At the moment I'm in the middle of a really fabulous book called The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. The book follows Logan, a young man in the army. One day in the middle of battle, Logan finds a picture of a beautiful women, with "keep safe" written on it, and Logan feels compelled by the picture, he knows that the women in this picture is someone special, someone he loves. The author expresses the theme that one person can change someone's life so greatly.
Logan's life was always rough. He had a hard time in the army, working all the time, and being put in terrible conditions. Logan barely had anyone close to him, and his life was really at risk. Logan had to go through three duty tours in the army, and he could've died any second. Although, Logan now had this picture, so he was always safe. Logan credits the miracle of his existence to the power of this photo. Logan has so much faith in this photo, and obviously if this photo was the thing that kept him alive, it has clearly made an impact on his life. Then, when Logan finally leaves the army, he goes home and finds the girl in the picture. Logan is set on spending his life with this girl, and having true love. Just from one picture, Logan's life has taken a new turn. He is completely devoted to the girl, and she has changed everything in his life, and she doesn't even know it yet. I love the idea of this girl's picture saving Logan's life, and I love how Logan believes in this photo so much, and knows immediately she is his one true love. The girl in this picture was able to make Logan hopeful and happy all the time.
In conclusion, from one picture that Logan has come across, his life is different. The girl changed everything, and I believe this book gives every reader hope that they can find a true love, and this person will change everything for them, for the better. Nicholas Sparks truly expresses the amazing impact that one great person can make on people's worlds.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Test Prep 4: Responding to Narrative Writing
I recently finished reading one of my new favorite books Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I feel terrible for John, as he has had to face a ridiculous amount of hardships in his life. John has grown up with no mother, and a father who barely knows how to interact. Also, John finally found a girl and was smitten in love with her, until she found a new guy. He has been in the army for almost 10 years, and has had to work so hard and experience some extremely traumatic things. Lastly, the one that really hits home for him, (as if all the others don't) are his father dying.
During the past year of John's life he finally got really close to his father, but unfortunately it was his father's last year. Naturally, when his father died, John was beside himself. He had no idea what to do or how to deal with the terrible event that just occurred. John hadn't talked to his prior love, Savannah, in over 2 years, but she was his last resort. John took a long journey to find Savannah, the one person he knew would always be there, even if she wasn't there for him to love. John definitely found comfort in Savannah, because he knew her so well and once loved her. Another thing that John did was go back to the army. John felt the need to serve people, and also go back to normal ways. I think by the death of his father, John realized how important people are, which is why he wants to serve his country as much as possible. Also, John was clearly trying to forget about everything by basking in his normal everyday live, without his father of course.
The way John reacted to the death of his father was most definitely understandable. In a time of such misfortune, disarray, and pure sadness, it's hard to keep sane. John thought he would never ever see Savannah again, but after desperation, she's what he needed to keep him feeling okay. If it was a normal day, John would never, in a million years, go and see Savannah, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I also totally understand him wanting to go back to everyday life, in order to attempt at forget the horror in his life, although I doubt he was able to forget about it. Since John did become so close with his father, I can see why he would want to go back to the army and help other people. John made a realization about the wonders of people, and although that sounds odd, before his dad died he didn't appreciate people as much, and how much impact they can make on one's life. Thankfully, I have never been in a situation like John's, but they way Nicholas Sparks describes the emotions and action of John, I am definitely able to relate and connect to John, and I feel complete sadness towards and empathy for him.
During the past year of John's life he finally got really close to his father, but unfortunately it was his father's last year. Naturally, when his father died, John was beside himself. He had no idea what to do or how to deal with the terrible event that just occurred. John hadn't talked to his prior love, Savannah, in over 2 years, but she was his last resort. John took a long journey to find Savannah, the one person he knew would always be there, even if she wasn't there for him to love. John definitely found comfort in Savannah, because he knew her so well and once loved her. Another thing that John did was go back to the army. John felt the need to serve people, and also go back to normal ways. I think by the death of his father, John realized how important people are, which is why he wants to serve his country as much as possible. Also, John was clearly trying to forget about everything by basking in his normal everyday live, without his father of course.
The way John reacted to the death of his father was most definitely understandable. In a time of such misfortune, disarray, and pure sadness, it's hard to keep sane. John thought he would never ever see Savannah again, but after desperation, she's what he needed to keep him feeling okay. If it was a normal day, John would never, in a million years, go and see Savannah, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I also totally understand him wanting to go back to everyday life, in order to attempt at forget the horror in his life, although I doubt he was able to forget about it. Since John did become so close with his father, I can see why he would want to go back to the army and help other people. John made a realization about the wonders of people, and although that sounds odd, before his dad died he didn't appreciate people as much, and how much impact they can make on one's life. Thankfully, I have never been in a situation like John's, but they way Nicholas Sparks describes the emotions and action of John, I am definitely able to relate and connect to John, and I feel complete sadness towards and empathy for him.
