Discuss how you chose your memoir.
What made you want to read it?
What are your initial reactions to the
book?
What about the book makes you want to
continue reading?
Please
respond in at least two paragraphs. Make
sure to use relevant and specific information from the text to support your
thoughts and ideas.
Be
sure to respond to at least TWO other posts.
Rebecca Modrich- Going into grade 10
ReplyDeleteI was given my memoir by my dad's friend, who thought I'd like the book. I wanted to read this novel because it talks about a young man's life in the military as a Navy Seal. I am interested in the Military and going into the military after college. I am trying to aim for the Naval Academy, so this book suites me just right. My initial reaction to this book was amazed. This young man, his name is Eric Greitens, wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Well he sure did. He was traveling to various places helping at camps of unfortunate kids whose parents are dead from war or left them out on the streets alone. Eric helps and stores information on these young children to show people how their life is and their challenges they face everyday.
This book makes me want to keep reading because every page I read a new challenge arrives and I want to see how Eric deals with it. If he stays positive or negative, and If so how it plays out. Also I want to know his version of how boot camp was like and what they did, to see if it was any different than my boot camp. All in all, my book that I have read is called "The Heart and the Fist" by Eric Greitens.
Hello Rebecca. The story you read sounds really interesting. It sounds really great that you are interested in the military. Thanks for sharing what memoir you picked out. I hope your dreams come true.
DeleteLinda Man-Entering 9 grade
Hey Rebecca your book sounds really good.I know a few people serving in the military.My cousin Alex loves it and can't wait to go back the next day.some days are better than others but he still loves it.I how toy fallow you dreams and do what makes you happy.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophomore
Hey Rebecca you book sounds really interesting and u hope you find everything your looking for in it.I know a few people who are serving in the military.My cousin Alex loves it and can't wait to go back to work the next day.He said some days are better than others but he still loves it.I hope you fallow you dreams and do what makes you happy.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophomore
Hey Rebecca your book sounds really interesting.I hope you find everything your looking for in your book.I know a few people serving in the military.My cousin Alex loves it and can't wait to go back the next day.He said some days are better than others but he still loves what he does.I hope you fallow your dreams and do what makes you happy.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophomore
Hi, your book sounds good. And thats cool that your interested in going into the military and already know what you want to do being a young high school student. I hope you follow though on your dreams and everything goes great. Better make sure you stay healthy and fit for the military!
DeleteOlivia Saez - Senior
Hey Rebecca, your book sounds really interesting.I know a few people serving in the military who say they love it.My cousin Alex says all the time that he cant wait to go to work the next day, some days are better than others but he still enjoys it.I hop you find everything your looking for in this book and fallow your dreams to do what makes you happy.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophomore
Hey Rebecca your book sounds really interesting and i hope you enjoy it.I know a few people that are serving in the military and really love it.My cousin Alex always says he cant wait to go back the next day, some days are better than others but he still loves it.I hope you fallow your dreams and do what makes you happy!
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophmore
Now I'm sorry I've written a huge long reply twice and when I press reply as it deleted it both times so I wont be writing as long because I don't want it to delete on me again. I will touch my topics briefly once again. Thanks again for replying it means a lot. I've wanted to join the military for over two years now. Ever since I was little it always clicked I loved the men and women of service and would die to be one. So after a long time of wanting to be one I've finally joined to become one. I'm in a program made specifically for kids wanting to go into service if that is their choice. I am right now a seaman apprentice going to rank up after I go to my training next week for over three weeks. I will then become a seaman. Or also known as an E-3. I have many ribbons and a challenge coin which is viewed with much respect. I cant wait till college. I know I should be loving high school and take it day by day but I want to be the best I be so I will try to make high honors if possible every term. Even with more than three honor classes I hope to make top 10 at the end of the school year that is my goal. Any ways my book is very detailed. It has many quotes that make you stop and think for a second. For example "“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” This quote is my favorite. It makes me think yes we need to spend our time making good choices and to got eh right road. I ask myself Which way do I want to go, the path with bad decisions or the path with good decisions? I say the path with good decisions and hopefully I will make it somewhere great in life. Now I want you to ask yourself the same question. Which pathway do I want to choose? I wish it will be the right way. We need to help others and make them happy. As the quote I mentioned before we don't want to be known as the one in the corner who never talks but as the one who makes people laugh, happy, and have a great relationship that could never be ripped apart. All in all, I want each and everyone of you to find your dream and don't let anyone ruin it or change your desire. I hope all this writing and summer math packet wont ruin your summer. Haha. Also I hope all of you have a great and fun rest of your summer as much as I will.
DeleteRebecca Modrich- Sophomore
Hi Rebecca The book that you wrote about sounds very interesting. I enjoy reading military books (when I am reading which doesn't happen to often) there is a movie that I have watched that is very good and I think that it is actually a book too.
DeleteStephen Sullivan-Senior
DeleteHi Rebecca! Your book sounds very good and I am going to read it the second I get the chance. It sounds like he made the right move and I am also interested in the military to serve and make a difference. Eric sounds like a very brave guy for joining the SEALs and it sounds like he loved it.
It also sounds like it could be a sad story as well from what you had described but it still doesn't turn me away from it. It makes me want to read it more now just to try and learn something. Thank you very much for posting this and making me interested in this book!
i like it
DeleteMatthew Phaneuf
incoming Sophomore
Hello Rebecca. The book you read seems very interesting and it also seems like it was a good book choice for you considering you want to join the army when you are older. You're reply back to you're post made me think of a poem that I read last year in my English class called "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. It was about a man who came to a fork in the road and there were two paths that he could have taken. You're comment about the paths in life made me think about the two paths that this man could take. " I ask myself Which way do I want to go, the path with bad decisions or the path with good decisions? I say the path with good decisions and hopefully I will make it somewhere great in life." One path was more worn down than the other and it took the man a long time to decide what path would be best for him to take. That also reminded me of you're choice to join the army or pursue another career. The man decided to take the path that was less traveled on and in the end he was happy he took that path "and that has made all the difference." You seem like you definitely know that you want to pursue a career in the army and that it would be the best "path" for you to take. Good luck!
DeleteSarah McCarty- Freshman
Hi Rebecca I'm reading the same book the "warrior's heart" and I think it is a really powerful story so far. I think the details and the pictures in the book really open your eyes to how it is in different parts of the world. Like that poverty and abuse happen in places all over the world. Like for example the people in Rwanda that were forced out of there homes and thousands were killed. Also the many children in Bolivia that lived on the streets and to ease the pain of the abuse and loneliness they sniffed glue and lived in dirty allies.
DeleteMichaela Flanagan-Freshman
Oops, I totally just responded to the wrong thing.
DeleteMichaela
Hey Rebecca,
Deletethis book without a doubt sounds like a great book to read! Personally, if I was to read this book I feel like I would have some type of connection to it since my cousin is also going to military. Would you recommend this memoir to a friend? Did the author use descriptive language throughout the reading?
Kassandra Monsalve - Incoming senior
Hello Rebecca that book is a great book it sounds really interesting I always wonder how the army looks like and what guns they use. I wanted to read what was life in the army. I hope you join the army and serve the U.S well
DeleteHello Rebecca,
DeleteThis book sounds really interesting. It’s awesome what Eric did for those children. It’s a great thing that you know you already want to go in the military this young. Follow your dreams.
Mackenzie Murphy
incoming sophmore
Hey Rebecca,
DeleteIts funny because I have the other book written by Eric Greitens. It's called "The Warrior's Heart" I chose that as my memoir to read this summer. I am also interested in going into the military after high school. I am enlisting in the Marines and possibly Navy SEALS later on. I know that "The Warrior's Heart" is an amazing book and the one you're reading by Eric also sounds amazing.
James Lake - Incoming Freshman
Hello Rebecca, your book seems very neat. I think the military is a really interesting topic, especially the Naval branch. The memoir I am reading is also about the military but the person who wrote it was in the Army. I think the Navy Seals are really cool because they're special forces. It's so great that the author made a difference by helping people in other countries. The way you describe your memoir makes me want to read it.
Delete
DeleteHey Rebecca your sounds awesome I would love to read it sometime. I think its important that a person like Eric Greitens is around because he is helping others. I believe that everyone in the world should be like that. It’s important that a guy like that is telling stories to the kids about his time in the Navy Seals and how is not so easy and fun. It has its ups and downs but it’s all worth it in the end because you are helping in protecting this great nation.
Bridget Hadley
Incoming Junior
This memoir sounds very interesting! Nice to hear that you're thinking about joining a branch of the military. This would appeal to me because my father was in the Navy. Thank you for sharing your memoir! :-)
DeleteVictoria Wilson - incoming junior
Hi Rebecca your book sounds interesting. I hope your dreams comes true. And I would be happy to see you serve in the military.
Delete-Philly
-Incoming Junior
The memoir you chose sounds like a good read, and I think it's cool that you're so interested in joining the military. My grandfather was in the Navy and it's a great thing to do. I hope you accomplish your goals.
DeleteAllison Welch
Incoming sophomore
Hello. The memoir I choose to read was "The Other Wes More." I picked this memoir because I heard it was a really good book. Many people read it and they said it was really interesting. My friends read it and they told me I should read it,so I did. The memoir is about two kids with the same name "Wes Moore" who were both living in the same city. One Wes Moore was a good guy and the other Wes Moore was a bad guy. They both grew up without a father. They both came from a non-wealthy family.One Wes Moore was successful and the other Wes Moore was in prison.The memoir is about two boys and a journey.
ReplyDeleteThis book makes me want to continue reading because i really wanted to know if people were right that the book was good. For that, I kept on reading. Every page i flip through makes me want to keep on reading more and more. I never wanted to stop. The book had many suspense. I had many predictions. When I finished reading the book, I thought to myself that people was right. The book was really good. It really caught my attention since the beginning. The memoir "The Other Wes Moore" is a really interesting story.
Linda Man-Entering 9 grade
Hey Linda I read that book some parts are better than others but when you read it, well when I read it it make me think about the future and how one thing can change that.I hope you enjoy the book.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming Sophomore
Hey Linda I read that book and hope you like it.For new done parts were better than others but by the end of the book it had me thinking about my future and how one thing can change it. I hope you can connect to the book in done way or another just line I did.
DeleteCorbin Silva-incoming sophomore
This was a very good book, I also read this book as a requirement. But it really wasn't much of a requirement once I opened the book and got into the second chapter. This is a very interesting book that i would recommend. A lot people have some stuff in common with Wes or can relate to him in some way.
DeleteOlivia Saez - senior
Hello Linda. I'm glad you liked the book for I did as well. I read this book when I was an incoming freshman as well. This book also opened my eyes it showed me to be the better person and not the one who makes the wrong choices. I didn't want to dig myself in a whole I couldn't get myself out of. We all make wrong choices but we have a chance to redeem our self if we don't choose to make another bad decision after. We all have the power to decide. What will you decide? The wrong thing which leads you into a bad state as the other Wes Moore did or will you become the Wes Moore who decided it was time to change. The Wes Moore who said I need to change I need to make things right. And what did he do he turned his life around for the better and showed everyone yes we go through rough times but we can get past them through devotion and to accept the challenge and not let it defeat us. I always say defeat and retreat is not in my vocabulary victory and freedom is my pathway. Always remember that. Don't let anything stop you from becoming the best you can be. Help others and be always always be yourself not what others make you. I hope you learned something from the book. Always remember challenges are temporary and will not stop you forever you will get past them. In conclusion, I hope I made you realize some things that will help you in life or will help you through the school year. And since you are entering 9th grade to end this on a funny or good note there is no fourth floor remember that. Have a great summer if I don't here back.
DeleteOh my gosh that was an awesome book! I wouldn't put that book down. That was a good read and we read it for last year's summer reading. I guarantee you that book would change your life!
DeleteMichael Watne
Incoming Senior
Hello Linda. I enjoyed reading that book a lot and I'm glad you did as well. It is a very interesting story just because of the two outcomes. The way it was written can be confusing at times but was still a good read in my mind. I read the book last summer for my summer reading project and was not dissapointed at all.
