The Ashleys

Srishti G.

12/9/10

Pages: Book Finished

The Ashleys

By: Melissa De la Cruz

                 I wonder what happens next in the series  and also want to think about how the author writes. I predict that Lauren becomes one of the Ashleys because the title happens to be Jealous and many times in The Ashleys, the author writes about Lili (nickname for one of the Ashleys) fells jealous when Ashley, the main Ashley, acts nicely with Lauren. I also wonder what happens between Ashley and A.A (one of the Ashleys). I wonder this because A.A thinks Tri wanted to be her boyfriend but instead he ended up with the main Ashley and also A.A and Tri used to be best friend. I wonder if Tri confesses to being laxjock (A.A online boyfriend) but with all the twist the author has in her book maybe it won’t be him after all. I like the way the author write because she writes with a bunch of twist. Right when you think you have figured out what will happen, there’s a twist and you feel surprised. I like this type of writing because I feel like it makes me an active reader where as if I know what’s going to happen I may not read as attentively. I also like how she write from the point of view of all four girl so that you can really understand how all the characters truly feel.  Usually, books are written from on characters point of view and that cases false impressions of all character. I could relate this to a courts case where if the suspect or victim goes to the witness stand and speaks for themselves you get more of a feel for the situation. Overall, I enjoy this authors writing style.

The Ashleys

Srishti G.

12/9/10

Pages: Book Finished

The Ashleys

By: Melissa De la Cruz

               

                The Ashleys tells the story of three popular girls named Ashley and a fourth girl who has basically been an unattractive loser all her life. The story takes place in California and when the fourth girl, name Lauren’s, dad gets his big break in the entertainment industry she gets a make-over, and brand new clothes. All her life Lauren has wanted to fit in and be popular, now she has the right look but will that change anything?  I think the theme of this book would have to be “trying to be popular and fit in”. I picked this as the theme because the entire story follows Lauren as she tries to accomplish just that. For example on page 5 the author writes: “Lauren clenched her jaw. What if they saw through her six-hundred dollar haircut and carefully accessorized uniform and decided she was just the same old dork she had always been?” In this paragraph Lauren worries about the Ashleys not liking her. And she knows if the Ashleys don’t like her then not only will she not be popular but NO ONE will like her. Also on page119 the author writes Lauren asking the Ashleys, “What would you like… We’ve got everything on hand.”  She says this after the Ashleys have entered her private jet. The author then goes onto write, “She showed them the well-stocked pantry in the galley kitchen.” In these sentences Lauren tries to impress the Ashleys by showing them how cool her private jet happens to be and how much food and other forms of entertainment can be found in it. She does this in hopes of being allowed to join the Ashleys.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963

Srishti G.

12/9/10

Pages:1-103(read so far)

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963

By: Christopher Paul Curtis

I think I am at the rising action right now because I have already met all the character and know where the story takes place (exposition) and the initiating event has already occurred; however, I have not gotten to the turning point in my story. The initiating event occurs when Kenneth’s mother complains about how cold it feels.  The main conflict would be how Kenneth’s, the main character, mother always complains about how cold she feels. So the climax will be probably when the family, The Watsons, move to Birmingham. I know they move to Birmingham because the title of the title: The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963. I think all the things that Kenneth, Byron, his older brother, and very few times Joetta, the younger sister, do will lead up to the family moving to Birmingham. Or, all the weather that continuously occurs in the book right now will lead them to move. Either way, because one of these will lead them to move (the climax) I would be considered at the rising action.

Mockingjay

Srishti G.

11/18/10

Reflection on Books 1,2 and part of 3 which I am reading now)

Mockingjay

By: Suzanne Collins

If my stories did not take place in the future (part of a setting), the story could not happen.  One reason being the United States still exists and the whole idea of the Hunger Games revolves around the fact that the citizens of the United States went against the government, failed and now these harsh districts have been created. So, if it took place in modern times clearly the citizens, at least, as a whole, we are not trying to overthrow the government. Also, technology used in the book will not be invented in several more years such as bathtubs that have custom buttons to receive an automatic shower.  The force field outside the housing of the tributes in order to ensure they don’t commit suicide can also be described as futuristic technology. Although I do not think the author does a good job of bringing a futuristic feeling to her story. The idea of the future becomes written as words instead of in the sentences and general story. I do not think enough futuristic technology is shown. Also, in the future why most people would be leaving under harsh conditions and has barely any food. Most people don’t even have cell phones or a computer although SOME are lucky to have televisions. Once again not futuristic I understand this represents her perception of the future but I strongly disagree with her. She would probably do best writing an action packed story much like the Hunger Games but in a present time.

