part 1 From Haven to Home:
The purpose of going to this exhibit was to teach us about Jewish immigrants, and how they have affected American culture. I learned that many influential people in our entertainment business are Jewish in America. Among them are, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Seuss, and one of the first mobsters, Benjamin Siegel. I felt that this exhibit really helped people understand my culture and our history. One of the things that I was surprised about was how much history the exhibit displayed.
I saw a photo that shocked me, and made me angry. It was a cover of a story written by David Meckler in Yiddush, and it was entitled "The Truth About Henry Ford." On this cover, is a member of the KKK, with his arm around Henry Ford's shoulder, basically showing that the two were friendly and were racist and anti-semetic. I knew that Henry Ford was ant-semetic, but this made me realize how anti-semetic he really was. I thought the piece spoke for itself and really told people how it was.
part 2:
A picture that struck me in the second exhibit; Between Cultures Children of Immigrants in America, was one of a Chinese boy sitting on a sidewalk, with his hand covering his eyes. I chose this photo, because it made me realize how out-casted some immigrants feel. You could see that this boy felt very alienated and alone and didn't want to see the world.
Quote: "Tolerance means being accepting and helpful to others. It’s about having your opinions and listening to those of others. Tolerance is about justice. Tolerance is about being a good American in a free country."
~Tobi Abegunde, Nigeria
I chose this quote because I completely agree with the message it's conveying.I feel like as Americans we should be tolerant of immigrants and accepting.
Friday, April 10
New Americans Reflection (extra cred)
My experience at the New American's museum, was somewhat strange and heavy. The exhibit was on Arab culture and their immigration wave, and also how America viewed immigrants in the past through caricatures. I learned that most Arab's immigrated to Michigan, and have been for 100 years. I looked around and saw that the order of the photos and descriptions were a timeline through Arabic culture's immigration to Detroit. An exhibit I saw was called, Immigration and Caricature; Ethnic Images from the Appel Society. One of the caricatures impacted me in a way that I was disturbed and offended. The caricature came from a series of four, from a newspaper.
The picture called At Mrs. Nathan Diamonsteins, showed a party full of Jewish people, and depicted the stereotypical features that are thought of when people think of Jews. Seemingly, this picture doesn't seem different from the other ones, yet if you inspect it, you can see the racist elements of the artwork. The men had large noses, and they seemed shifty. The reason why this bothers me is because if you glance at the piece, it seems normal, but if you really look at it you can see that some stereotypes never change.
Another one that that was upsetting, was Uncle Sam's Lodging House. This piece showed an Irish man yelling at a bunch of sleeping people. The artist created the Irish man to look almost non humanly. The people who he was yelling at looked normal, yet his features looked animal like. You can clearly tell in the picture, that the Irish were disliked and out-casted. There is a caption underneath where Uncle Sam says to the Irish man, "Look here, you, everybody else is quiet and peaceful, and you're all the time a' kicking up a row!" The cartoon was used to illustrate an editorial that criticized Irish in America, and disturbed the peace in this country.
Based on all the caricatures I saw, I realized that America wasn't very accepting. Immigrants were out-casted, stereotypes were formed, and Americans thought that it wasn't right for other countries to share our land. I also saw how drastically America changed, yet stereotypes still remain the same. Also, instead of trying to unite everyone, magazines and newspapers clearly pointed out the differences of races to everyone.
The picture called At Mrs. Nathan Diamonsteins, showed a party full of Jewish people, and depicted the stereotypical features that are thought of when people think of Jews. Seemingly, this picture doesn't seem different from the other ones, yet if you inspect it, you can see the racist elements of the artwork. The men had large noses, and they seemed shifty. The reason why this bothers me is because if you glance at the piece, it seems normal, but if you really look at it you can see that some stereotypes never change.
Another one that that was upsetting, was Uncle Sam's Lodging House. This piece showed an Irish man yelling at a bunch of sleeping people. The artist created the Irish man to look almost non humanly. The people who he was yelling at looked normal, yet his features looked animal like. You can clearly tell in the picture, that the Irish were disliked and out-casted. There is a caption underneath where Uncle Sam says to the Irish man, "Look here, you, everybody else is quiet and peaceful, and you're all the time a' kicking up a row!" The cartoon was used to illustrate an editorial that criticized Irish in America, and disturbed the peace in this country.
Based on all the caricatures I saw, I realized that America wasn't very accepting. Immigrants were out-casted, stereotypes were formed, and Americans thought that it wasn't right for other countries to share our land. I also saw how drastically America changed, yet stereotypes still remain the same. Also, instead of trying to unite everyone, magazines and newspapers clearly pointed out the differences of races to everyone.
Wednesday, March 11
Once Upon a Quinceanera--5
QUOTE 1: " I figure that if any place is going to have a high-end quinceanera, it will be Miami, where so many of the Cuban upper class settled in the early sixties, fleeing Castro's regime." (page 149 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE:1. Why have the characters in your book come to America?
This quote illustrates another reason for immigration. People who disagree with politics in their own country often flee to another country for safety. Cuba, a communist country, was not a good place for those who didn't like Castro. So in order to protect their families and assets, they moved to United States.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: A lot of Jewish people escaped from Europe fleeing from the Nazi regime. They moved to many countries across the globe.
QUESTION: What country did your grandparents come from?
QUOTE 2: "They want to show... this world, which doesn't believe in them or respect them, that they are beautiful and special." (page 164 L. Greenfield author and photographer)
SIGNIFICANCE: 7. How do Americans treat the characters? (Specifically those born/raised in US)
This quote talks about immigrant children and how they have all these desires and needs, but the world outside doesn't really see how special they are. America shows images that are too perfect and impossible to attain for most. And what kids have is not really appreciated.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I see that things that are unique are not really supported. People become conformists in the way they dress, in what music they listen to, and the way they act. Being different becomes something we make fun of. I see it on tv and in real life. We laugh at accents and cultural things.