DeleteThat book was a really inspiring story that motivated me to do well in school and be all I can be. I plan on going to a military college and then serving as an officer. Either Air Force or Navy. Thank you for sharing this and good luck to you in high school!
Hello Linda. I am glad you liked the book. I also heard that it was a good book too, and might try reading it myself. I hope i enjoy it as much as you did.
DeleteLauren Matte-incoming Freshman
Hey linda , this is one great memoir you have chose to read. I have also read this book and it has so many life lessons. Everyone makes mistakes but we got to learn from them. We have the power and what we do in life, whether it's good or bad, plays a role in our fate. Wes Moore could've also ended up in jail along with the other Wes Moore but he went to boot camp , changed his ways and chose to make something out of himself. I hope you learned all these life lessons in this memoir. Become something out of yourself because the only person that can stop you from making it is yourself.
DeleteIsis Woodson
incoming junior
Hello Linda, I'm very glad you enjoyed The Other Wes Moore. That was such a great book. I felt like you when you were reading, I didn't want to stop either. The book was getting better and better. Too bad you weren't in the voke before because Wes Moore paid a visit to our school. Hope your enjoying your summer.
DeleteSabrina Chhon-Kong- Upcoming Junior
HI.i read that book. It's a very good memoir to read. i would recommend it to others. It' nice to see that you have enjoyed the book. this book teaches you alot. it teaches how to choose your own decision. also, to go down the right road to a better life. This book made me to keep read. also it has inspired me to make good choices. hope your having a great summer.
DeleteNataly Rodriguez
Incoming Sophmore
Hey Linda I read that book too, it sounds so interesting and it makes me want to read it more. When I first read it I thought it was about a identity thief but it turn out to be a two Wes Moore. That book is really interesting.
DeleteRoosevelt Tek
Incoming Freshman
Hey Linda,
DeleteI talked to a couple people who have read that book. They said it was incredible and how even though two individuals can grow-up in similar conditions, how different the outcomes can really be. It's something to think about because after this, you really have to realize how anything can happen to anybody.
Hey Linda,
DeleteI had to read that book last summer and honestly, it was so confusing for me to read, I could never tell which Wes he was talking about wether it was him or the other Wes, no pun intended.. But it was interesting to read, I will say that. To hear how two people with the same exact name can live two completely different lives just by one small decision is crazy to think about.
Eric Cornellier
Incoming Senior
Hey Linda!
DeleteI read The Other Wes Moore last year, and I liked it a lot too! I thought it was really interesting how two people ended up so differently, even though they're outcomes could have easily been similarly destructive. It kind of just gives me hope that if you put your mind to it, you can acheive anything you want in life. It's never too late to turn things around, nothing is set in stone! I'm glad you enjoyed it as well.
Amira Dahdouh :)
Incoming Senior
Hi Linda this is one of my favorite books! I was required to read this book my sophomore year and I was not looking forward to it but, once I read the first couple chapters I was really into it and I was happy that I read it. It taught me how one decision can change your life forever. This is an excellent book that I would recommend. I loved how the book depicted the lives of two boys basically living the same life left with one choice that changed there lives leaving one very successful and the other behind bars. I hope you enjoyed reading this book just as much as I did!
DeleteJacqueline Dufault
Incoming Junior
Hi Linda I'm glad you liked the book. I also heard that it was good. I might try reading it soon
DeleteTaylor Penny
Incoming Freshman
Hello Linda, I read the Other Wes Moore when I was a sophomore. It was an amazing and inspiring book, but it was a little confusing at first to tell which Wes Moore was speaking. When they met each other they compared one another’s lives, their differences and similarities. The quote “one name two fates” explains why one Wes Moore ended up in prison and the other one graduating from military school and getting a scholarship. I wish you could have been there when Wes Moore came to our school, so you could’ve listened to his meaningful experience!
DeleteLikisha Vieng- incoming junior
Hi Linda, i never read 'The Other Wes Moore' but my brother and a few other kids raised money and got him to come to Lowell to tell his story. It really made me think about how such a small thing could effect my life so much.
DeleteNicole Kuenzler, Incoming Freshman
Hi Linda, I read that book for summer reading also. It was a very good book. It is perfect because it shows you, you can come from a bad time and change your life and do great things.
DeleteCorey Garneau incoming senior
Hey Linda. Glad you read the book! i agree when i read the book i also had many predictions.
DeleteChau Tran
Incoming Junior
Hey Linda, this book sounds really good. I see a lot of people writing about this book and it makes me want to read it.
DeleteSelena Pareja
Incoming Freshman
Hey Linda, I have read this book many times and I still feel every time I read it I end it thinking the same thing, how interesting it was. I thought it was a very good book and I hope you liked it as much as I did.
DeleteSavanna Coutu
incoming senior
I also read this memoir coming into my sophomore year as a requirement though. Unlike most people I didn't find The Other Wes Moore to be that interesting. It was to dry and boring for my taste in books but I am glad that you enjoyed reading this memoir.
DeleteVictoria Wilson - incoming junior
This book is very boring at first, but when actually getting into it, it does get more interesting. A lot of people can relate to this book and that's what makes this book so special. Too bad that you didn't get to the do the projects that we had to do that would relate to this book. This book can inspire you to do many things and grow stronger, whether it was a small or big impact!
DeleteAmenda Chhoun- Senior
I just replied to linda, I'm sorry I forgot to write my name. I am Rebecca Modrich- Sophomore. I started my reply with hello Linda and talked about how I read the book as well and gave some tips on being the best you can be and to be yourself.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the memoir "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent. I really didn't know a good memoir to read so I took a look at the list of memoirs provided. The title "Grief Girl" caught my attention so I looked up the book. I found out the book is about a 14 year old girl named Erin, who's life undergoes a huge change. Both her parents get into an accident one night, killing her mother and leaving her father seriously injured and unable to walk ever again. Erin who knows it's all real but badly wishes it was a dream. Following the incident, Erin feels she can't live and wants to die while continuing to have doubts if she could change what happened that night.
ReplyDeleteInitially I thought this book would be depressing but it actually displays a reality that can happen to anyone. This book presents true, realistic thoughts and actions that one would have to deal with if they were in this situation. That's what makes me want to continue reading.
ANGELA PHILAVONG-INCOMING JUNIOR
Hello Angela, your book sounds really great and I might just go read it myself for a fun book. This girl seems to have gone through some really rough times and I know not only me but many others have gone through it as well. Now I want you to know pain is temporary, it will not be permanent. You just have to have the power to wish to change and get through the obstacle. Now I like to make the people I reply to think for a quick second even though you man not want to it is always a good stop and think question. I want you to ask yourself; Will I let the temporary pain bring me down? Will I lose against myself? The answer to these questions I will leave to you. But I do not want you to to say yes. You should never ever let yourself be beat by yourself. If you understand that, But you need to be strong. Make sure defeat is not in your vocabulary. All in all, I will now read this book and I hope you have a great rest of the summer as I will.
DeleteRebecca Modrich- Incoming Sophomore
Incoming Freshman,
DeleteAngela, Your book sounds really interesting. I am definitely going to read it at some point. I can't help the thought that this pain could happen to any one of us. Its hard to think that a lot of people have to go through this. I cant imagine the pain Erin must feel. This book is a must read for me.
Hello Angela, the book that you read sounds really interesting.I hoped that you enjoyed reading it, and maybe I might read it myself.
DeleteLauren Matte- incoming Freshman
Hey Angela,
DeleteThis book definitely sounds like a great book to read. Does this book remind you of anything or anyone? I look forward to reading “Grief Girl” by Erin Vincent in the future. What did you predict at first before reading the story?
Kassandra Monsalve - Incoming senior
Hi Angela, Grief Girl sounds like a very depressing book. I can't even imagine if that was to happen to me but I know things like this do happen. I feel bad for Erin and her father. I also hope that Erin moves past this and finds the positive things in life so she can become happy again.
Deletei also looked at the list but two war books stood out to me. the book i read was never fall down and it was recommended to me by my teacher will we were going over the packet.
DeleteThe memoir I chose to read this summer is "With or Without You" by Domenica Ruta. When I first saw the book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it but after I read the first page I was certain it was th book for me. I’m not generally an admirer of memoirs but "With or Without You has changed that. This book explains in detail the heartbreaking story of Domenica's (who also goes by the name Nikki) childhood and her curious relationship with her mother."It was wrong-I’m sure he knew it. Legally, morally, and biologically. Grown-ups aren’t supposed to find comfort inside the body of a child.”
ReplyDeleteDomenica deals with many troubles in her life, from drugs to sexual abuse, at times it was hard to believe it all was a reality for someone, that all these terrible thing really can and have happened to someone. I want to know what her life comes to in the end, how her unfortunate childhood will affect her future, that’s what keeps me reading.
Zipporah Nganga
incoming junior
Hello Zipporah, this book sounds great. Enough to add onto my reading list. Anyways it is very sad how a child can grow up in such a horrible way. I do not believe in my thoughts that it is right to sexually abuse or hurt some one for no reason. Yes all these traumatic experience can lead to a hard time in the future, but always remember there are ways to overcome and grow stronger. Now here is one question that I want you to think long and hard on. put yourself in Domenica's shoes would you not tell someone what was happening to you or would you do the smart thing to go get help? I hope you choose the better answer which is to go get help. Many people don't like to go get help but in the long run it will do you so much good. Finally, I hope you have a great rest of the summer.
DeleteRebecca Modrich- Incoming Sophomore
hello Zipporah, your book sound interesting. i think i would read it sometime. It seems like domenica has been through alot. i wonder if she has been doing drugs since she was younger. when people go through rough times they seem to do drugs to clam down their stress. Even though doing all those things isn't good for anyone. It must been horrible to deal with all those things. I just want to say is that reading a memoir can be interesting. You can learn from them. Also, it might help you to make good decisions in life and not go by the mistakes the person went through.
Deletehave a good summer!
Nataly Rodriguez
Incoming Sophmore
Sounded like a good book. I never read it but that would seem like a book that I would read sometime in the future. I would recommend that book to many people just by looking at your response.
DeleteMichael Watne
Incoming Senior
I picked that book to i like it a lot so far i think shes a terrible parent but tries to have good intentions at least. her mother tries to make her a person with a personality instead of a person with good choices.
DeleteCydney Clougherty Future junior
I am also reading that book i think its excellent so far. but i don't like the choices Domenicas mother makes. i understand that she doesn't want her child to be boring. but i also thinks she has to teach her how to be a good person, and her mothers extremely rude and very very violent. i havent gotten that far yet but i cant wait to read more i love it so far and i cant wait to keep on reading.
DeleteCydney Clougherty incoming junior
Hello Zipporah, your book sounds really interesting. You make me want to read it. I feel very sorry for Domenica, nobody deserves to go through something like that. That quote that you wrote is true, it makes me rethink about a few things for some reason. Hope your having fun on your summer vacation.
DeleteI just wanted to comment on what Rebecca Modrich said. The question that you mentioned is a really good question to think about. Would you not tell people what was happening to you or would you tell someone and get the help you needed? This book does sound great and I am deffenitely going to look into reading it as soon as I get the chance to. Have a great rest of the summer!
DeleteShelby Demmons
Incoming Senior
Hi Zipporah!
DeleteThis sounds like a really good book, totally something I would be interested in reading. I'm going to have to look it up soon! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Amira Dahdouh :)
Incoming Senior
This summer, I chose to read the memoir "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank. During eighth grade in my English class, we read a brief play about the Diary of Anne Frank and it was very interesting to me. I wanted to keep reading about it and as I looked up more about summer reading, I found out that "The Diary of a Young Girl" was the translated version of Anne Frank's diary, and that it was a memoir. Reading about Anne Frank and the Holocaust in eighth grade left me with many questions. My grade took a trip to Washington D.C and we went to the Holocaust memorial museum and it was very interesting and I enjoyed it. I knew that it was something that I wanted to learn more about. My initial reaction to the book was that it would be very interesting and that it would make me want to keep reading. Each page of the book left me with many questions and I couldn't wait to find out what would unfold in the future.
