Brief Summary:
Molly, Britney, and Leland, especially, soak in the limelight of being featured on The Today Show and all the attention they are receiving publicly. However, Molly begins to feel some guilt for going about all of it without getting permission from or at least letting the O'Malley family know about it. Danny still doesn't feel too psyched about the mix up, but Jeannie, Maureen's mom, invites him to visit Maureen in the hospital. After Danny lets Jeannie know how people were saying they seemed ungrateful for Maury because they refused to talk to anyone and how people thought it was self-fish to just keep her to themselves, Jeannie calls up Henry, Maury's brother, to label him as "spokesperson" for the family. Henry begins a blog. But Molly, Britney, and Leland saw his new blog sort of like competition and renamed their blog "THESETWOGIRLS: Th original Bridget-and-Maureen Blog." In response, Henry titled his blog "The Official O'Malley Family Blog." After a few negative posts made by Leland, Henry calls her. During their conversation, Henry mentions how Maureen doesn't recognize her own father. The next morning, it was on the front page of the Star Telegram.
Jeannie and Bill, Maury's parents, also decide to pay the Flannerys a visit. Kitt, Bridget's mother, goes crazy on them for a second, but eventually Jeannie and Kitt begin to cry together. And soon, Kitt falls asleep in Jeannie's arms. Leland visits Maureen at the hospital and manages to get a picture with her cellphone, even though Maureen tried to block it with her hands. She sold it to a British magazine for a thousand dollars. She also goes around and says things like, "she talks in one word. 'Hi, Mom.' And she can't remember the easiest things, like the word for 'window,'" page 129. And when Molly tells her to shut up and get ready for practice because NBC is coming to film them, she replies, "ohmygod, I look like dung!" page 130. When Danny visits Maureen, he cries when the subject of losing Bridget comes up. And in her mind, Maureen begins to get angry thinking about all the things Bridget got to do with Danny. Before he leaves, Maureen asks that when he speaks at the service he mentions how much Maureen loves Bridget.
Unfortunately, it is not taken as planned. When Mr. Flannery comes over to him later during the service, he expects a handshake and thank you for getting up and speaking, but instead Mr. Flannery says, "How dare you bring up Maureen at my daughter's memorial!" page 140, and asks that he stay away for a while.
New Vocabulary:
• salvo-- [noun] a sudden vigorous or aggressive act or series of acts
• adamant-- [adj.] refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind
• cumbersome-- [adj.] large and heavy and difficult to carry or to use
Reflection:
Dear Diary,
I hat leave alone. Leave. Left. Cap. Hat. Hate. I hate being left alone. I happy to leave hospital. Was. I was happy. But I scared when about to leave. Hospital sack. No. Sake. Safe. Hospital safe. My progress more signing. Signify. Significant. My progress is more significant in hospital. Outside is scary. People star. Stare. People try to take pictures of me. I talk fun. Funny. People will late. Loud. Lane. Lag. Laugh. Only people like Mom, Dad, Pat, Henry, Molly, and Danny understand. Doctors think I am good. They think I'm ahead of the play. No, of the match. No. No. Ahead of the game. But what about at school? I get nervous. I might get gothic. No emo. Emotional. Mom says I dived, deepened, developed a flame, fire, temperature. Temper. Mom says I developed a temper. And when I get nervous, I cats tack. I kitten pin. I tiger needle. I cat tack. Ahh! No. Wrong. I cat tack. I can tan. I can't tank. I CAN'T TALK! Huh!
It's so frustrating! But, Danny no. Now. Knows. I like when Danny visits. He makes me happy. I don't get nervous around him. Maybe he reminds me of Bug. Bridge. San Francisco Bridge. Bug. Bridget. I don't understand it. But, I get sad. No, not sad. Bad, mad. Mad. Tad. Mad! I get mad when I think about Bridget. Maybe not mad. Jelly. Beans. Jelly. Jealous. Beans. Jealous. Was I always? Did I always vine, vineyard, wine, envy Bridget? Bridget did it with Danny. She told me. I remember that. She is going to marry Danny. Was. She was. My face feels hot. Bot. Bought. Buy. Tomorrow, I'll ask mummy, tummy, mommy, Mom. Tomorrow, I'll ask Mom to buy some bubbles. Scent. Fumes. Perfume. I'll ask Mom to buy me perfume. For Danny. Yes. For Danny.
Maureen.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
All We Know of Heaven, Jacquelyn Mitchard. Cycle 25 Reading Response, 74-112.
Brief Summary:
In the next two chapters, Chris Styles, a dental surgeon, comes to check on Bridget's teeth. The trouble is that the teeth of the girl lying on the hospital bed does not match that of the charts he has with him. The girl on the bed had braces and four teeth removed for them, but the chart that he has shows that the girl should have a chip on her lower left bicuspid. Lorelei, one of Bridget's nurses, exchanges a glance with Dr. Styles indicating that she already had a feeling that the girl on the bed was not Bridget Flannery.
Maureen, the true identity of the living girl, starts to have more thoughts about Danny: "she dreamed of Danny, sitting in the chair, his blond hair falling in a tangle over his forehead, his sleeves rolled up deliberately to reveal his powerful forearms. She dreamed of Danny kissing her every night and saying, 'that's my girl.' His smell, of some peppery shaving junk and the bubble gum he was never without. She felt her stomach lurch in her sleep," page 86.
On the upside, the O'Malleys will have the call of their life when social worker, Neely Cavendish, tells them that their little girl they believed to be dead was in fact alive. However, on the downside, Neely must also tell the Flannery family that their only girl, Bridget, was dead, and has been dead since a little before Christmas. They are devastated. Kitt Flannery is given a bit of sedative because of her reaction to the traumatizing news.
When the O'Malleys get their chance to visit Maureen, for the first time knowing that she is Maureen, they are undoubtedly grateful. Yet, sadly, Maureen doesn't seem to remember her twin brothers, her brother, Patrick, or her own father. On another sad note, Danny finds out that his beloved girlfriend of four years is dead through a broadcast on the radio. He is devastated, ignoring all phone calls, and avoiding his home because reporters are there to interview him. He spends the night at his older brother's and sleeps in until 4 in the afternoon.
The terrible mix-up had reached The Today Show; Leland, Molly, and Britney were interviewed by Matt Lauer about their reactions to the situation. From this interview, Maureen also finds out that Bridget, her best friend for years, is dead.
New Vocabulary:
• rectory-- [noun] a rector's home
• parish-- [noun] a small administrative district typically having its own church and priest
• Rh-- [noun] Rhodium
• unprecedented-- [adj.] never known or done before
• raucous-- [adj.] making harsh or loud noise
• perverse-- [adj.] showing deliberate desire to behave in unreasonable manner
• semi-- [noun] a semifinal
• inadvertent-- [adj.] not resulting from deliberate planning
• anguished-- [adj.] expressing severe pain or suffering
• borne-- [verb] past tense or 'bear'
• vigilance-- [noun] action or state of careful watch for possible difficulties or danger
• tendrils-- [noun] slender, threadlike appendage of climbing plant, often growing in spirals
Reflection: Relationship between book and class question: Who am I, and how does my language shape my identity.
The biggest problem that has just been identified in these last couple of chapters that I have read have been was that the girl they believed was alive, was, and has been, dead for months. This problem could have been solved earlier had Maureen been able to communicate to the people around her that she was not Bridget Flannery. In this case, language had a lot to do with her identity. She spent multiple months living as Bridget because she had no way of communicating to others that she was Maureen O'Malley.
Also, the accident had a great effect on the way she could communicate with others. Inside, everything was there for her, but it was a problem for her to get her thoughts across. When she was thinking 'Bridget,' what really came out was 'bug,' page 112. Though the accident would make walking, eating, and everything else physical, hard for her, it would also make everything mental hard too. Everything is there right at the tip of her tongue, it just takes a matter of time for her to actually find what she's looking for, what she's really trying to say; that is, before she forgets it or goes of on a tangent.
This is what is really going to change her. The way she communicates with others, her ability to communicate with others, this is going to change her. The O'Malley family will be undeniably happy just to have their daughter back, but as Dr. Park put it (at the time when the Flannery family believed Bridget was alive), "This is so wonderful. and you must be incredibly happy. This is just proof of everything we now about kids. They can turn around and surprise you. But, Mrs. Flannery, you can't expect her to be the girl she was before the accident. Not now. Maybe not ever. And certainily not all at once. It's a long, long road," page 65. The 'old Maureen' just might have died along with Bridget back at the accident, leaving a 'new Maureen' to emerge. People say this a lot, that they are leaving their "old" self behind and leading the rest of their life as their "new" self. Her loss of self during the accident left her with a wall keeping her from speaking and thinking in the way she did prior to the crash. This shaped her and will ultimately change her. She is still the same person; it's just her identity that has been (slightly) reshaped.
In the next two chapters, Chris Styles, a dental surgeon, comes to check on Bridget's teeth. The trouble is that the teeth of the girl lying on the hospital bed does not match that of the charts he has with him. The girl on the bed had braces and four teeth removed for them, but the chart that he has shows that the girl should have a chip on her lower left bicuspid. Lorelei, one of Bridget's nurses, exchanges a glance with Dr. Styles indicating that she already had a feeling that the girl on the bed was not Bridget Flannery.
Maureen, the true identity of the living girl, starts to have more thoughts about Danny: "she dreamed of Danny, sitting in the chair, his blond hair falling in a tangle over his forehead, his sleeves rolled up deliberately to reveal his powerful forearms. She dreamed of Danny kissing her every night and saying, 'that's my girl.' His smell, of some peppery shaving junk and the bubble gum he was never without. She felt her stomach lurch in her sleep," page 86.
On the upside, the O'Malleys will have the call of their life when social worker, Neely Cavendish, tells them that their little girl they believed to be dead was in fact alive. However, on the downside, Neely must also tell the Flannery family that their only girl, Bridget, was dead, and has been dead since a little before Christmas. They are devastated. Kitt Flannery is given a bit of sedative because of her reaction to the traumatizing news.
When the O'Malleys get their chance to visit Maureen, for the first time knowing that she is Maureen, they are undoubtedly grateful. Yet, sadly, Maureen doesn't seem to remember her twin brothers, her brother, Patrick, or her own father. On another sad note, Danny finds out that his beloved girlfriend of four years is dead through a broadcast on the radio. He is devastated, ignoring all phone calls, and avoiding his home because reporters are there to interview him. He spends the night at his older brother's and sleeps in until 4 in the afternoon.
