Finally

pages read this week: 203
semester: 2007

I have grown so much as a reader this semester. I would say I used to not be a reader at all. I think having the freedom to read whatever I would like and whenever has helped this. During the summer, I would always enjoy reading books for fun by the pool. Then I would dread starting school and being forced to read a bunch of big-yawn books. I have loved taking this class and being about to somewhat fall back in love with reading.
This semester I read a range of books. I think that was beneficial for me to change up the topics of my books. I didn't get bored so easily. I also found that I LOVE nonfictional books. My favorite book of the semester was probably Mind Gym. It was pretty short and sweet but I loved all of the famous quotes and factual studies that were mentioned. Honestly, I chose to read most of the books I read because either someone told me to or the cover looked pretty cool (A Million Little Pieces).
Sometimes meeting the reading quota would be hard during the week, but I found that reading during class when you have down time helped to get some pages down. When I read at home, I really like to listen to chill music. Most people find that distracting but music always seems to calm my mind; I can't really do homework without some tunage. My absolute favorite band and the best music to read to is The Fray, especially their first album.
I always laughed when something would occur during my week that would remind me of a book I was reading. Also I really found it helpful to watch the movie the corresponded with my books to help visualize events and characters in my mind.

Last Blog

It's here. My last blog! I'm almost to the end of My Sister's Keeper. I really love reading Jodi Picoult's work. I know she has a lot more novels that would be interesting to read. I like her because her topics are usually unexpected and creative. Who would ever think of writing about a designed-child created to save her dying sister. It seems unreal. I'm still torn about my opinions concerning this topic. Of course a family should do anything to help their children, especially to save their life, but there are limits. I would be really concerned about Anna's (younger sister) feelings and definitely her health if I were her parent. I'm just thankful that I'm not in their position.
So I'm supposed to do my book talk coming up soon in class. I can't decide which book I should talk about! I've read so many great novels from a good range of topics. I can describe my intense drug memoirs or romantic dramas. I feel like I would have a lot of good excerpts to read from in A Million Little Pieces or My Friend Leonard. These settings are exciting and the topic is very interesting and a definite crowd pleaser.
Anyways, thanks Mr. Hill for being such an awesome teacher. Your class as been one of my favorites by far. I love how excited you get about teachings us new things; it's easier to want to learn new things when the educator is just as enthusiastic. I'm also surrounded by a great group of students in your class. So thanks :)

Last Week

I can't believe this is already our last week of blogging! This semester is flying by, which makes me really happy. I'm so ready to go to college!! In fact I just recently committed to Ohio University to swim next fall. Go Bobcats! Anyways, I'm not going to lie, I thought having to blog was going to be a big pain at the beginning of this class. Now blogging has become my favorite part of this class. I love being able to reflect about anything regarding my book of choice. So cool.
So I'm still in the middle of reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. On my way to a recruit visit to OU this past weekend (5 hour drive yay!) I actually got to read the book and watch the movie. I don't think I can get through that movie without crying. It was nice being able to put faces to the characters after I had just watched the movie. One aspect I'm actually disappointed with in the movie is that Jessie (the brother) isn't depicted as such a big rebel. Sure he has his moments when he stays out late but the movie doesn't really show Jessie doing destructive things. In the book, Jessie is a regular fire-maniac. He finds pleasure in finding old, abandoned buildings to set on fire. What's ironic is that his dad, Brian, is a firefighter. While Brian can go to work doing his regular work, he has no idea that some of these fires are caused by his son.

Currently

pages this week:106+52=158
semester: 1804

"Birds floating so close together in some places that she couldn't see the water. From a distance, the groups of swans looked almost like icebergs."
"I close my eyes and become a mighty ship in churning waters, strong and fearless, and she is my sails."
I love these lines from the book because I love these scenes in the movie. Nicholas Sparks does a great job with his use of imagery; the pictures painted in my head are very similar to the movie.

My Sister's Keeper

So I've decided to continue to be nice to myself and read a book again that I already read about 2 years ago. I remember I loved reading this book because of all the emotion behind the words; I also enjoyed reading from different perspectives (each chapter is written from the point of view of different characters, it created a lot of situational irony). I saw this movie in theaters with my sister, let's just say you could probably hear my sobbing from rows back. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult is a story about a family's struggle to make the right choices with a dying daughter and another daughter created to save her.
I love how the book gets straight to the point from the beginning. The book doesn't really dance around your feelings, it hits subjects hard. In the first chapter, Anna, the younger sister, realizes at the young age of 13 that they only reason she was created was to save her sister. She was genetically developed to be a perfect match for her older sister Kate whenever there needed to be a donor of any sort. Anna's biggest struggle early in the book is trying to stick up for herself or even knowing the right choices to make.
In the beginning, Anna visits a lawyer to learn about gaining medical ownership of her body from her parents. It's crazy to think that a 13 year old girl has to face this struggle, and on top of that feel the need to fight this battle alone enough to visit a lawyer.

Book vs Movie

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks was such an easy read and I finished the book this weekend! It was a nice change to read an easier book that wasn't quite as depressing as my others books. I still can't even imagine what I would do if my spouse became so ill that he couldn't always remember me. I think writing a notebook about our lives is of course and interesting and heart-warming method for a book but this would never work in my life. I'm not a patient enough person to sit down and ready someone the same book every day. However, Noah's actions as they are growing older shows a lot about his patience and persistence along with his internal love for Allie.
Although I was somewhat disappointed with the book compared to the movie. The one scene I was really looking forward to reading was the part in the movie when Allie and Noah finally reunite during the rainy boat ride. After realizing that their love never ended, Noah grabs Allie and they have classic movie embrace moment. Well in the book, the passion and intensity is almost nonexistent during this scene. The two characters start having sexual desires for each other but they don't necessary act on this right away. Instead they dry off inside and get drunk together. This isn't quite as scandalous and exciting compared to the movie obviously.
However I was really pleased with the ending of this book. When I watch the movie, of course I sob like a baby at the end like any other emotional girl. Well I shared this same feeling while reading this book too. The words and metaphors Sparks uses to show Noah and Allie drifting away to Heaven is beautiful. I loved the line: "I close my eyes and become a mighty ship in churning waters, strong and fearless, and she is my sails." This line somewhat reflects upon the rest of the book as well; the author's organization of words and his imagery create a soothing and tranquil mood.