ReplyDeleteEverything about the book makes me want to keep reading! I like how the book has cliffhangers, and it "keeps me on the edge of my seat." "The Diary of a Young Girl" is about a Jewish girl named Anne Frank and her family going into hiding from the German soldiers in a secret annex of a warehouse. You never know what is going to happen to the family and that makes me like the book even more. Overall, it was a very good book and I would recommend it.
Sarah McCarty : incoming freshman
Sarah, "The Diary of a Young Girl" is an incredible book. I have also read it before and shared the same interest in the Holocaust as you. You wonder how things like this could happen. Reading Anne's words you see how she was just like us, trying to grow up and fit in with everyone else, she was innocent and was punished only because of one mans twisted mind.
DeleteFirst I want to say welcome to Greater Lowell you'll love it. The book you have chosen "The diary of a young girl" is an eye opener for me I've read it before and it is an amazing book. A movie that also connections with anne frank that you should watch is Freedom Writers you'll love it It's on t.v all the time a GREAT movie to watch.
DeleteMorgan Parent
incoming Junior.
Mercedes Lienqueo, incoming freshman(9th grade)
DeleteIn eighth grade, I read a short play about the Diary of Anne Franks, too! And if the memoir you described is anything similar to the play, then it must be good. Though whatever version it is, it's still sad and horrific how events like this could ever happen to people.It makes me wonder- "how can so many mistakes like this happened in history?" It's completly shameful! And I'm just glade that now a days we know not to make the same mistakes people made back then again.
Hi Sarah, I'm glad you liked the book, it was really good !
DeleteSelena Pareja
Incoming Freshman
Hi Sarah, I've never read "The Diary Of A Young Girl" but I've seen the movie. Learning about the holocaust and World War 2 is the most interesting thing to me. I want to read this book after reading your post.
DeleteVictoria Gates,
Incoming Junior.
incoming freshman
ReplyDeleteZipporah, Your book looks really interesting! I am definitely going to read it at some point. Just by reading what you wrote I started thinking about what some children actually go through. This book looks great
Incoming Freshman.
ReplyDeleteThe Memoir I decided to read this summer was I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman. It is about a girl named Hannelore. While she is away at school she gets a letter saying her father was killed in a work camp. Then later she finds out her mother and brothers are being deported to a work camp as well. Hannelore makes the brave choice to join them. During her time in the work camps there was one thing that kept her alive, a promise.
I found this book by looked through the recommended book list. I looked at a couple different ones but this memoir interested me the most. I am always interested in books about the Holocaust, but had never read about Schindler's list before and wanted to learn more about it. I was really surprised that Hannelore was brave enough to willingly go with her family to a work camp. I always have the feeling of being excited about what is going to happen next but never knowing until I get there. This book always keeps me on my toes. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.
Hi Hannah! I also looked at that book, but I decided to read a memoir about Anne Frank instead. That book looked interesting to me too because the Holocaust is an interesting topic to me too. The books we chose to read are similar because the book I read was about a girl named Anne Frank and her family and they were Jewish too. The family went into hiding in a secret attic of a warehouse building and they stayed there for a little over two years before the German soldiers found them and separated the family into different concentration camps. After the war was over Anne's father was the only one who survived and he met up with a friend of the family who helped them when they were in hiding by bringing them food and everyday utensils. She had found the diary that Anne had been writing in for those two years. The book that I read was the translated version of her diary. My book also kept me on my toes and maybe someday I will read "I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree" too!
DeleteSarah McCarty- Incoming Freshman
Hi Hannah, your book seems very interesting. During my past school year I learned about the Holocaust. I am not into Holocaust books that much but this one seems really cool! My book is about a soldier stationed in Iraq and all the tales of war.
DeleteDan Cornellier-Incoming Freshman
The memoir I'm reading this summer is "Crazy Love" by Leslie Morgan Steiner. The design of the front cover instantly drew me in with the authors choice of colors. When I first read the title, I thought the memoir would be about a teenager falling in love for the first time; but it was completely different. Leslie had everything from a Harvard Diploma to a glamorous job in New York City to the perfect boyfriend. But she didn't know that her "perfect" boyfriend could end her fairy-tale life. The fights, pushing down stairs, and a gun held to her head ripped Leslie apart.
ReplyDeleteThe intensity and suspense of "Crazy Love" makes me want to continue reading it. The memoir takes you on a journey through abusive and violent love and what it can do to the two people involved. It makes you wonder why someone would stay in a harmful relationship and how a person can hurt the one they love. Is it true love or a psychological trap?
Stephanie Perry
Incoming Junior
Dear Stephanie Perry, after reading your blog and knowing that you picked "Crazy Love" based on the colors and design of the front cover only goes to show that saying you can't pick a book by it's cover. I would do the same. People you think have perfect lives might not. People hide a lot. I feel bad the Leslie in the book. I hope you and others learn from this book.
DeleteWow. When I saw the title "Crazy Love" I thought the same thing you did, a girl finding her true love. Seeing that it isn't like that interests me. That question you put at the end also gets me thinking. I think people stay in an abusive relationship because they are afraid of the other person seeking revenge on them. I might just have to read this!
Delete-Ally Anderson
Incoming 9th grader
Hey Zipporah, after reading your blog I have sympathy for the child that it was written about. In my opinion no child should ever go through that, but sometimes it does happen and it is horrible. Any ways I am glad that you are enjoying your book and I hope that in the end everything goes right for the child.
ReplyDeleteHI, The memoir i chose to read is called "DWARF" by Tiffanie Didonato with Renni Dyball. I chose this memoir because i thought it was interesting. i thought i would learn something from it. when i first saw the book I just felt like reading it. The title caught my eye. i just had to read it. so far it's very good book. My reactions to this book is that it shows braveness and confident. Also about being yourself and not let anyone judge you on the way you look. This book is about a girl known as tiff who was born a dwarf. Also born with serious case of optimism. Tiff decided to undergo a series of painful surgeries that gave her an unexpected fourteen inches of height and the independence she never thought she'd have. she was able to to do normal things and live a normal life.what keeps me reading is that it has taught me that you can live life no matter how you look like.
ReplyDeleteNataly Rodriguez
Incoming Sophmore
Hello Nataly, this book seems interesting. My book also taught me something. I learned that as long as u have determination and your willing to put the efforts in your future can be bright. I'm hoping I can do the same as the character in "Chinese Cinderella" and find my happy ending.
DeleteSopheavin Sin- incoming Sophomore
The memoir I chose to read this summer was "Soul Surfer" by Bethany Hamilton. I heard of the movie, Soul Surfer in the past, but I never had the opportunity to watch it. I thought it would be a good idea to read the book. As soon as I read the introduction of the book, I thought it would be a good-read for myself. After I heard that she lost her arm from a shark attack, I was scared out of my own mind. I was thinking, "What if that was me? Would I survive?" I really got hooked into the story.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me want to continue reading was the introduction. I wanted to know how she got attacked and if she will continue her dream as a surfer. Knowing that a girl with this much confidence makes me feel like I would have the same amount of confidence in my future goals and dreams. She never gave up so why not me?
Michael Watne
incoming senior
I agree with you about this book, I'm not reading it but I've read it once before and it is a book that catches your eye and lets you know you can do anything if you set your mind to it.
DeleteMorgan Parent
Incoming Junior
I picked this book for the same reason...I saw the movie and I loved it. I like to read books and watch the movies about the books. It is neat to compare to see if all of the details are the same. I am not a huge reader but usually the book is better than the movie!
DeleteIt’s like in The Hunger Games. I don’t know if you read the book or watched the movie, but the book is way better.
Sarah Beaton
Incoming Freshman
I agree with yoy zipporah , I have chose this same memoir to read during the summer. I love reading stories that can connect to my childhood and my past.
ReplyDeleteIsis Woodson
Incoming junior
Hi, your book sounds very interesting. I can relate the book I am reading to yours because I feel that my book also tells the story of a girl who goes through a troubled time in her life. It really is hard to believe that terrible things can be a reality for someone, like you said.
ReplyDeleteBy the way my book is called "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent. I just wanted to mention a similarity between our books. But then again most memoirs are about people who go through unbelievable situations.
ANGELA PHILAVONG-INCOMING JUNIOR
I read the memoir "with or without you by Domenica Ruta." I remember first seeing the cover of this book and it automatically caught my attention, but to make sure the book was for me I read the back summary. It just automatically had me hooked to it so, I read a few pages and knew it was the book for me. When I read a book that connects to me, it helps me to relate to how the author is feeling. That is why after a few chapters of reading the book and seeing how I can relate, I just couldn't put the book down. I had so many reactions to what Domenica was going through. Growing up and having to deal with your parent being a drug addict, going through sexual abuse, and having no one to run to is the worst experience and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. This is an amazing story and the fact that I know she can get through the pain and all the faith I have in her is what keeps me reading.
ReplyDeleteIsis Woodson
Incoming junior
the memoir I read is called "Tuesdays with Morrie".
ReplyDeletein this memoir, a old man finds out that he is going to die soon, so he goes to his nearest school and tells his grandson's lass his lifestory.
Matthew Phaneuf
incoming Sophomore
I'm reading the book with or with out you by Domenica Rica. picked this book because it really stood out to me i saw that it was about family struggles and i could definitely relate and when i started reading i realized that a lot of people have it worse then i do, its giving me a more positive out look on life. an its has some humor aspects the way Domenica tells her story keeps me wanting to know more. i like how she describes how she feels during all this and she also mentions some of the ways her family does things differently from other families. i also enjoy how she brings up things about her mothers childhood and compares it to hers. its a great read so far and i cant wait to find out what happens next.
ReplyDeleteCydney Jade Clougherty incoming junior
Im reading a book called " A Child Called It" by Dave Pelzer. i started to read this book last year and never got to finish it so i chose to read and finsih it this year for summer reading. "A Child Called It" is a bout a little boy named dave who gets abusived by his mother. "IT" was actually treated good untill the age of 4 he been to lost of places with his mother for a exapmle he went to china town. in 1964 is mom got revange on him. i dont really know what he did but it said in the book " you made my life a living hell now im going to make yours a living hell!" 1967-1973 "It's" life was really bad he had to clean up after everyone and if he didnt do his mother would beat him, that happend often. He faced alot of chanllanges for a example when he got stabbed by his mother while he was goig the dished she was drunk and lost her balance and stab him in the stomach. "it's' mother did alot of curl things to him. and him being being the oldest brother was hard from him she took his little brother kevin's dipper full of pee and poop and shived it in his face and yelled eat it! this book is very emotional at times and very sad the things this little boy has to face.
ReplyDeleteAllahna, "The Child Called It" is a very tough book to read, not because of the way it is written but because of how emotional and sad Dave's story is. Did you know he has also written sequel memoirs to that one? I have read " A Child Called It" and a few of his other ones if you want to read more about his story you should check them out
DeleteHey Allahna! I have also read the story "A Child Called It". I thought this book was sad, but it was very descriptive. All the things that Dave's mother did to him were terrible, but there just seem to be people out there like that, even to this day. I don't seem understand how a mother could treat there child the way she did. All the stuff that she did to her son was bizarre like you said stabbing him, putting his face in his brothers poopy diaper, the Clorox and ammonia mix that she came up with and trapped him in the bathroom with, even starving him to death. I don't understand how she could go from this loving mother that would do anything for her child to hating her child and abusing him mentally and physically. I think that this book was a really good read, and I am now interested in reading the other stories that he has written.
DeleteShelby Demmons
Incoming Senior
That book is really good my sisters reading it too. she's going to b e a senior this year. I read it last year .
DeleteHi Allahna, I have also read this book too. I think it is a very interesting book & really emotional because of the way his mother abused him as a child. I would recommend this book to anyone.
DeleteAriana Freeman
Incoming Sophmore
Hello Allahna, I also read this book for my SSR as a sophomore. I always wonder how Dave dealt with this woman for so many years. I honestly don’t know how a mother could be so cruel to their child. Dave was a strong little boy for facing all those challenges his mother put him through. He suffered so much pain and it seems like nobody even noticed. I wonder if teachers knew how he felt or seen any signs of abuse, don’t you wonder the same? Also, A Child Called It was inspiring because it made me realize that you shouldn’t complain about the little things in life if others are suffering through so much worse than you are. And that you should appreciate some things more often.
