Th1rteen R3asons Why - Week of 11/17/14

Pages Read: FINISHED

Author: Jay Asher

Prompt: Do any of the characters feeling change as you’ve read? Explain why or why

not. What does this book remind you of? Why?

Who's Hot Who's Not List

     Many of the characters have changed. The tapes Hannah has made are like the reasons why she committed suicide. It is basically blaming people and the cause of her suicide. Now since each person has listened to the cassettes they are feeling guilt. Some do not care, some are angry because it gives them a bad reputation. In one of the cassettes there is a Peeping Tom. Tyler is the Peeping Tom. Ever since the cassettes were released he has been replacing his bedroom window because rocks were thrown for him being a "creeper." The only people who know what Tyler has done are the people who are suppose to listen to the tapes. Therefore, they are the ones to throw the rocks. Now, because Tyler realizes what he has done he feels mortified and remorseful. Marcus Cooley, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of what Tyler feels. Marcus feels proud yet a touch of aggravation. He was talking to Clay about how "Hannah is just looking for an excuse to kill herself." Yet Marcus is not ashamed for what he has done. Marcus basically took advantage of Hannah on a date which was on "accident." There are scattered feelings throughout all the characters.

    I recommend this book to those who like mystery or high school drama. It is very interesting how the author is able to create suspense at a fast flowing pace. Just how something so simple can change one's life. Even something done by accident. Maybe not just change a life but end it too. This is an odd comparison but this book kinda reminds me of the Disney short film "Paperman". They are completely different but it shows how something done on accident changes ones life and could create a new goal. In Paperman when the guy meets the girl he stops at nothing to get her attention. Which leads to him getting in trouble by his job. New goals may end other successful goals. Just how in Thirteen Reasons Why there are some people who just used Hannah to get what they want. Which makes Hannah commit suicide. Another reason why they are alike its because paper is what made the story a story! Read the book to find out what I mean. I HIGHLY recommend this book and the short film! 

Th1rteen R3easons Why - Week of 11-10-14

1- Analyze the impact word choice has on the meaning or tone of a text.
2- Analyze how dialogue or specific incidents reveal information about characters. Make sure to include textual evidence.

     
     The word choice in this book is not that impressive, in my opinion. I do not think there is a few more improvement to make to set the tone. Though the types of sentences does create the tone  Since most of the sentences are questions that the narrator/main character says it creates more of a mysterious tone. For me mostly, it sets curiosity. The curiosity makes me want to find out more. Did Hannah really kill herself? What was the reason of suicide? By who is Clay being watched? Many more questions keep popping up in my head and there is nothing I can do about it than to read. Though, there are a few slight word choices that Hannah Baker says on her stories she tells. The way she describes people she has encountered has always been in a negative way. Also to create tension to a story the sentence would be separated from a paragraph to make it dramatic. Not overly dramatic that makes it unbelievable but enough to fill the mood in the story.
     
     Dialogue was something that was revealed more about a character. When Clay went to go "borrow" a Walkman from his friend, Tony. When Tony was first introduced he was introduced as a friendly person who has a strong connection with his dad. I can see how his relationship could be overlooked but I predict that it will come useful later on in the book. When Tony and his dad were introduced they were working on fixing a car together. Seems like a usual father and son bond but there is more. When Clay asks if they are fixing it because it broke down or is it just for fun. Tony's father replies, "Isn't everything fun with Tony." Which shows the love of a father for his son. In return Tony smiles and laughs. They continue their work when Clay leaves. 
     
     When Hannah tells a memory when she was talking to Jessica involving some rumors that are not true, Jessica's dialogue shows that she believes the rumors. First she tells Hannah, "I know the rumors," and sternly looks at her and and hits her leaving a scar. When Hannah continues to tell the story she says, "Jessica, you left a scar. I don't just mean from the slap I mean a scar in your life. In everyone's life, everyone who is listening to this." What I think she means by this is that to all the listeners to her tapes they have each taken part of Hannah's suicide. Attitude in dialogue could show hate or love for someone in this book is shows a mixture of hate or love. There is no in between. That is why there seems to be gaps in Hannah's life that can only be filled in if the reader reads more and that is what I will be doing.

Passion Project

What do you want to do for your project? What will this look like? How long will this take you to achieve? Why do you want to do this for your project? What are you looking to achieve? How will you know if you have accomplished?