Test Prep 3: Writing About a Poem
I was recently introduced to a wonderful poem called "Birds," by Marilyn Feldman. The poem described the author's visit to her old apartment building, and how everything has completely changed. The author used birds to symbolize changes in the apartment, and her life.
This poem shows the reader of two encounters with birds. The first example is a flashback of when the author lived in this apartment building. The flashback reads, "One day Mrs. Dumberman's parakeet/ flew across the courtyard/ and into our kitchen window." Then the poet describes the feeling of the moment and how it was exciting and crazy and interesting. She also remembers thinking birds could fly endlessly through everything and just keep going forever and ever. This was a simple time for the author, she thought birds were invincible, and everything was super easy and carefree and happy. Then the poem shows the author presently, visiting the apartments again. This part reads, "When I heard the house was abandoned- .... I wanted to go back/ for one more look/ at the bird." Now that she's gone back, everything is gone. She doesn't see lively birds flying around everywhere. Now, the author sees an empty place with no exciting wild life to roam free. The author also talked about wanting to go back, but now everything has changed, so she can't go back in the past. The poet expresses that she misses these times, and wish they were the same.
This poem can most definitely to relate to everyone in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one. Not everyone has had special encounters with birds. Not everyone has an old apartment to visit that has become abandoned. However, change does happen eventually in everyone's life. Whether it be school, home, family, friends, you, almost everything changes in one's life, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. What also happens in almost everyone's life, is people missing old ways. There are so many times when I wish things were the way they used to be, and I'm sure many other people have similar feelings. This poem is a perfect example of something changing, and the person wanting to go back to the times before. I think it is easy to realize that this author wishes they could go back in time, ad because of that, readers will be able to connect to this poem, and really enjoy it.
This poem shows the reader of two encounters with birds. The first example is a flashback of when the author lived in this apartment building. The flashback reads, "One day Mrs. Dumberman's parakeet/ flew across the courtyard/ and into our kitchen window." Then the poet describes the feeling of the moment and how it was exciting and crazy and interesting. She also remembers thinking birds could fly endlessly through everything and just keep going forever and ever. This was a simple time for the author, she thought birds were invincible, and everything was super easy and carefree and happy. Then the poem shows the author presently, visiting the apartments again. This part reads, "When I heard the house was abandoned- .... I wanted to go back/ for one more look/ at the bird." Now that she's gone back, everything is gone. She doesn't see lively birds flying around everywhere. Now, the author sees an empty place with no exciting wild life to roam free. The author also talked about wanting to go back, but now everything has changed, so she can't go back in the past. The poet expresses that she misses these times, and wish they were the same.
This poem can most definitely to relate to everyone in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one. Not everyone has had special encounters with birds. Not everyone has an old apartment to visit that has become abandoned. However, change does happen eventually in everyone's life. Whether it be school, home, family, friends, you, almost everything changes in one's life, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. What also happens in almost everyone's life, is people missing old ways. There are so many times when I wish things were the way they used to be, and I'm sure many other people have similar feelings. This poem is a perfect example of something changing, and the person wanting to go back to the times before. I think it is easy to realize that this author wishes they could go back in time, ad because of that, readers will be able to connect to this poem, and really enjoy it.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Test Prep 2: Responding to Non Fiction
I just finished reading the very interesting article Hug a Hoodie: What the U.K. Teaches Us About Making a Sweatshirt a Symbol. The article talks about the shooting of Trayvon Martin, and how his hooded sweatshirt could have possibly been the cause of his death. The article discusses how the United Kingdom thinks of the hoodie as a symbol for a hoodlum, who is up to no good. Then it goes on to talking about how in America, people are using the hoodie now to show their hatred for racial profilers.
Throughout the article, the author doesn't really have a clear standpoint on the issue at hand. Although, at the end of the article he/she says that clothing may be a factor of racial profiling, but that's not really what it's about. In the beginning of the article, the author is supporting what America has done to show their perspective about racial profiling. People all across America have spoken out and showed their respect for Trayvon, and the author does express that this is a good thing, (thankfully). Then he/she talks about the U.K.'s opinions, but he/she doesn't say anything about their views on it, there's absolutely no bias.
