Would you ever kill a leader for the sake of your country? This is the problem Brutus had to face. Shakespeare's Julius Caesar interested me with an interesting plot and dynamic characters.
This story took place in ancient Rome. It is written in old English by Shakespeare. It was a little bit difficult to understand but has notes on the side of every page to help you with your reading. It was the story about the fall of the great Julius Caesar.
Cassius, the main plotter against Caesar, decides to kill him because he is becoming too powerful. He brings together a group of men on the consul, like himself, to commit the act. Brutus, a friend of Caesar, has to be convinced very heavily to participate in this horrible act. He finally gives in deciding he will do it "for Rome."
Caesar gets warnings not to attend consul the day the killing is supposed to take place, but he attends anyway. Will they go through with the killing? If so, who will be the new ruler? Will a war break out?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Shakespeare novels. It was an interesting story and wasn't dull. It was, at times, violent. To fully understand this book, you need to be a good reader who can interpret the language Shakespeare uses.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Book Review- Shopaholic and Sister
Crash! It happens and it’s time to get back to reality. Becky Brandon is back from her TEN month honeymoon with her new husband Luke. Becky was her typical self and bought tons of items from their round-world trip. Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic and Sister entertained me with the comical story of these newlyweds.
Sophie Kinsella has a series of these Shopaholic Books that I enjoy very much. The theme of this series is a light-hearted look at the life of a compulsive shopper. Although these stories are comical they show the consequences of irresponsible shopping. Kinsella writes in a very easy-to-understand and entertaining format. The stories take place mostly in Britain and some words and expressions used are in this vernacular.
When she returns, Becky discovers her best friend, new mom Suze, has found a new “best friend” with whom she has bonded with because they are both new moms. Also, Luke is becoming extremely annoyed because ALL of the boxes filled with the things Becky had bought on their trip are arriving at their already packed apartment. With all this stress happening Becky finds out she has a long lost sister! She is thrilled and immediately wants to know everything about her and become close friends.
She meets her sister, Jess, and things aren’t at all what she had expected. Her sister DOESN’T like shopping! How horrible! She hates spending money and hardly spends a dime on everyday things like food. Becky is so disappointed. She has no idea how to bond or even interact with a person so different from herself. Can Becky work out her problems with Luke and Suze? And can she figure out how to set aside the differences and learn to love her sister?
I would recommend this book to any girl that loves to shop and can relate to Becky. This is definitely a very girly book but it tells a great story. It was an easy read and although it was long, I never got bored with Becky and all the crazy things happening in her life.
400 Pages
Sophie Kinsella has a series of these Shopaholic Books that I enjoy very much. The theme of this series is a light-hearted look at the life of a compulsive shopper. Although these stories are comical they show the consequences of irresponsible shopping. Kinsella writes in a very easy-to-understand and entertaining format. The stories take place mostly in Britain and some words and expressions used are in this vernacular.
When she returns, Becky discovers her best friend, new mom Suze, has found a new “best friend” with whom she has bonded with because they are both new moms. Also, Luke is becoming extremely annoyed because ALL of the boxes filled with the things Becky had bought on their trip are arriving at their already packed apartment. With all this stress happening Becky finds out she has a long lost sister! She is thrilled and immediately wants to know everything about her and become close friends.
She meets her sister, Jess, and things aren’t at all what she had expected. Her sister DOESN’T like shopping! How horrible! She hates spending money and hardly spends a dime on everyday things like food. Becky is so disappointed. She has no idea how to bond or even interact with a person so different from herself. Can Becky work out her problems with Luke and Suze? And can she figure out how to set aside the differences and learn to love her sister?
I would recommend this book to any girl that loves to shop and can relate to Becky. This is definitely a very girly book but it tells a great story. It was an easy read and although it was long, I never got bored with Becky and all the crazy things happening in her life.
400 Pages
Sunday, December 13, 2009
What Makes a True Leader?
What makes a true leader? This question has so many answers. A true leader is someone who leads selflessly. They always put the interest of others first. This might be hard to find in leaders because power can really go to someone's head.
In Julius Caesar, Caesar was a great leader. He helped conquer new lands and also deeply cared about the people. In the words of Mark Antony from Shakespeare's book Julius Caesar, "When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept." He was asked to be the kind three times but every time refused.