QUESTION: Is it difficult for you to be yourself?
SIGNIFICANCE:1. Why have the characters in your book come to America?
This quote illustrates another reason for immigration. People who disagree with politics in their own country often flee to another country for safety. Cuba, a communist country, was not a good place for those who didn't like Castro. So in order to protect their families and assets, they moved to United States.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: A lot of Jewish people escaped from Europe fleeing from the Nazi regime. They moved to many countries across the globe.
QUESTION: What country did your grandparents come from?
QUOTE 2: "They want to show... this world, which doesn't believe in them or respect them, that they are beautiful and special." (page 164 L. Greenfield author and photographer)
SIGNIFICANCE: 7. How do Americans treat the characters? (Specifically those born/raised in US)
This quote talks about immigrant children and how they have all these desires and needs, but the world outside doesn't really see how special they are. America shows images that are too perfect and impossible to attain for most. And what kids have is not really appreciated.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I see that things that are unique are not really supported. People become conformists in the way they dress, in what music they listen to, and the way they act. Being different becomes something we make fun of. I see it on tv and in real life. We laugh at accents and cultural things.
QUESTION: Is it difficult for you to be yourself?
Once Upon a Quinceanera--4
QUOTE 1: " I was embarrassed by this colorful figure in his three-piece salmon suit and Panama hat whose heavy accent made it difficult for my teachers and classmates to understand what he was saying." (page 103 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
The author's father retains ties to his culture by dressing in clothes that his countrymen would wear. Even though he differs from Julia's (the author) classmates' parents, he seems to retain his sense of self by not dressing like people who were born in this country. He has his own sense of fashion.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My friend from Poland has a weird sense of fashion too. She always dresses up and doesn't wear t-shirts. She says that in her country that is an no no. She keeps a connection to her country by keeping her fashion customs.
QUESTION: Do you get embarrassed by cultural things your parents do/ wear?
QUOTE 2: "Teresita's earnings in a day represent more than twice a doctor's monthly salary in Cuba." (page 127 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 1. Why have the characters in your book come to America?
Tersita, a photographer's assistant came to the United States to make a better living. She used to be a doctor in Cuba. She gave her career up and became an assistant to a famous quinceanera photographer. Even though it seems like a step down, she is actually living a better life.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: Our housekeeper and friend, used to be a teacher in her country. She came to the United States, leaving her family behind, to make a better life for herself.
QUESTION: Do you know anyone who had to change their career after moving to a new country? If so, how do you think they feel about that change?
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
The author's father retains ties to his culture by dressing in clothes that his countrymen would wear. Even though he differs from Julia's (the author) classmates' parents, he seems to retain his sense of self by not dressing like people who were born in this country. He has his own sense of fashion.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My friend from Poland has a weird sense of fashion too. She always dresses up and doesn't wear t-shirts. She says that in her country that is an no no. She keeps a connection to her country by keeping her fashion customs.
QUESTION: Do you get embarrassed by cultural things your parents do/ wear?
QUOTE 2: "Teresita's earnings in a day represent more than twice a doctor's monthly salary in Cuba." (page 127 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 1. Why have the characters in your book come to America?
Tersita, a photographer's assistant came to the United States to make a better living. She used to be a doctor in Cuba. She gave her career up and became an assistant to a famous quinceanera photographer. Even though it seems like a step down, she is actually living a better life.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: Our housekeeper and friend, used to be a teacher in her country. She came to the United States, leaving her family behind, to make a better life for herself.
QUESTION: Do you know anyone who had to change their career after moving to a new country? If so, how do you think they feel about that change?
Once Upon a Quinceanera--3
QUOTE 1: "Today it's all about super sizing" (page 78 Nina Diaz-executive producer of My Super Sweet Sixteen)
SIGNIFICANCE:4. What challenges do the characters face upon their arrival?
This quote relates to the fact that American culture is all about things being big and that influences other cultures. So in the book the fact that quinceaneras are becoming bigger and bigger is partly due to the mind set in our country. This new way of life is different from what a lot of other cultures are used to and so often immigrants try to assimilate and sometimes overdo it.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I see that in America we like things to be a big deal. Like when I watch MTV shows I see how big and expensive parties are praised and people want their own parties to be like that too.
QUESTION: Do you think that spending a lot of money on a party is wrong?
QUOTE 2: "They want, they want, they want, and all I could think was, but you have so much!" (page 100-101 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 7. How do Americans treat the characters? (Specifically those born/raised in US)
This quote shows how American kids take things for granted and how they don't realize that they have more than most. It doesn't really show how Americans treat characters in the book, but it illustrates how the value systems are different for American kids and immigrant kids. Americans put more emphasis on owning things.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: Sometimes I forget that I have so many great things. I want new things that I don't need. I have to remind myself that I am already very lucky and should be grateful for what I have. That quote definitely relates to me sometimes. :)
QUESTION: How do you feel about having a lot of material things?
SIGNIFICANCE:4. What challenges do the characters face upon their arrival?
This quote relates to the fact that American culture is all about things being big and that influences other cultures. So in the book the fact that quinceaneras are becoming bigger and bigger is partly due to the mind set in our country. This new way of life is different from what a lot of other cultures are used to and so often immigrants try to assimilate and sometimes overdo it.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I see that in America we like things to be a big deal. Like when I watch MTV shows I see how big and expensive parties are praised and people want their own parties to be like that too.
QUESTION: Do you think that spending a lot of money on a party is wrong?
