Final Reflection

Prompt:  Nine questions focused on my time in Mrs. Larson's Accelerated English/Language Arts classes ^_^

1.  What are the three most important things you learned this year?  Wow, starting off with perhaps the most difficult question.  To be truthful, I learned so many things.  Lessons about time management, communication, public speaking, friendship, tolerance, and life itself.  Whether this was through reading varied novels, or our treasured Socratic Seminars.  To say there are lessons more important than others is an injustice.  Everything matters, and every little detail is vital to living a happy and successful life.  I learned how to become my better self, and I learned more about my self at an exponential rate.  These may seem like very, well, egocentric observations. However, through this classes' unspoken teachings about ourselves, we all became more tolerant and open minded people.  This is the most important lesson for my generation.
 
2. What is something we did this yea that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?
        Of course, our off topic side conversations were very memorable, but I think our in depth discussions will stay with me for quite a while.  Especially our gallery walks for the article of the week. I just love hearing what other people have to say about world events, because everyone has had a different background and perspective.  The Holocaust Unit was also powerful, and it definitely impacted the way I view history.

3. What was the nicest thing someone our class did for you this year?
As a class, I feel like we all came together more.  I wouldn't go as far (or as 'touchy-feely') as to say we became like a little family, but I would say we all looked out for each other.  I think it became apparent that we are all a little insecure socially.  Our class saw friendships shift, and new ones form.  Personally, I feel less lonely than I ever have in my life, and that's thanks to the amazing people I've become close to in this class.
   
4.  What is something you taught your teacher or classmates this year?
I hope that I set a good example through my writing and work for my classmates, and I hope someone got at least a laugh out of my 'rants'.  Maybe it was through my embarrassing phases in seventh grade, or other cautionary tale worthy things I've done, but I do believe there was at least a little to learn from me.

5.  In what area do you feel you made your biggest improvements?  What is something you accomplished this year that you are proud of?
      Last year, as opposed to this year, was all about finding my style and trying to take off. I focused on strengthening my vocabulary, and finding what I was most interested in.  This year was all about development.  I think, or hope, that my writing flourished within my new found style (whatever that may be).  I also think my reading comprehension improved drastically. Currently, I am reading To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf which is a piece I would not have even considered reading at the beginning of this year.  I've said this before, but I'll say it again:  I don't believe in accomplishments! Everything is a progression, and there's always room for improvement.  This is what makes this subject so fun.  However, taking on an argumentative essay was definitely an accomplishment.

6.  What was the most challenging part of this year?  This year, I definitely struggled with time management. We all did.  It's natural, but preventable. I also struggled with being comfortable with my writing, my work, and myself in general.  I do love being challenged, and I suppose I do my best work under pressure.  Sometimes, I had trouble participating in class. A good challenge will always pay off in the end, and I hope to see where my experience in this class will take me in high school and beyond.

7.  What was the best piece of writing that you did this year?  Why do you think so?
I feel like my blog has really improved, but I'm never that confident with my writing.  I guess I'd like to hear what you all have to say.  Personally, I think my essay writing could have been much better, but I think I learned quite a bit.

8.  Of the books you read this year, which was your favorite?  And why?
    Each and every book has its impact, and this year proved no different.  I'd have to give credit to Notes From the Edge Times for giving me a completely new perspective on our planet, and Wuthering Heights for showing me how to really write great characters.  This year didn't have a definitive favorite like last years (The Picture of Dorian Gray), but most of the reading I did this year stemmed from the impact that novel had on me.  This has allowed me to branch out and explore even more genres and styles.

9.  What advice would you give students who are going to be in this class next year?
Of course, I'd always encourage future students to not procrastinate.  However, that's a lesson best learned by experience. Believe me, you'll learn.  Along with that advice, I'd like to say that third quarter will be your hardest, emotionally, mentally, and in motivation.  It may not seem like it will end, and that you can put off your assignments.  You should take care of yourself first, but keep your priorities straight.  Always revise (especially when it comes to essay writing!).  Make sure you participate.  With that, don't stop the introspection and insight when you leave the class for the day.  You'll learn so much about yourself in these next two years. So much.  Don't let an attitude or grudge hinder your growth.

Tuesdays with Morrie ~ Aphorism Project

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important.  This is because they're chasing the wrong things.  The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." 