The terrible mix-up had reached The Today Show; Leland, Molly, and Britney were interviewed by Matt Lauer about their reactions to the situation. From this interview, Maureen also finds out that Bridget, her best friend for years, is dead.
New Vocabulary:
• rectory-- [noun] a rector's home
• parish-- [noun] a small administrative district typically having its own church and priest
• Rh-- [noun] Rhodium
• unprecedented-- [adj.] never known or done before
• raucous-- [adj.] making harsh or loud noise
• perverse-- [adj.] showing deliberate desire to behave in unreasonable manner
• semi-- [noun] a semifinal
• inadvertent-- [adj.] not resulting from deliberate planning
• anguished-- [adj.] expressing severe pain or suffering
• borne-- [verb] past tense or 'bear'
• vigilance-- [noun] action or state of careful watch for possible difficulties or danger
• tendrils-- [noun] slender, threadlike appendage of climbing plant, often growing in spirals
Reflection: Relationship between book and class question: Who am I, and how does my language shape my identity.
The biggest problem that has just been identified in these last couple of chapters that I have read have been was that the girl they believed was alive, was, and has been, dead for months. This problem could have been solved earlier had Maureen been able to communicate to the people around her that she was not Bridget Flannery. In this case, language had a lot to do with her identity. She spent multiple months living as Bridget because she had no way of communicating to others that she was Maureen O'Malley.
Also, the accident had a great effect on the way she could communicate with others. Inside, everything was there for her, but it was a problem for her to get her thoughts across. When she was thinking 'Bridget,' what really came out was 'bug,' page 112. Though the accident would make walking, eating, and everything else physical, hard for her, it would also make everything mental hard too. Everything is there right at the tip of her tongue, it just takes a matter of time for her to actually find what she's looking for, what she's really trying to say; that is, before she forgets it or goes of on a tangent.
This is what is really going to change her. The way she communicates with others, her ability to communicate with others, this is going to change her. The O'Malley family will be undeniably happy just to have their daughter back, but as Dr. Park put it (at the time when the Flannery family believed Bridget was alive), "This is so wonderful. and you must be incredibly happy. This is just proof of everything we now about kids. They can turn around and surprise you. But, Mrs. Flannery, you can't expect her to be the girl she was before the accident. Not now. Maybe not ever. And certainily not all at once. It's a long, long road," page 65. The 'old Maureen' just might have died along with Bridget back at the accident, leaving a 'new Maureen' to emerge. People say this a lot, that they are leaving their "old" self behind and leading the rest of their life as their "new" self. Her loss of self during the accident left her with a wall keeping her from speaking and thinking in the way she did prior to the crash. This shaped her and will ultimately change her. She is still the same person; it's just her identity that has been (slightly) reshaped.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
All We Know of Heaven, Jacquelyn Mitchard. Cycle 24 Reading Response, 56-73.
Brief Summary:
In the next two chapters, a new teammate on the cheerleading squad is introduced: Molly. Molly is described to be "the dream girl"-- the girl with a great body and great personality. She always expected perfection when it came to the squad, regardless of the fact that she wasn't even the captain. Bridget was always on the sloppy side, but Molly loved her anyway for her enthusiasm and her determination to become better. For that, she sincerely misses having Bridget around. However when asked, she replies that she does not miss Bridget more than Maureen. Molly also has "dreams" that Maureen is alive.
Danny, though a committed boyfriend, admits that it was getting, "hard to see past the ugliness and the smell," 60. However, he still stuck by her side. He had only been attending about half of his classes, going in for just his tests. Coach O'Malley had been covering the cost of gas, sometimes, so Danny could make the hour long trip to visit Bridget. That's how close Bridget and Maureen were-- Maureen's dad would pay for Bridget's boyfriend to visit Bridget. And, just as Danny began to feel like giving up on Bridget, she opened her eyes.
She was trying to say something, but she couldn't get it out. Danny got right next to her side and began to say things like, "Bridge, it's been two months. I can't eat. I can't sleep. If you don't wake up now... Please," 62, and "Think of Maury. Fight harder for Maury. You have to fight!" 62. "Mo-ruh," 63, she said. Danny, so excited, began to shout that she had called for her mother, but that's not what she was trying to say.
Bridget was moved to the rehabilitation area. Danny truly believes that he was the reason behind her awakening. Why else would she wake up on our fourth anniversary, February 23? he thought to himself. Though this was a supposedly glorious time, the social workers seemed sad. Even Kitt Flannery, Bridget's mother, couldn't help but ask God to take her if she would lead a life different. The costs in the hospital were also adding up, and they haven't been able to work much; the Flannery family may need to sell their house.
New Vocabulary:
• hard-nose-- [adj.] realistic and determined; tough-minded
• commons-- [noun] piece of open land for public use
• ream-- [verb] criticize or rebuke someone
• toning-- [noun] use of tuning forks in specific ways to stimulate brain
• berth-- [noun] situation or position in an organization or event
• quarry-- [noun] a typically large, deep pit/ place where stones or other materials have been extracted
• perturb-- [verb] make (someone) anxious or unsettled
• chafe-- [verb] make sore by rubbing against it
• swizzle-- [verb] stir (a drink) with a swizzle stick
• scads-- [plural noun] large number or quantity
• SIDS-- [noun] sudden infant death syndrome
Reflection:
There are many implications throughout the novel, All We Know of Heaven, that the identities of the two young girls have been mistaken--that it is Maureen who is really alive, not Bridget.
"Yeah. Bridget was always a crazy driver. But Maureen?" page 58. (Leland)
This statement made by Leland also implies that the girl in the hospital bed is indeed Maureen and not Bridget. Bridget was the crazy driver, and Bridget is the one they would expect to have an accident--not Maureen. And, earlier in the story, it had been mentioned that Bridget decided to make the long drive to the meet, not Maureen, though they drove there in Maureen's car. So, Bridget still may be the "crazy driver."
"No. But it feels like if Bridge wakes up, we'll have a part of Maury back, too. I have weird dreams that Maureen is alive," page 57. (Molly)
This reply made by Molly, after being asked if she missed Bridget more than Maureen, foreshadows and further implies the fact that Maureen is alive; not Bridget. In writing, every word should have a purpose, and I think that the purpose of this comment is to have the reader thinking and questioning whether there is a twist in this tragic and somewhat depressing tale.
Danny was not the type to brag; but he was sure it was he, not the lady with the little bells and pipes, who brought Bridget around, page 64.
Bridget, or the girl they believe is Bridget, opened her eyes on February 23. This was no ordinary day to Danny, though; February 23 is their fourth anniversary. Danny believes that he was the motivation behind "Bridget" waking up, and I agree, though I don't believe this girl is Bridget. I think that Maureen woke up for Danny. Earlier in the story, the girl lying on the hospital bed had several thoughts about Danny. And later in the story, it was revealed that Danny and Maureen shared one special night together that made Danny question his feelings for Bridget. With the amount of time that the three of them spent together, it wouldn't be hard to imagine Maureen asking herself if she was developing feelings for Danny, if the relationship they shared wasn't just a friendship, but in fact more.
In the next two chapters, a new teammate on the cheerleading squad is introduced: Molly. Molly is described to be "the dream girl"-- the girl with a great body and great personality. She always expected perfection when it came to the squad, regardless of the fact that she wasn't even the captain. Bridget was always on the sloppy side, but Molly loved her anyway for her enthusiasm and her determination to become better. For that, she sincerely misses having Bridget around. However when asked, she replies that she does not miss Bridget more than Maureen. Molly also has "dreams" that Maureen is alive.
Danny, though a committed boyfriend, admits that it was getting, "hard to see past the ugliness and the smell," 60. However, he still stuck by her side. He had only been attending about half of his classes, going in for just his tests. Coach O'Malley had been covering the cost of gas, sometimes, so Danny could make the hour long trip to visit Bridget. That's how close Bridget and Maureen were-- Maureen's dad would pay for Bridget's boyfriend to visit Bridget. And, just as Danny began to feel like giving up on Bridget, she opened her eyes.
She was trying to say something, but she couldn't get it out. Danny got right next to her side and began to say things like, "Bridge, it's been two months. I can't eat. I can't sleep. If you don't wake up now... Please," 62, and "Think of Maury. Fight harder for Maury. You have to fight!" 62. "Mo-ruh," 63, she said. Danny, so excited, began to shout that she had called for her mother, but that's not what she was trying to say.
Bridget was moved to the rehabilitation area. Danny truly believes that he was the reason behind her awakening. Why else would she wake up on our fourth anniversary, February 23? he thought to himself. Though this was a supposedly glorious time, the social workers seemed sad. Even Kitt Flannery, Bridget's mother, couldn't help but ask God to take her if she would lead a life different. The costs in the hospital were also adding up, and they haven't been able to work much; the Flannery family may need to sell their house.
New Vocabulary:
• hard-nose-- [adj.] realistic and determined; tough-minded
• commons-- [noun] piece of open land for public use
• ream-- [verb] criticize or rebuke someone
• toning-- [noun] use of tuning forks in specific ways to stimulate brain
• berth-- [noun] situation or position in an organization or event
• quarry-- [noun] a typically large, deep pit/ place where stones or other materials have been extracted
• perturb-- [verb] make (someone) anxious or unsettled
• chafe-- [verb] make sore by rubbing against it
• swizzle-- [verb] stir (a drink) with a swizzle stick
• scads-- [plural noun] large number or quantity
• SIDS-- [noun] sudden infant death syndrome
Reflection:
There are many implications throughout the novel, All We Know of Heaven, that the identities of the two young girls have been mistaken--that it is Maureen who is really alive, not Bridget.
"Yeah. Bridget was always a crazy driver. But Maureen?" page 58. (Leland)
This statement made by Leland also implies that the girl in the hospital bed is indeed Maureen and not Bridget. Bridget was the crazy driver, and Bridget is the one they would expect to have an accident--not Maureen. And, earlier in the story, it had been mentioned that Bridget decided to make the long drive to the meet, not Maureen, though they drove there in Maureen's car. So, Bridget still may be the "crazy driver."