I'm really enjoying reading The Notebook this week. It's so much different than the other books I've been reading lately. Unlike devastating drug addict memoirs, it has a complex setting and plot along with a sweeter love story.
In the beginning of the book, Allie is already traveling back to visit Noah while she's engaged to Lon; however in the movie, this part comes much later. This backwards way to start the book makes the beginning definitely more interesting and somewhat adds some urgency to Allie's situation.
Another aspect I like about The Notebook is that its set in a different time era, post World War 2. It's neat to see how the character's interactions and daily activities are different compared to the more modern setting books I've read. At one point, Allie takes a bath while contemplating her thoughts. Although this seems pretty normal, this kind of even doesn't usually occur in more modern books.
One thing I can't wait to read about is how the author shows how the grown-up Allie learns to realize the meaning of this story.  The movie made it seem like she caught on pretty quick, we'll see how the book goes.

Close-reading Bingo

6. Avoid the verbs "use" and "shows"
Under the Oak
"The diction within this passage uses a precise, with intermediate writing literal and direct."


3. When discussing your supporting quotes, don't be vague
Chillin In The Nyle
"The diction throughout the excerpt is a bit rough around the edges."


1. Avoid "he says" quote introductions
As Told By Ginger
'he also uses figurative language when he mentions the escalator “as the handrails slid on their tracks, like the radians of black luster."'


9. Don't say "this" without putting a noun after it (I include "it" too if the speaker doesn't clarify what the "it" is)
Apples to Apples
"It’s relieved slightly towards the end when mentioning the work of the character’s brother’s “terrific book of short stories.”

Best Response!! InsideOut

The Notebook

With all the reading about drug and alcohol addictions for awhile, I decided to give myself a break and read a classic romance story. What better story to read than The Notebook. I am obsessed with this movie any all other motion pictures that were adapted from Nicholas Sparks' novels. I kind of like to do things the opposite way and I actually like to watch a movie and then read the book it was inspired by after. I did this after watching My Sister's Keeper some time ago and I ended up loving the book way more, which kind of surprised me. I definitely one of those people that would love to sit down and watch a movie rather than play a game or read a book (sorry Mr. Hill). Maybe I liked it so much because it's ending was different from the movie and was totally unexpected and thrilling, you'll have to read it to know what I'm talking about.
Anyways, so I'm really interested to read The Notebook and see how alike it is to the movie. So far I love the format of the book; like the movie, it switches back and forth between Allie and Noah's past and the story being told to the old woman. It's also helpful to have characters in mind from the movie to create a picture in my head while I'm reading the book. I've noticed that Sparks portrays the older man reading the book a lot less optimistic than the character in the movie. In the beginning of the book, it almost seems that he is depressed or hopeless about his long love and their future.

Practice Diction Analysis

Catcher in the Rye-J. D. Salinger

In the excerpt from Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses a vulgar and informal style with suggestive connotation and a drilling sound to portray the main character, Holden's, disposition and background. Salinger shows his informality and relaxed mood when Holden first says, "all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." The sharp and somewhat clattering sound of his writing is supported when Holden also says, "It cost damn near four thousand bucks." The sound and vulgarity shows Holden's ruthless and loud personality. In fact, Salinger uses many instances of inappropriate or profane words. By observing the author's style of writing, the suggestive mood and tone is found through his language.

Currently

pages read this week: 144
semester:1604

all from My Friend Leonard by James Frey
"This is what she seeks, she seeks freedom. From her past, form her addictions, from herself. From her loneliness. I will do anything to give it to her."
"I have used substances to control and kill my emotions and my insecurities and my rage for my entire life. I have spent the bulk of my existence using alcohol and drugs to destroy what I feel so that I wouldn't have to feel it."
"My life is a simple routine."

1.Stardust has a literal denotation in this excerpt, with a scholarly, intricately-designed level of elevation, and a sound neither glorious nor dull.- XC Hoosier 3366
2.The last excert from Survivor by Palahniuk Has a powerfulfully high elevation fortified by a strong connotative tone and ended with a blunt sound leaving anyone who reads this picking their jaw up of the floor. -The Chief
3. I would place Stardust at an elegant high, with precise denotation, and a middle sound that is neither hamonious and sweet nor discordant and bitter. -I need a Nap?


I really like the first sentence because this blogger was able to talk about all three axis' but it reads well and flows together.

My Friend Leonard

After collecting himself after hours and hours of sobbing over the death of Lilly, James Frey in My Friend Leonard puts himself in one of the most challenging positions yet. As he is walking through the streets, he founds himself surrounded my bars and cheap liquor stores. In order to get rid of his unimaginable pain, James decides to try to drink his problems away. In the past, when James would feel any kind of unpleasant or strong emotion, he would cover it up with drugs and alcohol. That's the only thing he knows how to do. With such an horrific event occurring, he sees this as his best option. Determined to follow through his plan, James buys a cheap bottle of wine that most alcoholics use to get wasted quick. He calls it the "quick trip to hell" or "liquid death". This potent alcohol actually eats away at the lining of the stomach.
As James gets into his car and risks being caught illegally drinking and driving with the wine in his hand, he cannot drink it. The bottle of wine sits beside James all night as he curses at everything possible and passes out. I think this event in the book truly shows how much James has grown. Although I think tempting himself and carrying alcohol with him is silly, I'm somewhat proud of James at this point. Even with such a great loss, he is learning to make the right decisions to gain his life back.

