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.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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.
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