     For my passion project I want to be able to make people truly smile. I want to make each person smile by me being able to show or do an act that will make them happy. I was thinking about volunteering with my step-mom in this group to help people who are having problems with their own life. Problems such as being anorexic, my step-mom has been wanting to do this for a while but she wanted me to volunteer with her. Now that I put thought into it, I do.

    This will probably take a while because in order for the clinic to accept my mom and I there are several steps to take for the safety of the people there. At the most two weeks. I know I will be successful once I see people improving their lives and not having any depression. Just to have an elated expression on their face. The volunteering is as long as I want it to be, because new people keep coming in for help. I will also do more research on every patient and on the clinic. Like that I will be able to share this information.

Th1rteen R3asons Why - Week of 11/3/14

Prompt: Why did you chose to read this book?
Pages Read: 1-44
Author: Jay Asher

     The reason why I chose this book because I have been wanting to read a book with mystery in it. Plus, I have asked those who have read the book to tell me their opinion. They all said they loved the book. Though, one person told me this, exact words, "Its one of those rare books that after you are done, you just take a moment to think about it." That is my major motivation for reading it. I love books that gives me a book hangover. When a book captivates me by sucking me into the pages full of ink, I know I have just lived another life.

     This book is about a boy in high school receives a package full of tapes. All recorded by a girl who has committed suicide. The recordings are giving reasons why she has committed suicide. There are thirteen tapes in total. Thus the title Thirteen Reasons Why. Most books I have read about suicide, depression, or self-harm always seem over exaggerated to me. Sometimes that even seem too dramatic. Maybe thats just me. Though, this book seems different because it does not concentrate on life problems and suicide. My prediction of what will happen at the end is not that specific but I know the author will give an overall message that I might be too surprised to understand. Many feelings to be processed at once, getting overwhelmed out of excitement with anger that it just kills you. Just like getting struck like lightening, comes fast but it kills you.

Cask Of Amontillado Narrative

     In the midst of a night,  I sat in my armchair. Starring at the fireplace with no flames. Nothing but swirling above. Just as how my own thoughts swirled. Recalling the moment I have felt as if my power is regained. No more wounds will be taken from his words. As I am deep in thought an intruding sound interrupts. Bang! Bang!  It is my door. I groggily stood up and walked towards the door.

"Who dares to interfere with my busy schedule?" I muttered on my way.

     I swing the door open to find a man from the police department who I recognize though since it is a cold Sunday he is not wearing his uniform but his long coat. Though I do remember on one time he told me he is not on duty on Sundays. Why is Ameplio here?

"Hello Mr. Montressor, I have come here just to ask a few questions regarding the disappearance of Fortunato. You see, some-"

"Now stop right there. I have already discussed this subject with many of your workers. Though I am glad they sent you this time, I have answered the same things many times. Yet you all still seem to insist. After all it has already been three years, why not just let the matter go?"

"Well for you it might already be three years but for others it is just three years. You know Fortunato's family is not the kind to give up without what they want."

     There was a long silence holding up between us. As he looks away I study him carefully for this young man is no longer himself. He has dark bags under his eyes and a plastered look of worry flashes for a second across his face.

"Come in." I tell him, "Looks to me you need a glass of wine."

"Oh no, I must not. I have so much more work to do."

"Do I not recall you are not on duty on Sundays."

"Technically, yes. Though this duty is one to never end."

"At most you can just say you were interrogating me again."

"Fair enough I see your point."

     He steps inside and I have one of my attendants to take care of his coat. He is wearing some black trousers and a gray long sleeve formal shirt tucked in and folded at the sleeves.

I call out to another attendant, "Henry, go fetch some Amontillado for my guest and I."

"Actually, if it is not too much I prefer something other than Amontillado."

"Very well then," I turn to Henry "Anything but Amontillado." He nods and walks away. leaving me starring at Ameplio.

"I suppose you want an explanation of why the rejection of Amontillado."

"It is actually needless to say considering I already know. Therefore I truly apologize for it is not appropriate of your case."

"You know it never bothered me-" Henry enters the room

     A tray in Henrys hand with two glass wines and a bottle. He walks towards me and hands me a glass then to Ameplio. As Henry pours a light yellowish-carmel color into our glasses he introduces the wine to us.

"Pinot Grigio, a grape vine which newly got planted here." he says, "Is that all Master Montressor."