 - Morrie Schwartz 

What did Morrie mean by this?  Although I think everyone can attach their own meaning to this, Morrie meant that people walk around unfilled and insatiable.  He believes everyone is chasing the wrong goals, and he explains that real meaning comes from within.

I guess this reminds me of Mad Men, where everyone is after each other but everyone also has deep set problems.  This aphorism also may relate to my own life, because I tend to get caught up in being busy and rushing around.  I tend to feel less happy when I do this, and when I take time and actually appreciate the important things, I feel happier.


Morrie's suggestions for a more meaningful life really spoke to me, and I can definitely say I agree with them.   It is so hard for people, especially for teens, to see purpose or meaning in their life, and not get caught up in the rigors of our everyday schedule.  Most people are disconnected from nature, meaningful relationships, and from seeing themselves as part of a whole.  And it's hard to think about anything but ourselves and what we 'need' to accomplish to 'succeed'.  I am no stranger to this, and while I try to keep the actually important things in mind, I always seem to end up "half-asleep". It's just how we are.  However, it is not an individualistic problem, but a societal one.  Ironically, this can directly segway back to the original aphorism.  Perhaps if we worked as a community, we would not have this sleepwalking issue. To create something to give our collective lives meaning.  We all strive for success, but really, who can define it?

Tuesdays With Morrie ~ Inspiration

Prompt: Of the six 'Tuesdays' you have read so far, which had the most impact on you and/or inspired you?

Perhaps I am too cynical, or have just read far too many similar books, but Tuesdays has been somewhat of a 'mindless' read.  I don't mean to sound insensitive, or purposefully cold, I just mean it has not inspired anything out of me as of yet.  However, there was one section that did provoke meaningful thought.  Emotions.

I've always somewhat avoided my emotions.  Rather, they've intimidated me.  Often, I take in more emotions than I can handle, and that leads to avoidance.  That being said, Morrie's quotes on "detaching from an emotion" were confusing at first.  There are so many conflicting philosophies on handling and taking in emotions.  Should I yield to them in order to 'live' fully, or should I strive for a command over them?  I suppose Morrie added another layer to this debate, although he simplified it in a more meaningful way.

I don't think I should drag this one out.  The author of Tuesdays does a great job of being concise, which makes the meaning stand out more.  I hope to improve my writing by dragging on less, because I've seen, and felt the impact brevity can have.

Comments: Autumn, to be continued,

Litworks 2015 ^_^

Prompt: I don't know anymore

Last Saturday, I attended (and worked at!) at Litworks, a teen literature convention.  Prominent, but sometimes lesser known, teen authors, give speeches and talk about their lives and books.  Usually, there is a broad range of genres and formats, ranging from fantasy and romance, to the graphic novel.  Everything dorky teens love, wrapped up in one convention.  I myself was one of them, the opportunity of meeting my favorite living author was too rare and special to pass up.  Because I have connections, I was able to personally chat with many of the authors..

Litworks is broken up into smaller sections, which occur after the entire panel of authors introduce themselves and give a bit of a motivational speech.  Then, you can go off into smaller sections and have a meet and greet and Q and A.  In my personal experience, writers are the best conversationalists and some of the most perceptive people.  It's interesting to hear about their journey to being published.  Usually, it is quite treacherous. The authors I went to see speak were Paul Griffin, Susane Colasanti, and my favorite, Chris Crutcher.

From learning about one author's troubled past, to another's stories about living in Manhattan, and advice on making your writing readable, I definitely took a lot out of this year's event.  Voice in writing is something I'd taken for granted, but I learned it is the most essential part of telling your story.  A few of the author's had some really cool/nice things to say about me.  I was close to crying when Chris Crutcher came over and talked to me.

I took some more pics of the autographed ones,
but they turned out kind of hipster-y

Life Is Beautiful and Night

Based on the Holocaust literature and poetry we have read, what connections can be made between Life Is Beautiful and our reading?  What events, scenes, or situations are similar or different?  What is similar or different about the mood or tone of the pieces?

The film, Life Is Beautiful, has so far had a unique tone compared to the multitudes of other creative media about the Holocaust I've seen.   Of course, many have tearjerking and edge-of-your-set scenes, but Life is Beautiful's delivery is vastly different.  A majority of these pieces have had an over-arching somber tone, while Guido's humor and quick-thinking merely alludes to the horrors taking place.  Another difference between this film and other pieces is that it focuses on Italian Jews, while many of the others have focused on the Eastern-European Jews.  As for similarities, there were just as many.
  The line "Maybe this is just a dream" has been recurring.  Also, interpersonal relationships have always been tested in pieces on the Holocaust. A major similarity between Night and Life is Beautiful is the prominent father and son relationship.