Style Mapping

The excerpt from Neil Gaiman in Stardust, the author uses a literal and straight-to-the-point tone along with educated formality and a dull noise that is not harmonious nor clattering. In the more relaxed example, "the inhabitants of Wall are a taciturn breed," the author show's his scholarly vocabulary and chooses worlds that don't exactly produce and noisy or sweet sound. In another excerpt from The Mud Below, Annie Proulx creates a poetic and loose style that has somewhat of a country twang which creates a melodious sound. The first sentence is a perfect example of this country and lyrical tone: "Rodeo night in a hot little Okie town and Diamond Felts was inside a metal chute a long way from the scratch on Wyoming dirt he named as home." The last example I chose as the most serious and educational tone to it. In the excerpt from Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell says, "Wolf's first thought was that the Rosetans must have held on to some dietary practices form the Old World that left them healthier than other Americans." This statements supports his journalistic and precise denotation along with a organized formality, especially since most of his writings are influenced by his research.

A Good Ending

I can't believe this book is already coming to a close. Watching this man's internal growth, interactions with fellow users and family, and the optimistic future ahead of him has been really interesting and somewhat of a new experience for me. Sure I've read books before about really bad or destructive people, but never about a drug addict. I think they're on a whole new field than other characters. Drug addicts are what they sound like, addicted. Not only are they addicted to drugs or alcohol, but they strive on self-destruction, bad relationships, wasted opportunities, and really bad choices. Reading this book was so interesting and definitely different than the usual literature I read.
But guess what I found in Mr. Hill's library...the "sequel" to A Million Little Pieces. It's called My Friend Leonard and it's the story of James and Leonard's friendship (his friend in jail who adopts him as a son). So it's somewhat of a sequel to the first book because it picks up at the time James is released from the center and serves his time in jail. The beginning as been crazy intense already. Remember Lilly, the girl James had a relationship with at the alcohol abuse center? Well their relationship grew and grew into a true love and they planned a future for themselves when James could be released from jail. However, their timing really sucks. While James is in his last week of jail, Lilly's grandmother and only close, consistent person in her life takes and turn for the worst and is on her death bed. Unfortunately, Lilly's grandma dies and Lilly doesn't know how to deal with the loss and her own pain. She calls James to convince him to run away early and come visit her since she so desperately needs him. He knows it would be silly to take such a risk and promise he will be there for her the next day when he is released. I don't mean to ruin the book or be a debbie-downer, but before James is able to reach her, Lilly kills herself.
This event somewhat set the tone for the book. I think it's going to being another raw tale told by James Frey that doesn't sugarcoat any events. He has had such a hard life and I doubt it will get an easier in this book. I'm excited that there's also more of a focus on Leonard, who is another former drug addict that seems to be heading in the right direction.

Quarterly

By taking this class and being able to chose my own novels, I've actually learned that reading can be fun. I use to really dislike reading assignments for school but having the option to pick my book as made it much more enjoyable. I've noticed that I really love reading non-fiction books as well. I think I've enjoyed those because they seem the most real and I can put myself into characters' shoes. One thing that has surprised me is that if I'm in a really exciting place in my book, I'll try to read during other classes. Of course I get my other work done and then I sit back to read my book. My favorite book this quarter has been A Million Little Pieces; I love how raw it is. I think I'm going to set a goal for myself to try and continue to read different genres of books that I normally wouldn't think to pick up.

Currently

pages read this week: 211
semester total: 1460

favorite sentences:

"...I realize why dawn is called mourning."-A Million Little Pieces

"We all choke. Winners know how to handle choking better than losers."- Mind Gym

"I'm sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect."- Franny and Zooey

I'd say I really like all of these sentences because they're real; they share the truth and don't hide anything. I love the use of playing with words the author uses in the first sentence. I think the second sentences speaks the truth about athletes that most don't want to admit. And I like how real the character is being in the last sentence; she isn't afraid to share how she thinks people can be fake and no one has shown any worthiness for respect.

Carrying On

James Frey is still recovering and learning to deal with the emotions inside his head in A Million Little Pieces. As a part of his program James participates in the Family Program. James' parents come to the clinic to take part in this program. The moment he sees them, James finds it difficult to continue this particular treatment. Their faces remind of home and the outside world that he is missing out on. They all participate in many therapy sessions with his counselor and in one meeting, James finds out he had serious ear infections throughout his childhood that went untreated. His parents also inform James that his grandfather had a serious drinking problem throughout his life. While his parents continue to push their belief that these findings are a major cause to James' addiction, James will not give in to their theory. He stresses that his addiction is not an illness, but a weakness. I think this shows James' growth as a person and drug addict. He is realizing that treatments and medicine won't necessarily cure him, his mind will. James knows he is the only person that can truly change himself and that his future relies on overcoming these weaknesses and find new strengths in life.
I feel like this point in the book (his sudden realization) is the turning point. He stops feeling sorry for himself and being destructive because he can't find a fix. Instead, James is understanding to start changing and to be hopeful for his future. It's a lot more comforting for him to plan and dream of a better future than fearing a relapse or failure. James has been such an interesting and dynamic character to follow, especially in these worst moments of his life.