QUOTE 2: "They want, they want, they want, and all I could think was, but you have so much!" (page 100-101 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 7. How do Americans treat the characters? (Specifically those born/raised in US)
This quote shows how American kids take things for granted and how they don't realize that they have more than most. It doesn't really show how Americans treat characters in the book, but it illustrates how the value systems are different for American kids and immigrant kids. Americans put more emphasis on owning things.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: Sometimes I forget that I have so many great things. I want new things that I don't need. I have to remind myself that I am already very lucky and should be grateful for what I have. That quote definitely relates to me sometimes. :)
QUESTION: How do you feel about having a lot of material things?
Once Upon a Quinceanera--2
QUOTE 1: "Finally in the summer of 1964, our fourth year in the Units States, my mother gave up on punishments and threats and hired a santera to cleanse our house." (page 49 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
PERSONAL CONNECTION: The author's mother believed that spiritual rituals can cleanse atmosphere in the home and change the way the author behaved. By hiring a santenera, she kind of brings her native culture to her home in America. She believes in the ways of her country and her ancestors.
QUESTION: Does your family have any traditions you find strange?
QUOTE 2: "Sunita's own mother came from Bombay to America, thinking her husband would always be there to take care of her, and then her parents separated, and her mother was lost." (page 63 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 4. What challenges do the characters face upon their arrival?
Suanita, a financial advisor, witnessed her mother's struggle in America. Her mother was abandoned and had to make her way in a new country. As a result of watching her mother feel lost and scared, Suanita became independent and doesn't want other women to face those struggles.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I think that all the immigrant women I know were a little lost and scared when they first came to the United States. But they too became independent and found their way in a new country.
QUESTION: How would you feel if you came to live in a new country?
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
PERSONAL CONNECTION: The author's mother believed that spiritual rituals can cleanse atmosphere in the home and change the way the author behaved. By hiring a santenera, she kind of brings her native culture to her home in America. She believes in the ways of her country and her ancestors.
QUESTION: Does your family have any traditions you find strange?
QUOTE 2: "Sunita's own mother came from Bombay to America, thinking her husband would always be there to take care of her, and then her parents separated, and her mother was lost." (page 63 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 4. What challenges do the characters face upon their arrival?
Suanita, a financial advisor, witnessed her mother's struggle in America. Her mother was abandoned and had to make her way in a new country. As a result of watching her mother feel lost and scared, Suanita became independent and doesn't want other women to face those struggles.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: I think that all the immigrant women I know were a little lost and scared when they first came to the United States. But they too became independent and found their way in a new country.
QUESTION: How would you feel if you came to live in a new country?
Once Upon a Quinceanera--1
QUOTE 1: "Your family is probably not rich; in fact your mami and papi have been saving since you were a little girl or they've mortgaged the house or lined up forty godparents to help sponsor this celebration, as big as a wedding." (page 1 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
The importance of quinceanera is clearly illustrated in the quote above. It is a Latin America tradition for girls that turn 15, and parents spare no expenses for this celebration. By celebrating quinceanera, parents retain ties to their culture.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My family does not celebrate quinceanera, but we do have a huge celebration when a person turns 13. It's called bat mitzvah. It's like coming of age in Jewish tradition and it is very important.
QUESTION: Do you think that tradition is important? Why or why not?
QUOTE 2: " Young Latinas topped the charts in rates of teen pregnancy, suicide attempts, school dropouts, and substance abuse." (page 21 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 5. What hardships do the characters endure as they make a new life?
Living in a new country and facing a different culture makes life hard for immigrants. The quote above shows that Latinas are at great risk! They have to conform to the American culture while trying to stay true to their own culture. Because of this conflict and feelings of not fitting inn teens turn to things that are bad.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My old babysitter was Latina. She was very young when she gave birth to her children. It made her life very difficult and stopped her from getting full education. As a result, even as an old woman she had to work.
QUESTION: How could we help young Latinas, and other teens, stay in school?
SIGNIFICANCE: 6. How do the characters maintain their cultural ties to their homeland while living in America?
The importance of quinceanera is clearly illustrated in the quote above. It is a Latin America tradition for girls that turn 15, and parents spare no expenses for this celebration. By celebrating quinceanera, parents retain ties to their culture.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My family does not celebrate quinceanera, but we do have a huge celebration when a person turns 13. It's called bat mitzvah. It's like coming of age in Jewish tradition and it is very important.
QUESTION: Do you think that tradition is important? Why or why not?
QUOTE 2: " Young Latinas topped the charts in rates of teen pregnancy, suicide attempts, school dropouts, and substance abuse." (page 21 narrator)
SIGNIFICANCE: 5. What hardships do the characters endure as they make a new life?
Living in a new country and facing a different culture makes life hard for immigrants. The quote above shows that Latinas are at great risk! They have to conform to the American culture while trying to stay true to their own culture. Because of this conflict and feelings of not fitting inn teens turn to things that are bad.
PERSONAL CONNECTION: My old babysitter was Latina. She was very young when she gave birth to her children. It made her life very difficult and stopped her from getting full education. As a result, even as an old woman she had to work.
QUESTION: How could we help young Latinas, and other teens, stay in school?
Tuesday, February 10
Immigration Reflection
An immigrant is a person or people who travel from their country to another to live there permanently. I believe that some reasons to immigrate from another country would be things such as more freedom, job opportunities, and different laws. I believe that America offers freedom and though our country is short to compete with education with other countries, we have something that the other countries don't have and that's democracy, plenty of jobs, and a decent amount of care.
