Friday, July 19, 2013

Post #2: I see where you're coming from...

Talk about the connections you are making to your memoir. Think about how you relate personally, any connections to other books,and any connections to the world around you.

332 comments:

  1. The book in am reading this summer with or without you by Domenica Ruta has made me more grateful for my family and home. Domenica grew up in an old home that was as broken as her family. Her father had left them and remarried leaving her with her insane mother. Not only was her mother a drug dealer but she was an addict as well. When she revived their monthly social security check she would misuse it on everything else but food leaving her daughter to starve. Kathi wasn't a good role model in any way what so ever but she still tried to make Domenica be like her. She tried and in the end succeed in convincing Domenica to use drugs and drink. She even tried to convince her to have a child. This story has made me more appreciative of my parents and all they do for me.

    Zipporah Nganga
    incoming Junior

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    1. I can relate this to part of my family. It happened to end the same way with the piece of my family, and I started to feel bad. I'm glad that book really helped you become more appreciative with your parents.

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    2. I can really connect this book to part of my family. Part of my family had the same exact issues that she did. This seemed to be a good book to read. I'm glad that the story made you more appreciative of your parents.

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    3. I can connect this book to part of my family. My family has been in the same situation that she was in. I'm glad that this book made you more appreciative of your parents.

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    4. The book I am reading is called "The Warrior's Heart" Its a true story about a man who traveled around the world volunteering in war-torn countries and aiding children in third-world areas. He eventually realized however that just aiding people after the fact doesn't help. Someone needs to be there before the tragedies occur to try to stop them. I can make a connection here because I think the same way, what good does it help if the damage is already done? The man in my story becomes a Navy SEAL because he thinks that's the best way to help people before the tragedies occur. That's also the same reason why I am joining the military after high school. Someone needs to be there to protect the people.

      James Lake
      Incoming Freshman

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    5. That book sounds interesting to read. I would love to read it sometime. I think the same way as the guy in your story. I see people affected in either a good way or bad way about something that happened. I want to help people get better after something bad happens. On the other hand I would to help out people to make them happy about a good situation. An example of that would be with the summer school program I wanted to help the incoming freshmen like you feel more comfortable about high with the summer school program.

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    6. the book i choose was never fall down. It made my look at my family in a different way because the main character got his family taken away from him and didn't see them all together for many years. it makes me love the time i spend with them.

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    7. this book sound interesting i really want to read it now.
      -Philly

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    8. This book seems very interesting to read, and just by reading the description you gave me, it makes me appreciate my family and friends that I have too. This book seems very artificial, and that's what makes me want to read it even more. Things that seem so fake, but knowing it's real is very fascinating and interesting to read.

      Amenda Chhoun- Senior

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    9. Hey Zipporah,
      Sounds like a sad book I would also feel more grateful after reading it, it sounds very interesting, hope you enjoyed reading it.
      Have a nice rest of your summer.

      Branden Williams-Incoming Freshman 2013

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    10. This book seems very emotional, yet interesting. Just by reading your description of the book I really will think more about what I ask for money for and I will respect my family more for making sure I don't go without. It seems a lot of students were easily able to connect to this story!

      Zayda Boghossian-Incoming Freshman

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    11. I can relate to your post a lot. I was at the Boston Marathon with my Uncle and cousin and pretty close to the finish line and saw the bombs go off. I was so scared and thought the bombs would keep getting closer and closer.(thank God they didn't!) My parents and I argue a lot and after the bombs went off I felt really ungrateful because I don't appreciate all that they do for me.

      Serena Gil- Incoming Freshman

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    12. Hey,James my book "I Am A Seal Team Six Warrior" its very similar to your book. an i also had the idea of joining the Military after high school
      Brian couture, Incoming freshman

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    13. My book "I am a Seal Team Six Warrior", he joined the seals to help people an he went against direct orders to help a poor boy who got his leg blown off an it wasnt bandaged right so him an his buddies had to help the kid. that makes me want to do the same an join the service.