Currently

Pages Read This Week:166
Semester Total:1249


"I hate that what I have turned to in my loneliness lives in a pipe or a bottle."
I love how he basically is using his tangible harmful treasures as his source for loneliness, and that he realizes this.
"More than anything, all I have ever wanted is to be close to someone."
It's sad that this man as been so alone all is life. He focuses all of his love towards drugs and alcohol instead of actual people.
"My eyes start to tear and the hair on the back of my neck stands straight and my tooth hurts like the point of a bayonet is being driven through it."
As a part of his therapy, James visits a dentist who repairs his much damaged with while using no sedatives or painkillers. It's incredible how descriptive this chapter was and how readers can feel his pain just by reading about it.

A Rehab Romance

It is true that throughout his entire life, James Frey felt alone and often purposely put himself in this position. Not only is he alone but he is stubborn. Although he knows that the clinic only wants the best for him, James cannot bring himself to accept and participate in the Twelve Step Program to recovery. He continually refuses to complete any tasks they present him.
One task James was not hesitant to fulfill was his secret meeting with Lilly, a middle-aged woman in the recovery program. While in the cafeteria, Lilly hands James a note that tells him to meet outside. Both know that interactions between men and women are strictly prohibited and they both ignore this rule anyways. After a while of meeting, their relationship turns into a secret love affair. James and Lilly (hmm isn't that Harry Potter's parents' names? weird) meet for long periods of time in the clearing outside and mostly talk about their past and kiss and hold each other.
Later Lilly finds out her dear grandmother that means everything to her as only a short time to live. Lilly runs away from the clinic and James finds himself chasing after her. He finds her in an abandoned building engaged in sexual activity and smoking crack. James has the choice to indulge and join her but he chooses to save her over the drugs instead. I think this choice says a lot about the growth of his character. Before James would have joined the party in a heart beat. Now I think he's learning self control and wants to take care of someone else so he can learn to take care of himself. Although she's somewhat danger, I think Lilly is helping James in his road to recovery.

Poor Guy

I am an Alcoholic and a Drug Addict and a Criminal.
This phrase is repeated throughout A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Although he has dug his own hole and put himself in this awful position of near death, James feels like he cannot get out. All of seclusion and with-drawl has allowed James to evaluate his on soul. He is more aware now than ever of how poor his character has become since his addiction. He doesn't think of himself as a loving or gentle person and others definitely don't view him this way as well.
With his frustration building up, James even got into a bad physical brawl with another patient. Although the other taunted and teased James, his low self-confidence got the best of him and allowed him to make a fool of himself. This embarrassing behavior didn't make James' stay an easier.
In the chapters I've read, James also starts talking more about his past and the previous woman in his life. He only shares bits and pieces and doesn't reveal the entire story or situation with this woman. So far I think this woman was a consistent figure in James' life that he relied on a lot. I think their relationship eventually grew into a romance but life many other things in his life, his addiction sabotages it. Every day he seems to regret or feel guilt from the decisions he made. I think James strongly wants to get better for her and to maybe secure a future with her.
My favorite part about this book is how raw it is. There is no sugar coating. James' extremely vulgar language and vivid details of his experiences make this story seem more real than ever. After all, this book is a memoir of a drug addict.

Currently

Pages read this week: 96+55=151
Semester total:1083

"There was nothing to do, Jimeno thought, except wait until they send out rescue parties in the morning. If they lived that long."
That's such a hard thing to grasp, for those trapped to accept the fact that they might not make it out of this.
"His old paramedic shirt torn, he plodded north in the late-summer night, alone, scuffling down streets blanketed by the dust that had been the World Trade Center."
Even though this sentence has a sad connotation, I love how the author phrases this statement; it kind of hits you right in the gut.
"...I realize why dawn is called mourning."
This is from my new book A Million Little Pieces by James Frey about a serious drug addict in rehab. Frey says this statement during his first days of detox and when he is feeling his worst; I love his use of words.

A Million Little Pieces

Holy cow this book is so good! A Million Little Pieces is a personal memoir of a serious drug addict, James Frey, who is heading down a path to his death. James has been an alcoholic for ten years and a crack addict for three. Most of his life is a blur. He can't go a day without waking up to some sort of alcohol and blacking out multiple times during the day.
James wakes up on an airplane. Confused and terrified, he realizes he is in awful condition. James had a broken nose, four missing teeth, and a hole in the side of his cheek. This was his wake up call. James was then greeted by his family who took him home for the night, but he couldn't get through without a bottle of wine.
The next day James Frey started his journey to recovery. James was admitted into rehab that would  test his soul and strength in every way. He is under strict orders to begin detox, do simple tasks, regularly meet with a psychologist, and his hardest talk, not talk with women at the facility.
The craziest part of the book so far that I noticed is that James was so disgusted and embarrassed of himself, that he did not look at himself in a mirror for five days. He could only imagine how awful it would be until he finally looked to find this true. It was also really interesting that James had an extremely vivid dream about alcohol and using drugs. In his dreams, he coke feel his nostrils and throat burning and even felt relief from the drugs. In a meeting with his psychologist, he informed that these dreams were very common and could occur often for more than a year.
I am so exited to continue with the book and to hear all of the unimaginable struggles James will have to go through. However these struggles will ultimately save his life.