We have a lot of immigration laws and it is a very difficult and complicated process to go through to become a citizen, but I think that this is to ensure our safety when it comes to things like importing weapons and drugs. America is worth the struggle because at the end of the day, it's our citizens who are happy and prosper in life. I also think that a lot of countries have a very structured society with laws and penalties that would make anyone cringe.
The U.S has been affected with immigration in terms of food, language, and property costs. An example is that in California, Florida, and Arizona, more and more of the population speak spanish every day because those places are all bordered with spanish speaking countries (Mexico, Cuba). This also makes America a very diverse society. We also have very diverse restaurants ranging from Chinese food, to Mexican food, to Cuban food, to Indian food, etc. This shows you that people from all over the world are sharing their culture through a familiar dish in America.
My connection to immigration is that my family is originally from Poland and Czech, and they immigrated to provide a good life for their next generation. I am unaware as to the date or stories about this but I know they are probably fascinating and show how difficult it is leaving the place you call home and moving to a strange land. I have two friends who I call my family who immigrated from Poland and I've always been fascinated in their journey to America.
We have a lot of immigration laws and it is a very difficult and complicated process to go through to become a citizen, but I think that this is to ensure our safety when it comes to things like importing weapons and drugs. America is worth the struggle because at the end of the day, it's our citizens who are happy and prosper in life. I also think that a lot of countries have a very structured society with laws and penalties that would make anyone cringe.
The U.S has been affected with immigration in terms of food, language, and property costs. An example is that in California, Florida, and Arizona, more and more of the population speak spanish every day because those places are all bordered with spanish speaking countries (Mexico, Cuba). This also makes America a very diverse society. We also have very diverse restaurants ranging from Chinese food, to Mexican food, to Cuban food, to Indian food, etc. This shows you that people from all over the world are sharing their culture through a familiar dish in America.
My connection to immigration is that my family is originally from Poland and Czech, and they immigrated to provide a good life for their next generation. I am unaware as to the date or stories about this but I know they are probably fascinating and show how difficult it is leaving the place you call home and moving to a strange land. I have two friends who I call my family who immigrated from Poland and I've always been fascinated in their journey to America.
Thursday, January 29
Capitalization
Lily is the name of the girl who accidentally killed her mother. Lily tried to sneak Rosaleen out of jail and into tiburon which is in south Carolina. There she discovers three beekeepers.
I'm going to stop there for now because I didn't want to ruin it for you, but this book is definitely a great book that people who love emotional, inspiring, heart-warming, fascinating, and many other words to describe a book like this would be great for you. I have to make a point that this book was not for me and i clearly figured that
CORRECTED: Lily is the name of the girl who accidentally killed her mother. Lily tried to sneak Rosaleen out of jail and into Tiburon which is in South Carolina. There she discovers three beekeepers.
I'm going to stop there for now because I didn't want to ruin it for you, but this book is definitely a great book that people who love emotional, inspiring, heart-warming, fascinating, and many other words to describe a book like this would be great for you. I have to make a point that this book was not for me and I clearly figured that.
I'm going to stop there for now because I didn't want to ruin it for you, but this book is definitely a great book that people who love emotional, inspiring, heart-warming, fascinating, and many other words to describe a book like this would be great for you. I have to make a point that this book was not for me and i clearly figured that
CORRECTED: Lily is the name of the girl who accidentally killed her mother. Lily tried to sneak Rosaleen out of jail and into Tiburon which is in South Carolina. There she discovers three beekeepers.
I'm going to stop there for now because I didn't want to ruin it for you, but this book is definitely a great book that people who love emotional, inspiring, heart-warming, fascinating, and many other words to describe a book like this would be great for you. I have to make a point that this book was not for me and I clearly figured that.
Sunday, January 18
Book Review Farenheit451
Danielle
Team Butters Farenheit451 Book Review
The novel I read is called Farenheit451 by Ray Bradbury. This novel illustrates the author’s prediction of the future. His writing style is mildly confusing, somewhat like old literature, yet he contributes modern day terms and vocabulary into the story. The book is about a man named Guy, who is a fireman. However, his job is to start fires, as opposed to putting them out.
The story takes place in a time when books are illegal, and anyone caught with them, would have their whole houses burnt down. Guy, is perfectly content with his job, until he meets a young girl who persuades him to think otherwise. When Guy kills innocent people because of his job, he starts to wonder why books are illegal, and a whole adventure begins in the complicated, and somewhat perplexed mind of Guy Montag.
I think this novel was really fascinating and it gave me an idea of how the future may actually be. I also think the character development was spectacular. Guy Montag started off as an average man, doing well in his line of work. He then turned into this curious, almost frightened character.
This story deals with many themes as well such as, marriage, death, and friendship. Guy lost interest in his wife, and you could see how their relationship was diminishing in every chapter. This was upsetting, but it showed the dynamic of a lot of marriages. Guy had looked death in the eye, in terms of killing people during his work, and watching his wife over-dose on pills. All these themes were twists in the plot.
I believe this is a good read for ages thirteen and up. It was slightly difficult to understand at my age of fourteen, so I can’t imagine younger kids being able to understand the relationships, and the old school literature. I believe that this story showed the reader exactly what goes on in the mind of a middle aged, hard-working man.
Overall, this novel changed my preferred novel genre selection. I was used to reading teen literature, and books with diluted plots, and hardly any vocabulary or content.
I got a lot out of reading this highly intriguing novel. I believe that everyone should read this book, because it not only deals with issues in everyday life, it will strengthen anyone’s vocabulary, and turn them on to a whole new genre.