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    14. My book "I am a Seal Team Six Warrior", he joined the seals to help people an he went against direct orders to help a poor boy who got his leg blown off an it wasnt bandaged right so him an his buddies had to help the kid. that makes me want to do the same an join the service. Brian Couture Incoming freshman

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  2. The book that I am reading is called "The Complete Persepolis". The book talks about this girl who grows up as a communist in Iran. As she grows through her middle school years she is torn between modern technologies such as the car and the cell phone or the old world with its semi-medieval dresses and veils. As the war in Iran grows more violent her parents send her to live in Austria with her aunt. Within the week of her arrival at her aunts house she gets kicked out. Now she is a lonely teenager living with a roommate that doesn't even speak the same language. After a few more hardships such as getting addicted to some various types of drugs, finding out that her boyfriend that she loved was gay, becoming homeless, going back to Iran, finding her best friend paralyzed from the waist down after a grenade hit him, and then finally getting married only to get divorced a short time later. I connected with this book in a lot of different areas (even though my troubles are on a much smaller scale then hers and I am not under as much pressure and stress as she was) and the fact that it is a picture helped me too because I am visual. I do encourage people to read this book even if it is kind of long.

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    1. Hi Victoria, your book seems very interesting. The way the main character is torn between the old and the new is really neat. I can't imagine having a roomate that doesn't speak English. It would be so hard to go to a relative's house just be kicked out. It would also be hard to live in a type of war that affected your own country and forces you to do things such as moving away and leaving your parents behind.

      Dan Cornellier
      Incoming Freshman

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    2. Marissa BettencourtAugust 14, 2013 at 1:32 PM

      hello Victoria, your book seems amazingly interesting and i would love to read it. I could never deal what she deals with. I wouldn't be able to handle a roommate who doesn't speak the same language as me. To find out that my aunt kicks me out when i go to live with her would be horrifying to me. It would be wicked hard to move to a different country and leave everyone you love behind.

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    3. This book sounds like its brought you there and back

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    4. The memoir that you are reading sounds very interesting and very complicated for the girl in the memoir. It seems like her problems keep piling up for her. After reading your post it makes me feel so immature for ever complaining about minor situations that I have had in the past. This also makes me want to be more grateful for my loving parents, shelter, and that I live in a safe environment. But good job on your post Victoria now I want to read this memoir.

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    5. The memoir you read sounds pretty interesting and I think I will read it. This girl's story seems really intense and the hardships she has to face seem very tough as well. I'm not sure how she reacted to her problems, but this reminds me of how quick people in today's society are to complain about the smallest problems. This girl has to face homelessness, a war, etc.

      Serena Gil- Incoming freshman

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    6. Hi Victoria, this book sounds like a really enjoying book I would like to read some day, thank you for sharing it.
      Jonathan Andreazza - Incoming Sophomore

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  3. I seem to be the first person to comment. Alright here we go.
    The book I read this summer is Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton. The connection between this book and my life is never giving up. I am like that myself. I would not give up no matter what happens in my life. I would try hard no matter what obstacle I would face. I can't think of any books I can connect this to. I a connection to the world around myself is the Boston bombing. The people that were victims to the incident didn't give up on their lives. The whole state of Massachusetts is wearing Boston Strong T-shirts. Boston didn't give up for everything because of that incident, and so didn't Bethany after getting attacked by a shark.

    Michael Watne
    Incoming Senior

    Now there is a concern about me replying on other's comments in this post. I don't happen to see any comments. I will check back later to see if I can...

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    1. Hey Michael,

      I am glad that your connecting with the book just like I am. I am connecting to my book the same way you are by thinking to never give up and to follow my dreams. Before I really wanted to join the marines and this book that I read really made me urge on more and looking up more things about the marines so that I can prepare to become one. Goodluck Michael

      Bryan Janeczko-Incoming Sophmore

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    2. Marissa LadebaucheAugust 7, 2013 at 9:09 AM

      I agree with you. That is a very strong and great connection.

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    3. The book that you read relates to a part of my life. To always fight for what you dream most of doing and to never give up. Even though Bethany got into that accident, she never stopped trying. Everyone should get the chance to live there dream and never stop trying because something gets in the way.