Epilogue to 102 Minutes

Well this weekend I finished 102 Minutes! It's interesting how many different emotions I felt while reading this book. Sometimes I was a little frustrated learning about all the poor communications and improper protocols, but then I would feel sad reading about the personalities and lives of innocent workers who died, followed with great appreciation for those that risked their lives. It was such a humbling book to read and I definitely encourage others to get it. It's not a book that follows a traditional climatic plot but it's about real life, which is so much better. I commend the authors of this book, Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn, for doing their detailed research and interviews. They make you feel like you're really in the event.
The epilogue at the end was a helpful addition to the book. It somewhat clarified why certain events happened. It was titled 11 Am Ground Zero so it showed only a small portion of the aftermath this attack would lead to. It starts out taking about a Port Authority police officer trapped underneath cement and debrie after the collapse of the towers. Since he had previously worked with elevator rescues at the WTC, he knew rescue operations wouldn't occur until a day after when everything was stable. He was stuck in a 45 degree angle, trapped, pinned down, and waiting to day. Reading about this man reminded me about the movie 127 Hours. Oh man is that an intense movie or what, at least for me. Like the police officer, a hiker, Aron Ralston, is trapped in a canyon's crack underneath a large rock. The movie shows the mental and physical struggles Aron faced for 127 hours until he finally amputated his arm to find help. I can't even image that. Just even the solitude would drive me crazy. I think its incredible to hear stories about victims caught it strange innocent and their stories of survival. (Speaking of, you know how people ask, "If you were stranded on an island, what one item would you bring?" Well I definitely would choose chapstick. I am so addicted to that stuff. I think I put chapstick on at the very least 20 times a day. I just bought a new exotic scented eos lip balm today and I am so pumped!) Luckily the officer was found by a US Marine who could direct rescuers to his location. Semper fidelis, always faithful. What a great story.

Sentences of the Month

"We all choke. Winners know how to handle choking better than losers -John McEnroe."
"...So I'm really good in math class, but I don't announce it because I'm a girl."
"Christ lived on cheeseburgers and Coke, for all we know."


I like the first sentence the best because it's such a true statement about sports. I'm all about sports and overcoming challenges so reading Mind Gym was good for me. All athletes are scared to fail or even if they don't admit it; the great athletes are those that train their minds to overcome this obstacle and have confidence, which is something I'm trying to work on this swim season. 

Currently

Pages read this week: 167
Semester total: 932

Favorite Sentences-
"Rubbing his hands together, Savas appeared exhilarated, possessed of a sudden burst of energy,"
I love how this sentence points out the adrenaline running through victims bodies; they were able to tasks they probably wouldn't have been able to normally.
"He did not want to die. Suddenly, his words were drowned out by crashing noises, a terrible scream, and even worse silence."
I know this is a disturbing quote but I really like how real this makes the book seem. It allows readers to remember that trapped victims were real people that never thought a day at work could end their life.
"The doctrine-or reflex- of telling people to stay put during evacuations was not universally applied."
It's awful to think that people in WCT2 were told to remain inside, yet most people did not know any better of how to handle the situation.

Panic

The one thing I've noticed every time I start to read 102 Minutes is that somehow I tense up. Well of course this happens because the book is written in a style that makes you relive those 102 minutes while getting the full inside story. I'm one of those people that gets really into books and movies because I put myself into certain situations given. That's why I can't get through Titanic without sobbing; it's hard imaging thousands of lives lost due to one accident. However, I think this is kind of a cool quality about me. Putting myself into the roles of characters I watch or read makes my literary experience much more exciting and real.
I can't even imagine what I would do in a high-stressful situation like this. I already stress and worry way too much that I think I would just freeze up. Luckily, and for many victims' advantage, my adrenaline would kick in and allow me to make quick judgment actions to get myself to safety. This reminds me of a time this summer when we ran into a little bit of trouble at the pool (remember I lifeguard). While I was on my shift guarding the baby pool, there was a birthday party cookout nearby in the eating area. As I'm sitting there watching siblings tackle each other and cute little kids float around in a floaty as big as them, I see the grill catch on fire. My natural reaction was to run over to help. However, I couldn't abandon my shift and I had to trust that the other lifeguards would follow the pool's safety procedures. It turns out the fire was only a small grease fire and was extinguished fairly easily. It's really nice to know that I work at a place that had particular safety protocols, especially since safety in our number one concern. Thinking of that instance makes me realize just how important protocols are along with making smart choices in fast-moving situations. If only 9/11 could have been fixed that easily.

The North Tower

So far this week, I've been really interested in reading about the inside of the North Tower of the WTC in 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.  Fire departments said they could have attempted to put out a fire that only covered one or two stories; however, the plane crash completely engulfed five floors into flames. Firefighters knew their mission was not to extinguish the fire, but to rescue as many victims as they could. Although they were trying to the best of their ability, firefighters measured the time it would take to reach the floors above the fire in hours instead of minutes. With nearly all 99 elevators stuck and many staircases in flames, it would be a difficult task to reach the top. To add, firefighters were literally carrying another on their back. Their uniform and equipment weighed about 56.5 pounds and some engine ladders brought along a 30 pound hose.
A lot of poor communication and failed protocols hindered the rescue attempts of 9/11. For example, after the 1993 bombing, the city approved firefighters to ride in police helicopters in case of high-rise fires. After the attack, the city's police and fire departments went along with their own missions and did not communicate at all.  Therefore, police helicopters lifted off and at 8:52 could clearly see the damage of the building. It would have been beneficial for firefighters to accompany them and get a first glimpse at the source of the fire and collapsing floors.
It's crazy to think of all the minuscule errors were made during the rescue of 9/11, but also the numerous amount of workers that risked their lives for others. A lot of times I tend to only remember those working in the WTC whose lives ended that day. But in fact there were firefighters, policemen, and even fellow co-workers who reentered the burning buildings to save more lives. I would love to be able to visit Ground Zero when it is finished in 2013. Although it would be a sorrowful place of memories, it also serves as a reminder to our country's heros and unity.

Claims of the Day

I need a Nap?
The majestic, distinctive color with the deep, wild detail add to the heavy contrast and proud focus of this lion, a dignified and appreciative beast who hunted his prey out of resigned necessity, and for a disgruntled, hungry family.

Less Than Three.
The interior decorator's use of strange, modern furniture, simple color, a careful use of space, and distinct, quirky architecture express an energetic confidence and absurd frivolousness of the inhabitant.