"No. But it feels like if Bridge wakes up, we'll have a part of Maury back, too. I have weird dreams that Maureen is alive," page 57. (Molly)
This reply made by Molly, after being asked if she missed Bridget more than Maureen, foreshadows and further implies the fact that Maureen is alive; not Bridget. In writing, every word should have a purpose, and I think that the purpose of this comment is to have the reader thinking and questioning whether there is a twist in this tragic and somewhat depressing tale.
Danny was not the type to brag; but he was sure it was he, not the lady with the little bells and pipes, who brought Bridget around, page 64.
Bridget, or the girl they believe is Bridget, opened her eyes on February 23. This was no ordinary day to Danny, though; February 23 is their fourth anniversary. Danny believes that he was the motivation behind "Bridget" waking up, and I agree, though I don't believe this girl is Bridget. I think that Maureen woke up for Danny. Earlier in the story, the girl lying on the hospital bed had several thoughts about Danny. And later in the story, it was revealed that Danny and Maureen shared one special night together that made Danny question his feelings for Bridget. With the amount of time that the three of them spent together, it wouldn't be hard to imagine Maureen asking herself if she was developing feelings for Danny, if the relationship they shared wasn't just a friendship, but in fact more.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
All We Know of Heaven, Jacquelyn Mitchard. Cycle 23 Reading Response, 40-55.
Brief Summary:
In this chapter, Danny is constantly visiting Bridget. Also, Maureen's funeral is held. During the ceremony, Danny thinks about his relationship with Maureen. He remembers this one time that he went over to Maureen's house when they both had nothing to do and Bridget was off at camp. Maureen asked if he would play his guitar for her, but he insisted that he would only do so if she sang along with him. After some pleading, Maureen agreed. So in the moment, he said to her, "Do you take lessons? Because that was beautiful. You should," 47. Then, he leaned over and kissed her. Soon both their shirts were off, and Maureen was crying. It took him hours to settle her down. Then he had to mentally slap himself for thinking about these things in church.
Bridget also isn't doing to well at the hospital. She has been in a coma for more than four days already, and the doctors believe that if she is in this any longer, she will become a "veggie". On page 52, it is stated that "Maybe the O'Malleys were luckier than they realized." Bridget may end up going to a "special" school.
The chapter closes with Danny reminiscing about Maureen again: how he will never hear her beautiful voice ever again and how she always had a big grin for him. As he put it, "He would never see it again," 54.
New Vocabulary:
• pew-- [noun] a long bench with a back placed in rows in main part of some churches to seat congregations
• (out of one's) gourd-- [noun] out of one's mind; crazy
• downer-- [noun] a depressant or tranquilizing drug
• repose-- [noun] temporary rest from activity, especially sleep or rest given by sleep
• blithe-- [adj.] showing a casual and cheefrul indifference considered callous or improper
• brogue-- [noun] a marked accent, especially Irish
• fedora-- [noun] a low, soft felt hat with curled brim and crown creased lengthwise
Reflection:
Dear Diary,
How is it that today in church, of all places, I was thinking about that one night with Maureen... while Bridget is in a coma in the hospital? Why? Maureen was always just, just, a friend to me, and Bridget. She was Bridget's best friend. How could I do this?
I mean, her voice--Maureen's voice--was just so beautiful. Any guy would have done the same thing. She was beautiful...
But so is Bridget. And even though Bridget would hate to see herself so beat up right now, and even though she's in a coma, she's still alive. She's still fighting. Everyone knows deep down inside that she's fighting for me. I have to be there 100% for Bridget.
But, Maureen, my Maury, she's dead. I'll never hear her sing again. I'll never see her face there smiling a big, huge grin for me. I can't stand to even look at her body there, white and dead. I can't do it. Bridget and Maureen were best friends, but I was her friend too. I was her friend too. Never more than that. Never can be more than that...
Danny.
In this chapter, Danny is constantly visiting Bridget. Also, Maureen's funeral is held. During the ceremony, Danny thinks about his relationship with Maureen. He remembers this one time that he went over to Maureen's house when they both had nothing to do and Bridget was off at camp. Maureen asked if he would play his guitar for her, but he insisted that he would only do so if she sang along with him. After some pleading, Maureen agreed. So in the moment, he said to her, "Do you take lessons? Because that was beautiful. You should," 47. Then, he leaned over and kissed her. Soon both their shirts were off, and Maureen was crying. It took him hours to settle her down. Then he had to mentally slap himself for thinking about these things in church.
Bridget also isn't doing to well at the hospital. She has been in a coma for more than four days already, and the doctors believe that if she is in this any longer, she will become a "veggie". On page 52, it is stated that "Maybe the O'Malleys were luckier than they realized." Bridget may end up going to a "special" school.
The chapter closes with Danny reminiscing about Maureen again: how he will never hear her beautiful voice ever again and how she always had a big grin for him. As he put it, "He would never see it again," 54.
New Vocabulary:
• pew-- [noun] a long bench with a back placed in rows in main part of some churches to seat congregations
• (out of one's) gourd-- [noun] out of one's mind; crazy
• downer-- [noun] a depressant or tranquilizing drug
• repose-- [noun] temporary rest from activity, especially sleep or rest given by sleep
• blithe-- [adj.] showing a casual and cheefrul indifference considered callous or improper
• brogue-- [noun] a marked accent, especially Irish
• fedora-- [noun] a low, soft felt hat with curled brim and crown creased lengthwise
Reflection:
Dear Diary,
How is it that today in church, of all places, I was thinking about that one night with Maureen... while Bridget is in a coma in the hospital? Why? Maureen was always just, just, a friend to me, and Bridget. She was Bridget's best friend. How could I do this?
I mean, her voice--Maureen's voice--was just so beautiful. Any guy would have done the same thing. She was beautiful...
But so is Bridget. And even though Bridget would hate to see herself so beat up right now, and even though she's in a coma, she's still alive. She's still fighting. Everyone knows deep down inside that she's fighting for me. I have to be there 100% for Bridget.
But, Maureen, my Maury, she's dead. I'll never hear her sing again. I'll never see her face there smiling a big, huge grin for me. I can't stand to even look at her body there, white and dead. I can't do it. Bridget and Maureen were best friends, but I was her friend too. I was her friend too. Never more than that. Never can be more than that...
Danny.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
All We Know of Heaven, Jacquelyn Mitchard. Cycle 22 Reading Response, 1-39.
Brief Summary:
In the first four chapters of All We Know of Heaven, the two main characters--Bridget Flannery and Maureen O'Malley--are introduced. Bridget is described as privileged, always getting what she sought after. Maureen is described as being somewhat of Bridget's shadow--a follower-- that was not as fortunate, money-wise, as Bridget. They are both blond, just above 5 feet, green-eyed, and cheerleaders. They are on their way to a state competition in Maureen's car, but it's Bridget who drives. They do not make it.
Almost everyone who is on the sight of the the Toyata, beyond recognition, wrapped around the tree, knew the O'Malley family, the Flannery family, or both; Bigelow is a small town. It is thought that Bridget was thrown some 30 feet from the car, and Maureen was still in the car, so squished the 'Jaws' had to remove her.
Some of their teammates from the squad pass by and find their belongings scattered. Leland shows some concern, but it seems that she is more concerned with missing the competition rather than her ailing 'friends'. Eric, her boyfriend, shows more concern for the girls than she does, even a little shocked by her icy heart.
Throughout the chapters, little inserts of either Maureen's or Bridget's thoughts are scattered. She has to walk herself through almost every sentence she's trying to form: Pee. Pie. Please. Tree. See. Seats. Store--but she never ends up remembering the word she needs. She believes she is dead, but questions where exactly she is: a purgatory? heaven? She doesn't know.
At the end of the fourth chapter, she comes to the realization that she is, indeed, alive and starts to feel the excruciating pain.
New Vocabulary:
• purgatory-- [noun] place or state of suffering inhabited by souls of sinners expiating sins before going to heaven
• frugal-- [adj.] sparing or economical with regard to money or food
• cappella-- [noun] vocal music or singing
• revere-- [verb] feel deep respect or admiration for something
• sacrilege-- [noun] violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred
• sodden-- [adj.] saturated with liquid, esp. water; soaked through
• thready-- [adj.] scarcely audible, perceptible
• pentobarbital-- [noun] narcotic, sedative barbiturate drug used to relieve insomnia
• trundle-- [verb] move slowly and heavily, typically in noisy or uneven way
Reflection: 2 Questions
Whose perspective is the story written from?
While reading these four chapters, I was often confused because the viewpoints always seemed to change. Sometimes it seemed like the writing was just in the perspective of the author, Jacquelyn Mitchard, but other times, it seemed like someone else was having their chance to share--though it was never clear. The author doesn't fully commit to one character, which makes a complicated plot even harder to follow. I found myself having to reread and reread the pages over and over to understand what was going on. That hindered the flow of the story.
The chapters seem to be written by someone who had been a witness of the "Pigtail Pals" and "Dyno Mites" pair, the site of the accident, and an observer at the hospital. The first chapter appears to be written by a towns person--someone who is familiar with the O'Malley and Flannery family and with the inseparable friendship of Bridget and Maureen. "They loved being seen as a pair," 6. Then, on the same page, the author writes, "Maury couldn't imagine how she would live without Bridget." This feels like the author is just writing from her own standpoint rather than an actual character in the story--a lot of telling.
The telling adds to the confusion because instead of having the characters express their thoughts, the author addresses them for them. "Caitlin wondered if Leland wanted to win for Leland because it would be in the newspaper if the squad went on to victory in spite of tragedy," 31, rather than having Caitlin take over for one chapter and saying, "I wondered..." This way, it is obvious who is sharing the story.
So, it appears the writing is just from the point of view of the author, but then, "Please God, bless Coach O'Malley and Mrs. O'Malley," 34. It wasn't italicized or anything, so it showed no transition between perspectives. But, it had to be Amber, the RN at the hospital, because that is who was previously introduced. "Amber smiled softly, as she pulled on a fresh pair of gloves," 34. Just when I think I finally figured it out, the author tosses in a conflicting perspective that throws me off again.
Whose thoughts are interpreted throughout the chapters (by the author)--Maureen's or Bridget's?
Though there is no exact reference as to who the thoughts belong to, I think that they belong to Bridget. "There were no streets of gold or a cappella singing, no elderly ancestors like little apple dolls gathered to welcome her, no mountain sunsets--not even Disney World without lines," 3. The O'Malley family struggled with money, so bringing up something such as Disney World and mountain sunsets--that I assume she would have seen on vacation--seem a bit unreasonable. This gives me reason to believe the thoughts belong to Bridget Flannery.