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    4. Aaaand there is also a movie about this too. My aunt watched the whole thing and tried to force me to watch it too. (Well, convinced I should say..) but yeah, i guess it's not at all bad. I may check it out later probably.

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    5. Hi Michael, I am so glad you're reading this book I am too, I absolutely love it! I totally agree on your connection to the Boston bombing it's a great way to show that even though such a horrible thing happened to us we can get back up and fight. Even though Bethany lost her arm she didn't let that hold her back from following her dreams in being a successful surfer.

      After reading this book it has showed me that in life there is going to be obstacles but if you try hard enough you'll make your way around them.This book is very interesting and I am happy to see you making a real life connection to this book I hope you are enjoying this book as much as I am!

      Jacqueline Dufault
      Incoming Junior

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    6. Hey Michael, I thought your text to world connection was very good. Victims of the Boston Bombing stood together and didn't give up.

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  4. The memoir I read was "with or without you by Domenica Ruta." I chose this memoir because it can relate to my past and my childhood. Just like Domenica has a drug addict as a mother I have a drug addict as a father. I understand what she's going through and I wish I could reach out and tell her she's not alone. I can also make a connection to this memoir with the memoir "the other Wes Moore." In both memoirs , the Wes Moore's and Domenica, they both had experience with childhood abuse and drugs , just in some different ways . In our world alot people are doing drugs and do not realize thar it is not just affecting them but it affects the love ones around them as well.

    Isis Woodson
    Incoming junior

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    1. Hello Isis,
      It’s true there are a lot of people on drugs out there and don’t realize there not just hurting themselves. Your book sound very interesting. I hope your father gets better.:)

      Mackenzie Murphy
      Incoming Sophomore

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    2. Hey Isis , I'm sorry to hear about that . But your right you are not alone me and you can relate between our fathers it's very hard dealing with someone with an addiction especially a loved one knowing anything is bound to happen I hope your dad notices how you feel , you are a strong person.

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    3. Hi Isis, I can't relate but I have a friend that can as her Mom choose drugs and lost custody of her and her brother. She was really upset. Now that years have gone by and her dad remarried with a drug free mom her life is much better and she has a better future. Her choice of drugs hurt the children the most.

      Julie MacFadgen
      Incoming Freshman

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  5. The memoir I am reading is called "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent.I can personally make a connection to this book and possibly to the world around me. Erin who has been trying to cope with the death of her parents has trouble with opening up to her own sister about how she is feeling. She feels that if she were to tell anyone her thoughts they wouldn't care and would just be annoyed with her sadness. Since Erin is scared to open up to her own sister, she opens up to her teacher and best friend Julie only. Only when Tracy, Erin's sister, confronts Erin about why she will vent to others but not to her own sister is when Erin feels she can talk to Tracy. Erin felt that she could only trust a few people enough to open up, speak her mind, and say what she's really feeling.
    Personally I know how Erin feels. I also feel cautious when it comes to opening up or speaking my mind at times. I don't want to be a bother to others and I'm afraid of what people will think when I tell them how I feel. I also think that many other people in the world feel the same. They keep to themselves fearing they will be a bother or just don't feel comfortable enough to say what they feel.

    ANGELA PHILAVONG-INCOMING JUNIOR

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    1. I am the same way. I am afraid to tell other people that I don't know what I am thinking about cause I am afraid that I might mess up either by making fun of them or insulting them.

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    2. I was going to read this book for my summer reading as well, but I'm choosing to read it on my own time. I feel as though I can relate to this book because I too feel like no one would care about my thoughts and just be annoyed with my venting. Not only that but I trust very few people, so I can relate to how Erin feels.

      Monica Coupal
      Incoming Junior

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    3. I feel the same way when it comes to opening up to people and telling them my feelings. Sometimes I'm afriad that if i tell them how i feel, they might think I am selfish, or self-centered. Another reason i don't like tell people my feelings is they might feel as if I am annoying them i someway.

      Daniel Mugeche
      Incoming Freshman

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    4. I feel the same way when it comes to opening up to people and telling them my feelings. Sometimes I'm afriad that if i tell them how i feel, they might think I am selfish, or self-centered. Another reason i don't like tell people my feelings is they might feel as if I am annoying them i someway.