XC Hoosier 3366
In the music video “The Adventure,” by the band Angels and Airwaves, resonant and alive music, roaming and adventurous surroundings, and powerful, real energy convey that a man’s life should be lived with passion and adventure, as long as his true love is by his side.

Running In Circles
Catherine's use of goofy clothing, fierce jumps, and precise gracefulness express a sense of energetic and explosive dance that has a playful attitude. 

Golb
In this scene you see Blake Griffin dunking a basketball, his expressions show his immense, powerful, and colossal body floating in the air, putting the extravagant crown into a short time of faint, quiet, and peaceful time before they erupted into a thundering and noisy crowd.

I really liked the first claim the best concerning a lion attacking a zebra. His claim portrays how fierce and wild the image is.http://eryday.blogspot.com/

Solo Creative Writing

When I sat down to do this assignment, I couldn't think of a genre to explore. Then my creative side kicked it and said, "Hey, you love fashion and clothes, let's describe a runway outfit." So here I go, thinking of a creative claim for this particular runway look. This is a gown designed by Versace.

Elements:
Color-fading, contrasting
Shape-flowing, tight, clean, curved
Texture-rough, fragile, light
Line-elongated, smooth, lean

Inferences:
complimentary, romantic, whimsical, dramatic, soothing

In Versace's purple ruffled gown, his fading colors, smooth lines, and rough and fragile textures along with a flowing and clean shape create a complimentary and whimsical sense of beauty in fashion-art.

Poet of the Month

My favorite poem we have read in class so far is "September Twelfth, 2001" by X.J. Kennedy. I loved how he expressed emotions from the terrorist attack through the eyes of grateful survivors. His one of those poets that takes an unexpected approach to writing which makes his poems interesting. He also picks unusual topics to write about. Here is a poem I found on Poetry Foundation that I also like by X.J. Kennedy:

Nude Descending a Staircase

Toe after toe, a snowing flesh,

a gold of lemon, root and rind,

she sifts in sunlight down the stairs

with nothing on. Nor on her mind.

We spy beneath the banister

a constant thresh of thigh on thigh;

her lips imprint the swinging air

that parts to let her parts go by.

   

One-woman waterfall, she wears

her slow descent like a long cape

and pausing on the final stair,

collects her motions into shape.

102 Minutes

There have been several books, TV specials, and articles regarding the terrorist attack on 9/11. However, 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn go deeper than ever, they relay "the untold story of the fight to survive inside the Twin Towers." This book contains factual information based on interviews, phone calls, and the buildings recorded conditions before the attack. It's neat to see this story told from the eyes of the people stuck in the middle.
This book helps to point out just out clueless workers inside the building were. Most people thought it was another bombing attack like in 1993. Even workers in the South Tower who could see the damage were unaware of its cause. One of the biggest problems these victims had was no preparation. Most private companies the the WTC didn't have evacuation or emergency plans; if they did, no one took them seriously. A company in the South Tower (before it was hit) continued to prepare for a busy day of work after witnessing the attack. Most people were oblivious to the severity of this act. The ones who know what a great danger they were in were the people trapped above the impact sight, breathing in toxic smoke and unable to reach any stairs.
I think it's great to read a book like this. It helps to get the real information from real people. Not only does it open my eyes to all the events that actually occurred on that day but it makes me appreciate those who risked their lives to help save lives, like Abe Zelmanowitz who stayed behind to help his wheel-chaired friend evacuate.

Currently

Pages Read This Week: 121+45=166
Semester Total:765

Favorite Quotes of the Week:
"Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can."

"We all choke. Winners know how to handle choking better than losers -John McEnroe."

These quotes came from Mind Gym by Gary Mack. I really liked the first one because it points out that the true winners are the ones who believe in themselves and tries to be the best; he doesn't simply expect victory. I also liked the quote from McEnroe since it was pretty unusual to say about all athletes; when you think about it, it's true. All athletes are nervous and scared going into competition, winners are trained and able to handle their nerves so they may overcome them.

I just stared 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn and I'm already so intrigued. Here is my favorite quote from the book so far (it's the thoughts of Greg Trevor, a PR worker in the North Tower, after receiving a call from NBC during evacuation): "Apparently, Trevor thought to himself, it was okay to save yourself from a burning building if only a local affiliate was calling." It's crazy how people at first did not realize the severity of the 9/11 accident. Although Trevor was baffled that an NBC worker would battle for an interview during the North Tower's evacuation, the worker had no clue of its seriousness.

Mind Gym

Wow, this has been such a great book to read. Being an elite athlete, I could definitely relate to the book Mind Gym by Gary Mack. It's considered "An athlete's guide to inner excellence." Mind Gym is somewhat of an inspirational and sports pyschology focused book. Gary Mack is a noted sports psychologists that shares lessons and techniques for athletes to build their mental "muscle." It was helpful to have words from such a highly recognized name that gave many experiences from his clients, especially famous athletes. I also really enjoyed how each chapter was short and sweet; it got straight to the point. The book was extremely helpful giving tips concerning mental aspects and was motivational without being too cheesey.
My favorite part of the book was that each chapter began with 2 quotes from 2 famous athletes. One of my favorite quotes was "You have to train your mind like you train your body," from Bruce Jenner (I'm also kind of obsessed with the Kardashians so of course I'll like anything he says). Most of the time, players focus on doing extra work, lifting extra weight, putting in more hours to build their bodies to be the best. Jenner's point helps athletes to realize that you should train your mind just as much. In swimming, my coach always likes to make tough "challenge" sets that are supposed to tear you down physically but build you up mentally. I love those sets. While I'm killing my body, I know I'm still growing stronger and gaining confidence because I am able to say I got through it.
There's another quote that caught my eye by Knute Rockne, and he said, "Build your weaknesses until they become your strengths." This is such a great quote to say to a swimmer, and my coach would agree. He's always stopping us during practice to remind us of the silly errors we all make that affect our swimming so we can correct it. This may include breathing out of a turn, no streamline, breathing too much and so on. The more he reminds us and the more we work on those weaknesses, obviously that better we will be. For me, I have a tough time breathing out of my turn (this means as soon and I flip turn and take another stroke, I breathe right away.) Taking this breath breaks your streamline sooner and can therefore slows you down, so it's best to just hold your breath. One of the goals I have set for myself this season is to work every day to hold my breath for that much longer after each turn until it becomes natural and I'm actually good at it.
I would highly suggest this book to any athlete that wants to grow. Reading this book came at a perfect time for me since swimming has just started again and you always to that extra push to get you motivated for a great season. My coach is pretty pumped I chose to read this as well.