DeleteLikisha Vieng- Incoming junior
Hi Allahna. Although I haven't read this book, it seems really sad and powerful. It's disheartening to know that someone innocent would be treated with such disrespect and cruelty.
DeleteKrystyn Sylvester, Incoming Junior
My friend who gave me my memoir, A Stolen Life, read this book also. She told me how it made her realize how lucky she is to be treated how she is. Listening to her and reading your response really makes me want to read this book!
Delete- Ally Anderson
going into grade 9
when i read the back cover i got hooked because the story didn't seem like a memoir, it seemed like a fiction and although there is profanity, i still absolutely love the book and i am hooked.
ReplyDeleteThe memoir I chose is 'I'll See you Again" by Jackie Hance. I chose this book because I heard about Jackie's tragic story on a tv show and after hearing about it I had many questions about it. I never knew she had written a memoir until I stumbled upon it in a store. I knew I had to read it but I figured I would explore some other books before I settled on just one. While looking through other memoirs there wasn't a single one that seemed to interest me like Jackie's did so I knew that was the book I was going to read.
ReplyDeleteThis book is extremely sad, having heard of the story before I knew what I was getting myself into. But until you read Jackie's words as she tells her story you become apart of her and you feel some of the pain that she is in. You think about your own life and what would it be like if that was you in her situation. Once I picked up the book I couldn't put it down, I say that literally,I could not be drawn away from the words of Jackie Hance explaining the tragic tale of how her girls left her life. AFter every page and every chapter I would have a newfound hope that eventually she would find the answers to her tragedy.
Choosing my book was fairly easy. I was looking for a book to read on amazon. I was set on reading the glass castle, but I needed something different. so I decided on reading bloodletting by Victoria Leatham.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me want to read this specific book was the idea of it. I've never read anything like it.Also the reviews on the book were through the wall amazing. What made me want to keep reading this book was the eye grabbing topic sentence.It was straight to the point and caught my attention.
Idalys Antonetty- Incoming sophmore
I chose my book based on reviews i've seen on amazon and good things ive heard from my friends. I was planning on reading the glass castle, but it seemed like everyone was reading that. so i settled on bloodletting by victoria leatham.
ReplyDeleteWhat caught my attention and made me want to keep reading this book in particular was the eye grabbing topic sentence. it was so raw, so real. I had to keep reading.
This book is about a woman named Victoria, who is suffering from severe depression. the beginning was her sitting on the floor of her good friend Helen's kitchen, self harming. the author wrote it so well. it was graphic; but not too graphic to scare me into not reading it. i diffidently recommend this book if you are looking for something different to read.
Idalys antonetty -incoming sophmore
This book sounds so interesting and unlike anything I've ever read. I wish I would've picked it for my memoir but I hope you enjoyed it!
DeleteThe memoir I’m reading this summer is called “soul surfer” by Bethany Hamilton. When I saw the cover of this book it immediately caught my attention. After reading the back of the book I was hooked. I chose this book because I love survival stories and being at the beach. This book was amazing and inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed how calm Bethany was after the attack. My initial reaction was shocking. Her recovery showed me how brave and determined Bethany was. Not even the loss of her arm could stop her from surfing. I continued reading the book because I just needed to know more, Is Bethany ever going to be able to surf again? Will her life ever go back to the way it used to be? Will people treat her different?
Mackenzie Murphy
Incoming sophomore
Hello I'm reading a book called Straw by Darryl Strawberry. I chose to read this book because it was interesting and it was a book to read if you had struggles in your life.this book also had a connection to my life but overcame them just like he did. My reactions to reading this book were suprised and sad. Darryl had problems in his life he had a abusive father that would always beat him for no reason. His father had left him and his mother support him with 5 kids he later found his passion into baseball but drugs and relationship problems didn't help him he would be arrested and later his mother had died. Darryl got his life on track and went to church and stopped doing drugs he learned actions have consequences.
ReplyDeleteIts makes me want to keep reading because it a good book it inspired people not to give up and throw away their dreams down the drain and while. Darryl also taught how to responsible for your actions and to me he seems like a hero.
Roosevelt Tek- Incoming Freshman
DeleteWow Roosevelt , this book sounds very interesting in many ways. I'm very glad you have chose this book because it have made you realize that no matter how hard times might be you just can't let that pull you down towards negative routes In life .
DeleteI chose the book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom because my grandfather had passed not from the same disease but he suffered just like Morrie did. A humble sweet man that is diagnosed with ALS an evil disease that changes you drastically in the most horrific way. Same as my grandfather he passed from a horrible disease he went from a sweet humble man to a person that started to be mean and say mean things that weren't meant to be said. Morrie's muscles start to go he couldn't bathe himself couldn't dress himself couldn't eat on his own couldn't use the bathroom alone. same as my grandfather. This book can make you sad,happy,laugh,and angry. One of the greatest but most emotional book I have ever wrote. what a page turner.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting and sad because of all the suffering the man goes through. Sorry about your grandfather. I think because of your connection to the book, you might feel more of the emotions in it and understand it more.
DeleteJustin Chavez
incoming sophomore
Tuesdays with Morrie made me stay up all hours of the night wanting to read it because it was and is such an amazing book. My reactions towards this book were unbelievable. The things this man had to go through were heart breaking and heart breaking. The most reaction for me towards this book were happy,sad and angry. Saying to myself "why do the great people have to suffer and die at young ages and murderers live longer" It didn't seem right to me that he had to suffer that way
ReplyDeleteThe memoir I chose to read was I Am A Seal Team Six Warrior By Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin. I chose to read this book because while I was confused on what book would be to my liking. I was over my friends house when he showed me the book he was reading and it was all about this guy that wanted to become a member of the legendary warriors called Seal Team Six. I then read the first 3 chapters of it and immediately fell in love with the book and how it was set up. The first few pages were filled with a lot of action and him describing him in battle. Now with me , I love action books so seeing that he put action in just the first 3 pages urged me on to continue reading the book. As the man named Howard continues his journey and making his way through training to make his dream come true, he wants to change the lives in others and end the war once and for all in Pakistan. He not only sends a message in the book using his powerful quotes but also shows people what being respectful and chasing your dreams is like. Another reason why I wanted to continue reading it is because I to want to join in some branch of the forces to help serve and protect our country when it is in need. Incoming Sophmore
ReplyDeleteHey Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThis book catches my attention because I also picked a book about a man who decides to join the army. This book and your response really inspires me to follow my dreams and join the marines when i get older. Ofcourse it is risking my life but this book led me to believe that i have to follow my dreams and choose what i want even if it has bad endings, as long as im happy. Good luck with your summer and I hope you have many other books to read that are good.
Bryan Janeczko - Incoming Sophmore
Wow. That's cool that you want to join the army. I have two cousins - one was a marine and one is on the army. They joined right out of college. I've got to say that it is very risky to join because they both served in wars. But it was also rewarding because they got the chance to fight for our country. Enjoy the rest of your book!
DeleteSarah Beaton
Incoming Freshman
The book I am reading is "I will plant you a lilac tree" by Laura Hillman. I decided to read this book, because the past books I've read that were about the Holocaust I've seemed to enjoy it, so I decided to read this book. The book turned out surprisingly good. It was much different than I excepted. Its about a girl named Hannelor Wolff one of the Schindler's list survivor, and her journey through each camp.
ReplyDeleteAs I kept on reading each page I enjoyed more and more and did not want to stop reading. For me that is a very unusual thing. It made me want to learn more about her as well.
Lauren Matte- Incoming Freshman
The book you're reading seems really interesting it also sound similar to the book "Night"by elie wiesel if your interested in books about the holocaust then this is relly good book to read.
DeleteCarol Chebet -incoming freshman
That book seems really good. I love Holocaust books and movies and learning about it in general. A women from Schindler's list came to my school last year and it as a really good/cool experience.
DeleteJayme Abramofsky- incoming Freshman
This makes me kind of wish I found this book, it seems interesting. Especially to hear about a surviors experiences through concentrations camps, it must've been horrible. Also it must've been cool to read what she saw and heard, make you feel like you're her, or make you feel likeyou're even there when it was happening. Hope it was a good read!
DeleteEric Cornellier
Incoming Senior
Hi Lauren, this book you're reading sounds like a book that I would also read too. I really like learning about the Holocaust. I went to a Holocaust museum a while ago, I really enjoyed learning about different people & their journeys.
DeleteAriana Freeman
Incoming Sophomore
It sounds like a great book. I really like Holocaust books and this one sounds interesting
DeleteTaylor Penny
Incoming Freshman
Hi Lauren I love holocaust books. I enjoy to read them and I would be very much interested in a book like this. It sounds like a great book and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteThat sounds like a good book. I've read a few Holocaust books and I agree with Carol on that it seems similar to "Night" by Elie Weisel. It also seems different from the book I chose which is "Survival In Auschwitz" by Primo Levi which I would recommend.
DeleteKJ Orben
Incoming Freshman
Im reading a book called "The Glass Castle" . I started to read this book more towards the end of summer. I like the fact that the whole book is based on a real persons life. Knowing that these kids had to go through a lot. There mom not wanting to raise her kids. And or not completing her family. Saying it wasn't her responsiblity. The kids then learned to taek care of themselves. Fed , clothed and , protected one another. They grew up to knowing what they want and how there going to get there. But once they knew exactly where they wanted to go. They packed their stuff and moved out to New York.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, this all makes sense. It all connects to how they actually became homeless. On why the kids had to do everything by themselves. It does show that the mother really never wanted to have responsibilty for her kids. She never had spare time. Never had money. And that's why her kids had to grow up. They never would know how to do the things they do now if it wasn't for their siblings .To show each other what they could become and how to get there.
Hi, I haven't heard of the book "The Glass Castle". It sounds interesting and I'm looking forward to read it.
DeleteChau Tran
Incoming Junior
This summer for my independent reading book I chose the book night by Elie Wiesel I chose the book because a friend told me it was really good book and I wanted to see if it was true .I also chose the book because it was about the holocaust a topic we learnt about in the eighth grade it was a topic that I wanted to know more about and I hoped the book would help.
ReplyDeleteThe book was very tragic. In the Elie talks about book him and his father’s experience in the Nazi German concentration camps in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. I kept reading the book because I wanted to know how Elie survives and if his father survives or if he dies.
Carol Chebet-incoming freshman
Hi. I'm not going to be a jerk just because I've finished this book twice now (once in 8th grade and again because I just skimmed over the packet the first time I read it) and spoil the ending for anyone who is still reading the book. I found this book to be a great book, and at the same time horrible. I cannot comprehend how people could be so cruel and violent towards others who have not done a single thing to deserve the fates that were given to them. Elie's account of his own punishment by one of the Kapos was a horrible thing to read through. In fact, the first time I read it I found that I couldn't read it and so I skipped over that small section. I found the book as a great way to learn about the horrors of camps like Auschwitz and Buchenwald and I hope that books like this prevent history from repeating itself.
DeleteI am reading a memoir called “The Glass Castle”. I chose this book because my mother said it was a really good and famous book. When I started reading I thought it was horrifying how Jeannette (The protagonist) got burned and had to go to the hospital. It was also horrifying how much detail there was. But as I kept reading the book I was drawn into it. It felt like I was actually there with Jeannette and her family. In the end I was glad there was so much detail.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed when Jeannette and her siblings all moved to New York and went for their dreams. At the end of this book they all achieve what they prospered to do. They all had new family’s and were living very well. They had family get together and they all talked to one another on the phone. But one day their father died and that pulled the family apart. No one had spoken for five years. Finally Jeannette had a family reunion and they all got back together.
Julia Drury – Incoming Freshman – 9th grade.