      Daniel Mugeche
      Incoming Freshman

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    5. This book that you are reading seems very interesting to read. I was also thinking about this book to read for summer reading but, I have chosen Soul Surfer. Just like most of you I feel the same way about talking to people. It makes me nervous to tell someone how I'm feeling because in the past personal stuff has got out to others. Ever since then I can't trust a lot of people. Another reason I think that its hard for me to open up and vent to someone is because I'm a very shy person. I usually keep things to myself and handle it on my own. I also can relate to this character because I don't like when people tell me what they think of me. Some people may say something and hurt my feelings. This is why I don't say anything to someone because everyone is different and they may take what I said different than I would.

      Cara Pierce
      Senior

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  6. The book I read was called Alive in the Killing Fields. The story took place in Cambodia, I'm Cambodian which makes the story relative. My grandma told me about the Khmer Rouge, saying it was horrible and very controlling. The soldiers killed everything and everyone. They also gave people one meal a day and made people work in the rice fields. There is also a movie about the Khmer Rouge, maybe I should see it.


    Sabrina Chhon-Kong - Upcoming Junior

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    1. Hello Sabrina, I am also Cambodian I have read that book it sounds interesting.My family had a connection with the book they were there when Khmer Rouge. My Family told me stories of how they would escape.It was the saddest thing that ever happen to my family
      Roosevelt Tek
      Incoming Freshman

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    2. Hello Sabrina book sounds interesting I always wonder how my parents and relatives live through in Cambodia. The Movie was sad to watch. My dad told stories that you would work everyday in your life.
      Roosevelt Tek
      - Incoming Freshman

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    3. oh, there was also a movie on it too. It was pretty interesting if you're into war kind of stuff.

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    4. Hello Sabrina, I read this book called Never Fall Down. It is similar to your book. The Khmer Rouge is included in it. My grandparents were involved in the Khmer Rouge and I bet it was awful. I feel bad how nobody couldn't have enough food. The soldiers are horrible people. In my book it was as horrible as yours.


      SOPHANY CHAU-UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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  7. I read the book "Finding Fish" by Antwone Quenton Fisher. I have never read a book like this before with themes like foster families and verbal and physical abuse. Also there was a case of racism and feeling like they don't belong because of their skin color, that relates to me because I'm colored.



    Netta Ihwagi - Upcoming Sohpomore

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  8. The book I read this summer was I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman. I have read many books about the Holocaust but nothing similiar to this one. I can relate to this because I would do anything to stay with my family and try and keep them together and safe.

    Hannah Keefe Incoming Freshman

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  9. I read the book "I'll See You Again" by Jackie Hance. The book is about how she lost her 3 beautiful little girls in a car accident on the Taconic highway, while they were with their aunt for a camping trip. I connected to the book because I could not imagine what the pain of losing you kids are, some of my sisters are the same age as Jackie's girls were when they passed and I could only imagine what it would be like if I lost them. It made me think to never take the little things and people in life for granted because they could be gone from your life in an instant.

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  10. The book i read this summer was "dwarf" by Tiffanie DiDonato. The connection i have with the book is that i used to dislike who i was when i was younger. Tiffanie was born as a dwarf. She didn't like how she wasn't able to do many things than others. Tiffanie learned how to love her self,no matter how she looked like. She knew that there was something's that she could do that others couldn't. i learned how to love my self. i have been very insucure about myself.
    Tiffanie had went through alot since she was little. But like what most people say that "you are beautiful, no matter what." It better to be yourself and not let anyone bring you down.

    Nataly Rod4riguez
    Incoming Sophmore

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    1. Hi Nataly, there are alot of people who have some time of insecurities. Even the most cutest peple. Never feel bad about yourself because the thing you may hate about yourself someone out there absolutely adores it! Stay gorgeous, just a little something to brighten up your evening.
      Zhaneeyah Jean-Incoming Junior

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    2. Aw this is sweet and very true! Love yourself no matter what, you're beautiful. By the way,Don't be insecure Nataly. This book seems good, I might want to read it. I wonder how she learned to love herself and I don't know how people are born a dwarf. Something I'm going to search up soon. I hope you liked the book!

