommendations:
I recommend anyone to read this book. But particularly, people who like poetry and fiction. This is a story based on someones life. I know that when you start reading this book, you wont stop reading. The point of Hopkins's writing this book is to tell that the "monster" does affect people's life and those around them. This story is based on the author's daughter's life. I know that you find as much enjoyment in the book like I did.

Glass by Ellen Hopkins Entry #2

Glass has been an excellent book to read so far. The story is getting better and better each time. Also, Bree's actions are hurting herself and Hunter (her baby) more and more. So far in the book, her family is celebrating her birthday and is having a baptism for Hunter. Her father and his girlfriend, Linda, flew home to visit them. But, Bree's mother does not really like her father that much. In the story, she has some secretive encounters with her dad that she does not have with any one else from the book. After that, she meets Brendon again. The way she encounters him, is very interesting. She tries to ignore him as much as possible and tries not to make direct contact with him.

I thought one of the important things that happened so far is that she is telling her dad things about herself that her mother or anyone else in her family doesn't know about. Her dad tells her "Can you spare some" "I have a little I can share," I admit. "But only about half a gram." "If I give you some cash, can you score some more?" "I'll try. But just so you know, this was the first time I've done any since Hunter was born." The conversation that Bree has with her dad reveals that she trusts her dad more than anyone else. She can talk to him about her needs, which in this case is drugs. This is a little ironic because her mother is the one who is trying to protect Bree and keep her safe. She is trying to get into Bree's life, but Bree is just leaving her out of it, which is why can't talk to her mother about anything. Overall, the book is very interesting and entertaining. I hope to read more and give more information about the book in the next blog.

Glass by Ellen Hopkins (The beginning)

Glass is a sequel to Crank by Ellen Hopkins. These books are narrating the life of Bree/Kristen. So far in Glass, it tells Bree's continued tricky life in Nevada with her mother and family. Bree just had a baby named Hunter. She is surrounded by the same people and substances in her life like Crank. She has the choice to either follow the path where she uses the "crank" or to save her family especially Hunter. In the last scenario, she tries to give herself a break and decides to visit Robyn, her former friend. There she did some drugs to cool herself down. Also, she met Trey, this guy who she finds interesting. When she came home, she lied to her mother telling her she went to a college fair instead. Although, her mothers buys it, she is only hurting herself and Hunter. She has the responsibility, now as a mother, to take care of her child.

In the book, it shows herself listening to Bree's thoughts and then he other half of herself listening to Kristen's thoughts. For example, "The small part, the Kristina part, keeps whispering what a fool the other, Bree part, is. "Not only were you stupid to sneak back to the monster,"she mumbles, "but ten to one you're going to get caught. Mom and Scott will know. " "The Bree part just stares contentedly at the ceiling..." This quote reveals the difficulty she has to go through, either she listens to Bree or to Kristen opinions. I know for a fact, that she will be mentally damaged, if she keeps on doing this drug and having double thoughts.

I really enjoy reading this book. The beginning of it, is very entertaining to read. It really does make the authors point come across. I will recommend anyone who likes poetic books and works of fiction to read it. Since, this book is based on a true story, I understand how the character's are feeling a bit better. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.

To buy Glass by Ellen Hopkins:
http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Ellen-Hopkins/dp/1416940901

A book review:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Glass.html

Other books by Ellen Hopkins:
- Crank
-Burned
-Impulse

Blog Reviews and Goals

Review of my past blogs:
Looking back at my past blogs, I see good and bad in my blog writing. There is a common focus in all my blogs. In the first couple of them, I provided a short summary to make the reader understand what is going on. Also, I answered a bunch of questions from this sheet that tells some suggestions for writing a blog. I tried to include my opinions in my writing. In my blogs, I noticed that I write my reading progress, tell the difficulty of the book, a suggestions for who should read the book. Also, I tell my likes and dislikes of that particular book, my favorite quote, and my reactions to the characters. Lastly, I noticed that for each blog, I state the internal or external problem going on with the character. Overall, I think the blogging experience is very beneficial because each week it helps me write my thoughts and opinions about the book. Also, it helps me connect with the book in a better way.