Dear Mr. Hill...

BTW since I joined your class a week and a half late, you said it was alright to only make a "Friday" and "Currently" post for the first week. That's why I only have 4 book response blogs so far :)

Currently

I had a great week of reading!! I finished 2 books I had started (Palo Alto Stories and Blink) and now I'm booking through my new book (Mind Gym), haha get it?

Page Count This Week: 177+100+100=377
Semester Total: 599

3 Favorite Sentences:
"Nothing stands between us and success but our will to win -Mia Hamm"
"The good news is that attitudes can be unlearned and changed."
"Goal setting is a way of bringing the future into the present so you can take action now."

I chose these quotes because I'm that sappy person who loves motivational quotes and such. That's why I'm in love with the book Mind Gym. Each chapter starts with 2 inspirational quotes from famous athletes, that's my favorite part of the book.

Blink

During the summer, I met with a career coach you could say, and he helped me to try to decide on some future career options by taking multiple personality and interest tests. We came to the conclusion to explore the option of psychology. He encouraged me to read Blink and Mind Gym. So during my vacation in Florida I was able to get through half of my book, however the busyness of summer caught up to me and I couldn't finish my book :( Since practically no one came to the pool today I got to finish my book!! It was so interesting. Under the title of the front, it says, "The Power of Thinking Without Thinking." And that was exactly what it was about, intuitive thinking, first impressions, snap decisions and so forth.
The author really did his recent and presents numerous psychological experiments, their results, and what those mean. One fascinating research I read about was the Coke vs. Pepsi challenge. The Coke company was frustrated and concerned that their competitor Pepsi were starting to make more business. Researchers completed blind tests (Coke vs Pepsi) on thousands of tasters. The problem researchers found why they were losing the contest was due to only having a sip test. The sweet taste of Pepsi often satisfied more drinkers with one sip, but during an at home and full can survey, Coke won. Therefore Coke scientists worked to create a sweeter and smoother version of Coke called New Coke. However, New Coke sales was a disaster and the company soon switched back to Classic Coke. The research and story of New Coke showed a good illustration of how hard it is to find out with people really think.
In early chapters, the author talked a lot about first impressions and presumptions. There was one study that showed that when black students were asked to identity their race before completing a test, they scored significantly lower than other black students who weren't asked this question before. The interviewed afterwards, the lower scoring students said that this question but the stereotype of "uneducated" in their head and they didn't feel the need to try or impress anyone. There are lots of controversial studies and research about people and their reactions and behaviors towards others. Blink was not a typical book with a plot, instead it was basically composed of research and interesting stories about non-cognitive thinking. I'm glad a got to read such a non-traditional book that actually made me think.

Can You Get It?

There's a riddle in Blink that sadly stumped me at first. Can you get it?
"A father and his son were in a car accident. The father died. The son was taken to the hospital. The doctor came in and said: I can't do surgery on him, because he's my son. Who was the doctor?" 

Palo Alto

It's crazy how much time I've had to read this weekend. I managed to finish my book by James Franco called Palo Alto Stories in one day. I liked how the book was a collection of different teenagers stories, although most are pretty inappropriate to discuss. In general, most of the teens were struggling with drugs, alcohol, and sexual abuse. It's a pretty intense book with lots of strong feelings, including hatred, jealousy, and lust. In the first chapter, a character describes a drunken night he had a long time ago when he accidentally ran over a woman with his car and abandoned her. Most of the experiences these kids went to (some were even in 7th grade) were disturbing and shocking. It's crazy the amount of trouble and bad choices they all made. I really loved the style of the book and how raw it was, but I would Franco could have focused a little more about positive events in their lives. Although I think that was his intent in writing such a powerful book. Franco wants readers to realize the roughness teens can go through. Maybe he wanted to reach out to troubled teens to let them know they aren't alone, and to make the lucky ones aware of disturbing circumstances that exist. Palo Alto was one of the most interesting and in the raw stories I have read and I think that's why I couldn't put it down all day.
The picture above is the beautiful portrait of James Franco I got to look at every time I opened my book, how lucky am I?

Currently

Pages Read This Week:100+19
Semester: 222

I finished reading Franny and Zooey, and now I'm starting to read Palo Alto Stories by James Franco.
Overall Franny and Zooey was pretty interesting, I liked how odd the Glass family was and their awkward and tense interactions. I wish the book would have moved a little faster.

My favorite sentences this week are as follows:
1."Then, on a sudden but apparently pressing impluse, he stretched out supine on the carpet."
I like this because it has a vocab word from last week in it; it's kind of cool to see the words we learn being used.

2. "His apology had been genuine, and Mrs. Glass knew it, but evidently she couldn't resist taking advantage of it, perhaps because of its rarity."
This sentence shows just how stubborn and rude Zooey can be, especially towards his family.

3. "...So I'm really good in math class, but I don't announce it because I'm a girl."
This quote is from my new book, Palo Alto Stories, and it shares how teenagers in this tough area felt they had to fit a certain stereotype or behave a certain way.