Wolves of the Beyond

Srishti G.

11/18/20

Pages Read: 1- 20 (log on first couple pages, not that interesting so going slowly but I am reading other books and getting more than my 100 page goal.)

Wolves of the Beyond

By: Kathryn Lasky

The conflict in my story right now comes between a mother, her pup and the society. This conflict can be describes as character versus society. The mother births three babies, two like their dad and one silver one. The she-wolf quickly notices that the silver pup has a splayed paw. She knows if she gets caught by the Obea, a barren wolf who takes charge of doing all the dirty work for the pack.  The splayed wolf quickly becomes noticed by the experienced Obea and the baby is left out t o die. The Obea skillfully places the pup on a rock so that when the waves come in the pup will drown.  Dirty jobs include placing abnormal pups, thought to make the pack weak, outside the territory to suffer to death. Since the Obea has no offspring of her own she has no motherly.  Since the Obea has no offspring of her own she has no motherly instinct. Now, the mother and father of the abnormal pup will both be thrown out of the tribe. I predict that the mother of the pup will be reunited with her pup. I think this because something good has to happen in the book in order to keep the reader engaged in the book since everything in the book has been sad so far. The author knows that if nothing favorable has happens readers will become bored.

Only the Best

Srishti G.

11/18/10

End of Book

Only the Best

By: Beverly Lewis

Along with my harder books that meet my level of reading I always enjoy reading an extra book from a younger age on the side. This week I read “Only the Best” by Beverly Lewis. I really enjoy this book because I like how at the end everything works out so great. I also enjoy how well the author shows the main character, Jenna, transferring from one emotion to another and the author does a great job of showing how Jenna grows as a person.  At the beginning of the story Jenna, a dedicated gymnast, finds out her parents are adopting a baby. She feels gloomy and jealous.  And worst yet they have to go pick up the baby on the day of the biggest meet of her life; at the Olympic Training Center. Throughout the book Jenna gets used to the idea and when Jenna sees all the stuff for the baby and a picture her heart melts. I LOVE reading books over and over because each time you notice something new that makes all the difference in the book. Also, if you are reading it at different ages, you pick up a different and more matured conclusion every time.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

11/11/10

Chapters: 1-3

By: Srishti Ghosh

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

By: Santa Claus as told to Jeff Guinn

I can so relate to how Santa feels in the beginning of the book when people start making up ridiculous rumors about how far he has traveled. I can relate to it because I have seen it happen before where one small comment or actions becomes a big deal and soon everyone knows about it but have the wrong facts. For example, one of my friends told her friends that she might be moving to a bigger house. The next time someone told me about it I heard a totally different story. They told me she had already moved into a house in Solon and she would stay at our school only until the end of the quarter. Of course, I knew that did not even closely resemble the truth because her family had decides not to move at all. With Santa, there are rumors going around that he has gone as far as the northern coast which in represents the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. He, in fact, never went more than 50 miles, and the rumors began to annoy him. Once again I can relate to that. For example when one kid jokingly slapped another kid and rumors became that they had gotten into a major physical fight which I knew had not really happened I felt annoyed. I like when I can connect with a character because it helps me better connect with the character. It also gives me a more profound understanding of the book.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

11/10/10

Pages: 1-14, Total read 57

By: Srishti Ghosh

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

By: Santa Claus as told to Jeff Guinn

Each year, usually following the first snow of the year, I enjoy re-reading one of my favorite books: The Autobiography of Santa Claus.  Yes, the book claims to be written by Santa Claus himself but I highly doubt that. The book begins in a country called Lycia which now has become a part of Turkey. At this time people did not live long and at nine he lost both parents.  He began to notice all the poor people who were not as well off as him for he came from a rich family. His gift giving began with a man named Shem and his three daughters who could not marry their beloved for they could not afford dowries. At this point in the book Santa faces himself with both an internal and external conflict. At his first attempt to deliver coins the the girls he falls off his ladder and scares not only himself but also the neighborhood. He fears that he will fail again and not be able to escape like the first time. He battles with himself and final decides he will go. This represents internal conflict. Next, he must figure out how to leave the coins without being notice. This proves an external challenge because the windows are really high. I think it would be considered external conflict because he does not face any challenges with himself such as deciding what do but how to do it. This affects the plot because he quickly learns the gift-giving will not be easy.