How is life shown as beautiful throughout the film? Pull out at least two examples from different parts of the film and explain your rationale.

Although the living conditions may not be beautiful towards the middle and end of the film, it is Guido's outlook and imagination that make life beautiful and... rich.   His boldness and resistance to silence, like we see in the loudspeaker scene, helps him stay true to his character and protect his son in times where life was less than magnificent.

Even when everything seemingly came crashing down at the camp, right before it was liberated, Guido still maintained his playful countenance and looked after his son, which was his final wish.  Giosue can live in peace with his mother, and life will remain beautiful for the two of them because they will remember Guido as he truly was.

12.4.15: Night: Changes in Elie

At the beginning of Night, there is a small separation between Elie and his faith.  Soon, the two become one, and Elie embraces and accepts faith as a part of his being and life.  It's important to note this because as the story progresses, we see a different separation of Elie and his faith taking place. Before the ghetto and the concentration camps, Elie hints at the happiness his Jewish faith gives him in statements like, "I told him how unhappy I was because I could not find a master in Sight to instruct me in the Zohar.." (Wiesel 4).  This shows his faith is not a burden, but a welcome and a comfort to him.

In consecutive sections, perhaps Two and Three, the author begins to question his beliefs.  Furthermore, when Elie thinks, "for the first time I felt anger rising within me.  The Almighty... Master of the Universe chose to be silent.  What was there to thank?" (Wiesel 33) it is clear a change in spirituality has taken place.  Here we see Wiesel growing separate from his previously all embracing-faith, which is the first change.  However, a second change is brought to light too.  No longer is Elie comforted by his faith, and this is shown through his anger at his God.

Later, he finds his faith to be a burden.  When the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur come around in the concentration camps, the reader can see Elie struggling to hold on to his faith.  No longer does it guide him, as it did throughout his first trials and inhumane situations, but it becomes a burden.  This is shown in his refusal to fast, stating, "But there is no longer any reason I should fast, I no longer accepted God's silence" (Wiesel 66).  He later says he felt a great void in his heart for doing so, but it also shows the change that has been made in his closeness and happiness with faith.

"Homesick" Butterfly Project

"Homesick"

I've lived in the ghetto here more than a year,
In Terezín, in the black town now,
And when I remember my old home so dear,
I can love it more than I did, somehow.

Ah, home, home,
Why did they tear me away?
Here the weak die easy as a feather
And when they die, they die forever.

I'd like to go back home again,
It makes me think of sweet spring flowers.
Before, when I used to live at home,
It never seemed so dear and fair.
I remember now those golden days…
But maybe I'll be going there again soon.

People walk along the street,
You see at once on each you meet
That there's a ghetto here,
A place of evil and of fear.
There's little to eat and much to want,
Where bit by bit, it's horror to live.
But no one must give up!
The world turns and times change.

Yet we all hope the time will come
When we'll go home again.
Now I know how dear it is
And often I remember it.

9.3.1943. Anonymous

Week of 22.315: Night

Pages read: 43

To state the obvious, the Holocaust is a topic that deeply fascinates and affects millions upon millions of individuals.  I happen to be one of them.  This interest was first brought upon me by my mother, who could spend hours talking about nearly anything to do with it.  However, I was never deeply affected by the sheer lack of humanity and barbarism of the Holocaust until I read The Devil's Arithmetic. Perhaps it came from my relentless reading as a child, or the power words have over me, but I was never so deeply saddened and shocked about the horrors of the Holocaust as when I read that book.  Already, I can see these emotions manifesting themselves again as I read Night.

Wiesel's blunt but dreamlike retelling of his experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau is haunting, and I am left in constant suspense.  I suppose I have an emotional history with short stories, and with vivid descriptions of the living conditions at the camps, I am left questioning everything.  This, as well as many other things, may have been Wiesel's purpose in writing Night.  The dangers of blind faith. Of taking things for granted.  Of not staying together, and valuing power over humanity.

The setting is an aspect of Night that really interests me.  I think it's important to learn how widespread the terror was over Hitler's Reign.  I have a hard to conceptualizing his influence, and how other countries such as France and Italy were affected.  Another important part of this novella is its characters; although I do not want to proclaim a favorite, because I know how tragic these events were.

week of 3.23.15 "The Carnival at Bray"

Prompt:  What would you have done if you were in the protagonist's shoes?
Pages read: Finished (I'm finally on a streak!)