A ruler is a representation of a nation. He or she must be open to new ideas and willing to listen to the people. A leader's unpopularity most often comes from people who feel they are unheard or uncared about. A true leader has only the best interest of the nation in mind.
A true leader must also be convincing. Being able to give a good speech to back up ideas really helps the common citizen understand reasoning behind decisions being made. It is very important for there to be a great line of communication between rulers and the subjects they rule.
In Julius Caesar, Caesar was a great leader. He helped conquer new lands and also deeply cared about the people. In the words of Mark Antony from Shakespeare's book Julius Caesar, "When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept." He was asked to be the kind three times but every time refused.
A ruler is a representation of a nation. He or she must be open to new ideas and willing to listen to the people. A leader's unpopularity most often comes from people who feel they are unheard or uncared about. A true leader has only the best interest of the nation in mind.
A true leader must also be convincing. Being able to give a good speech to back up ideas really helps the common citizen understand reasoning behind decisions being made. It is very important for there to be a great line of communication between rulers and the subjects they rule.
Parent Book Review
My mom read the New York Times Bestseller The Help. It is a novel by Kathryn Stockett about race relations in 1960s Mississippi. My mom loved it so much, that even though it is over four hundred pages, she read it in two days.
Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the main characters. This was a really effective tool to make you understand the thoughts and feelings of both the African American and white characters. It made my mom realize just how far race relations have progressed in her lifetime.
The story centered on the relationship between southern white women and their maids. Most of the women treated their maids very poorly. Some families were kind to their maids and looked at them as an extended part of the family. However, the needs of the family always came first and the maids own family or lives were rarely considered.
One story line in the book is how there was a drive to make outdoor or separate bathrooms for the maids to use. Examples were given in the book of how the maids were expected to serve the families and raise their children. Many of the maids in the book, had intelligence and experience but all credit for their accomplishments in cooking and child raising were given to the women they served.
The central plot of the book revolves around a grown, well to do white woman who was raised by her family's beloved maid. When she is away at college the maid disappears. She starts to question the secrecy and lack of appreciation shown by her family and others towards "the help." It is this revelation that drives her to seek the trust of other maids and have them help her write a book of their experiences as domestic help. This was very risky considering racial violence and attitudes of the time and place.
I'm really glad I talked to my mom about this book! It was a great topic to discuss together and led us on to talk about other books we have enjoyed.
1 Book
Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the main characters. This was a really effective tool to make you understand the thoughts and feelings of both the African American and white characters. It made my mom realize just how far race relations have progressed in her lifetime.
The story centered on the relationship between southern white women and their maids. Most of the women treated their maids very poorly. Some families were kind to their maids and looked at them as an extended part of the family. However, the needs of the family always came first and the maids own family or lives were rarely considered.
One story line in the book is how there was a drive to make outdoor or separate bathrooms for the maids to use. Examples were given in the book of how the maids were expected to serve the families and raise their children. Many of the maids in the book, had intelligence and experience but all credit for their accomplishments in cooking and child raising were given to the women they served.
The central plot of the book revolves around a grown, well to do white woman who was raised by her family's beloved maid. When she is away at college the maid disappears. She starts to question the secrecy and lack of appreciation shown by her family and others towards "the help." It is this revelation that drives her to seek the trust of other maids and have them help her write a book of their experiences as domestic help. This was very risky considering racial violence and attitudes of the time and place.
I'm really glad I talked to my mom about this book! It was a great topic to discuss together and led us on to talk about other books we have enjoyed.
1 Book
Semester Tests
It's the end of the semester! Guess what that means? Semester tests. Everyone despises these evil tests. So much studying and stressing come along with them. They count for twenty percent of your semester grade for goodness sake!
It is difficult to remember everything you have done in school for eighteen weeks for one test! Most teachers are nice enough to give you study guides and some classes like english just require you to write an essay. But it is wrong for one test to count for so much of your grade. If you are a straight "A" student and do badly on that ONE test you could suffer greatly.