Sunday, December 14
Book Review
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, takes place in the depths of Uttar Pradesh, India in the early days. Gloria Whelan's writing style is descriptive, emotionally engaging, delightfully entertaining, and keeps the reader incredibly interested in the story line, and the development of the characters. This story gives you a bright understanding of the way India used to be, with arranged marriages, and abandonment. This is a detailed story about a young girl in India named Koly, who finds herself homeless when abandoned by her dead husband's family. Her family was trying to help a young man named Hari, who was sick and dying. Since in India, families had to pay a dowry (a payment for the husband in order to take the bride), her dowry went towards medicine for the sick husband to-be. When Hari dies, Koly is thrown out onto the street, forcing her to survive by befriending other people, and living off the land. However, Koly's sassur (Father in law), cares for her, and teaches her how to read and write. When Sassur dies everything gets worse. Everything is going terribly for Koly, until she meets new love, Raji. He is blind to her being widowed, or having no money for dowry, and their relationship is only based on love.
The main character Koly, is forced into many tough situations. The way the author illustrated her thoughts and emotions, astounded me. Not only was I surprised many times throughout this journey of Koly's life, I was stunned by how I developed the emotions myself. I thought about how tough it would be to have the life of Koly. Being abandoned by two families, being homeless, having your husband die, being an outcast because of being widowed, and most of all not being loved. Koly had it really tough and I think that this showed me how privileged I am, and how I don't appreciate it as much as I should.
I'd definitely recommend this book. I think that it gives readers a lot of perspective about their lives, and how much worse it could be. I also think that the book is a really good read for young adults. It is not very challenging but it helps give an idea about how to write a good story. The author's use of descriptive vocabulary and informative facts, definitely contributes to my writing personally.
The main character Koly, is forced into many tough situations. The way the author illustrated her thoughts and emotions, astounded me. Not only was I surprised many times throughout this journey of Koly's life, I was stunned by how I developed the emotions myself. I thought about how tough it would be to have the life of Koly. Being abandoned by two families, being homeless, having your husband die, being an outcast because of being widowed, and most of all not being loved. Koly had it really tough and I think that this showed me how privileged I am, and how I don't appreciate it as much as I should.
I'd definitely recommend this book. I think that it gives readers a lot of perspective about their lives, and how much worse it could be. I also think that the book is a really good read for young adults. It is not very challenging but it helps give an idea about how to write a good story. The author's use of descriptive vocabulary and informative facts, definitely contributes to my writing personally.
Monday, October 20
Chapter 13 LOTF
Chapter 13
Uncharted Hope
Danielle Potiker
The man kept telling Ralph and the others to get on the boat. Ralph politely told the man that some of the boys were missing. Jack came running onto the island. His errant and displeased behavior frightened the man with the revolver.
“You are dead Ralph!” yelled Jack.
The other hunters nodded their heads in agreement with Jack. Ralph ran on the sand panting and sweating. The man with the revolver pointed his gun at Jack.
“Now you listen to me Mr. Merridew!” the man yelled.
“How in the bloody...Dad?” asked Jack.
The man with the revolver turned for a moment, wiped his face on his uniform, and turned back to the boys.
“Yes son...” the man sighed.
“I haven’t seen you in so long I forgot what you looked like! Is it really you? Am I delusional?!” Jack cried.
Jack looked at the man very closely. Jack had his brow ruffled, and his hands clasped around his spear.
“Dad! It’s really you!” he exclaimed.
“Yes son... yes.” the man replied.
Jack looked at his father with disbelief. He turned to Ralph and looked at him with hostility. However Ralph looked past the war paint and masked expression, and saw the smile, and excitement in Jack’s eyes.
“I am here to rescue you son.” the man said.
“Dad, I...” before Jack could finish his sentence, the man hit Jack in the face.
“Son! Shut up! Get in the bloody boat!” The man hit Jack again. Jack fell to the ground.
“What in the bloody hell is going on here?!” Ralph asked.
Ralph came to the realization that Jack’s dad was abusive. Maybe that was why Jack became so violent. Ralph thought to himself. “Don’t hit him!” Ralph yelled.
The man curled his hand into a fist.
Ralph took Jack’s spear, and plunged it into the man’s stomach. Warm blood begun to cover the man’s shirt.
“How could you?” the man asked in a weak tone.
Jack looked at Ralph with astonishment.
“How could you kill my father?!” Jack came at Ralph with a knife in his hand.
“I loved em’, I loved my folks!” Jack yelled.
Ralph quickly held out the spear that belonged to Jack.
“I’m sorry!” Ralph yelled.
Instead of plunging the knife into Ralph, Jack plunged it into himself.
“I’m a savage, and I have nothing to live for!” Jack yelled.
Ralph broke down and started crying, but eventually collected himself, and started thinking.
“You are no longer Jack’s hunters! You are mine!” he yelled.
The boys all stood there, not listening to Ralph, but staring at Jack’s bloody corpse.
Ralph looked over at Jack. His body was next to his father’s. They looked so peaceful. Ralph quickly took charge again.
“Come on boys!” he yelled.
“I’m navigating this ol’ ship!” He yelled again. Ralph and the others jumped onto the anchored ship.
“Boys, heave the sails up! Pull the anchor in! Hunters on starboard side, littluns on port side!” Ralph yelled.
Ralph had a lot of experience with ships. His wealthy family used to charter them.
“Listen to my commands, and we’ll get home okay!” Ralph yelled.
Ralph sat pondering. What would happen when he got home? How would he reconnect with his family. These were rhetorical thoughts of course. Days passed, and Ralph started seeing efflorescent flowers on grassy mountains, and a dock of some sort. He pulled the boat up to the dock. Some soldiers came up to the ship.
“Are you Americans?” asked one of the soldiers.
“No, we’re British.” Ralph replied.
“Alright then.” said the soldier.
There was a large “BOOM!” and the boat rocked uncontrollably.