I hesitantly began reading The Carnival at Bray.  It wasn't that the author inserted Nirvana (the band of course) into her novel to give an 'edge' to her character, or that the book dealt with yet another teenage girl entranced with 'alternative' music who has a sort of screwed up home life; which has become such a common back cover description that I now tend to stay away from the teen lit aisle.  I was hesitant to read this novel because the protagonist (16 year old Maggie) goes on a life changing adventure.  I'm being vague because I hate adding spoilers, but it is a but cliché and rather unrealistic.  I knew I would be filled with a sense of self-loathing and ennui.  I don't like hearing about others' adventures because I want to be having my own, and I end up feeling trapped.  However, I don't read to be taken on an 'adventure', I read for inspiration.  To create more dreams to hopefully fulfill.  To fill the drab days of my current location with hopes of a spontaneous tomorrow.

That being said, The Carnival at Bray was definitely one of those novels where you feel swept away in the rising action, and lost after the resolution.  Maggie's traveling to Rome with her crush, and seeing Nirvana right before Cobain's suicide was entirely unrealistic.  Which makes it all the more exciting, because most readers know they wouldn't have the guts to leave their home without notice or a plan and take off to fulfill an uncle's dying wish.  Certainly, I doubt that given a similar situation I would be able to leave guilt and worry free.  Of course, I would have no trouble staying.  But leaving would be difficult, because I always worry.  Not for myself (because uncertainty is a major part of the fun), but for what I left behind.  If I were in Maggie's position, I probably would've left a vague note (which still makes an interesting story), in hopes of not being found by the police.  I would at least make up a lie (I'm quite good at that).  Also, Nirvana's pretty overrated, but it would be incredibly cool to see them.

When Maggie returns (she'd been found out) she is put on a trial with the nuns at her school.  There was much consideration about expelling her after her running away, but she agrees to strict rules in order to stay.  Realistically, I would have done that too.  I wouldn't really want to sacrifice an education for just one week in my life.  However, there is a part of me that would say no, and continue to travel and adventure.  It really is my dream, and once I start I doubt I'll ever find a home again.  Life isn't about how long you live, it's about how far go you, in the time you get (taken from my favorite short story, by Chris Crutcher).  So although I would like to remain in a comfortable lifestyle, if my life were a teen novel, I would continue expanding my horizons.

Berlin Memorial

What did you learn?

I learned about all the restrictions and laws placed on the Jewish people during the Nazi Party's regime.  Of course, I knew of a general few; but never dreamt of all the hardships the German Jews must have endured during this dark time.  The Jewish Decrees were new to me, though I wish I would've learned them earlier in life.  I also learned and was able to put the timeline of these decrees into more context.

Why do you think this monument was built?

I think the monument was built to remind people of the dark past that lies just a bit before their time. The Berlin Monument was likely to have been built to remember the millions of Jews who were taken from life during the Holocaust.  

What did you notice about the number of laws passed during certain years?

During specific years, the number of decrees that were passed fluctuated.  For example, the 1936 Olympics brought on a major reduction in the amount of decrees.  It's obvious to see why Germany did this maneuvering, because they wanted a protected image and they planned strategically.  This was key to their (obviously deeply unfortunate) success. In the later years of the War, the amount of decrees dwindled as well.

Which restrictions do you think you would have the most trouble dealing with and why?

At first, I would be furious and even more so, terrified that my basic necessities were being stripped away.  Then, things like not being allowed to attend concerts and visit beaches and other places of entertainment would really bother me.  I find a lot of comfort in being outside, and sometimes it seems to be my only respite.  Although I would live, I wouldn't be able to carry out my life in a healthy way. I couldn't imagine what those who had to suffer through these decrees endured.  It seems to tear away at humanity, and shows how inhuman the perpetrators were.

Third Quarter Reflections

Of the books I've read this quarter (none? I'm not sure, I can't remember any), my favorite would have to be Invisible Cities. Followed closely by the similarly unfinished, No Logo.  I hope to finish both, but I'm currently 'binge' reading the novels by the authors who will be at LitWorks (I'm so excited!).