The memoir that I’m now reading, and almost finished with is called “Grief Girl” by, Erin Vincent. I chose this one, out of all the suggested books that the school gave us because after reading the synopsis, it basically lured me into wanting to read it. The overall story about this book is that there’s a teenage girl, name Erin her parents were hit by a speeding truck, her mom dies instantly and her father dies a month later. Erin, 14 and her older sister Tracey, 18 is now left in charge to raise their 3 year old brother Trent – and each other.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I thought this book would be really daunting book, knowing that the two teenagers has to cope with the loss of their parents, and raising each other on a budget that the states give them from their parents death and low income from part-time hairstylist Tracey. After reading it for a while, it shows that this can really happen to anyone, and be grateful for what you have, because it can disappear within a blink of an eye.
Knowing that this can happen to anyone at anytime, makes me want to continue reading this memoir, to know how Erin and her siblings dealt with everything in their situation.
Salina Ny – Incoming Senior
What made you want to read it?;
ReplyDelete-What made me want to read a memoir about 'The Fragments of Isabella" is that it was kind of a late start on summer reading. I started on my last month and as I arrived at the library there were no other books to be found that could be interesting to me, most of them were huge so I didn't want to use up my last month on a full book because i am a slow reader or maybe i just take my time. I wanted something quick yet, just on my level. It was a good read overall and at least it was something that was interesting for all of us. About World War 2 and how Hitler tries to dominate over the Jews and other things we should already know about now. On the other hand, I accidentally didn't read the rules when I got into this blog so I deeply apologize and would like to fix that later on my previous posts. I am so sorry!! Furthermore, the book came out to be a good one for me because it has brutal and crucial situations happening in the book while I was reading it. I thought it was absolutely amazing on how these girls are able to survive their way through something so difficult. And that's what made me read it knowing that it would be about a girl during the holocaust, very suspenseful and deep.
What are your initial reactions to the book?
-My initial reactions towards the book was that at first, I thought it was pretty boring and things are jumping way ahead to quickly. Until I read the part about Isabella's mother and her youngest sister was the first to go to the crematoriums during their arrival at Auschwitz, that part made me jumped and got more interested in the book. I thought she would've loose her mother and none of her sisters. Surprisingly, things are not what they seem to be sometimes. And most of Isabella's sisters were passed on or missing. It was awful and sad and at the same time, it made me felt mad that someone would actually do this to another human being. It gets me sick to my stomach, but I did learned more from it at least, it reminded me of the vocab words that I learned back in my previous grade for example; dehumanization, antisemitism, and SS soldiers. I still remember it and I felt proud for still knowing the definitions for each of these terms. :) That was basically, some of my initial reactions to the book. I didn't feel anything else after that, it just made me felt a bit braver after I finished it because the author was unbelievably strong to gone through that hardship, but still yet managed to survive and promised her mother even that she will survive. There was so much encouragement in this memoir and at the same time, there were some parts that I felt hopelessness as well. That was all!
~Lisa Oun - Incoming Senior
The memoir I read was called "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent. I picked this book because it seemed like a really interesting book, something I wouldn't get sick of reading or bored with. The book is about a 14 year old girl, Erin, her older sister Tracey who is 18 and her little brother named Trent who is 3 years old. Their parents get hit by a truck on their night out. The mother dies instantly and their father dies one month later. Their left to raise each other on a tight budget and they go through a lot of ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this book for many reasons. The main one was because it made me realize how lucky i am to have both my parents alive to help me out with everything. The book really opened up my eyes to what a good life i have compare to others.
Jayme Abramofsky - Incoming Freshman
Sounds like a really sad book. You are really lucky to have both of your parents. Life can change very fast.
DeleteCourtney Dumont - Incoming Junior
I liked the way you desribe your book. I would like to read your book as well. Your book reminds me of how my sister and I use to have to watch after my brothers for a while because my parents' heads were stuck up too high into their divorce. After spending so much time with my siblings we ended up having some rough and good times as well.
DeleteThis sounds like a very good but emotional book. It's sad how one tiny thing can change in a split second. Glad it opened your eyes and made an impact. Life is too short and shorter for others which is also sad. Wish I would've picked this book. I hope you enjoyed it!
DeleteWhat made me choose my memoir "A Warrior's Heart" by Micky Ward, was that it was about a local celebrity, also I have never seen The Fighter so it was good to read this book. It's based on the movie but it has alot more detail and it goes beyond what the movie has to offer. I also chose the book because it had to do with a sport, I'm the type of person who hates to read, so it was nice to find a book that i didn't mind actually taking the time out of my day to read.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction to the book was that it was written by a local celebrity which I thought was very cool. I didn't really know what to expect before I started reading the book. I wasn't sure what it would be like or if it would even be interesting, but sure enough it was. I learned some things about Micky that I never would've thought could happen to him. He was raped by one of his brothers friends when he was a little kid! Also that he did cocaine. But boxing and his wife helped change that. All in all it was a decent book and I'm satisfied that I read it. I recommend it.
Eric Cornellier
Incomming Senior
Hello Eric, this book sounds very interesting and by your description of this book the author must be courageous just like the character in my book "Chinese Cinderella". He sounds like such an inspirational person. I might just try giving the book a try. I hope I enjoy it as much as you.
DeleteSopheavin Sin- incoming Sophomore
Hi Eric this book sounds good.I am like you I hate reading but if it is a good book I don't mind reading and I'll want to read more.this book I would like to read because I really like Micky Ward I met him last year
DeleteAndrew Sartori, incoming freshman
Personally, I liked this years summer reading project. We had the opportunity to choose the book we want to read, and that's a refreshing amount of freedom for me. I like to read books that I can relate to, and Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter seemed like a pretty good choice. I was excited to read about the challenges she faced, and how she pushed through them. My reactions to this book were full of mixed emotions. I felt sad for Ashley throughout half the reading, mad when she would get the short end of the stick, happy when there were signs of hope for her, and anxious to see what was next to come on her rough journey.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me want to continue this book was my simple anticipation for what else was going to happen on the pages I was reading. I wanted to know how things were going to end. Was her biological mother going to turn her problems around and be a better parent? Were her brother and her going to get adopted together? Were they ever going to get adopted at all? If so, which home(s) will they end up in? Will they be happy there? Will they're evil foster mother ever get in trouble? What do their futures consist of? This book was such a page turner for me that I finished it, cover to cover, in two nights. Three Little Words gave me motivation to make it through the bad things in life and to be a better me, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a little push like this in their life.
Amira Dahdouh
Incoming Senior
The memoir I chose is called Ghost of War. It was written by Ryan Smithson. It is about a young soldier who joins the U.S. Army and is deployed to Iraq. It tells the stories of the challenges he faced and what his war experience was like. I chose this book because the subject of the military is very interesting to me. I also didn't know a lot about the war in Iraq so it seemed like it would be a good learning experience.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that made me choose this memoir was that a neighbor of mine was deployed to Iraq so I guess I'm reading about the stuff he is going through. Being in another country and being away from your family for so long seems very tough.
I do want to keep reading this book because the author makes the story really interesting and I want to see what happens next.
Dan Cornellier
Incoming Freshman
That book sounds really good, I like books like that my uncle has been deployed many times so I like reading books like that.
DeleteAndrew Sartori, incoming freshman
What made me choose my memoir "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx was that it just really stood out to me. Given it's about a famous rock star, I wanted to learn more about his addiction to heroin and cocaine throughout 2 years of his life. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the book that make it so much more interesting. Another reason as to why it stood out to me was because it's about dealing with addiction and I know so many people who have and still are dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book because it makes you want to keep reading. For me, it was one of those books where I just couldn't seem to put it down. It made me realize that even the most successful people deal with things such as addiction, depression, etc. Another reason why I enjoyed it so much was because it was mainly notes That Nikki Sixx wrote throught these 2 years. Once you thought things were okay, they took a turn for the worse again. All in all, I thought it was a great book. I recommend it.
Monica Coupal
Incoming Junior
Hello Monica,
Deletethat was indeed a really great book. I read that as well because Motley Crue is one of my favorite bands. Nikki Sixx, in my opinion, is a fantastic bass player and I've always loved him. I'm glad you liked it.
-Holly Tugman, Incoming Junior
The memoir I am reading is "ADHD & Me What I Learned From Lighting Fires At The Dinner Table" by Blake E.S. Taylor. I did not pick this book-it was chosen for me. At First I was resistant to reading it, but as I got into it, I have to say I like it and it is pretty funny. I have diagnosed with ADHD since age 6, so a lot of what Blake talks about in the book-I can relate to it completely! He talks about ADHD as if it is normal as breathing-because it is.
ReplyDeleteHaving ADHD doesn't make Blake or I not do the things we want to do, we just need to take medication to help us stay focused and in control of being impulsive. Blake shows people what it is like living with ADHD and the extra steps we need to take to keep focused and productive in our daily lives. Living with ADHD is okay if you have family support and friends that like you for you. It is nothing to be ashamed of and certainly doesn't limit you from reaching your goals.
Jordan Molinaro
Incoming Sophomore
Hi. That looks like a book I would like to read. I was also diagnosed with ADHD when I was little. I find that for people like us getting through the day is struggle. I have made a system over the years to stay focused in classes. And something for the teachers, not trying to be rude, but kids with ADHD and ADD can look like they aren't paying attention in class when we are. Lost track of the number of detentions for that. I saw a program on TV a few years ago called "ADD And Loving It" and I would recommend that people who don't understand what ADD and ADHD are.
DeleteHello Jordan, I have a cousin and a close friend that have ADHD. I think they are wonderful people and they are both very smart. I am glad you liked the book and can relate to it. When my cousin was in school he had a hard time having friends but now he has graduated from college and has a great job that he loves.
DeleteJulie MacFadgen
Incoming Freshman
Hi I'm reading "Chinese Cinderella" by, Adeline Yeh Mah. I started reading this memoir because my friend recommended this book to me and I was so surprised because she doesn't often read. Not only that I love to learn about new cultures and how lives differ from different countries. As many can conclude, this book takes place in China I a little bit before World War 2 and a little bit after. The author struggles to find a reason to fight against her evil stepmother and faces obstacles that she conquers with her determination, desires, and what's left of her real family.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction of this memoir was that it was about Asian culture which I find really intriguing. I was looking forward to reading this book and I ended up not being able to put the book down. I knew a little of this culture so I expected this book to be based on honor which is important to Chinese family back then. The author's situation some what reminds me of myself. She studies hard to get her parents attention but it's never enough. Her siblings don't even act like siblings because they go way to far at some points and make her feel like a "nobody".I would defiantly recommended this book to everyone and after reading this book I see the world in a different way now.
Sopheavin Sin
Incoming Sophomore
The book I am reading is titled "Bossypants by Tina Fey. Tina Fey is best known for her role on Saturday Night Live. The book is about her life and career. I wanted to read something happy and upbeat. I loved the book! It was hilarious. Fey knew at a young age that she wanted to be a comedian on TV. In the book
ReplyDeleteFey talks about her interesting life.
Fey didn’t let her looks stop her, or the fact that she was a female. One of the quotes I liked from the book was “Don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, though, and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they won’t. Who cares? Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it.” Fey became the first female writer for Saturday Night Live. Fey is also a winner of an Emmy Award and many other awards. She balanced her career and family to become successful. If you like to laugh and have ever seen Saturday Night Live, you will have to read this book.
Courtney Dumont
Incoming Junior
Hello Courtney,
DeleteI read that memoir last year for fun and it was very good. Tina Fey has always been one of my favorites. :)
-Holly Tugman, Incoming Junior
What made me choose the memoir "Soul Surfer" by Bethany Hamilton was the summary, once I read the back of the book I knew that it was going to be very interesting. What really made me want to read it was the fact that Bethany herself wrote the book. I was very surprised that she ended up going back to surfing even though such a horrible thing had happed to her, but I am happy that she didn't let it hold her back from following her dreams.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the book I didn't want to stop I just wanted to keep reading because the way Bethany wrote the book was just phenomenal. She didn't try to make you feel bad for her she just explained how she didn't let this tragic accident hold her back and how it wasn't easy to maneuver but as time pasted it got better, it made her who she is today. I wanted to continue to read the book because Bethany wanted to show others that even though in life there are obstacles, you should never let that hold you back from being who you want to be. While reading I realized that this could happen to anyone and people should be grateful for having both there arms because it could happen to them too.