Throughout the thoughts, Danny is mentioned several times: "Maybe what she'd done with Danny had disqualified her," 4. "How could she remember Danny's name but not, half the time, her own name?" 5. "Danny made them little birdhuts," 24. The frequent mentioning of Danny leads me to believe the thoughts belong to Bridget because Danny was Bridget's boyfriend.
In the first chapter, it was stated that Bridget was thrown some 30 feet from the car in the accident. While in one of the thoughts, the girl hears speaking: "It's amazing that they weren't worse fractures. People who get thrown from a car, it's the worst thing! They usually die." This also implies that the thoughts belong to Bridget.
However, the one thing that gives me reason to question if the thoughts really belong to Bridget is that there is a strong emphasis on the undeniable--almost twin-like--resemblance between Maureen and Bridget. So, though it was stated Bridget was thrown from the car, they were so battered and beyond recognition that they could have easily mistaken their identities, especially since they took Maureen's car, but Maureen wasn't driving.
Danny could have came up so often because a boyfriend is something that Maureen never had, and secretly, she envied Bridget--her best, best friend, the one she 'couldn't live without'--for having one.
In the first four chapters of All We Know of Heaven, the two main characters--Bridget Flannery and Maureen O'Malley--are introduced. Bridget is described as privileged, always getting what she sought after. Maureen is described as being somewhat of Bridget's shadow--a follower-- that was not as fortunate, money-wise, as Bridget. They are both blond, just above 5 feet, green-eyed, and cheerleaders. They are on their way to a state competition in Maureen's car, but it's Bridget who drives. They do not make it.
Almost everyone who is on the sight of the the Toyata, beyond recognition, wrapped around the tree, knew the O'Malley family, the Flannery family, or both; Bigelow is a small town. It is thought that Bridget was thrown some 30 feet from the car, and Maureen was still in the car, so squished the 'Jaws' had to remove her.
Some of their teammates from the squad pass by and find their belongings scattered. Leland shows some concern, but it seems that she is more concerned with missing the competition rather than her ailing 'friends'. Eric, her boyfriend, shows more concern for the girls than she does, even a little shocked by her icy heart.
Throughout the chapters, little inserts of either Maureen's or Bridget's thoughts are scattered. She has to walk herself through almost every sentence she's trying to form: Pee. Pie. Please. Tree. See. Seats. Store--but she never ends up remembering the word she needs. She believes she is dead, but questions where exactly she is: a purgatory? heaven? She doesn't know.
At the end of the fourth chapter, she comes to the realization that she is, indeed, alive and starts to feel the excruciating pain.
New Vocabulary:
• purgatory-- [noun] place or state of suffering inhabited by souls of sinners expiating sins before going to heaven
• frugal-- [adj.] sparing or economical with regard to money or food
• cappella-- [noun] vocal music or singing
• revere-- [verb] feel deep respect or admiration for something
• sacrilege-- [noun] violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred
• sodden-- [adj.] saturated with liquid, esp. water; soaked through
• thready-- [adj.] scarcely audible, perceptible
• pentobarbital-- [noun] narcotic, sedative barbiturate drug used to relieve insomnia
• trundle-- [verb] move slowly and heavily, typically in noisy or uneven way
Reflection: 2 Questions
Whose perspective is the story written from?
While reading these four chapters, I was often confused because the viewpoints always seemed to change. Sometimes it seemed like the writing was just in the perspective of the author, Jacquelyn Mitchard, but other times, it seemed like someone else was having their chance to share--though it was never clear. The author doesn't fully commit to one character, which makes a complicated plot even harder to follow. I found myself having to reread and reread the pages over and over to understand what was going on. That hindered the flow of the story.
The chapters seem to be written by someone who had been a witness of the "Pigtail Pals" and "Dyno Mites" pair, the site of the accident, and an observer at the hospital. The first chapter appears to be written by a towns person--someone who is familiar with the O'Malley and Flannery family and with the inseparable friendship of Bridget and Maureen. "They loved being seen as a pair," 6. Then, on the same page, the author writes, "Maury couldn't imagine how she would live without Bridget." This feels like the author is just writing from her own standpoint rather than an actual character in the story--a lot of telling.
The telling adds to the confusion because instead of having the characters express their thoughts, the author addresses them for them. "Caitlin wondered if Leland wanted to win for Leland because it would be in the newspaper if the squad went on to victory in spite of tragedy," 31, rather than having Caitlin take over for one chapter and saying, "I wondered..." This way, it is obvious who is sharing the story.
So, it appears the writing is just from the point of view of the author, but then, "Please God, bless Coach O'Malley and Mrs. O'Malley," 34. It wasn't italicized or anything, so it showed no transition between perspectives. But, it had to be Amber, the RN at the hospital, because that is who was previously introduced. "Amber smiled softly, as she pulled on a fresh pair of gloves," 34. Just when I think I finally figured it out, the author tosses in a conflicting perspective that throws me off again.
Whose thoughts are interpreted throughout the chapters (by the author)--Maureen's or Bridget's?
Though there is no exact reference as to who the thoughts belong to, I think that they belong to Bridget. "There were no streets of gold or a cappella singing, no elderly ancestors like little apple dolls gathered to welcome her, no mountain sunsets--not even Disney World without lines," 3. The O'Malley family struggled with money, so bringing up something such as Disney World and mountain sunsets--that I assume she would have seen on vacation--seem a bit unreasonable. This gives me reason to believe the thoughts belong to Bridget Flannery.
Throughout the thoughts, Danny is mentioned several times: "Maybe what she'd done with Danny had disqualified her," 4. "How could she remember Danny's name but not, half the time, her own name?" 5. "Danny made them little birdhuts," 24. The frequent mentioning of Danny leads me to believe the thoughts belong to Bridget because Danny was Bridget's boyfriend.
In the first chapter, it was stated that Bridget was thrown some 30 feet from the car in the accident. While in one of the thoughts, the girl hears speaking: "It's amazing that they weren't worse fractures. People who get thrown from a car, it's the worst thing! They usually die." This also implies that the thoughts belong to Bridget.
However, the one thing that gives me reason to question if the thoughts really belong to Bridget is that there is a strong emphasis on the undeniable--almost twin-like--resemblance between Maureen and Bridget. So, though it was stated Bridget was thrown from the car, they were so battered and beyond recognition that they could have easily mistaken their identities, especially since they took Maureen's car, but Maureen wasn't driving.
Danny could have came up so often because a boyfriend is something that Maureen never had, and secretly, she envied Bridget--her best, best friend, the one she 'couldn't live without'--for having one.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Cycle 21, Reading Response #5, 118-207.
Brief Summary:
In the last four chapters of the book A Walk to Remember, the reader watches Landon grow up and finally confess his feelings for Jamie. After the last showing of the play, Eric, Landon's best friend, comes up to him and says, "The two of you did good. I'm proud of you, buddy," 118. He also came to the mature decision that, "the right thing to do wasn't so bad after all," 118. Landon even begins to acknowledge the guilt he feels for his past actions. "Sometimes when you remember the things you used to do, it makes you wince, and that's exactly what I did," 122. To make up for this, he agrees to go around town to pick up cans and jars the passer-bys would fill with donations for the orphanage Christmas gifts. Landon counted the donations; he was disheartened when they totaled to just $55.73. However, when he brought the money over to Jamie's house for her to count, the total came out to be $247. Landon slipped by without seeking acknowledgement. On Christmas Eve, when Landon and Jamie delivered the presents, Jamie presented Landon with her mother's Bible. Landon was so touched by her generosity that tears streamed down his cheeks. "Being in love with a girl like Jamie Sullivan was without a doubt the strangest thing I'd ever been through," 144. Landon finally admits to being in love with Jamie. In the process of growing up, Landon asks for Hegbert's permission to bring Jamie out on a date to Flauvin's, an upscale restaurant in Beaufort. While on the date, Jamie suddenly seems to care what others think about her, asking questions like, "do people think I'm strange?" and "do you think I'm strange?" Then Landon tells Jamie, "I love you." Jamie cries; Landon promised he wouldn't. This is when Jamie tells Landon that she is dying. But, the fear of her death makes Landon feel uncomfortable. Landon decides to read the Bible. Landon's mother cries, Landon cries, and even Eric and Margaret cry. In a conversation Jamie and Landon have, Landon says, " 'And when I asked you to the homecoming dance, you made me promise that I wouldn't fall in love, but you knew that I was going to, didn't you?' She had a mischievous gleam in her eye. 'Yes.' " Then, Landon asks Jamie to marry him.
New Vocabulary:
• volition-- [noun] the faculty or power of using one's will
• dejectedly-- [adj.] sad and depressed; dispirited
• subsidies-- [noun] sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive
• listless-- [adj.] (of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm
• get a word in edgewise-- [adv./adj.] contribute to a conversation with difficulty because the other speaker talks almost without a pause
• sheaf-- [noun] bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping
• anguish-- [noun] severe mental or physical pain or suffering
• stifle-- [verb] suffocate or restrain a reaction, stop oneself acting on an emotion
• nor'easter-- [noun] a wind blowing from the northeast
• valiant-- [adj.] possessing or showing courage or determination
• sapped-- [verb] gradually weaken or destroy a person's strength or power
Reflection:
If there is a movie associated with the book, examine both the film and text versions of the story. What's similar? What's different, and what are the rationales behind what the director chooses to show or not include in the film version. Also, a film is the director's version and creative interpretation of a story: what artistic choices were made, and how do they "color" or alter the story?