I would recommend either stopping semester tests or lowering their effect on your semester grade. One good idea is to not require students with an "A" in the class to have to take the test. These students have worked very hard for this grade and it would be a small reward for them. Also, students with high grades in the class would be the ones to actually do WELL on the test. This would inspire other students to make "A's" so they wouldn't have to take the test either.
Over a nine week period you learn so much material. The subjects can vary so greatly. In math for example, you might start the nine weeks doing linear systems then end doing matrices. If subjects vary this much in one quarter, imagine the variety in one semester!
It is difficult to remember everything you have done in school for eighteen weeks for one test! Most teachers are nice enough to give you study guides and some classes like english just require you to write an essay. But it is wrong for one test to count for so much of your grade. If you are a straight "A" student and do badly on that ONE test you could suffer greatly.
I would recommend either stopping semester tests or lowering their effect on your semester grade. One good idea is to not require students with an "A" in the class to have to take the test. These students have worked very hard for this grade and it would be a small reward for them. Also, students with high grades in the class would be the ones to actually do WELL on the test. This would inspire other students to make "A's" so they wouldn't have to take the test either.
Over a nine week period you learn so much material. The subjects can vary so greatly. In math for example, you might start the nine weeks doing linear systems then end doing matrices. If subjects vary this much in one quarter, imagine the variety in one semester!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
10 Things I Am Thankful For
1. Family- My family consists of the people that love me the most. They would do anything for me and support everything I do.
2. Friends- My friends make every day worthwhile. They make me laugh and are always there for me.
3. Health- I have no major or life threatening illnesses.
4. Home- I am so lucky to have a safe home.
5. Church- My church family loves me very much. They help me learn about God.
6. School- I get a great education.
7. Saturday Night Live- It makes me laugh every week.
8. Weather- Nice weather always puts me in a good mood.
9. My job- I really enjoy it and like the people I work with.
10. Nutrition- I have enough food to eat and am healthy.
2. Friends- My friends make every day worthwhile. They make me laugh and are always there for me.
3. Health- I have no major or life threatening illnesses.
4. Home- I am so lucky to have a safe home.
5. Church- My church family loves me very much. They help me learn about God.
6. School- I get a great education.
7. Saturday Night Live- It makes me laugh every week.
8. Weather- Nice weather always puts me in a good mood.
9. My job- I really enjoy it and like the people I work with.
10. Nutrition- I have enough food to eat and am healthy.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey is a great self help book for teenagers. Mr. Covey explains seven simple steps for teens to follow to improve their lives. He explains these steps in an easy-to-understand way using short stories and personal experience as proof.
My favorite habit was synergy because it is so true. Working with people gets SO much more accomplished! Group work is also more interesting and helps you learn more because you hear the ideas of someone other than yourself.
My least favorite habit is to sharpen the saw, and that's probably because I'm bad at it. Sean Covey explains that you need to take time out for yourself to relax and de-stress. I have trouble with this habit because i feel like i can't give myself a break until EVERYTHING is done. In actuality, it would be easier and better for me to give myself a little break to do something i enjoy, like go on a run, before doing stressful things like homework.
The habit I have mastered is putting first things first. I have a good set of values and usually know exactly what is important to me. Although sometimes it is hard to put more important things ahead of hanging out with friends, talking on the phone, or getting on the computer, I usually know what is most rewarding and have enough self control to make the right decision.
I would recommend this book to any teen. It has helpful tips for anyone! The stories in this book really relate to everyday teen experiences. It was an easy read that really made me realize some key success points for my life.
2 Books
My favorite habit was synergy because it is so true. Working with people gets SO much more accomplished! Group work is also more interesting and helps you learn more because you hear the ideas of someone other than yourself.
My least favorite habit is to sharpen the saw, and that's probably because I'm bad at it. Sean Covey explains that you need to take time out for yourself to relax and de-stress. I have trouble with this habit because i feel like i can't give myself a break until EVERYTHING is done. In actuality, it would be easier and better for me to give myself a little break to do something i enjoy, like go on a run, before doing stressful things like homework.
The habit I have mastered is putting first things first. I have a good set of values and usually know exactly what is important to me. Although sometimes it is hard to put more important things ahead of hanging out with friends, talking on the phone, or getting on the computer, I usually know what is most rewarding and have enough self control to make the right decision.