The Tale of Despereaux

Srishti Ghosh

3^rd Period/L.A.

10/18/10

Chapter 4- 8(Chapter 8 not included)

The Tale of Despereaux

By: Kate DiCamillo

I think that the chapter about Despereaux falling in love with the princess are very cute. I enjoyed these chapters a lot because all though the hole first section of the book does not fit reality, this part really made me get into the book and, just for a while leave my everyday problems behind. It interested me that the princess did not scream a run the other way while yelling at servants to kill the mouse because it differentiates from most stories with princesses. Uniquely written this story beats many other stories I have read. I predict that Despereaux will not die in the dungeon because what kind of a story would that be? But, with Kate DiCamillo, you never know. Her imaginations definitely gives her the power to manipulate her stories in any way she wants.  I can read this book at a very fast pace since I have read it so many times but I enjoy reading it slowly to get the full effect of every chapter. I can tell DiCamillo wants you o feel like you are actually in the story by how descriptive she is and I always do feel like I am in it. Kate DiCamillo’s imagination plus her amazing writing abilities makes for a very high quality and enjoyable book.

The Tale of Despereaux

Srishti Ghosh

3^rd Period/L.A.

10/18/10

Up to End of Chapter 15 (starting page- 81)

The Tale of Despereaux

By: Kate DiCamillo

 I feel so sorry for Despereaux. I connect this story with WW2 because in WW2 the Nazi’s wee killing Jewish people because they were different. By sending Despereaux to the dungeon the Mouse Council thinks he will die but he would not have to go is he acted like the other mice. I’m happy to see that Despereaux didn’t renounce hi acts because he did nothing wrong. The mice should just let Despereaux live however he wants. I think Kate DiCamillo wrote this story as an anthropomorphism because she tries to show how humans usually judge other humans a certain way just because they are different but she uses mice instead of human in the first part at least. This book is fantastic. I have read it 7 times and definitely recommend it. You will enjoy it very much and enjoy watching Kate DiCamillo weave all the different parts of the story into one great story. If you want to become a writer you should read to look at an example of some really good writing. It models what a great piece should be like. I predict that Kate DiCamillo began writing at a young age to accumulate all the skills it took to write this book.

The Story of My Life

Srishti Ghosh

3^rd Period/L.A.

10/20/10

Overall Thoughts in First 6 Chapters

The Story of My Life

By: Helen Keller

I am completely speechless by how well Helen Keller writes. I am amazed that she could write at all. I predict that Helen Keller had some help writing the book because some of the words she uses are so high quality that I don’t think she just knew them. She probably asked someone she was good friends with to help her phrase some of the sentences. Her writing surpasses anything I would ever be able to write if I was deaf and blind. In fact it seems Helen intelligence exceeded many kids of her age even when at younger ages. Some of the things she figured out how to do in her younger year of darkness and silence, I didn’t figure out until I was far older. I wonder how her mother told her to thing as a young child before her teacher came. I think the whole story shows an example of a miracle from the fact that she survived to the fact that she learned to talk. I can read this book fairly quickly because the wording, although high level, does not complicate the text. I connect with Helen in a really weird way because when her mother gives birth to her younger sister she feels envious but I never felt any envy towards my brother. It reminds me of this story I read when at a younger age about a girl hating her new sister.

Catching Fire

Srishti Ghosh

L.A/3^rd Period

9-30-10

Comparison of Writing Styles (no specific pages)

Catching Fire

By: Suzanne Collins

On the contrary to Leslie Connor’s writing style, I very much enjoy Suzanne Collins writing style. She writes with what I see as great passion and sincerity. Although, I do not enjoy tragic stories she should not “butterfly and rainbow” stories. Her descriptive personality (yes I believe description naturally comes to her) and her talent would be wasted writing happy stories.  My favorite thing that makes me like Collins over Conner: how she hooks a reader. Even if the end of one chapter doesn’t always create the desire to read the next one, whatever she writes as her last sentence pulls(almost literally) into the next one. I admire her writing very much. I feel like how much you enjoy a book depends on how you read it. I think I’m reading this book at a good pace and am not trying to rush it. If I read (read (this one in present) in past tense) it faster I do not think I would enjoy it as much. If I were to evaluate my reading I would say that sometimes I expect too much out of a book and look at them too critically. I don’t know what will happen next in the book but I know it will be very interesting! I predict that Gale will become a main character very soon. But who will become the love interest? I can’t wait.