The story line of the book remains pretty much the same throughout the movie--a terminal 17 year-old girl and a rebellious boy who fall in love. However, the difference between the book and the movie is the reality of the situations; the movie depicts more realistic situations and circumstances. Some changes are minor and others are rather significant, but the purpose it serves is for its audience to connect and be able to fantasize in a more realistic way--to take a story that a reader could easily cringe at for being corny and turning it into a desirable story that someone could actually see happening. For example, the reasoning behind Landon becoming a part in the play is not that he voluntarily joins because he thinks it will be an easy "A" but rather a punishment for bullying another student--the mean, popular crowd is a group that you hear about all the time, and most likely have dealt with personally or through a friend. Another example is Jamie's personality. In the movie, Jamie is sweet and innocent, and Landon was sent to her by God in her time of need. It made Jamie an easily likable character. However, in the book, Jamie always seems to question Landon and provoke a guilty emotion in him; she seems to try to make him feel guilty. And then, in the end of the book, she tells Landon that this was her plan all along. It feels calculated and almost manipulative; it erases a lot of the innocence away from Jamie. Another example is with the ending words of the movie. I saw the movie and loved it, which is why I chose this book to read, and when I heard that last line of the movie, you would expect it to be in the book, but it's not. In the movie, Landon says, "Jamie--her love is like the wind; I can't see it, but I can feel it." But, the book's ending felt overly predictable, as if I didn't have to read the ending at all to know what happened because I knew the words that would be written already. The line of the movie had closure, and I preferred it over the ending of the book.
They always say that the actual book is better than the movie, but in this case, I disagree. I feel like the director of the film made wise decisions by interpreting the book with a realistic eye because it enhanced the fictional story of Nicholas Sparks and made them into something that could really happen.
In the last four chapters of the book A Walk to Remember, the reader watches Landon grow up and finally confess his feelings for Jamie. After the last showing of the play, Eric, Landon's best friend, comes up to him and says, "The two of you did good. I'm proud of you, buddy," 118. He also came to the mature decision that, "the right thing to do wasn't so bad after all," 118. Landon even begins to acknowledge the guilt he feels for his past actions. "Sometimes when you remember the things you used to do, it makes you wince, and that's exactly what I did," 122. To make up for this, he agrees to go around town to pick up cans and jars the passer-bys would fill with donations for the orphanage Christmas gifts. Landon counted the donations; he was disheartened when they totaled to just $55.73. However, when he brought the money over to Jamie's house for her to count, the total came out to be $247. Landon slipped by without seeking acknowledgement. On Christmas Eve, when Landon and Jamie delivered the presents, Jamie presented Landon with her mother's Bible. Landon was so touched by her generosity that tears streamed down his cheeks. "Being in love with a girl like Jamie Sullivan was without a doubt the strangest thing I'd ever been through," 144. Landon finally admits to being in love with Jamie. In the process of growing up, Landon asks for Hegbert's permission to bring Jamie out on a date to Flauvin's, an upscale restaurant in Beaufort. While on the date, Jamie suddenly seems to care what others think about her, asking questions like, "do people think I'm strange?" and "do you think I'm strange?" Then Landon tells Jamie, "I love you." Jamie cries; Landon promised he wouldn't. This is when Jamie tells Landon that she is dying. But, the fear of her death makes Landon feel uncomfortable. Landon decides to read the Bible. Landon's mother cries, Landon cries, and even Eric and Margaret cry. In a conversation Jamie and Landon have, Landon says, " 'And when I asked you to the homecoming dance, you made me promise that I wouldn't fall in love, but you knew that I was going to, didn't you?' She had a mischievous gleam in her eye. 'Yes.' " Then, Landon asks Jamie to marry him.
New Vocabulary:
• volition-- [noun] the faculty or power of using one's will
• dejectedly-- [adj.] sad and depressed; dispirited
• subsidies-- [noun] sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive
• listless-- [adj.] (of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm
• get a word in edgewise-- [adv./adj.] contribute to a conversation with difficulty because the other speaker talks almost without a pause
• sheaf-- [noun] bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping
• anguish-- [noun] severe mental or physical pain or suffering
• stifle-- [verb] suffocate or restrain a reaction, stop oneself acting on an emotion
• nor'easter-- [noun] a wind blowing from the northeast
• valiant-- [adj.] possessing or showing courage or determination
• sapped-- [verb] gradually weaken or destroy a person's strength or power
Reflection:
If there is a movie associated with the book, examine both the film and text versions of the story. What's similar? What's different, and what are the rationales behind what the director chooses to show or not include in the film version. Also, a film is the director's version and creative interpretation of a story: what artistic choices were made, and how do they "color" or alter the story?
The story line of the book remains pretty much the same throughout the movie--a terminal 17 year-old girl and a rebellious boy who fall in love. However, the difference between the book and the movie is the reality of the situations; the movie depicts more realistic situations and circumstances. Some changes are minor and others are rather significant, but the purpose it serves is for its audience to connect and be able to fantasize in a more realistic way--to take a story that a reader could easily cringe at for being corny and turning it into a desirable story that someone could actually see happening. For example, the reasoning behind Landon becoming a part in the play is not that he voluntarily joins because he thinks it will be an easy "A" but rather a punishment for bullying another student--the mean, popular crowd is a group that you hear about all the time, and most likely have dealt with personally or through a friend. Another example is Jamie's personality. In the movie, Jamie is sweet and innocent, and Landon was sent to her by God in her time of need. It made Jamie an easily likable character. However, in the book, Jamie always seems to question Landon and provoke a guilty emotion in him; she seems to try to make him feel guilty. And then, in the end of the book, she tells Landon that this was her plan all along. It feels calculated and almost manipulative; it erases a lot of the innocence away from Jamie. Another example is with the ending words of the movie. I saw the movie and loved it, which is why I chose this book to read, and when I heard that last line of the movie, you would expect it to be in the book, but it's not. In the movie, Landon says, "Jamie--her love is like the wind; I can't see it, but I can feel it." But, the book's ending felt overly predictable, as if I didn't have to read the ending at all to know what happened because I knew the words that would be written already. The line of the movie had closure, and I preferred it over the ending of the book.
They always say that the actual book is better than the movie, but in this case, I disagree. I feel like the director of the film made wise decisions by interpreting the book with a realistic eye because it enhanced the fictional story of Nicholas Sparks and made them into something that could really happen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Cycle 20 Reading Response #4, 93-117.
Brief Summary:
In chapters 7 and 8, Jamie asks Landon to walk her home one day, even though she really doesn't need someone to. Landon agrees because, "Jamie's house was on the way to [his], and it wasn't that [he] liked her or anything," 94. Landon also proves to be quite shallow at times. When Ms. Garber announces the addition of seats in the auditorium to accommodate the particularly large crowd, the class "oohs and aahs." To that, Landon writes, "Remember, we have guys like Eddie in this class," 95. When he thinks about how he is walking Jamie home, he thinks, "I could practically imagine the angels in heaven, standing around and staring wistfully down at me with little tears filling the corners of their eyes, talking about how wonderful I was for all my sacrifices," 95. Then, Jamie asks him of the graveyard.
Jamie also reveals that she has no intentions of going to college, which Landon finds strange because she always spoke of Mount Sermon. He shows a bit of a lightness in heart when he says, "Despite the oddness of some of her answers, she seemed practically normal," 99. He feels even closer when he finds a link between himself and Jamie; they are both missing parents. At this time, Landon expresses true sincerity when he talks to her. When Jamie brings up the topic of her father, Hegbert, and how she thinks Landon would get along so well with him, she seems to be hiding some sort of secret. It was as if, "she knew some secret that she was keeping from me," 101.
When they near Jamie's home, Landon asks why she always carries around that Bible of hers. The Bible belonged to her mother, and it makes her feel closer to her. Just as Landon begins to feel better about it, Eric and Margaret drive by. Landon is completely embarrassed and ashamed to be caught walking Jamie home. "See what happens when you're a nice guy?" 104. When Landon goes to school the next day, he feels resentment towards her, especially with the rumors spreading around school, like that they are engaged.
Landon loses his cool after rehearsal one day, with the build up of mixed emotions towards Jamie. He yells at Jamie, spewing at her hurtful words. "I don't want to walk you home, I don't want my friends to keep talking about me, and I don't want to spend time with you. You keep acting like we're friends, but we're not. We're not anything. I just want the whole thing to be over so I can go back to my normal life," 107. Then, coldly, he states, "To tell the truth, it felt kind of good." But, being Jamie, she still shows her appreciation, saying, "Thank you for walking me home, Landon," 108. This is when Landon has a slight turnaround. "Even when I was mean to her face, she could find some reason to thank me. I actually hated her for it. Or rather, I think, I hated myself," 108.
Landon feels very guilty, and apologizes to her in public, even grabbing hold of her hand when she fails to smile in his presence. Eric talks to Landon before the play and when Landon shares that he has no intentions of ruining it, Eric says, "I guess you're finally growing up, Landon," 115. Then, when Jamie sets foot on stage, hair down (out of her usual bun), in a flowing white dress, with just a touch of make-up, looking like an angel, Landon couldn't help but mean it when he said, "You're beautiful," 115.
Vocabulary:
• welsh--[verb] fail to honor
• Lindbergh baby--[noun] Chas A. Lindbergh, kidnapped (later murdered) in 1932, son of aviator Charles Lindbergh
• suffice to say it--[verb] used to indicate that one is saying enough to make one's meaning clear while holding some reasons of discretion
• lethargic--[adj.] sluggish, apathetic
• trepidation--[noun] a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
• hightail--[verb] move or travel fast
• stoically--[adverb] enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining
• exempt--[adj.] free from an obligation or liability imposed on others
Response:
Provide a brief context for the quote and analyze it, detail by detail. What can you infer and why?
page 98:
"I'll bet you're excited about going off to college next year," I said, changing the subject.
It took her a moment to answer.
"I don't think I'm going to go," she said matter-of-factly. Her answer caught me off guard. Jamie had some of the highest grades in out senior class, and depending on how the last semester went, she might even end up valedictorian...
"What about Mount Sermon? I though that's where you were planning to go. You'd love a place like that," I offered.
She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye.
It is surprising to Landon that Jamie would have no intentions of attending college because of her high grades and her strong beliefs, morals, having the "being the child everyone wants" perfection. So, being that this is so out of the ordinary, there must be a significant reason behind it. Her peculiar interest in the graveyard also ties into this hidden mystery. From this, I can infer that somehow Jamie's life will be cut short, which would account for her graveyard concern, and not thinking she will go to college, or not thinking she will live to go to college. Being that she knows of her time left, it must be something that could be foreseen, such as a disease or cancer. Her "matter-of-fact" response shows that she has known for some time of her illness.