I would recommend this book to any teen. It has helpful tips for anyone! The stories in this book really relate to everyday teen experiences. It was an easy read that really made me realize some key success points for my life.
2 Books
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Homecoming
Homecoming is something i look forward to all year. The football game, dressing up all week, and of course the dance! People don't realize how much work all the preparation takes, but it is worth it! There is always a cool theme and the cafeteria decorations and spirit week days match it. Girls get chosen to be on the homecoming court and wear beautiful dresses. We have a pep rally on Friday to get ready for the big game! The only problem seems to involve the dance. It is just too short! Here are the top reasons the dance creates problems.
1. It is RIGHT after the football game. This creates a problem for the football players, cheerleaders, prancers, band members, and any student attending the game. It is usually wet and clod and everyone has to go home and get ready AFTER the game is over and the dance has already started.
2. Everyone is tired. After a long day at school, decorating the cafeteria, taking down decorations in the halls, a pep rally, AND a football game, I know I would just like to go home and get in bed!
3. Hair. Oh yes, the all important hair style for homecoming. How are cheerleaders and prancers supposed to manage this all important factor during the football game? You can get your hair done before the game and risk it getting messed up or rained on, or you can get it done afterwards and cut your time at the dance down even further!
4. By the time everyone gets there, its already at least 11:30. Then, 12:30 rolls around and you realize its time to leave and you've only been there an hour, just long enough to see everyone, get your picture taken, and dance to a few songs.
The homecoming dance creates some major problems. A clever solution would be to have it on Saturday night AFTER everyone has recovered from the crazy week and football game. The dance could start at eight and end at twelve. Everyone would have plenty of preparation time and have a fair chance of getting there when it actually starts!
1. It is RIGHT after the football game. This creates a problem for the football players, cheerleaders, prancers, band members, and any student attending the game. It is usually wet and clod and everyone has to go home and get ready AFTER the game is over and the dance has already started.
2. Everyone is tired. After a long day at school, decorating the cafeteria, taking down decorations in the halls, a pep rally, AND a football game, I know I would just like to go home and get in bed!
3. Hair. Oh yes, the all important hair style for homecoming. How are cheerleaders and prancers supposed to manage this all important factor during the football game? You can get your hair done before the game and risk it getting messed up or rained on, or you can get it done afterwards and cut your time at the dance down even further!
4. By the time everyone gets there, its already at least 11:30. Then, 12:30 rolls around and you realize its time to leave and you've only been there an hour, just long enough to see everyone, get your picture taken, and dance to a few songs.
The homecoming dance creates some major problems. A clever solution would be to have it on Saturday night AFTER everyone has recovered from the crazy week and football game. The dance could start at eight and end at twelve. Everyone would have plenty of preparation time and have a fair chance of getting there when it actually starts!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Book Review- Freckled and Fourteen
“And now she’d lost her best friend.” Rusty Eastman is a fourteen year old girl who is having some problems. Her best friend, Jeri, has become obsessed with boys and Rusty could not care less about them. Also, there is a big family secret Rusty has found out about. And her brother Alan, star of the sports teams at school has quit athletics all together! Viola Rowe’s Freckled and Fourteen entertained me with the story of a troubled teen.
Rowe wrote this book in our normal, everyday language. It was easy for me to understand and I did not have any trouble with vocabulary. Rusty lives in a normal town where she attends the local high school. Her father is the coach and her brother is the has-been athletic star. After Alan quits all the sports teams, they start to do badly without him. All Alan seems interested in is girls, which Rusty just finds appalling. And to make matters worse, Rusty’s best friend Jeri is now interested in boys! What can Rusty do? Who can she talk to?
Luckily, she has her wonderful Uncle Law. She can go to him with any problem and he will do his best to give her advice. Rusty finds adoption papers in her family’s file cabinet. She immediately assumes she was adopted since she is the only one in the family with bright red hair. She asks Uncle Law and he confirms her suspicions thinking Mr. and Mrs. Eastman had already told Rusty. This leaves Rusty feeling confused, alone, and misplaced. Who were her real parents? Why didn’t they want her? Did the Eastman’s still want her? Read this book to find out how Rusty can deal with all these issues clogging up her life.