I think it's absolutely ridiculous to blame an innocent young boy's death on a piece of outerwear. For anyone to say that he could've prevented his killing by not wearing the hoodie is absolutely ridiculous. The only way this death could have been prevented was if George Zimmerman decided not to racially profile. I really respect and appreciate that so many people are seeing this, and are doing whatever the can, and I just wish all law and government officials would see the same thing. I completely think Zimmerman should be put in jail. In one part of the article they talk about Geraldo Rivera telling latin and black families to not send their kids out with a hoodie on. I hate the fact that this is what someone might do to try to keep their child safe, is that really what the world has come to? However, I don't think this statement should've gotten so much hate. Yes, it is clearly a controversial quote, but he's just trying to tell people that if that's what you have to do to keep your kid safe, then do it. I think the whole occurrence is absolutely horrific, and I hope that people can come to their senses and put Zimmerman in jail.
Throughout the article, the author doesn't really have a clear standpoint on the issue at hand. Although, at the end of the article he/she says that clothing may be a factor of racial profiling, but that's not really what it's about. In the beginning of the article, the author is supporting what America has done to show their perspective about racial profiling. People all across America have spoken out and showed their respect for Trayvon, and the author does express that this is a good thing, (thankfully). Then he/she talks about the U.K.'s opinions, but he/she doesn't say anything about their views on it, there's absolutely no bias.
I think it's absolutely ridiculous to blame an innocent young boy's death on a piece of outerwear. For anyone to say that he could've prevented his killing by not wearing the hoodie is absolutely ridiculous. The only way this death could have been prevented was if George Zimmerman decided not to racially profile. I really respect and appreciate that so many people are seeing this, and are doing whatever the can, and I just wish all law and government officials would see the same thing. I completely think Zimmerman should be put in jail. In one part of the article they talk about Geraldo Rivera telling latin and black families to not send their kids out with a hoodie on. I hate the fact that this is what someone might do to try to keep their child safe, is that really what the world has come to? However, I don't think this statement should've gotten so much hate. Yes, it is clearly a controversial quote, but he's just trying to tell people that if that's what you have to do to keep your kid safe, then do it. I think the whole occurrence is absolutely horrific, and I hope that people can come to their senses and put Zimmerman in jail.
Test Prep 1: Song Lyrics
I have just recently come across the song Moments, written by Ed Sheeran, performed by One Direction. This song is particularly sad, and when I love the song, but I would love to look deeper into the meaning and the lyrics. After studying the song, I think Ed Sheeran wrote this song to say that when one is in love nothing else matters, and they will utterly devote themselves to their relationship.
The song starts by saying, "Shut the door/ turn the light off/ I wanna be with you/ I wanna feel your love/ I wanna lay beside you/ I cannot hide this/ Even though I try." The songwriter is say that he can't go on with life, he can't keep living, because his love isn't there. He is saying that he loves her so much and he just wants to be with her. He also says that his trying to hide it is inevitable, and there's no way that he can cover up his feelings. In the chorus of the song, One Direction sings, "You know I'll be your life your voice your reason to be/ My love my heart is/ Breathing for this/ Moment in time/ I'll find the words to say/ Before you leave me today." This line shows that he will devote everything to be there for her, and will do absolutely anything for her to be happy and okay. This line also gives off a feeling of desperation because he is trying to find the right words to say so that she doesn't leave him. I think the way Sheeran writes this shows that he is dying for a way to get his love to stay with him. In the last part of the song, the lyrics read “Flashes left in my mind/ Going back to the time/ Playing games in the street.” Here, Sheeran is saying he misses the time when they had fun and everything was happy and well in the world. You can see how much he misses the wonderful times they shared.
Though this song is about a love between two partners in a relationship, the message doesn’t just pertain to that type of love. Whenever you love someone, whether it be your mom, your best friend, your pet, anyone, whenever you love someone, it is extremely hard to let go. If you’re so close to someone, and all of a sudden you lose them, it can be one of the hardest things one ever has to face. This song clearly shows an example of someone who is utterly in love with someone, and has to deal with the terrible heartbreak of them leaving. You don’t necessarily have to have been in a broken relationship to read this song. I think anyone who has ever loved someone can relate to this song. Overall, I love this song greatly, and I think it has a really strong message showcased in the lyrics.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Impossible Changes
I am currently in the middle of reading a wonderfully enticing book called Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. The main character, John, made a huge turn around in life a few years ago. He used to be a rough and tumble type of guy. He smoked, drank, and never did his any work in high school. Then after a few years of throwing his life away, he makes a huge change and joins the army. John has made himself into a completely new person, and I think it's really fascinating how vast the difference is between his life before and his life now.