This passage also shows the growing interest Landon has in Jamie. If it were true that Landon had zero interest in Jamie whatsoever, he would not voluntarily walk Jamie home everyday after rehearsal, and he wouldn't have known for sure where it was that Jamie aspired to go, or that she would have liked that place. But, he said it in a manner that expressed care and attention for her. This would explain her reaction to his comment: a twinkle in her eye. Jamie also recognized this. From this short passage, I can also infer that Landon really does have (hidden) feelings for Jamie.
page 107-108:
"Don't you get it?" I said, exasperated. "I'm not nervous about the play, I just don't want to be here. I don't want to walk you home, I don't want my friends to keep talking about me, and I don't want to spend time with you. You keep acting like we're friends, but we're not. We're not anything. I just want the whole thing to be over so I can go back to my normal life."
It was the first time I'd raised my voice to her. To tell the truth, it felt kind of good.
She looked hurt by my outburst, and to be honest, I couldn't blame her.
"Thank you for walking me home, Landon," she called out.
I winced as soon as she said it. Even when I was mean to her face and said the most spiteful things, she could find some reason to thank me. She was just that kind of girl, and I think I actually hated her for it.
If you just glance at this excerpt, you would get the impression that Landon does not like, possibly even hates, Jamie. He's saying things that he knows will hurt her, but I can infer that he doesn't really mean it. What I believe he is trying to do is convince himself that he doesn't like her. He is trying to intentionally hurt her to push and give her reason to stay away. The reason he states that it felt good to hurt Jamie so badly was that he felt like he had persuaded himself, and proved, that he really didn't like Jamie. He couldn't blame Jamie for looking hurt because he knew how hurtful he had been. He recognized the hurt because deep down he felt bad.
He winced at Jamie's thanks because she was giving him another reason to like her. Landon didn't really hate Jamie because she would find a reason to give thanks even when a person was cruel, he hated her because she just kept becoming more admirable.
In chapters 7 and 8, Jamie asks Landon to walk her home one day, even though she really doesn't need someone to. Landon agrees because, "Jamie's house was on the way to [his], and it wasn't that [he] liked her or anything," 94. Landon also proves to be quite shallow at times. When Ms. Garber announces the addition of seats in the auditorium to accommodate the particularly large crowd, the class "oohs and aahs." To that, Landon writes, "Remember, we have guys like Eddie in this class," 95. When he thinks about how he is walking Jamie home, he thinks, "I could practically imagine the angels in heaven, standing around and staring wistfully down at me with little tears filling the corners of their eyes, talking about how wonderful I was for all my sacrifices," 95. Then, Jamie asks him of the graveyard.
Jamie also reveals that she has no intentions of going to college, which Landon finds strange because she always spoke of Mount Sermon. He shows a bit of a lightness in heart when he says, "Despite the oddness of some of her answers, she seemed practically normal," 99. He feels even closer when he finds a link between himself and Jamie; they are both missing parents. At this time, Landon expresses true sincerity when he talks to her. When Jamie brings up the topic of her father, Hegbert, and how she thinks Landon would get along so well with him, she seems to be hiding some sort of secret. It was as if, "she knew some secret that she was keeping from me," 101.
When they near Jamie's home, Landon asks why she always carries around that Bible of hers. The Bible belonged to her mother, and it makes her feel closer to her. Just as Landon begins to feel better about it, Eric and Margaret drive by. Landon is completely embarrassed and ashamed to be caught walking Jamie home. "See what happens when you're a nice guy?" 104. When Landon goes to school the next day, he feels resentment towards her, especially with the rumors spreading around school, like that they are engaged.
Landon loses his cool after rehearsal one day, with the build up of mixed emotions towards Jamie. He yells at Jamie, spewing at her hurtful words. "I don't want to walk you home, I don't want my friends to keep talking about me, and I don't want to spend time with you. You keep acting like we're friends, but we're not. We're not anything. I just want the whole thing to be over so I can go back to my normal life," 107. Then, coldly, he states, "To tell the truth, it felt kind of good." But, being Jamie, she still shows her appreciation, saying, "Thank you for walking me home, Landon," 108. This is when Landon has a slight turnaround. "Even when I was mean to her face, she could find some reason to thank me. I actually hated her for it. Or rather, I think, I hated myself," 108.
Landon feels very guilty, and apologizes to her in public, even grabbing hold of her hand when she fails to smile in his presence. Eric talks to Landon before the play and when Landon shares that he has no intentions of ruining it, Eric says, "I guess you're finally growing up, Landon," 115. Then, when Jamie sets foot on stage, hair down (out of her usual bun), in a flowing white dress, with just a touch of make-up, looking like an angel, Landon couldn't help but mean it when he said, "You're beautiful," 115.
Vocabulary:
• welsh--[verb] fail to honor
• Lindbergh baby--[noun] Chas A. Lindbergh, kidnapped (later murdered) in 1932, son of aviator Charles Lindbergh
• suffice to say it--[verb] used to indicate that one is saying enough to make one's meaning clear while holding some reasons of discretion
• lethargic--[adj.] sluggish, apathetic
• trepidation--[noun] a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
• hightail--[verb] move or travel fast
• stoically--[adverb] enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining
• exempt--[adj.] free from an obligation or liability imposed on others
Response:
Provide a brief context for the quote and analyze it, detail by detail. What can you infer and why?
page 98:
"I'll bet you're excited about going off to college next year," I said, changing the subject.
It took her a moment to answer.
"I don't think I'm going to go," she said matter-of-factly. Her answer caught me off guard. Jamie had some of the highest grades in out senior class, and depending on how the last semester went, she might even end up valedictorian...
"What about Mount Sermon? I though that's where you were planning to go. You'd love a place like that," I offered.
She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye.
It is surprising to Landon that Jamie would have no intentions of attending college because of her high grades and her strong beliefs, morals, having the "being the child everyone wants" perfection. So, being that this is so out of the ordinary, there must be a significant reason behind it. Her peculiar interest in the graveyard also ties into this hidden mystery. From this, I can infer that somehow Jamie's life will be cut short, which would account for her graveyard concern, and not thinking she will go to college, or not thinking she will live to go to college. Being that she knows of her time left, it must be something that could be foreseen, such as a disease or cancer. Her "matter-of-fact" response shows that she has known for some time of her illness.
This passage also shows the growing interest Landon has in Jamie. If it were true that Landon had zero interest in Jamie whatsoever, he would not voluntarily walk Jamie home everyday after rehearsal, and he wouldn't have known for sure where it was that Jamie aspired to go, or that she would have liked that place. But, he said it in a manner that expressed care and attention for her. This would explain her reaction to his comment: a twinkle in her eye. Jamie also recognized this. From this short passage, I can also infer that Landon really does have (hidden) feelings for Jamie.
page 107-108:
"Don't you get it?" I said, exasperated. "I'm not nervous about the play, I just don't want to be here. I don't want to walk you home, I don't want my friends to keep talking about me, and I don't want to spend time with you. You keep acting like we're friends, but we're not. We're not anything. I just want the whole thing to be over so I can go back to my normal life."
It was the first time I'd raised my voice to her. To tell the truth, it felt kind of good.
She looked hurt by my outburst, and to be honest, I couldn't blame her.
"Thank you for walking me home, Landon," she called out.
I winced as soon as she said it. Even when I was mean to her face and said the most spiteful things, she could find some reason to thank me. She was just that kind of girl, and I think I actually hated her for it.
If you just glance at this excerpt, you would get the impression that Landon does not like, possibly even hates, Jamie. He's saying things that he knows will hurt her, but I can infer that he doesn't really mean it. What I believe he is trying to do is convince himself that he doesn't like her. He is trying to intentionally hurt her to push and give her reason to stay away. The reason he states that it felt good to hurt Jamie so badly was that he felt like he had persuaded himself, and proved, that he really didn't like Jamie. He couldn't blame Jamie for looking hurt because he knew how hurtful he had been. He recognized the hurt because deep down he felt bad.
He winced at Jamie's thanks because she was giving him another reason to like her. Landon didn't really hate Jamie because she would find a reason to give thanks even when a person was cruel, he hated her because she just kept becoming more admirable.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Cycle 19 Reading Response #3, 39-92.
Brief Summary:
In chapters 3 to 6, Landon must meet with Hegbert half an hour before the Homecoming Dance begins to have a small talk. Landon assumed it would be about resisting temptation and fornicators, but what Hegbert really wanted to know was if Landon was pulling some kind of joke or prank by asking Jamie to the dance. Jamie wore a blue skirt and white blouse--upscale for her, but a bit undressed for the dance--and wore her hair in a bun, as usual. Jamie surprised Landon by being a fairly good dancer, and they danced for a few songs before Lew and Angela showed up, both of which have been drinking. Landon admits to still have feelings for Angela and is caught staring at her by Lew. Lew approaches Landon, about to make a scene, but then Jamie, oblivious to what's about to happen, asks sweetly, "Don't I know you?" Because Jamie helps Lew's grandmother with her groveries, Lew decides to walk away from a fight, leaving Landon to feel obliged to actually listen to Jamie as they sat at the table. On a trip to the restroom, Jamie finds Angela vomiting everywhere and Lew nowhere in sight. Not wanting Angela to be suspended, or even expelled, for drinking, Jamie decides to get on all fous and clean the bathroom; Landon does the same. When Landon drops Jamie off, she replies, "I had a good time tonight. Thank you for taking me to the dance," regardless of teh fact that she was covered in puke. The next night, at the graveyard, Landon is accused of likeing Jamie, and he denies.
The next day, Jamie calls Landon asking if he could come over to talk. Despite of everything Jamie had done for Landon the night of the dance, Landon gives cold and minimal responses. Eventually, after some persistence, Landon agrees to come over. Jamie asks that Landon play the elad rold in the play, Tom Thorton. After Jamie sheds a few tears and when Landon realizes how much it means to her that the play is the best possible that year, he agrees. One night, while Landon and his friends are out at Cecil's Diner, Jamie stops over for a chat. She reveals to all of Landon's friends that it was Landon who volunteered to play the lead rold and that Landon could stop by again if he wanted to rehearse lines. To "stick it to Landon," Eric suggests that they rehearse for hte orphanage. Ms. Garber and Jamie thinks it's a marvelous idea.
In a small conversation that Landon and Jamie have on the way to the orphanage, Jamie reveals that the one things she would like is to get married, and that's all. Mr. Jenkins doesn't think the play would be a good idea, and Jamie is saddened because she wanted to do something special this Christmas that the children would remember forever. Landon is shocked by the playroom for the children--the lack of toys and the state of the area. "The sparseness of the room made the whole thing depressing," 92.