“What was that?” Ralph asked.
Before the soldier could respond, blood started pouring down his face. It was a gun shot. The man fell to the ground.
“Where are we?” Ralph asked.
“Pearl Harbor.” another man replied.
“Hawaii?” We’re in Hawaii?!” Ralph asked.
The man did not respond. There were three more shots fired.
“My name is Richard by the way!” he yelled over the gunshots. “I’m an American soldier!”
Another shot fired, and Richard fell and cried out in agony.
“We have to get out of here!” Ralph yelled to the rest of the ship.
There was an even bigger boom, and their ship collapsed and sunk. The cold water shocked Ralph’s nerves, and he sunk to the bottom of the ocean... his face expressionless.
Uncharted Hope
Danielle Potiker
The man kept telling Ralph and the others to get on the boat. Ralph politely told the man that some of the boys were missing. Jack came running onto the island. His errant and displeased behavior frightened the man with the revolver.
“You are dead Ralph!” yelled Jack.
The other hunters nodded their heads in agreement with Jack. Ralph ran on the sand panting and sweating. The man with the revolver pointed his gun at Jack.
“Now you listen to me Mr. Merridew!” the man yelled.
“How in the bloody...Dad?” asked Jack.
The man with the revolver turned for a moment, wiped his face on his uniform, and turned back to the boys.
“Yes son...” the man sighed.
“I haven’t seen you in so long I forgot what you looked like! Is it really you? Am I delusional?!” Jack cried.
Jack looked at the man very closely. Jack had his brow ruffled, and his hands clasped around his spear.
“Dad! It’s really you!” he exclaimed.
“Yes son... yes.” the man replied.
Jack looked at his father with disbelief. He turned to Ralph and looked at him with hostility. However Ralph looked past the war paint and masked expression, and saw the smile, and excitement in Jack’s eyes.
“I am here to rescue you son.” the man said.
“Dad, I...” before Jack could finish his sentence, the man hit Jack in the face.
“Son! Shut up! Get in the bloody boat!” The man hit Jack again. Jack fell to the ground.
“What in the bloody hell is going on here?!” Ralph asked.
Ralph came to the realization that Jack’s dad was abusive. Maybe that was why Jack became so violent. Ralph thought to himself. “Don’t hit him!” Ralph yelled.
The man curled his hand into a fist.
Ralph took Jack’s spear, and plunged it into the man’s stomach. Warm blood begun to cover the man’s shirt.
“How could you?” the man asked in a weak tone.
Jack looked at Ralph with astonishment.
“How could you kill my father?!” Jack came at Ralph with a knife in his hand.
“I loved em’, I loved my folks!” Jack yelled.
Ralph quickly held out the spear that belonged to Jack.
“I’m sorry!” Ralph yelled.
Instead of plunging the knife into Ralph, Jack plunged it into himself.
“I’m a savage, and I have nothing to live for!” Jack yelled.
Ralph broke down and started crying, but eventually collected himself, and started thinking.
“You are no longer Jack’s hunters! You are mine!” he yelled.
The boys all stood there, not listening to Ralph, but staring at Jack’s bloody corpse.
Ralph looked over at Jack. His body was next to his father’s. They looked so peaceful. Ralph quickly took charge again.
“Come on boys!” he yelled.
“I’m navigating this ol’ ship!” He yelled again. Ralph and the others jumped onto the anchored ship.
“Boys, heave the sails up! Pull the anchor in! Hunters on starboard side, littluns on port side!” Ralph yelled.
Ralph had a lot of experience with ships. His wealthy family used to charter them.
“Listen to my commands, and we’ll get home okay!” Ralph yelled.
Ralph sat pondering. What would happen when he got home? How would he reconnect with his family. These were rhetorical thoughts of course. Days passed, and Ralph started seeing efflorescent flowers on grassy mountains, and a dock of some sort. He pulled the boat up to the dock. Some soldiers came up to the ship.
“Are you Americans?” asked one of the soldiers.
“No, we’re British.” Ralph replied.
“Alright then.” said the soldier.
There was a large “BOOM!” and the boat rocked uncontrollably.
“What was that?” Ralph asked.
Before the soldier could respond, blood started pouring down his face. It was a gun shot. The man fell to the ground.
“Where are we?” Ralph asked.
“Pearl Harbor.” another man replied.
“Hawaii?” We’re in Hawaii?!” Ralph asked.
The man did not respond. There were three more shots fired.
“My name is Richard by the way!” he yelled over the gunshots. “I’m an American soldier!”
Another shot fired, and Richard fell and cried out in agony.
“We have to get out of here!” Ralph yelled to the rest of the ship.
There was an even bigger boom, and their ship collapsed and sunk. The cold water shocked Ralph’s nerves, and he sunk to the bottom of the ocean... his face expressionless.
Tuesday, October 7
Chapter 12: Final Post LOTF
Ralph's Perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
My wounds were excruciating but I needed to keep running and hiding. The ULULATIONS of the savages were getting louder and louder. The savages kept trying to kill me. They wanted to DIDDLE me into getting trapped, decapitate me, and put my head on a stick as a gift to the beast. I wish Piggy were here. I need his judgement and guidance. All the logic and civilization that was ever on the island, has disappeared now that Piggy and Simon are gone. I just kept running,I tore my skin in the creepers. The fear canceled out the pain.
Almost the whole island burnt down. The fire was spreading. It was going to burn down the fruit trees. What were we supposed to eat tonight? We couldn't have meat, and almost everyone went to Jack's tribe. My body was overtaken with hate. I just wanted to keep my head on...literally.