I would recommend this book to any teenage girl. It deals with some of the everyday struggles they might encounter. Rusty learns many valuable lessons. This was a great story and I enjoyed reading it.
192 Pages
Rowe wrote this book in our normal, everyday language. It was easy for me to understand and I did not have any trouble with vocabulary. Rusty lives in a normal town where she attends the local high school. Her father is the coach and her brother is the has-been athletic star. After Alan quits all the sports teams, they start to do badly without him. All Alan seems interested in is girls, which Rusty just finds appalling. And to make matters worse, Rusty’s best friend Jeri is now interested in boys! What can Rusty do? Who can she talk to?
Luckily, she has her wonderful Uncle Law. She can go to him with any problem and he will do his best to give her advice. Rusty finds adoption papers in her family’s file cabinet. She immediately assumes she was adopted since she is the only one in the family with bright red hair. She asks Uncle Law and he confirms her suspicions thinking Mr. and Mrs. Eastman had already told Rusty. This leaves Rusty feeling confused, alone, and misplaced. Who were her real parents? Why didn’t they want her? Did the Eastman’s still want her? Read this book to find out how Rusty can deal with all these issues clogging up her life.
I would recommend this book to any teenage girl. It deals with some of the everyday struggles they might encounter. Rusty learns many valuable lessons. This was a great story and I enjoyed reading it.
192 Pages
Book Review- Official Book Club Selection
“This is my book.” This is what Kathy Griffin states in her autobiography. She tells it like it is and exactly like she wants to. I used to think Kathy Griffin was just some crazy comedian, but after reading her book, I realize she is a well trained, determined, and hilariously funny comic. Kathy Griffin’s Official Book Club Selection tells her life story and her long tough struggle into the spotlight. She talks about anything and everything, even her personal life and plastic surgery battle.
This book is written just like a conversation. Kathy is telling you a story and a lot of the time, I felt like she was directly talking to me. Some of the language and content might be inappropriate for children or easily offended people. Griffin talks just like she always does and this includes profanities.
In her book, Kathy makes fun of her family a lot. She grew up in Chicago and her parents were very Catholic. She imitates her mother’s accent by using capitol letters and hyphens. “CHR-EYE-SSAKE!” she says, copying her mother’s voice. Her brothers would have famous kegger parties and she was exposed to drinking at a very young age. Lots of her family members were alcoholics and that is why, to this day, she does not drink. Griffin jokes about how her mother was “the second prettiest girl at presentation” at church when she was growing up. (The first was her father’s sister!)
Kathy Griffin discusses some of the more difficult points about her life as well. She worked and worked to become a star. Spending many years at The Groundlings, an improve group in Chicago, working to get acting roles or maybe even become a cast member on Saturday Night Live. She was very discouraged and hopeless when she was not finding work and had to do some pretty low down jobs. Kathy’s brother Kenny was a troubled guy. She explains why she thinks he was a child molester. There were multiple times she saw him beat his wife or girlfriends. She separated herself from him for many, many years and finally came to peace with the situation when she went to see him at the hospital. On his deathbed, Kathy realized he couldn’t ever hurt anyone else.
I recommend this book to anyone with a good sense of humor. You do need to be a mature, accepting reader, however, to fully appreciate and laugh at the comical stories Kathy Griffin tells. This book was so fun to read and also helped me learn a lot about a person I was no’t really familiar with.
331 Pages- 2 Books
This book is written just like a conversation. Kathy is telling you a story and a lot of the time, I felt like she was directly talking to me. Some of the language and content might be inappropriate for children or easily offended people. Griffin talks just like she always does and this includes profanities.
In her book, Kathy makes fun of her family a lot. She grew up in Chicago and her parents were very Catholic. She imitates her mother’s accent by using capitol letters and hyphens. “CHR-EYE-SSAKE!” she says, copying her mother’s voice. Her brothers would have famous kegger parties and she was exposed to drinking at a very young age. Lots of her family members were alcoholics and that is why, to this day, she does not drink. Griffin jokes about how her mother was “the second prettiest girl at presentation” at church when she was growing up. (The first was her father’s sister!)