Vocabulary:
• trepidation--[noun] a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
• frenzy--[noun] a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior
• passive--[adj.] accepting or allowing what happens or what others do
• highbrow--[adj.] scholarly or rarefied in taste
• penance--[noun] voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong
• pandemonium--[noun] wild and noisy disorder of confusion; uproar
• conspiracy--[noun] a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful
• julep--[noun] a sweet flavored drink made from a sugar syrup, sometimes containing alcohol or medication
• inquisitive--[adj.] curious or inquiring
Response: 2 Questions
Does Landon truly oppose Jamie, or is he just trying to hide his feelings--ashamed?
I think that deep, deep down, Landon likes Jamie.
Eric asked me about my "date" with Jamie Sullivan.
"It was okay," I said, shrugging, doing my best to play it cool.
Landon tries his best to "play it cool" when he responds to Eric's question. For me, this signals that he is trying to hide the fact that he likes her. I think that Landon likes Jamie--really likes her--but I don't know that he realizes how much the time he spends with her is impacting him. I think that he is unsure of if he likes her and why he would ever like someone like her. Jamie is so different than Angela: Jamie is genuine, Jamie is kind, Jamie is conservative, Jamie is has subtle beauty--natural beauty, and Jamie is intellectual; she seems to have her whole life ahead of her. I think that Landon is also ashamed of liking Jamie and afraid of how his friends would react to his unexpected interest. I think that sometimes when you don't want to like a person, you try your hardest to prove to yourself that you don't that person, and it's easy to find every little thing about that person that is unattractive and repulsive. I think that this is what Landon is doing.
"If I liked her at all, I told myself, I would have wanted to talk to her. If I liked her, I would have offered to walk her home. If I liked her, I would have wanted to bring her to Cecil's Diner for a basket of hushpuppies and some RC cola. But I didn't want to do any of those things. I really didn't. In my mind, I'd already served my penance," 57.
Though he may not realize it yet, Landon is doing things he probably would have not done before he met her. He is playing the lead role in the biggest play of the year in Beaufort. He is cleaning puke off of a bathroom floor. And, he is visiting the neighborhood orphanage. I don't think that Jamie is changing Landon, I think Jamie is helping Landon find himself, let his true self shine through his layers of anger--anger for not having a real father. Jamie sees beneath his rebellious facade.
"I think you should become a minister. I think you're good with people, and they'd respect what you have to say," 85, Jamie said to Landon.
What is so important about this year's Christmas for the orphanage and this year's play for Jamie?
There have been many references to the importance of this year, but there really is no reason as to why it is so important.
"I've been praying about it, Landon. I'd really like this play to be special this year, not for me, but because of my father. I want it to be the best production ever. If people made fun of his memory of my mother while I'm playing the part...well, that would break my heart...I know that challenges are always part of the Lord's plan, but I don't want to believe that the Lord is curl, especially to someone like my father. He devotes his life to God, he gives to the community. And he's already lost his wife and has had to raise me on is own. And I love him so much it...," 65.
"How about you? What do you want to do in the future?" Landon asked.
" I want to get married, and when I do, I want my father to walk me down the aisle and I want everyone I know to be there. I want the church bursting with people."
"That's all?"
"Yes, that's all I want," 86.
"I just wanted to do something different for them this year. Something special that they would remember forever. I thought for sure this was it..." She sighed. " The Lord seems to have a plan that I just don't know about yet," 89.
I think that this year could be important because it is Jamie's last year in high school, possibly the last year with her father before she's off to college somewhere. But, the way everything is said and the amount of urgency that Jamie hints at seems much more significant that just her Senior year. It's as if there is something bigger going on. One possibility is that Jamie's father, Hegbert, may be growing weak, and his life is in the process of being cut short. This could be why it's so important that this year's play is the best it has ever been, because Hegbert wrote it. But, it would not explain why the orphanage's children is so much more important to Jamie this year than the past years. So, another possibility is that it is Jamie who may be dying. This could be why Jamie is reaching out to Landon, why the orphanage is so important, and why the play means so much to her.
In chapters 3 to 6, Landon must meet with Hegbert half an hour before the Homecoming Dance begins to have a small talk. Landon assumed it would be about resisting temptation and fornicators, but what Hegbert really wanted to know was if Landon was pulling some kind of joke or prank by asking Jamie to the dance. Jamie wore a blue skirt and white blouse--upscale for her, but a bit undressed for the dance--and wore her hair in a bun, as usual. Jamie surprised Landon by being a fairly good dancer, and they danced for a few songs before Lew and Angela showed up, both of which have been drinking. Landon admits to still have feelings for Angela and is caught staring at her by Lew. Lew approaches Landon, about to make a scene, but then Jamie, oblivious to what's about to happen, asks sweetly, "Don't I know you?" Because Jamie helps Lew's grandmother with her groveries, Lew decides to walk away from a fight, leaving Landon to feel obliged to actually listen to Jamie as they sat at the table. On a trip to the restroom, Jamie finds Angela vomiting everywhere and Lew nowhere in sight. Not wanting Angela to be suspended, or even expelled, for drinking, Jamie decides to get on all fous and clean the bathroom; Landon does the same. When Landon drops Jamie off, she replies, "I had a good time tonight. Thank you for taking me to the dance," regardless of teh fact that she was covered in puke. The next night, at the graveyard, Landon is accused of likeing Jamie, and he denies.
The next day, Jamie calls Landon asking if he could come over to talk. Despite of everything Jamie had done for Landon the night of the dance, Landon gives cold and minimal responses. Eventually, after some persistence, Landon agrees to come over. Jamie asks that Landon play the elad rold in the play, Tom Thorton. After Jamie sheds a few tears and when Landon realizes how much it means to her that the play is the best possible that year, he agrees. One night, while Landon and his friends are out at Cecil's Diner, Jamie stops over for a chat. She reveals to all of Landon's friends that it was Landon who volunteered to play the lead rold and that Landon could stop by again if he wanted to rehearse lines. To "stick it to Landon," Eric suggests that they rehearse for hte orphanage. Ms. Garber and Jamie thinks it's a marvelous idea.
In a small conversation that Landon and Jamie have on the way to the orphanage, Jamie reveals that the one things she would like is to get married, and that's all. Mr. Jenkins doesn't think the play would be a good idea, and Jamie is saddened because she wanted to do something special this Christmas that the children would remember forever. Landon is shocked by the playroom for the children--the lack of toys and the state of the area. "The sparseness of the room made the whole thing depressing," 92.
Vocabulary:
• trepidation--[noun] a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
• frenzy--[noun] a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior
• passive--[adj.] accepting or allowing what happens or what others do
• highbrow--[adj.] scholarly or rarefied in taste
• penance--[noun] voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong
• pandemonium--[noun] wild and noisy disorder of confusion; uproar
• conspiracy--[noun] a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful
• julep--[noun] a sweet flavored drink made from a sugar syrup, sometimes containing alcohol or medication
• inquisitive--[adj.] curious or inquiring
Response: 2 Questions
Does Landon truly oppose Jamie, or is he just trying to hide his feelings--ashamed?
I think that deep, deep down, Landon likes Jamie.
Eric asked me about my "date" with Jamie Sullivan.
"It was okay," I said, shrugging, doing my best to play it cool.
Landon tries his best to "play it cool" when he responds to Eric's question. For me, this signals that he is trying to hide the fact that he likes her. I think that Landon likes Jamie--really likes her--but I don't know that he realizes how much the time he spends with her is impacting him. I think that he is unsure of if he likes her and why he would ever like someone like her. Jamie is so different than Angela: Jamie is genuine, Jamie is kind, Jamie is conservative, Jamie is has subtle beauty--natural beauty, and Jamie is intellectual; she seems to have her whole life ahead of her. I think that Landon is also ashamed of liking Jamie and afraid of how his friends would react to his unexpected interest. I think that sometimes when you don't want to like a person, you try your hardest to prove to yourself that you don't that person, and it's easy to find every little thing about that person that is unattractive and repulsive. I think that this is what Landon is doing.
"If I liked her at all, I told myself, I would have wanted to talk to her. If I liked her, I would have offered to walk her home. If I liked her, I would have wanted to bring her to Cecil's Diner for a basket of hushpuppies and some RC cola. But I didn't want to do any of those things. I really didn't. In my mind, I'd already served my penance," 57.
Though he may not realize it yet, Landon is doing things he probably would have not done before he met her. He is playing the lead role in the biggest play of the year in Beaufort. He is cleaning puke off of a bathroom floor. And, he is visiting the neighborhood orphanage. I don't think that Jamie is changing Landon, I think Jamie is helping Landon find himself, let his true self shine through his layers of anger--anger for not having a real father. Jamie sees beneath his rebellious facade.
"I think you should become a minister. I think you're good with people, and they'd respect what you have to say," 85, Jamie said to Landon.
What is so important about this year's Christmas for the orphanage and this year's play for Jamie?
There have been many references to the importance of this year, but there really is no reason as to why it is so important.
"I've been praying about it, Landon. I'd really like this play to be special this year, not for me, but because of my father. I want it to be the best production ever. If people made fun of his memory of my mother while I'm playing the part...well, that would break my heart...I know that challenges are always part of the Lord's plan, but I don't want to believe that the Lord is curl, especially to someone like my father. He devotes his life to God, he gives to the community. And he's already lost his wife and has had to raise me on is own. And I love him so much it...," 65.
"How about you? What do you want to do in the future?" Landon asked.
" I want to get married, and when I do, I want my father to walk me down the aisle and I want everyone I know to be there. I want the church bursting with people."
"That's all?"
"Yes, that's all I want," 86.
"I just wanted to do something different for them this year. Something special that they would remember forever. I thought for sure this was it..." She sighed. " The Lord seems to have a plan that I just don't know about yet," 89.