Week 2 Blog Tour

In class today, I visited these blogs...Amanda, I Need a Nap?, Running in Cirlces, j_Parker, E-dubs, The Chief, Blogs with Friends, Outspkoen Silence, Squrrielmonkey, and Purple Moments. All varying and creative!

Zooey

Since I have such a laid back job (lifeguarding, woohoo!), reading definitely helps to pass the time. In fact, I'm almost finished with Franny and Zooey. I'm far into the portion of the book that's written in Zooey's, a Glass son, point of view. He's an interesting character. I'd say he's kind of the rebel of the family. The siblings before him were great scholars and went off to attain well respected and advanced careers. However, I think partially due to the corruption of his childhood, Zooey wants to pursue a career in the theater department. The only think is, he kind of sucks. Salinger inserts a small part of a play Zooey is writing into the book and it is so dull and mediocre.
In a letter from his older brother, Zooey learns that his older siblings pushed several religious and philosophical theories on him when he was young. They provided Zooey with a lot of information about different gods and probable theories concerning life, but his brothers never showed him how to apply this exposure to his life. Therefore, I think that's why Zooey is overly sensitive and strongly wants to be different from others. I think it'd be really overwhelming to have all these possible ways to live your life thrown at you as a young learning child. Growing up, my parents taught me their one certain way to live; plus I learned the traditions and beliefs of Catholicism. It would be really hard to determine what particular way to live life with so many options, or always having the "What if?" in the back of your mind. This confusing childhood education explains why Zooey struggles in life now. He wants others to support his pursuit to act and the choices in life he makes.
One person that most certainly doesn't understand him is his mother, Bessie. They have one of the strangest relationships I have yet to see. In order to communicate with her son, Bessie traps Zooey in the bathroom was he's in the tub and forces him to talk. Most of the time they are arguing or having to explain themselves to each other. It's a very distant kinship mostly due to Zooey's outcast behavior. Bessie has a hard time understanding any of her children, but especially Zooey. Speaking of, what a weird name..Zooey. It's pronounced Zoo-E. You won't see my naming my kids that in the future.

Franny and Zooey

So I'm more than half way through my book Franny and Zooey, but this is my first time blogging about it because I joined the class late. However I am so stinking glad I switched classes, I love being able to read whatever I want and to have the freedom to reflect about any aspect of my book. Oh and Mr. Hill is legit.
Anyways, my book is written by J.D. Salinger and I'm kind of in love with his writing. I loved Catcher in the Rye and now I'm really starting to enjoy this new book.  In some of his literary works, Salinger writes about a peculiar family, the Glass family.  In the first section of the book, the narrator is a Glass daughter named Franny. She travels to visit her boyfriend of a year at college and not but 30 minutes into her visit, I can tell what their relationship is really like. Lane, her boyfriend, is a egotistical, pompous, and rude genius. On the other hand, Franny seems like the more quiet and reserved person but inside she is bursting to share her real frustrations. Repeatedly during their dinner date, Lane cut Franny off, bragged about his studies and accomplishments, and criticized Franny. At first Franny took this behavior and accepted it like she normally does and often apologized for her unacceptable behavior. Soon enough her frustrations about her education and the materialistic society she observes everyday caused her to lash out at Lane and even made herself sick.
Reading this offensive and obnoxious interactions between a boyfriend and girlfriend caused me to take a step back and look at what type of character I am in relationships. Am I the loud friend who's so concerned with myself that others can't even speak? Or am I the shy observer dying for attention and ready to burst at any moment. Well lucky for you, I'm definitely neither of these choices. However, I can see aspects of these characters in myself during certain situations. For example, when I'm in an argument with anyone, I love to be the person that's right like Lane. I know its wrong of me but sometimes I'm so concerned with getting my thoughts out that I don't pay attention to the other side of the story. Along with that, when Franny tried to defend herself, she went out of her way to make herself seem like the better person. She always felt sorry for herself as well, and criticized her deprived society to boost her self-esteem. I wouldn't say that I do that, but I again have a problem with always trying to be right or having the better say in disagreements. It's nice to read books like these that show extreme behaviors of characters and how ridiculous that seem, especially when these characters can remind you of yourself.

Friday

On my personality test, I scored a ISFJ. This means I'm categorized as a "Guardian." After reading the description, I totally agree with my results. I'm definitely one of those people that likes to look out for other people, especially my friends and family. I value my friendships with others and don't take it for granted; instead I "guard" and take care of it. It also states that I tend to be responsible and be a believer in stability, in which both describe me to a T. It's true that I can come off as shy to others, but there is a warm heart inside. I also like how the results shared that Guardians are generally hard and long-hour workers. I'm a full-time swimmer which basically proves this statement to be very true.

Currently

Franny and Zooey
J.D. Salinger

Pages read this week: 103
Last Week: none :(

Sentences of the Week:
1. "I'm sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect..."
I loved when Franny said this to her boyfriend, Lane, face because it showed that if she doesn't respect anyone, she definitely doesn't respect him or therefore love him. Her true feelings are coming out.

2. "Christ lived on cheeseburgers and Coke, for all we know."
In a conversation between a mother and son, the mother, Bessie, obviously has no faith. I found it ironic that a mom trying to counsel her son about his future would have no religion. Normally parents base their teachings off of morals and religious beliefs, this is some different king of mom. She's a heavy smoker as well.

3."It was rather as though, after being in make-shift wet dock for days, the Queen Mary had just sailed out of, say, Walden Pond, as suddenly and perversely as she had sailed in."
I like how the author compares the mother to an obnoxious cruise boat. She's also kind of wide too which matches. And the conversation between her son happened while his was taking a bath, the metaphor all makes sense.