Argumentative writing was foreign to me before third quarter, and so I have hopefully improved my abilities with objective writing and research.  Although writing style was not a focus of mine this quarter, style is something that is constantly evolving and maturing.  Therefore, I think my writing style has matured.  And of course, my run-on sentence usage... Research has always be a slippery slope for me, but I think I've acquired some useful skills in that area.

It is hard for me to pinpoint an accomplishment, because I don't really believe in them.  I suppose it is because I'm always looking for ways to improve myself, and that everything is constantly changing.  Progress is never lost, but sometimes plateaus.  That's when most people consider something an accomplishment.  On the other hand, I have accomplished major things in my personal life.  As for my academic life.. Well, there are always new books to be read.

My 40 (50) book challenge has come to a near halt.  But as shown in the previous year, it will soon resume its rapid pace.  I'm about 30 books in.  This comes as a surprise, but a welcome one at that.

I'm assuming my blogs have been progressing nicely.  Last year it seemed my progress leaned toward polishing up my writing in terms of style, grammar, elegance, et cetera.  While those are things to be worked at tirelessly, I think my voice has strengthened and matured.  Voice and narrative style is what I look for in books, and if I can say that I've improved in that, it would be a great honor.

Invisible Cities 11/3/15

Prompt/format: Bio-Poem 

Marco Polo

An adventurous, storytelling, imaginative, and metaphysical traveler

a character in Italo Calvino's story

Lover of mystery, detail, pattern, and sunset
who notices intricacies, his own thought, and meaning in the meaningless
who learns he may be just a daydream
Major character in Kublai Khan's reign
a book that is a meditation 

Article of the Week Impressions 6/3/15

In my opinion, this gallery walk was our most productive yet.  I was able hear about nearly everyone’s current issue, and it seems as though we all branched out more.  Confidence is gained every week, and I personally feel more at ease describing my topic now.  I’m also finding that it runs more smoothly.  Although I wish we had more time to get to everyone’s, the time constraint adds pressure and helps me think quickly (or rather, speak).  Overall, I just like seeing where people's interests lie.

In terms of branching out, I saw different news sources, more in-depth articles, and more controversial topics.  ISIS was rightfully present of course, and the interesting side effects of the group.  Hearing about the young women who are attempting to 'befriend' ISIS is really scary; but would also make an interesting study on human behavior.  And although 'The Dress' has become a dull topic (it never was that exciting in the first place), it was enlightening to hear about the science behind the ephemeral color scheme.   

There was a nice mix of psychical/tangible issues and psychological issues.  Athziry's article about teen suicide and its influence has to do greatly with the (inter)national psyche.  On the other hand, learning about Obama allowing air strikes was a psychical issue, and will have psychical repercussions. Both are equally devastating. 

In the future, I hope to see everyone gain more confidence in choosing a topic that actually interests them, and that they enjoy talking about.  

Comments: Emily, Nadrian, Citlalli

Dare Me (late work)

Prompt: Describe the author's style
Pages read: Start 2 Finish

"This isn't your typical high school cheerleading novel..." is a lie.  Dare Me has everything you'd expect out of this topic/genre; with the added bonus of a murder scandal.  To give a brief summary, Dare Me focuses on an overly competitive cheerleading team who has just received a new head coach. 'Coach' commands respect, and is often given it.  She often invites her team to her seemingly perfect house, where the girls are heavily influenced by Coach's behaviors.  However, our protagonist's best friend, Beth, has not taken to Coach and trouble arises because of their tension.  Throughout the novel, the reader learns more about each character and why they act the way they do, and whether the murder of Coach's boyfriend (outside of her marriage) is really a murder.

Megan Abbott is well known as a crime author, and this clearly reflects in Dare Me.  I would describe the novel as thrilling, even though this type of book isn't my usual taste.  Time seems to pass by extremely fast, and before I knew it I had finished all 300+ pages of it.  Abbott's word choice isn't complex, and the book is far from verbose.  However, her writing evokes a lot of emotion.  You can nearly feel yourself being pushed to your physical limit during the team's practices, and to your psychological limits as the tension grows in Coach's household and between Addy and Beth.

One of my favorite aspects of Dare Me was how time was counted down.  Much like Looking For Alaska, there is a set date for the countdown to conclude, but the ready really isn't sure what it signifies.  In this book's case, the countdown is to "The Big Game" or something along those lines.  Another great writing technique in this book was the stopping and starting of the relationship troubles.  Addy (our protagonist) and Beth are up and down on terms of their coexistence, and Addy fluctuates between hazy confusion and her steadfast leadership in all areas of her life.