Waiting for Normal

Srishti Ghosh

L.A/3^rd Period

10-3-10

Author Writing Style Reflection (no specific pages)

Waiting for Normal

By: Leslie Connor

Although the story fills with detail and I can feel the way the characters might feel, I do not like her style of writing because at the end of the chapter no hook appears for the next chapter and I’m more motivated to read when I feel like I need to know what happens next. Usually at the end of the chapter I’m bored and want to put the book down. I didn’t enjoy the fact that the back cover had been replaced by praises instead of a basic idea of what happens in the story. This brings me back, once again to no hook. In fact I probably wouldn’t have read the book if my mom hadn’t bought it for me and asked me to read it. Could it possibly be the fact that I am maybe reading it “wrong” (notice in quotations please). Could the book possibly be too easy for me? (I’m not trying to sound conceited.) Would I like it better if I read it at 10? I predict if I gave to someone younger than me they will enjoy it more than me. I predict Addison , the main character will somehow convince her mother not to wear the “ugly” dress her mom bought her for the concert because it seems like a very significant event considering how much Collins have spoken about it. I wonder how this event affects the story. I will not be recommending this book to anyone.

Waiting for Normal

Srishti Ghosh

L.A/3^rd Period

9-30-10

Comparison of Writing Styles (no specific pages)

Catching Fire

By: Suzanne Collins

On the contrary to Leslie Connor’s writing style, I very much enjoy Suzanne Collins writing style. She writes with what I see as great passion and sincerity. Although, I do not enjoy tragic stories she should not “butterfly and rainbow” stories. Her descriptive personality (yes I believe description naturally comes to her) and her talent would be wasted writing happy stories.  My favorite thing that makes me like Collins over Conner: how she hooks a reader. Even if the end of one chapter doesn’t always create the desire to read the next one, whatever she writes as her last sentence pulls(almost literally) into the next one. I admire her writing very much. I feel like how much you enjoy a book depends on how you read it. I think I’m reading this book at a good pace and am not trying to rush it. If I read (read (this one in present) in past tense) it faster I do not think I would enjoy it as much. If I were to evaluate my reading I would say that sometimes I expect too much out of a book and look at them too critically. I don’t know what will happen next in the book but I know it will be very interesting! I predict that Gale will become a main character very soon. But who will become the love interest? I can’t wait.

The Hunger Games

Srishti Ghosh

9/20/10

3^rd Period/ Language Arts

Pages: 1-138

The Hunger Games

By: Suzanne Collins

I cannot possibly imagine myself living in Panem. I love my brother to death but if he got picked then I would not be able to save him because you can only volunteer for people who are the same gender as you.  If my brother was picked then I would volunteer for which ever girl had been picked to be the girl tribute, then, help my brother all the way to the end of the Games and then let him kill me.  I would never even think about my own safety. I think I connect with Katniss because I know the feeling that you have to sacrifice for a beloved sibling, although, I have never sacrificed something as big as my life and never been in that severe of a situation. I predict that Katniss will win the Hunger Games because I think the author would think less people would want to read the next book if Katniss was killed. Also, I think it will cause people to dislike the book if the main character perished. The book is amazing so far. The author writes in such a way that while I read I got goose bumps. Once I pick it up it is near impossible to put it down. The author writes in such way that you feel like you are actually there. Overall The Hunger Games beat most of the other books I have read recently.