Jacqueline Dufault Incoming Junior
Hi Jacqueline,
DeleteI saw the movie and I loved it and ever since then I have always wanted to read the book. If the book is as phenomenal as you say then I definitely want to read it. Also if you haven't seen the movie yet, I definitely recommend it.
Samantha O'Wril
Incoming Senior
I chose to read "The Other Wes Moore" as my memoir for summer reading. What made me want to read the book is not just how everyone kept telling me how good it is but how Wes Moore started the book. Wes moore started the book by explaining to the readers exactly why he wrote the book and why all of the things in the book is relevant to his life. That hook made me think about why whatever in the book was so relevant to his life and if it would be relevant to me or my life as well. I wondering and wanting to know more because it interests me, so that's sort of why I was interested in reading the book.
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction to the book was a "Woah, this book is getting good ALREADY!" I barely got past the first part of the book when I started to really get interested into the book. I believe the plot and the way Wes Moore chose to wrote the book is what made me keep reading. I like the way he told both him & the other Wes Moore's life story all at once. It kind of confused me but then I realized it was a good way to keep me interested. If he was to write the book any other type of way I'd probably think it wasn't that original and I'd probably put the book down.
Arnetia Jean-Incoming Freshman
well Arnetia Jean i am incoming 10th grader and i have read the wes moore book it is very interresting on how he explians in detail about what he has went threw and hard life was being a child solider. i think it is very inspiring to others who have been a child solider and never got to make it alive like he did and make a great living out of it. but we must realizes that we have more then they do in life and that we should be happy of what we have and more.
DeleteMARIS MORALES~ INCOMING 10TH GRADER
The memoir I read this summer was "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. The book was recommended by a worker at Barnes and Nobel. After hearing a little summary about the book, I realized that was the memoir I wanted to read this summer. The book was about a college student named Mitch who went through a tough experience with his elderly professor. Morrie who was the elderly professor was starting to slowly progress amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Lou Gehrig's is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. On Tuesdays Mitch and Morrie would have discussions about life. Each chapter would be about different life lessons.
ReplyDeleteMorrie's aphorism about life made me realize the importance of it and that's what made me want to continue reading. The book can make you feel so many emotions, which actually made me feel really sad and happy towards this entire book. I felt sad because this elderly professor was going through so much pain with his progressive disease, but what made me feel happy was that he wasn't afraid of death. Morrie felt that you should learn how to die before you actually live, but I didn't really get what he meant. Also, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for advice when his or her life gets complicated.
Likisha Vieng- incoming junior
The memoir that I chose to read for my summer reading is called Lucky Child by Loung Ung. Lucky Child is the second book to First They Killed my father. Lucky Child talks about how Loung Ung will grow up and leave the past of the Khmer Rouge behind her and start a fresh new life in America (or so she thinks). Loung was only five years old or so when the war started and to hear her story to what she went though, made me realize a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me want to read Lucky Child was that I knew it was the second book to First They killed my father. Being from a Cambodian family and knowing that parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents go through what Loung went through, I wanted to get more in depth to how they lived and how hard it was for them. The thing that got me glued to the book was knowing that even though I’m reading her story, I feel like I’m reading my parents story. I can’t physically connect to the story because I didn’t go through the same things that she went though. But knowing that my parents were not too different from her story, made me more addicted to the book and I wanted to keep reading. I wanted to see how a little girl that has been through to many things still go on with a smile. I wanted to see how she would grow up with the living nightmare she went through. Reading this book, made me stop and think a lot and just appreciate many things. No matter what she’s been through, I applaud her for being the woman she is today. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the war, she wouldn’t be the person she is today.
Belinda Khorn
Incoming Junior
Mercedes Lienqueo, incoming freshman(9th grade)
ReplyDeleteBefore school even ended,I wanted to have a possitive idea on what I was going to read this summer. So, when I had the chance I went on to the Barns&Nobles website and typed in different searches starting with veterinarians for I liked animals. Instantly, it came up with All Creatures Great and Small, written by James Herriot. I read the description and the main plot which describes a new life beggining for a young vet who finishes school, and experienses a major reality check when dealing in the practice, in the farming-community of Yorkshire Dales. Which proves to be less sterile then working in the labs of his veterinery school. The book I took fancy to quickly,then I later purchased.
When I read the first chapters of the book, my initial reaction was satisfaction. The author has this down-to-earth, friendly tone throughout the whole book which makes it a great read, not to mention he illistrates setting beautifly! An example of his skills was "The formless heights were resolving into high,grassy hills and wide valleys. In the valley bottoms, rivers twisted amoung the trees and solid grey-stone farmhouses lay among islands of cultivated land..." Another quality that I like about the story is the time it takes place,1960-70s. Even if I didn't look up the time period, you can tell by the details and people that their not from our time. I also like time differences for it's interesting comparing ideas and accomplishments of people from back then to now, it also doubles as the reason of why it keeps me reading.
Mercedes Lienqueo, incoming freshman(9th grade)
ReplyDeleteBefore school even ended,I wanted to have a possitive idea on what I was going to read this summer. So, when I had the chance I went on to the Barns&Nobles website and typed in different searches starting with veterinarians for I liked animals. Instantly, it came up with All Creatures Great and Small, written by James Herriot. I read the description and the main plot which describes a new life beggining for a young vet who finishes school, and experienses a major reality check when dealing in the practice, in the farming-community of Yorkshire Dales. Which proves to be less sterile then working in the labs of his veterinery school. The book I took fancy to quickly,then I later purchased.
When I read the first chapters of the book, my initial reaction was satisfaction. The author has this down-to-earth, friendly tone throughout the whole book which makes it a great read, not to mention he illistrates setting beautifly! An example of his skills was "The formless heights were resolving into high,grassy hills and wide valleys. In the valley bottoms, rivers twisted amoung the trees and solid grey-stone farmhouses lay among islands of cultivated land..." Another quality that I like about the story is the time it takes place,1960-70s. Even if I didn't look up the time period, you can tell by the details and people that their not from our time. I also like time differences for it's interesting comparing ideas and accomplishments of people from back then to now, it also doubles as the reason of why it keeps me reading.
The book I chose was 'Where you left me' by Jennifer Gardner Trulson, right away this book grabbed my attention because it was about 9/11. Which I find really interesting because it was such a drastic tragity for so many its even crazier seeing it in someone elses position. Normallyit takes me a while to pick out a book and I hate reading but I started reading the first couple pages and I couldnt stop I wanted to read more.
ReplyDeleteThe book begins in the wifes perspective explaining to the readers how it was a day just like every other day when her husband left for work. Except this day he wasnt just gone, he was literally gone, never coming back. My intial reaction once i found this book was all i wanted to do was to get home so i could read all about this poor women loosing her husband, and the struggle for her and her two children. The author does a great way of making you feel what she felt on that very day which is why i really loved this book.
Savanna Coutu incoming senior
The memoir I chose to read this summer for summer reading is called "My Appetite For Destruction" by Steven Adler. Steven Adler was the drummer for Guns N' Roses from 1985 to 1990. The main reason on why I chose this memoir is because Guns N' Roses is one of my favorite bands and Steven Adler has always been one of my role models and I wanted to read more about him.
ReplyDeleteThe memoir started off explaining why he has done the things he has done. Steven started doing drugs and has been partying since he was just a teenager. Although I don't do a lot of things he does, I can kind of understand why he does them. He has been through a lot. The reason why I decided to keep reading it was because it started off really good. I really recommend it if you are a fan on Guns N Roses.
-Holly Tugman, Incoming Junior
Hi, I am reading this book called “Walden on Wheels” by Ken Ilgunas. The way I found out about this book is because my sister was helping me with picking out a book for the summer reading and she found this one and I thought it sounded interesting. She also read with book along with me on her own time. One thing I liked about the book was that it showed a different way of how a kid can make it through college and the best part without debt.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to keep reading this book because I wanted to see if he could actually make through grad school without debt and not getting caught living in a van on campus, because it was against the rules. I loved the book!
The book i chose to read was "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent. I chose Grief Girl because it seemed very interesting and i needed a book that i wouldn't get bored of. The book is about a 14 year old girl named Erin, whose life changes after one night. her parents get into a terrible accident causing her mother to die instantly and her father to be critically injured and not able to walk again. Erin cant believe any of this is real and hopes that it is all a nightmare. Following the terrible night, Erin feels she can't live and wants to die while continuing to have doubts if she could change what happened that night.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this I thought this book would be depressing but it actually displays a reality that can happen to anyone. It was very sad and it actually made me cry by the end and very other moments. This book presents true, realistic thoughts and actions that one would have to deal with if they were in this situation. That's what made me want to continue reading.
- Incoming Freshman
The book I chose to read was The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I chose it because we read a chapter of it in English and I liked it. My first reaction was that it was crazy how the kids got treated and grew up. The parents never watched out for them or anything. I kept reading it because I like Jeannette's character. I like how she thinks and her strength through everything she went through. I also liked how she became successful after such a hard life. I liked how she wrote the book. She didn't write it because she wanted people to feel sorry for her.
ReplyDeleteKimberly Egan
Incoming Sophmore
Would you recomend this book ? Was it your first option ?
DeleteI chose to read the book An Unquiet Mind:A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison. I decided on this book because bi-polar disorder is something that any once can suffer from and is a huge effect on themselves and the people around them .It's also something that is passed down in your family.
ReplyDeleteI took interest in the book right away.It spoke of symptoms and the mania Kay Redfield went through while on her perscription and off.My initial reaction when I started the book was "Wow. She really hits every perspective." And I think that's why I kept reading.
Zhaneeyah Jean- Incoming Junior
I chose the book Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton because a few years ago I saw the movie. I was moved by the fact that after being injured so badly while doing what she loved she went back to it. I would have guessed that she would be terrified of sharks and would have second thought going back in the water but the one thing she was worried about was not being able to surf. She says in the book that people often ask her if she is scarred of sharks or if she wished someone found the shark that attacked her and killed it but she wouldn't have wanted that. She believes that what happened to her was meant to happen and that god has a plan for her. Instead of being hung up on what happened to her she immediately started trying to adjust to life with just one arm.
ReplyDeleteI like how the book wasn't in the order of events. in the beginning, you only hear a little bit about her life before the attack then she tells you about the attack then she goes back to before then you'll read about after the attack. It sounds confusing but it made it easier to read. I also like how throughout the whole book she talks about religion and her faith in god.
Nicole Kuenzler Incoming Freshman
Hey Nicole, I love the book Soul Surfer! Its one of my top 5's . This book is so inspirational and really helped me through a recent tough time. I hope you had a great time reading this book.
DeleteCharisse Lopez Incoming Sophomore
The memoir I read was Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. The whole reason why I read this book was because my English teacher last year recommended it to our class as an option. This memoir turned out to be a really great choice. I wanted to read this book not only because it was recommended, but because it talked about how Augusten’s parents were going through a divorce, then finding out his mother’s crazy, and finally having to go live with his mother’s crazy psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and the psychiatrist’s crazy family. This book was like being on an “emotional roller coaster”. There were times where Augusten was happy like when he made a new friend of Hope, Dr. Finch’s daughter. Then there would be times where he hit a rough stage, like when Augusten was told that his mother was going away to some place with Dr. Finch to help her get better, and he had to stay with his crazy family for a few weeks and he had nowhere else to go because his father wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started reading this book I was bored out of my mind. Once I got used to the way this author talked and start to try to understand what Augusten was went through I was just hooked. There was something about this book that caught my attention and kept me attracted to it. It’s not because I can relate to this exact story and what he was going through but because I know what it means to go through an emotional roller coaster of my own. While I was reading I thought that is exactly is what life is and emotional roller coaster. No matter how high or how or how steep the hills were we made through all the times to be where we are today.
Samantha O’Wril
Incoming Senior
I chose to read A Long Way Gone – Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah for my summer reading. Looking at the cover of the book I saw a young African American boy who is carrying a gun. I thought it would be an interesting story to read of a young boy who experienced a war that he fought in at the age of thirteen.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the book Ishmael experienced the war just like the cover explains. But it was ten times worse then what I thought it would be. As a thirteen year old Ishmael experienced stuff that grown adults may not have even saw in there whole life. He witnessed people getting shot, peoples families getting separated, and he as a soldier in the war had to kill people.