A man walked down the beach with a revolver in his hand. His uniform was laced with DRILL. I asked him who he was. He told me he saw our fire and was here to rescue us! There was a CORDON of savages looking for me. My body was DISTENDED.
Danielle
Team Butters
My wounds were excruciating but I needed to keep running and hiding. The ULULATIONS of the savages were getting louder and louder. The savages kept trying to kill me. They wanted to DIDDLE me into getting trapped, decapitate me, and put my head on a stick as a gift to the beast. I wish Piggy were here. I need his judgement and guidance. All the logic and civilization that was ever on the island, has disappeared now that Piggy and Simon are gone. I just kept running,I tore my skin in the creepers. The fear canceled out the pain.
Almost the whole island burnt down. The fire was spreading. It was going to burn down the fruit trees. What were we supposed to eat tonight? We couldn't have meat, and almost everyone went to Jack's tribe. My body was overtaken with hate. I just wanted to keep my head on...literally.
A man walked down the beach with a revolver in his hand. His uniform was laced with DRILL. I asked him who he was. He told me he saw our fire and was here to rescue us! There was a CORDON of savages looking for me. My body was DISTENDED.
Sunday, October 5
Chapter 11
Ralph's perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
I called a meeting today. Jack was acting delirious! Mad! I thought he was our groups talisman, but he ended up to be a mere psycho! Jack was yelling. I was yelling. Piggy was yelling.
Jack had a scary glow in his eye. Piggy grabbed the conch and started speaking. The hunters hurled a boulder at Piggy. Piggy flew backwards and landed with a thud. He was dead, his brains spilling out of his cracked open head. There was cessation. Truculently, Jack started attacking me with his spear. I fought back, dodging his stabs.
Piggy was dead and I was blamed for Jack's terrible acts of cruelty. How could he resort to this much savagery? Jack and I used to be friends and now Jack is trying to kill me and my people. He is a beast.
Danielle
Team Butters
I called a meeting today. Jack was acting delirious! Mad! I thought he was our groups talisman, but he ended up to be a mere psycho! Jack was yelling. I was yelling. Piggy was yelling.
Jack had a scary glow in his eye. Piggy grabbed the conch and started speaking. The hunters hurled a boulder at Piggy. Piggy flew backwards and landed with a thud. He was dead, his brains spilling out of his cracked open head. There was cessation. Truculently, Jack started attacking me with his spear. I fought back, dodging his stabs.
Piggy was dead and I was blamed for Jack's terrible acts of cruelty. How could he resort to this much savagery? Jack and I used to be friends and now Jack is trying to kill me and my people. He is a beast.
Chapter 10
Piggy's perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Oh god. I have to hide the fact that we were involved in murder. Simon was so smart. He was so young as well. What have we done? We should've never gone to that bloody feast! Jack has gone mad! He's barmy! I just want us to be purged from this stupid idea that there is a beast! I tried to explain my logic in illumination, but no one seems to care about what I think.
All the others seem to be thinking theologically, instead of realistically, or scientifically. Simon was murdered because all of us are so fixated on the idea of a beast! Jack claims that we just beat the beast. That we didn't kill Simon. He can't just admit to himself that he murdered one of our group members.
Jack came into our camp and took some of our fire for another pig roast. He invaded and raided our camp. He is so savage like. It sickens me. Then those stupid hunters pinched my specs.
Danielle
Team Butters
Oh god. I have to hide the fact that we were involved in murder. Simon was so smart. He was so young as well. What have we done? We should've never gone to that bloody feast! Jack has gone mad! He's barmy! I just want us to be purged from this stupid idea that there is a beast! I tried to explain my logic in illumination, but no one seems to care about what I think.
All the others seem to be thinking theologically, instead of realistically, or scientifically. Simon was murdered because all of us are so fixated on the idea of a beast! Jack claims that we just beat the beast. That we didn't kill Simon. He can't just admit to himself that he murdered one of our group members.
Jack came into our camp and took some of our fire for another pig roast. He invaded and raided our camp. He is so savage like. It sickens me. Then those stupid hunters pinched my specs.
Chapter 9
Jack's perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Today was great fun. The boys and I grabbed Roger and pretended he was the pig. We even wounded him. He's a corpulent boy. It tickles my ribs to see him hurt. We held a feast too. I invited anyone who wanted to come from Ralph's stupid tribe.
We also spotted the beast, on the top of the mountain. We're going to kill him. Meanwhile, at the feast we did our ritual dance at the fire. And roasted that sow we had caught. Piggy over gorged himself of course. What a fat kid. We saw a figure approach our camp.
We really thought it was the beast. He was carrying a phosphorescent light. We ran at the figure, stabbing and poking, and jabbing it with our spears. It turns out that the dead body that rolled into the ocean, was Simon. We killed Simon.
Danielle
Team Butters
Today was great fun. The boys and I grabbed Roger and pretended he was the pig. We even wounded him. He's a corpulent boy. It tickles my ribs to see him hurt. We held a feast too. I invited anyone who wanted to come from Ralph's stupid tribe.
We also spotted the beast, on the top of the mountain. We're going to kill him. Meanwhile, at the feast we did our ritual dance at the fire. And roasted that sow we had caught. Piggy over gorged himself of course. What a fat kid. We saw a figure approach our camp.
We really thought it was the beast. He was carrying a phosphorescent light. We ran at the figure, stabbing and poking, and jabbing it with our spears. It turns out that the dead body that rolled into the ocean, was Simon. We killed Simon.
Chapter 8 LOTF
Ralph's perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Jack tried to steal my crown as leader.He jumped up to the platform and did what he had done in the beginning. He had tried to be-little me and take the thrown. My trusty islanders kept me as leader, so Jack took his hunters and left to make his own tribe. He was not so demure or graceful when he left. He was errant and demoniac. He had taken his tribe to not only kill pigs, but perform acts that are considered taboo on them. When Jack hunts he paunches pigs, and abuses them. It's like he is the beast.