Just graduating high school, John barely passed and had no way of getting into a good college. He didn't care about grades, school, or training for a possible career. Every single night John would go to Leroy's, a local bar, and drink his feelings away. He used to smoke and do drugs with his buddies because he didn't care about anything. "During my senior year, my rebellion reached a high point..... I'd wanted those material things I lived 18 years without." All his life, John had never gotten what he wanted. He was always living in a dump, not doing anything fun, and not having a good father figure in his life. His dad has always been awkward and unsocial, and they were never close. All his life, John has always wanted more, and was never able to get it. Now that he was finally old enough to realize that he has been cheated his whole life, he's pissed. His tough childhood has definitely made him into an aggressive and mad person now.
3 years later, John's life has completely turned around. The book doesn't specify exactly when this day came, but all of sudden he had a wake up call. He realized he was throwing his life away, and he didn't want to do that anymore. With that, John decided to join the army. Now, 3 years since his senior days, he's a changed man. John is a slight drinker, doesn't smoke or do drugs. He still is not close with his father, yet they have an okay relationship. The two of them are able to have friendly conversation, and at least sleep in the same house, which wasn't too likely a long time ago. John and his dad haven't gotten in a fight in forever. He's a nice guy now, and he helps others. For example, Savannah says, "would the old you have jumped in the ocean and saved my purse?" John replies by saying, "No. I probably would have laughed." This completely shows the reader that he is a different person now. He doesn't do whatever he wants to now. He knows what's right and he knows what rules to follow. For the first time in years, John actually went on a real date. He claims he used to hook up with girls for a day and then drop them like flies, but not anymore. John met a girl named Savannah, who he really really likes. John treats her like a lady, and they do fun things together. They surf, eat, take walks, drive, go to parties, whereas before it was all about him picking up as many girls as he could. John is in such a good place with Savannah, and although they just met, I can see a love unfolding, which never would have been possible for John a few years ago.
In conclusion, John has picked up his act and turned his life around, and has become a great man. While he used to be a total rebellion who disobeyed the laws, and didn't care about anything, he's completely different. Now, John is a nice guy, who serves his country, and always does the right thing. John's life has made a complete 360˚ turn, and that's really inspiring. This book tells people that anyone can accomplish anything, and to not give up when the times are rough. I am interesting and excited to see how John evolves into an even finer young man throughout the rest of the book.
Just graduating high school, John barely passed and had no way of getting into a good college. He didn't care about grades, school, or training for a possible career. Every single night John would go to Leroy's, a local bar, and drink his feelings away. He used to smoke and do drugs with his buddies because he didn't care about anything. "During my senior year, my rebellion reached a high point..... I'd wanted those material things I lived 18 years without." All his life, John had never gotten what he wanted. He was always living in a dump, not doing anything fun, and not having a good father figure in his life. His dad has always been awkward and unsocial, and they were never close. All his life, John has always wanted more, and was never able to get it. Now that he was finally old enough to realize that he has been cheated his whole life, he's pissed. His tough childhood has definitely made him into an aggressive and mad person now.
3 years later, John's life has completely turned around. The book doesn't specify exactly when this day came, but all of sudden he had a wake up call. He realized he was throwing his life away, and he didn't want to do that anymore. With that, John decided to join the army. Now, 3 years since his senior days, he's a changed man. John is a slight drinker, doesn't smoke or do drugs. He still is not close with his father, yet they have an okay relationship. The two of them are able to have friendly conversation, and at least sleep in the same house, which wasn't too likely a long time ago. John and his dad haven't gotten in a fight in forever. He's a nice guy now, and he helps others. For example, Savannah says, "would the old you have jumped in the ocean and saved my purse?" John replies by saying, "No. I probably would have laughed." This completely shows the reader that he is a different person now. He doesn't do whatever he wants to now. He knows what's right and he knows what rules to follow. For the first time in years, John actually went on a real date. He claims he used to hook up with girls for a day and then drop them like flies, but not anymore. John met a girl named Savannah, who he really really likes. John treats her like a lady, and they do fun things together. They surf, eat, take walks, drive, go to parties, whereas before it was all about him picking up as many girls as he could. John is in such a good place with Savannah, and although they just met, I can see a love unfolding, which never would have been possible for John a few years ago.