All of these things he had seen when he was a kid wasn’t good. By the age of sixteen the Lt. of the army base he was at sent him and some other kids away. They weren’t sure where they were going or why they were chosen. But when they got there they realized it was a rehabilitation hospital. After seeing all the things he saw and killing people Ishmael was very violent towards everyone and constantly had nightmares. Things like water running in the sink reminded him of blood pouring out of people he had shot. He thought everyone at the hospital who was trying to help him were an enemy and tried killing them all. I couldn’t believe what he had to go through. But by the end of the book he was able to leave the hospital and move in with his uncle because his dad had died in the war.
Corey Garneau – incoming senior
This summer, I decided to read The Herion Diaries by Nikki Sixx, a firsthand account of struggling with and overcoming drug addiction. When faced with the task of selecting a memoir, I chose to look into this book because it had been recommended by several of my friends, and because I’m a big fan of author Nikki Sixx, bassist of the band Motley Crue. After considering a few other memoirs, I decided to choose The Heroin Diaries because I find the topic of addiction that the novel deals with to be inspiring, powerful, and interesting, and because I wanted to find out more about one of my favorite band member’s past struggles. The Heroin Diaries is a book that I’d previously been interested in picking up, but had never gotten around to reading until this summer.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first picked up this book and began to read the first chapter, I found it difficult to comprehend the messages, ideas, and events being conveyed in the story because of the book’s unique format. The writing switches between Nikki Sixx’s diary entries from years ago to his modern-day reflections about the events he had recorded. Although I found this alternating cycle confusing and distracting at first, I was able to adapt to it a few chapters in. Despite this minor challenge, I found the writing style to be very relaxed, which was pleasing; Sixx uses ordinary, everyday language to convey his thoughts. I want to continue to read this memoir because I find Sixx’s past and present views about his struggle with drug addiction and his opinions about everyday life in general to be interesting and eye-opening. I would enjoy continuing to read his unusual take on his past as he delves deeper into addiction and tries to kick his habit.
Krystyn Sylvester, Incoming Junior
This summer for my independent reading book I chose the book called "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago. The reason i chose this book was one of friend who doesn't often read had suggested it to me, he said it was a really good book i want to see if the book was actually good. There was one other book i want to read out of all the suggested books that the school gave us, the book was called " Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama. The reason i didn't chose the book by Barack Obama was the book was more than four hundred pages.
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction towards the book was that, the book would be very dull, and boring. I concluded it was boring and dull, because it talked about a girl named Negi who was Puerto Rican. The book talked about a culture, and a country i knew very little about. As i continued to read the book i begin to familiarize my self with their life styles. When the family in the book came to New York, i became glued to the story. The book because talked about how she wanted to see New York. It had rain in Brooklyn, New York so Negi said "Rain Had Slicked the streets into shiny, reflective tunnels lined with skyscrapers whose tops disappeared into the mist. Lampposts shed uneven silver circles of light whose edges faded to gray. An empty trash can chained to a parking meter banged and rolled from side to side, and its lid, also chained, flipped and flapped in the wind like a kite on a short string." This was my intial reaction
Daniel Mugeche - Incoming Freshman
This summer for my independent reading book I chose the book called "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago. The reason i chose this book was one of friend who doesn't often read had suggested it to me, he said it was a really good book i want to see if the book was actually good. There was one other book i want to read out of all the suggested books that the school gave us, the book was called " Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama. The reason i didn't chose the book by Barack Obama was the book was more than four hundred pages.
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction towards the book was that, the book would be very dull, and boring. I concluded it was boring and dull, because it talked about a girl named Negi who was Puerto Rican. The book talked about a culture, and a country i knew very little about. As i continued to read the book i begin to familiarize my self with their life styles. When the family in the book came to New York, i became glued to the story. The book because talked about how she wanted to see New York. It had rain in Brooklyn, New York so Negi said "Rain Had Slicked the streets into shiny, reflective tunnels lined with skyscrapers whose tops disappeared into the mist. Lampposts shed uneven silver circles of light whose edges faded to gray. An empty trash can chained to a parking meter banged and rolled from side to side, and its lid, also chained, flipped and flapped in the wind like a kite on a short string."
I didn't pick out my book, my teacher did. The book is called "Zoo Station" by Christiane F. It didn't look that interesting to read but since I was in such a rush, I took it.
ReplyDeleteAt first I had mixed feelings of what the book would be about. "Zoo Station". Like, is it about a zoo or a train station? and what's with the spoon and needle? The illustration had nothing to do with the title. I was confused but once I started to read, I didn't want to stop. I found out that her family: mom, sister and herself was getting beaten by the father. I really wanted to see how it would all end. Eventually they moved away from the father. The mother then got a boyfriend and she always worked. While she was working Christiane was out. She got a boyfriend of her own. Christiane looked up to druggies for some odd reason. Soon after, she started snorting up heroin and then shooting up. (her boyfriend did the same) The got the money from prostituting at the Zoo Station. First he did it but after awhile, Christiane needed a fix more often so she prostituted herself. She had close friends along the way. Three of them died of an overdose of heroin. It didn't scare her. She believed she "could stop whenever". But of course that wasn't true. I fell in love with book. My initial reaction is, wow. This drug could do so much and the people that do it don't even realize it. The book ended in a peaceful matter. I recommend it to anyone.
Elaine Voraphonh-Incoming Sophomore
I read the memoir A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard. I got this book from a friend and it is just the most amazing memoir in my opinion. i knew that I would be shocked at times and even angry, but that's what intrigues me about this book. Her words will keep you hooked on her stolen life.
ReplyDeleteJaycee Dugard was stolen at age 11 and was in captivity for 18 years. She was kidnapped by Phillip and his wife Nancy. This book describes everything that happens from rape, to pregnancy and more. She describes a lot of personal things so if you get queasy at descriptive scenes you may not want to read this but trust me it will be worth it.
The book I picked this summer was "Survival In Auschwitz" by Primo Levi. I picked this book because I've always been interested in the Holocaust and it seemed like a great way to learn more about one of my favorite subjects. While at times it is a slow and hard read (I insist on having a translator next to you as you read to translate any German that isn't translated in the book) it is a hard book to put down. It teaches you about what life was like in the concentration camps and what people had to do just to make it one more day.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who read books like "Night" by Elie Weisel or "I Will Plant You A Lilac Tree" by Laura Hillman this would be a good book to pick up. The book takes place in Auschwitz, Buna, and Birkenau. I was surprised by how bad the conditions were in the camps even with what I knew from reading "Night" during 8th grade. I knew that the SS were cruel and brutal to the Jews but I was caught off guard that people were beaten if they lost possession of their shirt. I also learned that people used rations for bread as money in the camps. Again, I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Holocaust and wants to learn more.
KJ Orben
Incoming Freshman
Hi,The memoir I chose to read was "First They Killed My Father' by Loung Ung. It was recommended to me and I've heard great reviews about this book. This book is about a little girl name Loung who live in Cambodia with her family. One day Loung and her family got evacuated from their hometown,Phnom Penh. They got separated and forced to work in Labor Camps.
ReplyDeleteI continue to read this book because there were meaningful events that occur in Loung's life that could relate to mines. There were many emotional events and it felt intense because it was told from the perspective of a child.
Chau Tran
Imcoming Junior
Hi. I read "Night" during my 8th grade year and I found myself having the same reaction to what was described in the book. Although I haven't met a survivor of the Holocaust I also have been interested in this part of history; always wondering how people could ever be so cruel and heartless to people who have not done a single this worthy of the punishment and abuse that they were given.
ReplyDeleteThis summer for my independent reading book I chose the book called "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago. The reason i chose this book was one of friend who doesn't often read had suggested it to me, he said it was a really good book i want to see if the book was actually good. There was one other book i want to read out of all the suggested books that the school gave us, the book was called " Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama. The reason i didn't chose the book by Barack Obama was the book was more than four hundred pages.
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction towards the book was that, the book would be very dull, and boring. I concluded it was boring and dull, because it talked about a girl named Negi who was Puerto Rican. The book talked about a culture, and a country i knew very little about. As i continued to read the book i begin to familiarize my self with their life styles. When the family in the book came to New York, i became glued to the story. The book because talked about how she wanted to see New York. It had rain in Brooklyn, New York so Negi said "Rain Had Slicked the streets into shiny, reflective tunnels lined with skyscrapers whose tops disappeared into the mist. Lampposts shed uneven silver circles of light whose edges faded to gray. An empty trash can chained to a parking meter banged and rolled from side to side, and its lid, also chained, flipped and flapped in the wind like a kite on a short string."
Daniel Mugeche
Incoming Freshman
This summer for my independent reading book I chose the book called "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago. The reason i chose this book was one of friend who doesn't often read had suggested it to me, he said it was a really good book i want to see if the book was actually good. There was one other book i want to read out of all the suggested books that the school gave us, the book was called " Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama. The reason i didn't chose the book by Barack Obama was the book was more than four hundred pages.
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction towards the book was that, the book would be very dull, and boring. I concluded it was boring and dull, because it talked about a girl named Negi who was Puerto Rican. The book talked about a culture, and a country i knew very little about. As i continued to read the book i begin to familiarize my self with their life styles. When the family in the book came to New York, i became glued to the story. The book because talked about how she wanted to see New York. It had rain in Brooklyn, New York so Negi said "Rain Had Slicked the streets into shiny, reflective tunnels lined with skyscrapers whose tops disappeared into the mist. Lampposts shed uneven silver circles of light whose edges faded to gray. An empty trash can chained to a parking meter banged and rolled from side to side, and its lid, also chained, flipped and flapped in the wind like a kite on a short string."
Daniel Mugeche
Incoming Freshman
The book I chose this year was On Writing by Stephen King. I chose this book because it looked interesting in my eyes; I love to Stephen Kings books. When I chose it I didn’t even notice it was on the list of recommended books. I was just going through looking up memoirs on Google and I came across it. What really caught my interest is that he talks about how to become a better writer and shares his writing experiences with the readers in this book.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the book in the list I was looking at I thought that this book would be perfect to read. The book will help me do the summer reading, and it can also help me get better at writing. Plus it allowed me to learn a little about how Mr. King became a writer. The book was very interesting throughout the whole thing with a bunch of tips to help me and other become a better writer. The fact that this book was written by Stephen King and that he has a great perspective of the craft makes me want to continue reading.
Ryan DeLosh
Grade 12
I agree with you Vinny, How could someone do something like that it is beyond cruel? When I read that book in class Sophomore year I was astonished at how someone can turn something so gruesome into a great book.
ReplyDeleteRyan DeLosh
Incoming Senior
I chose to read "FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME" as my memoir . The reason why I chose this book is because this is about basketball. And my favorite sport is basketball so I found this reading very interesting because I wanted to see how he viewed the sport, and how he gained love for the game.Also, another reason why I chose this book is cause I wanted to know if I can relate to him as in the sport of basketball.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me really want to read this book, is that it's about basketball and the greatest to ever know the game Michael Jordan ! .My initial reaction to the book was "this book is very interesting" .What makes me want to continue reading the book is when Michael starts doing these amazing things people in the NBA haven't done before .
Tony Mercado-Incoming Freshman
What made me choose the book " Soccerland " was the back of the book, that's what usually makes me want to read the book because it gives you an idea on what the book is going to be about.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading the book I didn't want to put it down because it was so interesting and I could relate to Flora. When the author is writing this book she talks about getting butterflies in her stomach before every soccer game, and I know how that feels. While I was reading this book it just made me want to go on and on ! I just wanted Flora to make the U-15 U.S soccer team so bad.
Selena Pareja Incoming Freshman
Hey Selena, I also can relate to the butterfly feeling before a game and it really stinks. I also would love to make it into the U-15 U.S soccer team. Who knows maybe our wish may come true.