My goal for the second quarter:
After writing the blogs for the first quarter, there are several things I want to improve. For the blogs, I tend to write about the same story plot repeatedly because I feel that no one will look at the past week's blog and understand it. So, I repeat things over. But, for the next quarter, I will try to generalize my ideas. Another thing, I will improve is to get further involved in the book. I could do this my reading more per week and giving more details about it to make my blogs more interesting and exciting. Also, I should give more opinions with examples from the text to make it is more clear and detailed. If I accomplish these goals, my blogs will give more interest to people.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins Entry #3

The book Crank is entertaining. It tells so much about the character Kristina and her transformation from Kristina to Bree. In the book, the inner thoughts of Kristina's perspective and Bree's perspective is heard. So far in the book, Kristina came back home to her mother's house and leaves Adam behind. Throughout the way, Adam send letters to her explaining how life is going on and everything. Later on, she meets these two boys named Brendon and Chase. She gets into a relationship between these two people. She tries to see who she favors more. But, she gets guided into the wrong direction. On one of the pages, she started cursing with her mother. This is very strange coming from Kristina. Now, she starts using "crank" more often. Bree is literary killing herself with this monster. One thing, she tries doing is making "some decisions: like appreciating family more, focusing on school and hunting for Kristina" (327). She stays on top of her schoolwork, family and focuses on her goals for the first week. Later on, she starts changing back to her bad habits. Usually in day to day life, peer pressure is a factor that changes people's focus or direction. This is clearly evident in Kristina/Bree's life. Since others around her like Adam and Brendon started doing things, she started following. Now, she is "struggling through hell for her mind, her soul, and her life".

The book is getting interesting and in-depth. It gives internal thoughts and how Bree copes with her family, her "new friends" (Chase, Brenden, and Adam) and her schoolwork. I hope that Bree follows the right path. She should take away this "monster" from her life to find peace. This book is very informative and entertaining. It is helpful for people to read this book, if they deal with these problems. Since, this story is based on a true story, it gave me a more interest to read it. Also, if others read this book, they will enjoy it and understand life in a better way and the value of it.

An excerpt of Crank:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://jacketsandcovers.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/crank1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://jacketsandcovers.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/crank/&usg=__tW8b3LRF76aLwPhc5_XIfpGGxTc=&h=600&w=420&sz=114&hl=en&start=1&sig2=u3wzg8wSaOaeTxCmaQOiuQ&tbnid=0kBlv7PZAMIF5M:&tbnh=135&tbnw=95&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcrank%2Bby%2Bellen%2Bhopkins%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den&ei=cT7qSv-DOJG9lAey65yABQ

Crank by Ellen Hopkins Entry #2

Crank is an amazing book to read. It is different from most stories, because it is written in poetic forms. So, far Kristina Snow, the main character, is visiting her father. While she visits him, she meets this boy named Adam. He is also called Buddy. When, Kristina goes and meets him, she changes and becomes a new person, with a new personality and character. She is referred to as Bree. Buddy introduces her to the monster, "crank". Throughout her visit, she transforms into this new person who falls for the needs of drugs. She can't control herself. Now, she comes back home to her mother from her visit. When she talks to her siblings and her mother about her visit, she tries to avoid talking about Adam and her addiction to things.

Reaction:
My reaction to Bree's character is very shocking. A couple of pages before, Adam put a tattoo on Bree of a heart. Also, he said this relation is not going to work and that they should move on. I feel bad that Bree got this addiction to crank because of Adam. She is ruining her life and those around her. Also, now she has an infection from this tattoo too. Whenever, she is talking to her sister about her visit, she is not being honest. Instead, she is trying to cover up the truth. She is being a bad role-model toward her sister. Adam brought her to this point where there is no turning back to this normal life. She is already in the deep whole.


Writing Style and Structure:
The book's structure is in poetry. There are no chapters in this book. Each page tells a new idea or parts of the story. What I find appealing is that whatever the page is about, the words in that page are written in the form to connect with the text. For example, one of the pages talked about church and God, so the words were written in the form of a cross. Another example, is when it talked about Adam and Bree's relation. So, the words were in the form of a heart. I find that technique very clever and brilliant.


Reading Progress:
Since this book is very interesting, I have been reading it every day. Crank is not considered a hard reading level. It is very easy to understand what is happening in the book. I have read other books by Ellen Hopkins. This novel, is both a non-fiction and poetic book. So, whoever likes these two genres, will definitely enjoy this read.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins Entry #1

Crank by Ellen Hopkins is a poetic and non-fictional book. The story is written through poetic terms to tell the true story of a girl named Kristina Georgia Snow. Kristina is the perfect daughter. She is a gifted high school junior, who is quiet and never gets in trouble. When she started visiting her father, there is a physical change that happens. It is that Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree has the total opposite character as Kristina. She is fearless. Later on, through a boy, Bree meets the monster, crank. This turn in her life is a struggle through her mind, soul, and life.