      Elaine Voraphonh
      Incoming Sophomore

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    3. hello nataly i believe many of us at some point go through that "oh my gosh im ugly stage" or "oh my gosh im not good enough or cool enough...ect" but there's just an extent to it all we usually overcome it and realize nothing at all is wrong with us we are made special and unique no one is to be like anyone else . isn't that the marvelous part of it all?

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    4. Hi Nataly, is hard to know that everyone goes through insecurities no matter what. Sometimes you feel like you are no use to others or what you do aren't cool enou8gh so you will as well try everything to fit in. But one thing that someone can't do for you is to love your self and be who you are. Am glad your friend Tiffany took the way of her loving her self no matter what.
      -Philly

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    5. Hello Nataly, this book sounds really interesting. It is horrible to be a girl forever feeling insecure about yourself. Sometimes people around you would agree & sometimes people around you are going to tell you different & that you are beautiful. Maybe if i read this book i could convince myself to be just a little less insecure.

      SOPHANY CHAU - UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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    6. hi nataly!I came across this book in my local library and read the summary and knew it had to be a great read! I am so bummed out that i didn't pick it!I will for sure make sure I read this book next time i get the chance.

      THALIA ROSARIO- INCOMING SENIOR

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  11. The book that I read is called "A Child Called It" by Dave Pelzer. Its about a young boy who gets mentally and physically abused by his own mother. She makes him sleep in the cold basement with no blankets all alone. He never has a different pair of clothes, he is always wearing dirty ripped clothing. Dave's mother never feeds him any food, she only gives him scraps that the dogs wont even touch because it is remarkable disgusting. He steals food from other children's lunch boxes while there at recess. He also steals food from the local grocery store and the schools cafeteria. Mother makes him puke up the food everyday when he comes home from school and then makes him eat it. Every night she locks him in the bathroom with Ammonia and Clorox in buckets so that the fumes would fill the room to make him not be able to breathe. After that she fills the bathtub with freezing ice cold water and makes him lye down in it with his head underwater for hours. If he doesn't go under the water, she drowns him. She never lets him play with other children, not even his own brothers. Dave's father cant even stop this from happening. This cruelty never ends.



    Danielle DelRossi
    Incoming Junior

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    1. I couldn't even imagine living through the horrors you describe! This was all done by his mother? How could any parent do that to their kid? This book just proves what sometimes my parents will say when they see stories in the news: "Some people should never have children." I really hope this kid got out and was able to get some help for the torture he went through. He must be a tough dude to live through all of that!

      Jordan Molinaro
      Incoming Sophomore

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    2. This seems like a good book. Well not a good scenario but a good book. The story would probably make me think about how easy I actually have it at home and make me stop complaining about stupid little things. Compared to Dave, I'm a spoiled little brat that has it way too easy in this world. I can't even imagine how hard life is for him.

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    3. Hi Danielle - This sounds like an awful book. How can a mother treat her son like that. I wonder why the teachers at school wouldn't step in to help him?

      Courtney Dumont
      Incoming Junior

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    4. Wow. I could not even imagine the pain and agony he went through, especially as a young child. No innocent child should never have to go through things like this.
      Zhaneeyah Jean-Incoming Junior

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    5. Hi Danielle, That book seems like a real eye opener. I can't believe a mom would do that to her son. How come no one helped them? Or did they? I hope she got in serious trouble, when the kid gets older he is going to have a hard time making friends and things like that. Hope everything turned out ok for him.
      Corey Garneau incoming senior

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    6. Hi Danielle. My mom read this book and told me never to read it because of how awful it is. I don't understand how anyone would not notice what's happening to him, and if they did they should have done something to stop it.

      Victoria Gates,
      Incoming Junior.

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    7. hey danielle , i actually read this book a while back and i was just completley horrified by all of the things this childs mother was capable of doing! the book im reading now is called "Mom's Crazy" its about a mother with bipolar disorder but shes actually really cautious of her children and still cares for them through the struggle of a loser husband who ends up leaving and what she calls "the whistling speedy trains" in her head. i hope you're really connecting with your book like i am who would have known id enjoy summer reading !