DeleteCharisse Lopez Incoming Sophomore
I’m reading a memoir called “Tweak” by Nic Sheff. When I first saw this book I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. But after I read the first couple of pages i really did enjoy it. I also wanted to read this book because I like to read about people overcoming there different addictions.
ReplyDeleteThis book is about an 18 year old man who is addicted to heroin & meth. After Nic has been to rehab for a long amount of time he has relapsed. He’s into more drugs & is currently a drug dealer. He sneaks out about every night to see his girlfriend Lauren. He & his friend bullet decided there going to make their own business, selling drugs on the street. Nic’s parents don’t know he relapsed, but they soon will. I want to continue reading this book to see what Nic’s life will be in the future. My initial thought of this book that is it very interesting & impossible to put down.
Ariana Freeman
Incoming Sophomore
I chose the memoir "Seriously... I'm Kidding" by Ellen DeGeneres and what made me want to read it was the reviews I read on amazon and how I love her TV personality so figured I'd love the book as well. My initial reactions to the book were that I found it hilarious and entertaining. I completed the book within a 3 hour period, that's how much I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting story about how she's gotten to the point in her life that she's at right now compared to a year ago. It tells how she gets to be a Cover Girl Model and lands a spot on American Idol but then decides to leave. It's also inspiring because she uses humor, happiness, and those around her to get through tough events in her life. I liked the book and would recommend it to anyone who watches her show and loves humorous books.
The memoir I read was "The Bite of the Mango" by Mariatu Kamara. I saw this book on the recommended book list, and I found it in the store. The story of a young girl struggling to survive in sierra Leone during a war caught my attention. The author's journey to a new life in America also sounded inspirational to me.
ReplyDeleteRight away my reaction to this book was that it was pretty graphic and intense because she got her hands cut off. I was also surprised at the events taking place in her country. I had no idea that people in Sierra Leone were being so violent. I wasn't aware that a war was happening at that time until reading the book.
This book kept me interested because suspenseful. I wanted to read more to find out how her journey would end and if she would find a better life in America.
Justin Chavez
incoming sophomore
Over the summer I read Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton.I chose this book because it looked good and I had just finished watching shark week.so went to the store and got the book.It was a good book in the book there were some bad and good parts.Some good parts were when you saw how she coped with missing a arm.The bad parts were when she talked about making the movie that was long and boring.
ReplyDeleteThere were some things that Made me want to keep on reading.Those thing are when she talked how she coped with the shark attack.also she was our age so she talked like us.It wasn't hard to read like other books that use huge words that confuse you and make not want to read.the last thing is she explained her traditions and stuff like that.For example on Halloween and Christmas Bethany goes surfing than gets home and gets a costume on or opens presents.
Andrew Sartori ,incoming freshman
The book I choose was Grief Girl by Erin Vincent because it is a true story. Also I choose this book because I read the back of the book so I thought it seemed like a good book. also I choose this book because its sad and I know its sad because on the back it says her parents get hit by a speeding tow truck also the doctor said that her dad would live but her dad died one month later. Now erin has to raise her sister and brother by herself.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Gantz-Incoming Junior
The Book I'm reading is "The Glass Castle." I chose this book because my bestfriend Victoria Gates was reading it a long time ago and said it was a very good book and that I should read it one day so thats why I choosed this book.What made me want to read this book was becasue of my friends suggestion but also the title of the book caught my eye. "The Glass Castle" I wanted to know why it was titled the glass castle and also i was wondering what even is a glass castle? was it real?.
ReplyDeleteThis book really did stun me most of the time, like when the mother and father would treat their little kids like adults and not even worry about them when they got hurt, into trouble, etc.What made me continue reading this book was how kind of "messed up" it was. How the parents liked being poor is what I thought was messed up. In this book it showed how smart there parents were and how they could have better lives but the parents don't want to because for them being poor was an adventure. I think with the children they had they should of got good stedy jobs to at least get food on the table for there kids and not travel from place to place living in crappy worn down homes.
Corinna King
Incoming Sophomore
The memoir I chose was "Dry" by Augusten Burroughs. I wanted to read a book about alcoholism because my dad was an alcoholic. Usually the first time I start reading a book it takes me awhile to get hooked on it. This book is different, once I started I was hooked right away. Augusten Burroughs talks about his alcoholism, having to go to rehab because his boss gave him a ultimatum of losing his job as a advertiser or going to rehab.
ReplyDeleteEverything about the book is just very honest and real about the things that were happening to himself; I couldn't put the book down. I love learning about other people's lives and what they've over come.
Victoria Gates,
Incoming Junior.
It is very sad to hear your dad was an alcoholic, I hope things did get better, but I am glad you were able to find a book you can relate to. This book sounds very intresting. I might give it a shot.
DeleteThe book that I chose was Guts by Gary Paulsen. I chose this book for three reasons. The first reason was because I’m a huge fan of Gary’s books, and I wanted to see what this book had in store. The second reason was the title. The word “Guts” just seemed so intriguing to me because it was unlike any other title that he’s ever used before. The third and final reason was because it was based on the Brian books and the book that I liked called, “The Hatchet”.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that made me keep reading was that this was a real life story about what Gary went through and what made him write these books that he’s been writing. I’d recommend this book to anybody that has a sense of adventure in reading, because that’s what this book is basically about.
Matthew Boldrighini- Incoming Sophomore
I chose to read First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung. I decided to read this book because in 8th grade a lot of the other classes read it when my class didn't , is anyone else reading this book? I just read a part where Loung is describing how she went to Ro Leap to go visit her mother and little sister Geak but when she got there it says " They are not here, a voice answers a young woman standing in the doorway of the next hut.She is new; I do not recognize her... "I don't know. They left with soldiers." (Page 160) The Khmer Rouge was so horrible to these people and they didn't do anything wrong. Loungs' father was killed because he was a soldier once. The Khmer soldiers just go to the huts and take people away. This book is really detailed and very descriptive.Loung did a great job putting her story into words. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.
ReplyDeleteJustine Erskine- incoming Sophomore
My book is I Beat The Odds by Michael Oher. I chose it because it looked interesting and I thought it would be a cool football story. At first the book started off with Michael Oher talking about how his mom is a good mother until she leaves for a week to do drugs. What made me not want to stop reading was that Michael Oher never giving up and his determination to get out of the ghetto into a better life.
ReplyDeleteIncoming sophmore
The book I chose to read was Night by Elie Wiesel. I chose to read this book because I read it a few years back and didn’t really understand it. I wanted see if I could understand it better a second time around. It was much easier to comprehend it now than it was when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteI also chose to read this because I’m highly interested about the holocaust. Night gives a good insight on what a life of a concentration camp prisoners life would be like and what the living conditions were. It helped me learn a lot about what was going on in those camps.
Victoria Wilson – incoming junior
Hello,
ReplyDeletethe book I chose to read was "Are You My Mother?" by Ashley Bechdel. This book caught my eyes as I was walking in Barnes and Noble trying to figure out what memoir is best to read for the summer. I saw the cover of the book dragging me over, it was red, with such an antique cover. As I flipped through the book I noticed it was in a comic strip form! I thought to myself it was the easiest book I ever read, but I was wrong. The grammer, and structure of words were very difficult to read but it did make sense to me while I read it. This book was not for a 12 year old to read on just a regular day.
Reading the summary on the back of the book made me think that this book might not be the book for me, but I accepted the concept of the book because I thought I could relate to it more. As I read the first couple of pages, I couldn't figure out what the book was really going to be about, but I had to figure out so I kept reading and reading until it was the end. I connected with this book more than I ever could. The author, Ashley, explains that her relationship between her mother and herself is not the usual relationship between a mother and daughter relationship. Her mother lives through life in depression and wishes to be in the shoes of her daughter. I can see how that gets annoying in one's life. I wanted to read this book to see what that looks like from someone else's view.
Amenda Chhoun-Upcoming Senior
The book I have chose to read this summer is "Always Running" by Luis Rodriguez. Although this was not my first option, I have found the book very intresting. He takes me back to his past in grate detail, describing every moment specifically and allowing me to feel as if I was there with him. I have had many reactions to this book, from shocking to sad, angrey and exciting. This book is also filled with bias and prejudice people who continue to provoke violence in gangs.
ReplyDeleteThis book is about a confused teenager trying to fit in. His name is Luis through out his story he has joined gangs, participated in robbery, violence, and drugs. He struggles to find his motivation to do better untill he finds the world of writing. With the help of some friends he begins to change to a better path. He realizes the mistakes he has made and wants to do better. A part in this book that surprised me the most is how he has a near death experience and still continues on wanting to do drugs.
Natasha Hernandez- Incoming Sophomore
Hello, the book I chose to read this summer is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. I chose this book because I always hear about it but have never actually read it. I mostly wanted to go into a book not knowing anything about it and I got that opportunity with "Into Thin Air". When I started reading all I knew about the book was that it was about Jon Krakauer climbing Mt. Everest. This was an interesting approach that I had never taken before.
ReplyDeleteSo far the book is amazing. Jon Krakauer does a great job of conveying the state of mind he and his team are in near the summit. Throughout the entire book you get the sense of impending doom. By the time the storm starts you won’t be able to put the book down.
Ryan laird
Incoming Freshman
Hey, I chose the story Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd as my summer reading book because it looked pretty interesting. I got my book at Barns and Noble, it was a gift from my Read 180 class. What really caught my attention was the fact that this book was based on teen prostitution. I didn't really know much about this so I thought why not read this book. This is the type of book you just can't put down. Its full of real heart stopping events, like for example these girls ages range from 9 to 17 and have been put through things you wouldn't even imagine. What makes me continue reading this book is that there is always some sort of sad or scary event going on. The chapters always end with a new interesting fact that gets answered in the new upcoming chapters, I'm currently on chapter 9.
ReplyDeleteCharisse Lopez
Sophomore
I choose this memoir with the help of Mrs. Athinelis at the field trip to Barnes & nobles. I was really picky about what book to read because I didn't want a long story or a boring book. I saw the book " I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Married. I thought it will be boring till when I read the back of the book. I was chocked to see how a little girl will be married off to strange man. I ask Mrs. Athinelis about this book and she said it sounds interesting to read and plus it will be good if I read about other countries and their way of married.
ReplyDelete-Philly
-Incoming Junior
The book I chose for my summer reading was "Tornado Warning" by Elin Stebbins Waldal. I chose this book because one of my friends had read it and told me it was really good. What really made me want to read it though, was that it was about abuse, but it wasn't one of those made up stories of "the girl got abused and then they broke up and then she lived her life." It's from first hand knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAt first, the book was boring. But as I went on reading I was really interested. Something that I liked was that it didn't take a long time to get into things. Elin made it interesting by going back and forth between when she was in an abusive relationship and now. It makes it easy to see the ways that she has changed. She doesn't sugarcoat anything. She tells everything how it was, and does it in a way that hooks me onto it. I read the book from start to finish in 2 days.
Elizabeth Whalen- Incoming Freshman
Hello, the memoir I am reading is "Basketball Junkie" by Chris Herren. I chose to read it for summer reading because My English teacher had shown me this and by the title of the book, I knew it'd be interesting.My reaction toward the book was surprised because of how good it was. I'm the type that is picky and only interested in certain types of books, but this book is by far my favorite. The book makes me want to keep reading because of how interesting he tells his story.
ReplyDeleteThe book is mainly about how he started to do the drugs. Also how it had conflicted with his career in basketball. He was switched over to the Celtics , but as he was being switched he was still on the drugs. Noone knew until he was ended up in the hospital and arrested for being passed out in Dunkin' Donuts drive thru. He wanted to change his life around when he realized he was close to overdosing . Not to mention hes already had an experience with overdosing. This is a great book for someone who can relate to a drug addiction experience in your life.
Alyssa Doherty- Incoming Junior
The memoir I chose to read was Seriously... I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres. I chose this book because I like Ellen and I think she's funny, so I wanted a book that would keep me entertained. The book wasn't bad, some of the chapters were easy to relate to which is something I enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI especially liked the way Ellen The book kept me hooked and wanting to keep reading because of the humor used and the fact that most parts were only dragged to a certain extent, and were changed up so I did not get bored of the reading.
Allison Welch
Incoming sophomore