Kathy Griffin discusses some of the more difficult points about her life as well. She worked and worked to become a star. Spending many years at The Groundlings, an improve group in Chicago, working to get acting roles or maybe even become a cast member on Saturday Night Live. She was very discouraged and hopeless when she was not finding work and had to do some pretty low down jobs. Kathy’s brother Kenny was a troubled guy. She explains why she thinks he was a child molester. There were multiple times she saw him beat his wife or girlfriends. She separated herself from him for many, many years and finally came to peace with the situation when she went to see him at the hospital. On his deathbed, Kathy realized he couldn’t ever hurt anyone else.
I recommend this book to anyone with a good sense of humor. You do need to be a mature, accepting reader, however, to fully appreciate and laugh at the comical stories Kathy Griffin tells. This book was so fun to read and also helped me learn a lot about a person I was no’t really familiar with.
331 Pages- 2 Books
Book Review- Lush
“Well, my father is at it again.” This is what main character Sam always says about her father’s drinking problem. She knows it is not normal for her father to go out drinking every night and come home completely drunk, but she does not know what to do or who to talk to about it. Her mother pretends it’s not even a problem and her little brother Luke isn’t old enough to understand. How can Sam escape this horrible problem that dictates her life? Natasha Friend’s Lush touched my with the sad story of a normal teenage girl with an alcoholic father.
Natasha Friend wrote this book in a way that is easy to understand. She used normal every-day-language. It was a quick read because I did not have to think much about what I was reading. I comprehended very quickly what she was trying to describe or explain.
Sam lives in a normal town and often walks to her neighborhood library. She has a group of close friends: Angie, Vanessa, and Tracey. Angie loves to read. She reads romance novels and always compares the girl’s everyday lives to them. “Remember that love scene from Hearts Interrupted? Instead of Ridge and Rebecca, picture Danny and Molly Katz.” She said of the heartbreaking realization that Danny liked Molly instead of herself. Tracey is a really “good kid” who will frequently say things like “You don’t have to curse” when someone says crap. Vanessa is the really supportive friend. She always is there for all the girls when they are upset about something.
While Sam, Angie, Vanessa, and Tracey are all best friends, Sam is afraid to confide in them the secret about her father. She worries they will pity her or treat her differently. These girls have sleepovers every Friday night and they never go to Sam’s house. Sam has to work hard to hide this big secret from her friends. Sam visits the library everyday and starts exchanging notes with a mysterious A.J.K. She doesn’t know who this stranger is but they help give her advice and encouragement about her problems. Will Sam ever meet this mysterious A.J.K.? Will her family ever realize that her father needs help? And will Sam ever learn that she needs to tell her friends about her secret so they can help her deal with it?
I would recommend this book to any girl, especially anyone with a troubled parent. It discusses what to do, who to trust, and how to react to these types of situations. It was an emotional book but also had some humor and gladness. Overall, it was a great story that taught a very important lesson.
178 Pages
Natasha Friend wrote this book in a way that is easy to understand. She used normal every-day-language. It was a quick read because I did not have to think much about what I was reading. I comprehended very quickly what she was trying to describe or explain.
Sam lives in a normal town and often walks to her neighborhood library. She has a group of close friends: Angie, Vanessa, and Tracey. Angie loves to read. She reads romance novels and always compares the girl’s everyday lives to them. “Remember that love scene from Hearts Interrupted? Instead of Ridge and Rebecca, picture Danny and Molly Katz.” She said of the heartbreaking realization that Danny liked Molly instead of herself. Tracey is a really “good kid” who will frequently say things like “You don’t have to curse” when someone says crap. Vanessa is the really supportive friend. She always is there for all the girls when they are upset about something.
While Sam, Angie, Vanessa, and Tracey are all best friends, Sam is afraid to confide in them the secret about her father. She worries they will pity her or treat her differently. These girls have sleepovers every Friday night and they never go to Sam’s house. Sam has to work hard to hide this big secret from her friends. Sam visits the library everyday and starts exchanging notes with a mysterious A.J.K. She doesn’t know who this stranger is but they help give her advice and encouragement about her problems. Will Sam ever meet this mysterious A.J.K.? Will her family ever realize that her father needs help? And will Sam ever learn that she needs to tell her friends about her secret so they can help her deal with it?