"All for now, Henry." He nods and walks away.

     After several discussions, that are not related to each other, and a great deal of sips I began to feel drowsy. I assume Ameplio felt the same way considering he has been blabbing about God knows what.

"Secrets," he muttered "Kills people in many ways."

"It does not kill me though." I replied "If anything the secret is that it killed another.  There is no one to trust. I had to learn that the hard way. Thankfully, my problem was fixed by me."

"How so?"

I hesitated for a long moment, not really thinking on the matter of Fortunato's death, so I told him.

"I thought you said you do not trust anyone so how could you tell me and I told another which makes you tell me again and again... and what?"

"That is very true. Though, I suppose you are too drunk to even understand. Nor remember. Now will you excuse me. I will be back in a while."

     I left to the bathroom. I bent over the sink to wash my hands and pour the clear liquid over my face to refresh. I look at the mirror. There staring back at me is a man who looks sick and weary. Someone must help this man for he cannot be controlled. "You will not get away with this." I whispered to the man. Just then something clicked in his mind, or was it my mind? Who knows, but I went back. "Follow me Ameplio. Something I want to show you of your interest." Too stupefied to object he followed. "We are going to the place where it all happened." As we went there I explained everything else I left out.

"You see Ameplio, he not only insulted me by not keeping a secret. Fortunato also insulted me by telling lies that have some sort of truth which makes it more believable. It is amazing how words have a way to one's mind. He not only told my wife of my affair with another but also said I have a child with another."

"Well did you?"

"I do not know." We have arrived.

"Hm."

"This is where his death happened. Now I have been thinking a lot about what you said with trust." I began to explain as I picked up some chains, "Maybe two are able to keep a secret if there is no one to tell. Though I will be doing this a bit differently, so please don't make this harder and just obey," And so he did.

     I did everything the same way as before. I built up the wall and chained my victim. Only difference is that I am with my victim. Along with a pistol which I hand to him. His hands shake as he holds it. As I turn to make sure the chains are intact. I can feel the presence of the pistol by my head. "Not yet I whispered." He puts it down. I turn and bend down on my knees facing him. "I have gone mad. There is no way to stop this. Only way is to kill me. One side, I want others to suffer which is my bad side. My good side I just want to die." I began to sob like a small brat. "Inside that pistol is only one bullet. I give you the choice. You may use it on yourself to get your death over with and just leave me here where I have a chance in escaping for I am not the chained one, or you could use it on me and you stay here and suffer when you have ended my suffering. Though your blood is the same as the rest therefore I know your choice will be to have your death."

He just stares at me. "I am not my father's son." He raises his hand and-

The Secret Life of Bees

Prompt: Character Development
Page: Finished

     In The Secret Life of Bees a girl who had just turned 14, Lily,  is still trying to figure out a way to live in peace, which is hard considering the Civil Rights movement is happening. She just wanted to stop feeling guilt for her mother, to start knowing exactly why her mother died. To stop having her own father keep pushing her in an empty void. To stop trying to fit in just to be popular. She needs a fresh start. How could Lily start a new life if she herself does not know how? She first needs answers and a companion to help her. Her companion is the only person she has cared about more than anything. That is her African house nanny, Rosaleen. When Rosaleen went to go vote, some of the most racist men in town had a little interference with her. Which, of course, made her go to jail along with Lily who was by her side the whole time. Eventually T-Ray, Lily's father, was only able to bail Lily out. At home Lily figured that was her opportunity to leave and start all over. Of course, she has to take Rosaleen. Her nanny is the only one who Lily has had closer connection to. That is when she starts working her way to a new life for answers about the past and to live in peace.

      In the beginning of the book, Lily is insecure and vacillating about herself. She wanted to attend charm school because she thought it would make her fit in. T-Ray is the cause for making Lily feel this way. Putting thoughts in her mind on how Lily is the one who killed her own mother. After realizing really how horrible she is living that triggered her mind to run away. Now she is sure of herself and knows exactly what to do. Which is in the middle of the book where Lily finds her courage. She realizes she won't get anywhere without being tough. Though there were times where kindness got her far.

     It was at the very end where Lily was able to have balance in life. Especially after realizing the truth she asks for forgiveness to her mother and gives forgiveness. She confronts many fears and faces them all at once. Not only to look at the negative parts of her life but the positive ones. Overall Lily became a young woman who believes in herself.