In conclusion, John has picked up his act and turned his life around, and has become a great man. While he used to be a total rebellion who disobeyed the laws, and didn't care about anything, he's completely different. Now, John is a nice guy, who serves his country, and always does the right thing. John's life has made a complete 360˚ turn, and that's really inspiring. This book tells people that anyone can accomplish anything, and to not give up when the times are rough. I am interesting and excited to see how John evolves into an even finer young man throughout the rest of the book.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Descriptive Sounds
While watching the horrible tragedy of Romeo & Juliet, I took note of the sound in the movie, and how it played a big role in it, and the intentions behind it. In Romeo & Juliet, there are two royal families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The two families are mortal enemies, and absolutely despise of eachother. At the same time, a Montague, Romeo, and a Capulet, Juliet, fall in love. The sound in the movie was extremely descriptive and the sound expressed the mood of the characters, and the whole scene.
In the first scene of the movie, you are introduced to the Montague family, and the Capulet family. Although, no one ever tells you this family is like this, and this family is like this, so you have to infer. The music playing in the background really helped me to be able to infer. When they introduced the Capulet family, it was dark music, very scary and creepy almost. I used this detail to figure out that the Capulets are generally a mean and probably violent family. Then it showed the Montague family, which also had music playing in the background. This music was definitely more upbeat and light, and it gave off the sense that the Montague family was in general an overall more mellow family. Having that sound in the background made it a lot easier to distinguish the two families, and follow them better throughout the story.
Another way that the sound in the movie helped to express the mood and feeling of the scene were the fight scenes. For example, the very first scene the two families get into a fight at the gas station. The music playing in the background helped to make the scene seem more dangerous and suspenseful. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen to next, and how everything will play out. Also, I think the scary and dramatic music also helps the listener to understand how serious and deep the hatred between the two families really is. The background sound shows that this isn't just a silly little battle, it's a serious fight.
The last way the sound really plays a big part in this movie is when Romeo & Juliet meet, and then fall in love. The first time they meet is at a Capulet party, beside a fish tank. Then Juliet is whisked away, and Romeo's heart tells him to follow her. The music at that moment seems lighthearted and fun, and it illustrates the picture of a boy running after the girl he is in love with. But that was just at the beginning. Once they fall in love the sounds definitely change. Whenever they are having an intimate moment, it's very quiet, thus showcasing their extremely close relationship. The complete silence helps to set the scene, and makes you really focus on everything. Also, at the good moments when they are together, they are completely smitten in love, and the music definitely demonstrates that. Every time it is a little different, and every time it gives off a feeling of warmth, and basically the sound of love.
In conclusion, the sound in Romeo & Juliet helped to convey the feelings and the moods of the scenes and the characters. Romeo & Juliet is light and funny, heartwarming and loving, scary and violent, and devastating and tragic all at the same time. Without the sounds in the background, I don't think the ever-changing mood would be so well-percepted as it is now.
In the first scene of the movie, you are introduced to the Montague family, and the Capulet family. Although, no one ever tells you this family is like this, and this family is like this, so you have to infer. The music playing in the background really helped me to be able to infer. When they introduced the Capulet family, it was dark music, very scary and creepy almost. I used this detail to figure out that the Capulets are generally a mean and probably violent family. Then it showed the Montague family, which also had music playing in the background. This music was definitely more upbeat and light, and it gave off the sense that the Montague family was in general an overall more mellow family. Having that sound in the background made it a lot easier to distinguish the two families, and follow them better throughout the story.
Another way that the sound in the movie helped to express the mood and feeling of the scene were the fight scenes. For example, the very first scene the two families get into a fight at the gas station. The music playing in the background helped to make the scene seem more dangerous and suspenseful. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen to next, and how everything will play out. Also, I think the scary and dramatic music also helps the listener to understand how serious and deep the hatred between the two families really is. The background sound shows that this isn't just a silly little battle, it's a serious fight.
The last way the sound really plays a big part in this movie is when Romeo & Juliet meet, and then fall in love. The first time they meet is at a Capulet party, beside a fish tank. Then Juliet is whisked away, and Romeo's heart tells him to follow her. The music at that moment seems lighthearted and fun, and it illustrates the picture of a boy running after the girl he is in love with. But that was just at the beginning. Once they fall in love the sounds definitely change. Whenever they are having an intimate moment, it's very quiet, thus showcasing their extremely close relationship. The complete silence helps to set the scene, and makes you really focus on everything. Also, at the good moments when they are together, they are completely smitten in love, and the music definitely demonstrates that. Every time it is a little different, and every time it gives off a feeling of warmth, and basically the sound of love.
In conclusion, the sound in Romeo & Juliet helped to convey the feelings and the moods of the scenes and the characters. Romeo & Juliet is light and funny, heartwarming and loving, scary and violent, and devastating and tragic all at the same time. Without the sounds in the background, I don't think the ever-changing mood would be so well-percepted as it is now.
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