I would recommend this book to any girl, especially anyone with a troubled parent. It discusses what to do, who to trust, and how to react to these types of situations. It was an emotional book but also had some humor and gladness. Overall, it was a great story that taught a very important lesson.
178 Pages
Monday, October 5, 2009
Book Review- The Invisible Man
“He stared right through me.” The Invisible Man is the story of a troubled character named Griffin. He is a very smart man who figured out how to make things invisible, including himself! Instead of sharing his discovery and becoming famous, he uses his new discovery to harm others and put himself first. H. G. Well’s The Invisible Man was thrilling and captured me by explaining the life of this troubled invisible man.
The author’s writing style was in old English. This made the book a little harder to understand and caused me to have to use footnotes. It does, however, help establish the time and setting the story took place. I haven’t read many books in this style and although it was challenging I felt it was a good, educational book to read.
The main character in this book is the invisible man, Griffin. The author paints a pretty negative picture of him throughout the book. During his stay at the Coach and Horses he was excessively rude to Mrs. Hall. He demands meals, stresses that he must be left alone, is discourteous to the clock repairman, and even goes as far as to make furniture come “alive with spirits” and attack Mr. and Mrs. Hall. He makes Mr. Thomas Marvel do everything he commands with the threat of killing him if he doesn’t. Griffin also steals from innocent people. He goes to the department store called “Emporium” and steals food, clothes, and sleeps there using bedding from the store. He also steals from citizens using force. He tied one man up in a bed sheet after knocking him out so he could steal clothes and money from his home.
The setting of this book is the 1890s in England. There are many things about this setting that are different than the present time. The author used lots details to describe the picture of the places in the story. I could see vivid images of all the places described in the story.
After Griffin discovers how to become invisible, he goes on many adventures. He has to escape from people as they figure out that he is invisible and run from the people he is stealing from. Read this book to find out if he can get away in time. Will he ever become normal again? Will Mr. Marvel ever get away from his evil grasp?
I liked the book The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. I would recommend this book to any fairly advanced reader. It was a little bit harder to understand than most books but overall had a good story line. This book taught me some new vocabulary and I think I learned a lot from reading this book!
163 pages
The author’s writing style was in old English. This made the book a little harder to understand and caused me to have to use footnotes. It does, however, help establish the time and setting the story took place. I haven’t read many books in this style and although it was challenging I felt it was a good, educational book to read.
The main character in this book is the invisible man, Griffin. The author paints a pretty negative picture of him throughout the book. During his stay at the Coach and Horses he was excessively rude to Mrs. Hall. He demands meals, stresses that he must be left alone, is discourteous to the clock repairman, and even goes as far as to make furniture come “alive with spirits” and attack Mr. and Mrs. Hall. He makes Mr. Thomas Marvel do everything he commands with the threat of killing him if he doesn’t. Griffin also steals from innocent people. He goes to the department store called “Emporium” and steals food, clothes, and sleeps there using bedding from the store. He also steals from citizens using force. He tied one man up in a bed sheet after knocking him out so he could steal clothes and money from his home.
The setting of this book is the 1890s in England. There are many things about this setting that are different than the present time. The author used lots details to describe the picture of the places in the story. I could see vivid images of all the places described in the story.
After Griffin discovers how to become invisible, he goes on many adventures. He has to escape from people as they figure out that he is invisible and run from the people he is stealing from. Read this book to find out if he can get away in time. Will he ever become normal again? Will Mr. Marvel ever get away from his evil grasp?
I liked the book The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. I would recommend this book to any fairly advanced reader. It was a little bit harder to understand than most books but overall had a good story line. This book taught me some new vocabulary and I think I learned a lot from reading this book!
163 pages
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Book Review- Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
“Just be yourself.” This is what Cammie’s mom tells her at the beginning of the new school year. Cammie is a spy and is used to blending in. Throughout this new school year, Cammie is supposed to try to be herself instead of what she is trained to do, be like everyone else. Ally Carter’s Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy fascinated me by explaining the life of a spy.
The main theme of this book is to be yourself. Being spies, the girls at the Gallagher Academy are specially trained to be “normal” and blend in with ordinary citizens. The main character Cammie, whose nickname is actually “the Chameleon,” struggles with this.