Article of the Week 26/2/15: Mars One Mission

Article: "Mars One Mission, a One Way Trip to the Red Planet in 2024"

Source: The Guardian  (link to article)

Summary: This article answers the basic questions surrounding the Mars One Mission, which is currently referred to as a project.  The mission is to send a select and small group of humans to Mars and observe their survival, as well as gather information about the planet and its atmosphere. The mission is funded by sponsorship and donations, and theories of a reality show to fund the project are being talked about.  The article also goes over a bit of the selection process of the space-travel hopefuls (who will never return, and their survival could be anywhere from a few seconds to a maximum few months). 

What is the author's purpose?  The author's purpose of writing "Mars One Mission, a One Way Trip to the Red Planet in 2024" is to inform the general public about this exciting and previously rarely covered subject.  The Mars One Project is highly debated from the expert level to the amateur, but this article remains objective.  The article is formatted in a question and answer style.  Facts such as, "From more than 200,000 people who hoped to leave Earth and die on Mars, only 660 remain in the running." are common throughout.

Opinion - Why should the World hear this? - I think the world should definitely hear about the Mars One Mission because it hasn't been covered by the media, and I believe it deserves it. Learning about outer space and completely different environments encourages people to open their minds and fills them with a sense of awe.  As someone who cries when I see more than like, two stars in the sky space has always fascinated me and I've always been frustrated that it was not a well-funded frontier, or a well discussed topic.  "Born too late to explore the earth, born too early to explore space" is phrase that gets thrown around quite a bit, and its truthfulness becomes evident when learning about this Mission.

Word: acclimatise
verb; respond physiologically or behaviorally to changes in a complex of environmental factors.

Invisible Cities ~ Italo Calvino

Look it's a Magritte ^_^

Prompt:  What do you like and dislike about this book?

Pages read: 0-80

The book I am currently reading is unlike the majority of novels I have probably ever read.  It’s a strange mixture of prose and poem, somehow twisted in between.  Invisible Cities has the format and styling of prose; with the detailing and imagery of a poem.  As for the storyline, well the jury is still out.  The famed traveler Marco Polo is relaying his adventures through Kublai’s kingdom to the Khan himself.  Switching between the upright font for the descriptions of the infinite cities, and the italicized interactions between Polo and Kublai Khan, the story does not so much unfold as it does reveal itself.  This novel is similar to my current tastes in it’s use of symbolism and otherworldly metaphor.  However, this book is lighter-hearted than those aforementioned selections - but a darker undertone remains.

So far, I hold this book in high regards.  It has the rare and mysterious power of actually taking you to those described cities.  Sometimes, you willingly are led into intricately elaborate towers and castles and fairy-tale like lands.  Other times, you are dragged into a city with dark secrets and peoples. Either way you are sure to visualize these cities and villages because the description is so detailed.  While only an upwards of two pages is dedicated to each borough (for which I am thankful for), you can distinguish your own version of the city.  Suddenly, they start to blur together, which furthers the theme and symbolism in the story.  Another part of Invisible Cities I really like is the interaction between Kublai Khan and Marco Polo.  It is quite confusing, but it adds a much needed element to the story.  This novel is definitely not for everyone.  Not because it is confusing or cerebral, but because the entirety of it is page after page of city description.  Understandably, you start to become bored and searching for more than meaning in these convoluted cities.  Then the interjection of the aftermath of Polo’s retelling captures your interest once again.  

Mentioned previously, the repetition of this novel starts to wear on the reader.  While I dislike this portion, it is what sets apart the story.  Confusingly, I’ve been having trouble focusing while reading lately, but this novel has somehow grasped my interest.  There’s a peaceful aura to Invisible Cities, which makes it seem unreal at times.  I think I would like to see more of a direction in this novel, but that seems unlikely.  Technically, this is a folktale and consequently, a highly regarded piece of literature.  Another aspect of the story I hope to see developed is Kublai’s and Polo’s characters.  As of my current progress, I haven’t seen any distinctive personality qualities in either, and I think that would add to the story. 

(feedback on my writing would be appreciated?) 