I think that this year could be important because it is Jamie's last year in high school, possibly the last year with her father before she's off to college somewhere. But, the way everything is said and the amount of urgency that Jamie hints at seems much more significant that just her Senior year. It's as if there is something bigger going on. One possibility is that Jamie's father, Hegbert, may be growing weak, and his life is in the process of being cut short. This could be why it's so important that this year's play is the best it has ever been, because Hegbert wrote it. But, it would not explain why the orphanage's children is so much more important to Jamie this year than the past years. So, another possibility is that it is Jamie who may be dying. This could be why Jamie is reaching out to Landon, why the orphanage is so important, and why the play means so much to her.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Cycle 18 Reading Response #2, 23-38
Brief Summary:
In chapter 2, Landon's father deeply encourages Landon to run for class president, and when he resists, it is revealed that "father's word is law." While he tries to think of things that would even qualify him to be President, he just realizes how much he wasn't able to do. When he signs up the next day and sees his competition, he feels like there's no way he could lose because he was pretty much going against "losers." However, just to ensure his victory, he has his best friend, Eric Hunter, the most popular boy in his high school, to get the jocks of school to vote for him. and though he may have done all the "Why you should vote for me" signs and fliers, there was no doubt that he won the popularity vote.
His first even on the student council was homecoming dance. At his school, a date for the council was mandatory, so he needed to find one. Unfortunately, everyone he asks seems to already have a date. He ends up having to flip through the yearbook to find a date. The only person he paused on was Jamie Sullivan, but for the rest of the night, he punishes himself for even thinking of asking her. But as the night goes on, he realizes that she's the only somewhat decent person left. After realizing what a kind person Jamie is, he lets himself believe that Carey, treasurer and also dateless, has plans to ask Jamie also. He works himself up so much that after school the next day, he sprints to her house. When he reaches her door, he is dripping and dripping in sweat.
She ends up saying yes, but on one condition: Landon has to promise not to fall in love with her. He takes it as her own sense of humor, and he, himself, finds some amusement in it too, but somehow it appears she meant it.
New Vocabulary:
• (up to) snuff- meeting the required standard
• despondent- [adj.] in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
• ludicrous- [adj.] so foolish, unreasonable, out of place as to be funny; ridiculous
Reflection:
Dear Diary,
I can't believe I really did it; I can't believe I ran for class president. Why is my father's word always law? I swear my mom almost looked smug during dinner as my dad forced me to run. Well, the only upside was that Eric, Eric Hunter-- my best friend, is the most popular guy in school, and he got all the jocks to vote for me. I pretty much had it in the bag, to be honest. I mean, I'm going up against John Foreman, the "goodie-goodie" who we, Eric and I, used to spit spitballs at, and Maggie Brown, who will pretty much lose because she's not very attractive; just this summer, she put on 20 pounds. I put up all those "Vote for me because..." signs and fliers, but in reality, I won the popularity vote.
Now my real dilemma: homecoming dance; I don't have a date. I mean, I could go with Angela Clark, my ex-girlfriend, but she's probably going to go with Lew, who was 20 by the way, and a real winner, if you know what I mean. So, she's probably out of the question, keeping in mind that she broke up with me in the first place. I tried calling a few other girls, but they all had dates already. What was worst was that the only person I know who was dateless was Carey Dennison, the most annoying kid in school, maybe even in the world. In this time of desperation, I turned to the yearbook. The only person I could really consider was Jamie Sullivan. But that, that was really pushing it. In the end, though, she's my best bet. god, I can't believe I'm actually considering Jamie, the minister's daughter! What is happening to me?
Seriously, this cannot be happening to me.
-- Landon
In chapter 2, Landon's father deeply encourages Landon to run for class president, and when he resists, it is revealed that "father's word is law." While he tries to think of things that would even qualify him to be President, he just realizes how much he wasn't able to do. When he signs up the next day and sees his competition, he feels like there's no way he could lose because he was pretty much going against "losers." However, just to ensure his victory, he has his best friend, Eric Hunter, the most popular boy in his high school, to get the jocks of school to vote for him. and though he may have done all the "Why you should vote for me" signs and fliers, there was no doubt that he won the popularity vote.
His first even on the student council was homecoming dance. At his school, a date for the council was mandatory, so he needed to find one. Unfortunately, everyone he asks seems to already have a date. He ends up having to flip through the yearbook to find a date. The only person he paused on was Jamie Sullivan, but for the rest of the night, he punishes himself for even thinking of asking her. But as the night goes on, he realizes that she's the only somewhat decent person left. After realizing what a kind person Jamie is, he lets himself believe that Carey, treasurer and also dateless, has plans to ask Jamie also. He works himself up so much that after school the next day, he sprints to her house. When he reaches her door, he is dripping and dripping in sweat.
She ends up saying yes, but on one condition: Landon has to promise not to fall in love with her. He takes it as her own sense of humor, and he, himself, finds some amusement in it too, but somehow it appears she meant it.
New Vocabulary:
• (up to) snuff- meeting the required standard
• despondent- [adj.] in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
• ludicrous- [adj.] so foolish, unreasonable, out of place as to be funny; ridiculous
Reflection:
Dear Diary,
I can't believe I really did it; I can't believe I ran for class president. Why is my father's word always law? I swear my mom almost looked smug during dinner as my dad forced me to run. Well, the only upside was that Eric, Eric Hunter-- my best friend, is the most popular guy in school, and he got all the jocks to vote for me. I pretty much had it in the bag, to be honest. I mean, I'm going up against John Foreman, the "goodie-goodie" who we, Eric and I, used to spit spitballs at, and Maggie Brown, who will pretty much lose because she's not very attractive; just this summer, she put on 20 pounds. I put up all those "Vote for me because..." signs and fliers, but in reality, I won the popularity vote.
Now my real dilemma: homecoming dance; I don't have a date. I mean, I could go with Angela Clark, my ex-girlfriend, but she's probably going to go with Lew, who was 20 by the way, and a real winner, if you know what I mean. So, she's probably out of the question, keeping in mind that she broke up with me in the first place. I tried calling a few other girls, but they all had dates already. What was worst was that the only person I know who was dateless was Carey Dennison, the most annoying kid in school, maybe even in the world. In this time of desperation, I turned to the yearbook. The only person I could really consider was Jamie Sullivan. But that, that was really pushing it. In the end, though, she's my best bet. god, I can't believe I'm actually considering Jamie, the minister's daughter! What is happening to me?
Seriously, this cannot be happening to me.
-- Landon
Friday, February 20, 2009
A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Cycle 17 Reading Response #1, (xi, xii, xiii) 1-22
Brief Summary:
The book, A Walk to Remember, began with a short prologue in the eyes of Landon Carter vaguely "warning" the reader of the touching and heartbreaking story that he was about to tell. This story took place forty years ago, when he was 17 years old, and the event that took place changed his life forever. With the help of a very smooth and clever transition, he takes you back to the year 1958 in Beaufort, North Carolina. Beaufort is a small town, hardly recognized on the map, and had eighteen churches within the town's limits. He introduces Hegbert Sullivan, minister of the Southern Baptist Church. Hegbert Sullivan had his first child, Jamie Sullivan, at the age of 55. His wife died during childbirth, after having six prior miscarriages. Hegbert turns his traumatic story into a heart-wrenching play, put on by the church, called The Christmas Angel. The play was a huge success and had to be moved to the Beaufort Playhouse. Hegbert decided that he wanted seniors of the town's high school to act out the roles in the play because he believes it will "save the young ones from temptation." That year, Jamie Sullivan played the angel. Landon signs up for a part in the play because he thinks it will be an easy class and a time for him to catch up on his sleep. Landon's grandfather is the man who made the family fortune by swindling many in around the time of the depression. Hegbert gets into ministry after working for his grandfather and witnessing his power-abuse. Jamie was a bit of an outcast; she did not care of her outer appearance, but rather inner-beauty. She carried her Bible everywhere and spent her breaks reading passages. The adults of Beaufort would always verbally hope that the world would have more people like her, but for the teens, one Jamie Sullivan was enough. On that first day of drama class, as Landon takes a look across, he notices that Jamie has grown up into a fairly attractive girl, and she stopped and smiled at him, happy to see him in her class. The first chapter closes with, "it wasn't until later that I would learn the reason why."
New Vocabulary:
• sinewy-- [adj.] sturdy, strong
• denomination-- [noun] group or branch of any religion
• heathen-- [noun] atheist, non-believer
• bigwig-- [noun] important person
• infiltrate-- [verb] surreptitiously and gradually enter to gain access to
• prohibition-- [noun] prevention by law of the manufacture and sale of alcohol (in U.S. between 1920 and 1933)
• retribution-- [noun] morally right and fully deserved punishment
• shrewd-- [adj.] astute
• bootlegger-- [noun] person who makes, distributes, or sells illegally
• digress-- [verb] leave main subject temporarily
• bona fide-- [adj.] genuine, real
Reflection:
Question: How has the author framed or structured this particular section of the book?
Nicholas Sparks is writing this novel in, so far, the eyes of Landon Carter. He begins with Landon at the age of 57 years old. With a very smooth transition, a flashback takes him to where the whole life-changing experience happened, just about forty years ago.
"I close my eyes and the years begin to move in reverse, slowly ticking backward, like the hands of a clock rotating in the wrong direction. As if through someone else's eyes, I watch myself grow younger; I see my hair changing from gray to brown, I feel the wrinkles around my eyes begin to smooth, my arms and legs grow sinewy. Lessons I've learned with age grow dimmer, and my innocence returns as that eventful year approaches. Then, like me, the world begins to change: roads narrow and some become gravel, suburban sprawl has been replaced with farmland, downtown streets teem with people, looking in windows as the pass Sweeney's bakery and Palka's meat shop. Men wear hats, women wear dresses. At the courthouse up the street, the bell tower rings.... I open my eyes and pause. I am standing outside the Baptist church, and when I stare at the gable, I know exactly who I am. My name is Landon Carter, and I' m seventeen years old. This is my story; I promise to leave nothing out. First you will smile, and then you will cry--don't say you haven't been warned" (page xiii).
In this short passage from the book, this author makes use of semi-colons, colons, lists, dashes, and creates wonderful images with his detail. The last sentence intrigues me, as the reader, and makes me want to continue reading; I would like to know just how well he executes this story in such a manner that would make me physically smile or tear-up.
I really like the way he chose to organize his story--beginning with Landon looking back at his life and then shifting into the actual time when the moment took place where he can show the story versus telling the story.
He also introduces characters necessary in his story and their background by going off onto tangents. But he recovers well onto the story-path by using transition lines like "but, anyways," or "but, back to the story." In the first chapter, Nicholas Sparks is really just setting the tone and putting forth enough information so that the rest will flow in the story, but also flow in the minds of the readers (in understanding everything given). For example, in a really teary spot, he won't have to pause or break to explain who Hegbert is, or how Landon's family is so well-off.
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