I love the way this author wrote the book. I enjoy the way she adds in thoughts of the characters and describes things so vividly. The main character Cammie is the narrator. This helps me understand the events going on around her and her feelings and thoughts about them.
All of the characters in this book are very unique and different. Cammie has three roommates: Bex, Liz, and Macy. Liz is extremely book smart. She loves to study and solve puzzles. Bex, who is also very smart, likes more real-world problems, perfect for being a spy. Macy is a fashion expert. She has tons of make-up and clothes.
This book takes place at the Gallagher Academy, an old mansion. Although it is old, the mansion has cool spy gadgets. The mansion is also home to many old passage ways ideal for sneaking around. I love imagining this school because I have never been anywhere like it.
At the beginning of this book, the Gallagher girls find out about an institution called Blackthorne. Blackthorne is also a school for young spies, but for boys! After the boys move in (and the girls freak out), everything seems to be weird. Lots of “Code Blacks,” or extreme lock downs start happening and no one can seem to find out why. Can the Gallagher girls find out what these boys are actually up to? Will there be any romance at this all girl’s school suddenly infested with boys?
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy was a wonderful book! I would recommend it to anyone. The life of a spy is mysterious and full of adventure. This book combines adventure, romance, and thrill all into one amazing story.
240pages
The main theme of this book is to be yourself. Being spies, the girls at the Gallagher Academy are specially trained to be “normal” and blend in with ordinary citizens. The main character Cammie, whose nickname is actually “the Chameleon,” struggles with this.
I love the way this author wrote the book. I enjoy the way she adds in thoughts of the characters and describes things so vividly. The main character Cammie is the narrator. This helps me understand the events going on around her and her feelings and thoughts about them.
All of the characters in this book are very unique and different. Cammie has three roommates: Bex, Liz, and Macy. Liz is extremely book smart. She loves to study and solve puzzles. Bex, who is also very smart, likes more real-world problems, perfect for being a spy. Macy is a fashion expert. She has tons of make-up and clothes.
This book takes place at the Gallagher Academy, an old mansion. Although it is old, the mansion has cool spy gadgets. The mansion is also home to many old passage ways ideal for sneaking around. I love imagining this school because I have never been anywhere like it.
At the beginning of this book, the Gallagher girls find out about an institution called Blackthorne. Blackthorne is also a school for young spies, but for boys! After the boys move in (and the girls freak out), everything seems to be weird. Lots of “Code Blacks,” or extreme lock downs start happening and no one can seem to find out why. Can the Gallagher girls find out what these boys are actually up to? Will there be any romance at this all girl’s school suddenly infested with boys?
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy was a wonderful book! I would recommend it to anyone. The life of a spy is mysterious and full of adventure. This book combines adventure, romance, and thrill all into one amazing story.
240pages
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Football Season :)
Football season is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is perfect because it is the beginning of fall and the air is just turning cooler. Everyone is getting into the regular school routine.
Cheerleading has just started. We have all been practicing really hard to get ready for the first game. All the posters have been put up in the halls and good luck cards have been passed out. Everyone is so nervous about winning the game. The main goal is to get the crowd cheering and pumped up about the game.
The football players have all been working so hard to win. Tons of practices and lots of sweat have gone into preparing for the season. The coaches have been strategizing and planning for the other team's competition.
Everyone in the crowd is wearing orange and black making the bleachers look like a sea of pioneer spirit. All the fans are really loud and energetic. They are what makes football season happen. Rooting for the boys even when they're losing, the fans are the number one supporters of the football team and all the other athletes.
Cheerleading has just started. We have all been practicing really hard to get ready for the first game. All the posters have been put up in the halls and good luck cards have been passed out. Everyone is so nervous about winning the game. The main goal is to get the crowd cheering and pumped up about the game.
The football players have all been working so hard to win. Tons of practices and lots of sweat have gone into preparing for the season. The coaches have been strategizing and planning for the other team's competition.
Everyone in the crowd is wearing orange and black making the bleachers look like a sea of pioneer spirit. All the fans are really loud and energetic. They are what makes football season happen. Rooting for the boys even when they're losing, the fans are the number one supporters of the football team and all the other athletes.
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