Article of the Week Reflections 20/2/15

Most of us are aware of these current world events taking place, but our level of understanding varies.  I find these gallery walks to be very important and beneficial to our worldview.  There's quite a difference (and ultimately, a blurred line) between knowing about an event and understanding one.  Everyone can pour out their bias after a brief news segment, but thinking critically and understanding not only what is going on but what causes these events is where true world knowledge lies. In the future, it will become more and more important to stay up to date and well informed; but interestingly, I think that task will become increasingly difficult.  There's little need to say why.  Also, understanding conflicts will help in combatting them, and perhaps even solving them.

In the future, I hope we can all branch out more in topic selections and truly find where our interest lies.  I think I've found a few topics that I'd love to learn more about, which is important.  Obviously, this isn't everyone's cup of tea and I understand apathy.  I really do.  But I'm trying to break free of mine (trying to rid myself of all things Nietzsche and Sartre), so keeping up to date is a personal goal. I also hope to see little-known topics being brought up, because those can be equally devastating to world peace. Conversation about our topics, and not just brief summaries, would also be of a great benefit.  But either is equally..cool.

To Kill A Mockingbird ~ 18/12/14 (Late now)

Prompt:  Final Thoughts on the book

Well after about a month of reading it, I suppose some of my feelings toward the book have faltered and diminished.  But that won't be a problem... Coming of age novels are supposed to stick with you, and reoccur throughout your life.  While I may not be analyzing one of it's predominant themes, I am still seeing its influence in my life, and the world.  And not always the book specifically.  Through further reading, keeping in touch with current events, and keeping To Kill A Mockingbird's message in the back of my mind; I've begun to see the novel's themes take place in the world.  The non-fiction world.  Perhaps this gives me an advantage over the other blogs, as more experience always helps.  
I couldn't properly begin to explain these observations, because the novel should mean something different to everyone.  We're all at different stages of acceptance, or 'living in someone else's shoes'. We've all had different social experiences, and different negative events impact us.  But the one message we can all take as a whole is putting aside differences.  Not just walking in someone else's shoes, which can apply to even the most similar humans.  But actually setting differences aside and standing up for what you believe in, regardless. 

That being said, I am not sure how the world will react to Harper Lee's 'new' installment of Scout's story.  Of course, the outcome is predictable.  There will always be the ignorant and immature critics saying it wasn't as good the second time around.  Which it won't be, unless Harper Lee can defy all odds. There will be the over-exaggerators, and all that comes in between.  Will the new novel have the same effect?  Will it combat the same reoccurring issues with the blunt force it has before?  Or will it be a romantic novel of Scout's future?  How can we be sure.  I might not purchase the book (I have many suspicions), but I will read it.  And over-analyze it.  And try to be more intelligent than I actually am. 

http://clouded-ambition.deviantart.com/art/To-Kill-A-Mockingbird-31766439 (credit to the artist)

26/1/15: Neverwhere (Late obviously)

Prompt:  Where do you think the story is going?  Where would you like it to go?
Pages read: 0-90

While I'm not entirely sure I'll be continuing with reading this book, I definitely have a strong premonition of where it is headed.  For that reason, I am leaning towards finishing the book, because I am definitely enthralled.  And coming from someone who dislikes the entirety of fantasy novels, that's quite a statement.  My personal fascination with morals and the all too human has never manifested itself in a interest in angels and demons surprisingly.  However, through Richard Mayhew's confusion and inadvertent plunge into the metaphorical depths of London I've found myself wrapped up in the storyline.

My feelings for the protagonist, Richard Mayhew, are yet to be determined.  Nevertheless, I wish him the best ending.  Perhaps... Although we all know the happiest ending isn't always the most interesting.  From this point in the story (the first day he 'slipped through the cracks' of London society), I haven't the slightest idea of what can 'realistically' happen in this story.  An educated guess would be that he meets up with the mysterious Door again.  No, not the inanimate object.  Richard met Door on the way to a very important dinner with his ex-fiancé and her boss.  Door had collapsed in a pile of her own blood (mixed with assorted others') on the street, and Richard was adamant in his passive way about not leaving her there to waste away.  Through his and Door's encounter, Richard meets up with some unique and morally ambiguous creatures (who are not quite humans, in my understanding) and is unwittingly transported into this not-quite new realm.  It's London, but not.  His history is erased, his job has been taken, his apartment sold, and his coworkers and significant other have no memory of his existence.  Gathering from that, I reckon Richard will be maladjusted to life in the murky realm which has until this point, remained nameless.  Door and Marquis de Carabas's ambiguous hinting at this world has left Richard dazed and confused, as well as justly angry.  I predict there will be confrontation between the two parties.  Door and her acquaintances are infinitely more knowledgeable about the power and magic and all that, so I'm interested in what will become of their relationship.