The Hunger Games

Srishti Ghosh

9/23/10

3^rd Period/ Language Arts

Pages: Whole Book

The Hunger Games

By: Suzanne Collins

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness! I can’t believe they both survived. (Well actually I can.) But I am still shocked. At times I seemed impossible that there would be a happy ending and there really wasn’t but, the fact that they both survived makes me happy. If I were Katniss I would pick Peeta because he saved her life even though she has known Gale for longer.  I noticed the author gave the characters very weird names. I’m pretty sure she meant to do this. I think at first when I started reading the book I did not think I would be able to connect with the book but I did connect with Katniss when she sacrificed herself for Prim. It reminded me of times when I have sacrificed things for my brother. One thing I wish the author had done differently would be that some things seem very futuristic while other things are too much like present day stuff. For example the tribute dogs are very futuristic but the fact they put a fake leg on Peter’s severely injured leg does not show technological advancement like many events do. It would seem like it would fit the story better if his leg was just brought back to its regular strength and shape. This I feel made the story slightly weak as the author does not stay consistent throughout the book at keeping her events futuristic. Overall this is a good book and I would definitely recommend it to others.

The Hunger Games

Srishti Ghosh

9/22/10

3^rd Period/ Language Arts

Pages: 220-245

The Hunger Games

By: Suzanne Collins

I still can’t believe Rue died. It makes me very upset because she didn’t deserve to die after all the help she gave to Katniss. I wonder if the author purposely chose Rue’s name because Rue means to regret and Katniss regrets not being able to save her friend. Also, I don’t understand why Thresh didn’t kill Katniss. Even though she helped his fellow tribute he should still see her as competition. (I don’t wish Katniss to be dead, she definitely catches my attention.) I can connect with Katniss because I hate owing people. It makes me feel like I can’t move forward. I still predict that Katniss will win and I have added another reason as of why; she is narrating the book and if she dies who will narrate the book. Someone can’t just start randomly narrating. So far I’m reading at a descent pace. I an understanding the book as well as reading fast enough to get as much reading done as I can. This book is so amazing so far. I just can’t wait to finish.

The Bad beginning

Srishti Ghosh

September 15, 2010

End Reaction

The Bad Beginning

By: Lemony Snikets

                                       How greedy can someone be that they capture and hang a helpless baby in a cage? I am in shock! Count Olaf locked Sonny in a cage as a hostage so that Violet would marry him in an attempt to get the Baudelaire fortune; a beneficial relationship for him because as her legal spouse he would gain her big fortune. I made a connection because my mom works with little babies and she feels so horrible just because she can’t hold them all at once when they cry. How can someone be so heartless to hang a baby in a cage from the top of a huge tower? I predict that Count Olaf will continue to try to get his hands on the Baudelaire Fortune. He will probably have his theater group go undercover and get the fortune. My prediction that the Baudelaire children, Violet, the oldest, Klaus, the middle child, and Sonny, the baby would eventually be adopted by Justice Strauss was wrong because since their parents’ will said they had to live with a relative.  I was able to read this book fast because I read it for fun and it was an easy read. Reading books for fun keeps me motivated to read harder books.

The Bad Beginning

Srishti Ghosh

September 13, 2010

Pages: 22-162

The Bad Beginning

By: Lemony Snikets

            I think having eyes paint all over your house and tattooed on to your body does not create a good first impression.  In fact if I were a Baudelaire I would be pretty scared. Once when I was younger I met a           clown and they had this weird laugh and I made a horrible first impression, I was scared to go near him. But then he made me a cool balloon and I had fun. Unfortunately, the Baudelaire children have no such luck. They make a bad impression and it does not change throughout the book. The author writes in such a way that it provokes thought while enjoying but staying serious. I think she balances it very well. I predict that Count Olaf will not be able to get the Baudelaire fortune because although the children have bad luck they usually bypass the worst situations.

The Bad Beginning

Srishti Ghosh

September 9, 2010

Pages:1-35

The Bad Beginning

By: Lemony Snikets

                                     I feel so bad for these Baudelaire children. They have lost their parents and now have to live with creepy relative they now have to live with a creepy relative. I lost my grandfather at the beginning of the year and I know what it feels like to lose someone who you care so much about. Violet, Klaus, and Sonny didn’t lose one parent in the tragic fire and lost everything they had. I predict that Count Olaf will be extremely mean and abuse them. I don’t think he will abuse them physically but he will make Violet and Klaus do hard labor and will probably say mean things. Sony will not have to do much because she is only a baby. I think the fact that he has eyes painted all over his house is very creepy. I mean what normal person does that? I think one of the themes is disappointment. For example when the Baudelaire children found out there parents were dead they were more than just disappointed and when they found out Justice Strauss was not the relative they were disappointed again. So far this book is easy to read and I am not having a hard time understanding it.