I am starting to gain respect for Piggy. He is like my prefect. He is very good at making decisions, and usually his decisions effect our little society very positively. Piggy had the idea of building a signal fire on our camp so that the littluns will be comforted, and it'll be easier to maintain.
Jack is so dead-set on killing a beast he hasn't even proven to exist! He claims that there is one on the top of the nearby mountain, where our fire used to be. I just hope this doesn't get out of hand.
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Jack tried to steal my crown as leader.He jumped up to the platform and did what he had done in the beginning. He had tried to be-little me and take the thrown. My trusty islanders kept me as leader, so Jack took his hunters and left to make his own tribe. He was not so demure or graceful when he left. He was errant and demoniac. He had taken his tribe to not only kill pigs, but perform acts that are considered taboo on them. When Jack hunts he paunches pigs, and abuses them. It's like he is the beast.
I am starting to gain respect for Piggy. He is like my prefect. He is very good at making decisions, and usually his decisions effect our little society very positively. Piggy had the idea of building a signal fire on our camp so that the littluns will be comforted, and it'll be easier to maintain.
Jack is so dead-set on killing a beast he hasn't even proven to exist! He claims that there is one on the top of the nearby mountain, where our fire used to be. I just hope this doesn't get out of hand.
Chapter 7 LOTF
Piggys perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Jack led a hunt. I, of course did not attend. I have come to the realization that we probably aren't going to get rescued. When it comes to psycho hunter Jack I am dun. Ralph is finally starting to respect me and my opinion. I wonder about Ralph. I wonder if he was posh, and nicely groomed. He now reeks of body odor, and his hair is coated with brine.
I feel so accomplished. I feel as if the boy's fun has ended, and they are finally listening to me. I am also worried though. The conch is fading out. I believe our system is crashing. We will all be barbaric like ruggers. Hopefully everyone will sagely listen to Ralph.
Jack has already turned barbaric. The glow in his eyes when he kills is scary. He has caused damage to our system. I would like to shout at him, but he might hunt me down like a pig. I'm really concerned but I'll have to hold my tongue.
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Jack led a hunt. I, of course did not attend. I have come to the realization that we probably aren't going to get rescued. When it comes to psycho hunter Jack I am dun. Ralph is finally starting to respect me and my opinion. I wonder about Ralph. I wonder if he was posh, and nicely groomed. He now reeks of body odor, and his hair is coated with brine.
I feel so accomplished. I feel as if the boy's fun has ended, and they are finally listening to me. I am also worried though. The conch is fading out. I believe our system is crashing. We will all be barbaric like ruggers. Hopefully everyone will sagely listen to Ralph.
Jack has already turned barbaric. The glow in his eyes when he kills is scary. He has caused damage to our system. I would like to shout at him, but he might hunt me down like a pig. I'm really concerned but I'll have to hold my tongue.
Wednesday, September 24
LOTF chapter 6
Simon's Perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Something terrifying happened. Sam and Eric told us that they had seen the beast. They said it had long claws and sharp teeth. I personally don't believe it. I'm sure if there really was a beast, they would run screaming and flailing about.I was waxy when they were describing this bloody beast. Am I the only voice of logic on this island? It seemed like at the meeting Ralph's words were interminable. Then Jack had to get embroiled in our whole conch system.
All the guys except for Piggy grabbed spears and went looking for the "beastie". I diffidently followed along. We of course found no beast. The only thing we found was a mountain full of rocks. The errant boys were having a marvelous time rolling them down the hill. What are we five?! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I hope I can finally tell Ralph about my secret place. I hope he will just open up and listen. I hope I will finally have the conch.
Danielle
Team Butters
Something terrifying happened. Sam and Eric told us that they had seen the beast. They said it had long claws and sharp teeth. I personally don't believe it. I'm sure if there really was a beast, they would run screaming and flailing about.I was waxy when they were describing this bloody beast. Am I the only voice of logic on this island? It seemed like at the meeting Ralph's words were interminable. Then Jack had to get embroiled in our whole conch system.
All the guys except for Piggy grabbed spears and went looking for the "beastie". I diffidently followed along. We of course found no beast. The only thing we found was a mountain full of rocks. The errant boys were having a marvelous time rolling them down the hill. What are we five?! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I hope I can finally tell Ralph about my secret place. I hope he will just open up and listen. I hope I will finally have the conch.
Monday, September 22
LOTF chapter 5
Jack's perspective
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Ralph held a very serious meeting. He called us all to the meeting spot and yelled at us about how we are slacking off. The littluns kept going on discursively about the beast and I was yelling at them jeeringly. Those littluns say the most stupid things sometimes. This island is getting so irritating.
All of em' are comlaining about how the island is scary and there's a beast! A beast! That's ludicrous! This boy Pervical was lamenting over the fact that he was so frightened. We all want to get rescued. That little kid looked at me temestuously like he wanted me to hit him. I just can't believe that Ralph saw a ship.
Danielle
Team Butters
Today Ralph held a very serious meeting. He called us all to the meeting spot and yelled at us about how we are slacking off. The littluns kept going on discursively about the beast and I was yelling at them jeeringly. Those littluns say the most stupid things sometimes. This island is getting so irritating.
All of em' are comlaining about how the island is scary and there's a beast! A beast! That's ludicrous! This boy Pervical was lamenting over the fact that he was so frightened. We all want to get rescued. That little kid looked at me temestuously like he wanted me to hit him. I just can't believe that Ralph saw a ship.
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