As for what I would like to see happen, there are many possible outcomes.  Truly, I need to be further into the story to really grasp my feelings towards its characters and storyline, but I am hoping for an all-out battle of the wits.  As stated earlier, I've always been fascinated by the workings of good and evil, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Neil Gaiman presents these forces in his novel.  At this point in time, romance would seem out of place.  Richard has just been dumped (in his terminology) by his fiancé, and romance right now would take away from the adventure and plot.  Perhaps there will come a time for it, but for right now, Richard should restrain himself.  He's not among the company of humans, so who knows what kind of weird stuff an inter-species relationships entails.  All this being said, I'm looking forward to reading the next few chapters.  This is one of those books when each page can contain a plot-twist and/or vital fore-shadowing.

AoW Impressions 2/2/15

At this time in our lives, learning about current events is one of the most important things we can do.  It certainly broadens my perspective, and I hopefully become more enriched and cultured.  On a less self-centered scale, knowing what's going on in the world will help bring change.  Because of these reasons, and a few more, I'm really impressed with what everyone shared on Friday.  The broad range of topics (climate change to social justice, from neurology to the state of coral reefs) were fascinating, and I could see that nearly everyone had a good time sharing and experiencing.  Personally, being able to share my interests to people my own age is a rare and exciting activity.  In the future, I hope to see our class become more comfortable with sharing, and find out what most interests us.  

Because this should've been two paragraphs, I'll talk about what I learned from the showcased articles.  I particularly enjoyed Emily's article, because it wasn't a go-to or a topic that is widely discussed in the news.  Neuroscience is dark and mysterious, and the article she chose helped clear up suspicions and doubts.  Well I'd already believed gender exists on a spectrum, but now there is evidence to support that claim.  I'm very happy the class was able to hear about it.  As always, ISIL updates are scary but fascinating.  So rarely does televised go into detail or tell an objective story, so hearing multiple articles from different sources was very important to me.  

Final TKAM Analysis (maybe)

Prompt:  What is the purpose in having different versions of a story? Think about how different versions contribute to the overall understanding and interpretation of that piece of work. Use specific concepts to support your opinion.

I suppose there is an importance to having multiple versions of the same story.  In the case of folk-tales and fairytales, these stories have been adapted through word-of-mouth, stage, and literature to reach different audiences and age groups.  In the case of ancient literature, and foreign language novels - many have been adapted and translated and warranted different interpretations.  Whether or not these interpretations are high in quality, or popular amongst the mass the original might've attracted - they do serve a purpose.  Maybe they serve to the creator's ego, or reap the earnings off a major title.   Maybe an artist just wants to express themselves, or a big-time director wants to make a successful film adaptation of a popular novel.  The latter example is the case we're observing with our reading of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Recently concluding both the novel and film, I have noticed many differences between the way I reacted to major scenes and themes in both versions.

Everybody likes to slag off the movie version, or at least most people.  While it's true that in many cases, the novel or story has been absolutely butchered; there are always pros and cons to both.  Basically put.  The common opinion is that movies often portray more emotion, as the viewer is able to feel more empathetic to a living, breathing person. This is entirely dependent on who the viewer is, however.  But in summary and to generalize, films help a viewer feel what's going on; and by association, relate and learn from whatever the message being pushed is.  Another reason film adaptations shouldn't be overlooked is their appeal to a broader audience.  For many people, watching a movie is much easier and more entertaining that reading a novel, or watching a play, or sitting and listening to a word-of-mouth story. This makes them very important, especially if they have controversial or important themes.

Novels and other written (and oral) works are important in the sense that the reader gets "the full picture".  There's not as many limitations in writing and speaking, so characters and themes are developed deeper.  With written versions of stories, some readers may have a harder time putting themselves in the characters shoes, which complicates the reception of the piece. There may be more room for interpretation in written versions, as every line can be read into and there is little dispute about context.  Personally, (I hate sitting through movies) (unless James Dean is in them) I find that I get more out of novels and written stories.  But these factors are mostly dependent on "what type of learner you are".  I'm assuming you know what I'm talking about...

In the end, you get what you take out of each different version of a story.  Some mediums are bigger (and more useful) than others.

By far the cheesiest cover I've found yet