Writing Style and Structure:

I really like the author's writing style. Ellen Hopkins writes in poetic form to tell a story. This way is different from usual novels. But, this way is easy to understand and gives each page a deeper meaning. The first page tells us the whole point of the story. It said "Life was good before I met the monster. After, life was great. At least for a little while" (pg 1). It talks about the crank as someone dangerous and scary. Basically, the whole book revolves around this quote. That quote also has a deeper meaning behind it and it will provide more information.

I chose to read this book because the story plot was very interesting and that a couple of people said it was a good book. Also, I have read Burned by Ellen Hopkins. If you are interested in Non-fiction and poetic books, this is a book for you.

Other books by Ellen Hopkins:

- Burned

Some links:

To buy the book Crank by Ellen Hopkins:

http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Ellen-Hopkins/dp/0689865198

A synopsis and review of the book:

http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=0689865198

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult Entry #4

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult has been a good book so far. But, right now the book is giving me less interest in reading it. I enjoy the book very much, but the topics of court and denial gives me a little less interest in reading it. Overall, it has a good story plot. One of the quotes that sparked me the most was "Peter Houghton was just arraigned on ten counts of first-degree murder and nineteen counts of attempted first-degree murder, and various accompanying charges involving illegal possession of explosives and firearms in this recent tragedy". I thought this quote was so important and over-powering. This high school boy did so much damage, that no one can even imagine. Everyone, is afraid of him an his family. His did not only kill people, he also stole weapons from his own father.

Questions:

I was thinking why the book was called 19 Minutes? But, I realized that it had to do with the fact of timing to safe lives and also that Peter, the shooter, attempted nineteen counts first-degree murder. It takes only nineteen minutes to save many people from losing their life around you.

Reading Progress:

I hope to read much more and to update the information about the court case in the next blog. This book shows how "actions are louder than words". It is a book that everyone will enjoy, but it does have a difficult reading level.

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult: Entry #3

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult has a lot of messages, that everyone can learn. It talks about a main character, Peter, and how the story of the shooting comes and how people react to this situation in different ways. Another main character in this novel, is Josie Cormier. Josie was injured a little in this shooting. In the begining, Peter's plan was for Josie not to get hurt. But, Josie's mother is a judge. Her names is Ale Cormier. One difficult thing that Josie mother has to do is balance her motherhood life with her court life. So, Alex has to go to court and fight for this case. She is the prosecuter's defendent. How could Alex fight for this crime in court, when her daughter was injured in that same crime? I believe, this a difficult situation in Alex's part. She has to choose one side, either her family or her job. This decision is very hard for one to accomplish because one can not turn down their job too.

My reading progress so far is okay. This book is getting very difficult for me to read. It takes me a long time to read it. Overall, I really enjoy 19 Minutes and I hope you will too.

.

Here are some link:

To buy the book, 19 Minutes

https://http://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Minutes-Novel-Jodi-Picoult/dp/0743496728

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult Entry #2

So far, 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult has been both a challenging and rewarding book. It talks about this flashback about Peter, the shooter, and his parents. The parents of Peter are wondering what they did wrong as parental figures or supervisors to cause their child to become so violent. The book is telling about the investigation with the police. the police is searching through all their property for evidence. One important point is that Peter's father, Lewis, is a hunter and owns several rifles. When Lewis checked back on those guns, he realized that some were missing. I think that Peter might have stolen some to use for the shooting. The rifles symbolize death, loss of friendship and distrust.

Favorite Quote:

One of my favorite quotes said in the book was "Well, these young men pull away from others. they tend to be loners. they talk about hurting themselves, or others. They can't function in school, or are subjected to discipline there. they lack a connection with someone- anyone- who might make them feel important". I think this quote is important because it shows what made Peter to do this crime.

.

I made a connection with this book to the world and media. This story is very similar to Columbine. The book also mentioned a little about the story.

.

So far, I like reading this book. Probably, one thing that I dislike is that it gives a lot of court information. At times, it tends to be a bit boring or too hard to understand.