      Gilary Rosario - incoming junior

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    8. I read this book in my english class and I can say it's the only book where i've enjoyed reading it and read the whole thing. The fact that its a true story makes it worse and hard to even think somebody could do any of those things to their own child.

      Savanna Coutu
      incoming senior

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    9. I read this book in my english class and I can say it's the only book where i've enjoyed reading it and read the whole thing. The fact that its a true story makes it worse and hard to even think somebody could do any of those things to their own child.

      Savanna Coutu
      incoming senior

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    10. The way you described it gave me a good idea of what the book was about. I can’t even begin to think about how it must have felt to be that poor child. It really and truly makes me thankful that I come from a nice home with a loving family that I love. I hoped he eventually did escapee that horror.

      Bridget Porter
      Incoming Freshman

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    11. Hi Danielle,
      This book sounds like an amazing book to read but also very hard to know it was a true story and someone actually had to go through those things. I don't know if I could stand reading about the traumatic things that happened to this boy, but the fact that this man is now righting about what had happened to him makes me interested in how he survived it all.

      -Victoria Gibbs
      Sophomore

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    12. this seems like really cruel , yet interesting i think dave is really brave for not only shairng but publishing his childhood nightmares. looking forward to reading the book soon .

      Thalia Rosario - Incoming Seinor

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  12. The book I read was "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank. The book is about a young Jewish girl named Anne who wrote a diary when her family went into hiding during the holocaust.Anne went into hiding when she was only thirteen years old and that is a connection to me because I am currently thirteen too. That would be like my family and I going to hide in an attic for over 2 years, and the only thing I had with me was a diary to write in. Another book that is like "A Diary of a Young Girl" would be " I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree" by Laura Hillman. That book is also about a Jewish girl and her family who were sent to concentration camps. There really are no connections to the real world currently, because there is no war occurring, and everybody is treated equally now.
    Sarah McCarty- Incoming Freshman

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  13. Hello sabrina. The book sounds good. I know where you are coming from because I am Cambodian as well. My parents and family went through it. Well you should watch the movie because i did and it was really good but it was sad. Well hope u enjoyed your book and have a wonderful summer.

    Linda Man - Entering 9 grade

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  14. Hey Sabrina. The book sounds really good. I know where you are coming from because I can relate. I am Cambodian as well. My parents and family have went through this. They told me stories about the khmer rouge. Well you should watch the movie because i did and it was really good but it was sad. Hope u enjoyed your book and have a wonderful summer.

    Linda Man - Entering 9 grade

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  15. The story i read was bloodletting by Victoria leatham.
    throughout my life people i am close too have suffered depression. as does the main character. i've learned to help people from this book. I want to help them and show them their self worth. try to make them happy and enjoy the world as did Victoria's friends in this memoir.

    Idalys Antonetty -Incoming sophmore

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    1. Hi Idalys. I've never heard of your book but it does sound interesting. I think it's really great that you want to help people suffering from depression after reading this book, and that you were able to connect to it on that level.

      Krystyn Sylvester, Incoming Junior

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  16. The memoir I choose was I Am A Seal Team Six Warrior. I can really connect to this book because I want to become a marine which is my dream. I want to serve my country and make sure its safe. The main reason I can connect to my book is because the main character Howard fights through all the pain and suffering to have an outcome of being a legendary Seal Team Six soldier and serve his country. That is the most elite force in the Navy branch and that is impressive. I can also connect this book to the movie Black Hawk Down. This movie is about a man who joins a branch in the forces and goes out on missions just like the book describes to help complete the task at hand. Those are my connections from my book to my life.
    Bryan Janeczko- Incoming Sophmore

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    1. Brandon CalavritinosAugust 21, 2013 at 9:44 AM

      Hey Bryan, Im glad that you enjoyed your book as much as I enjoyed mine. It is really interesting how you want to join the military because one of these days I would like to do the exact same. In my book it talks about how the character does football to stay out of trouble and the marines/army do the exact same thing. I am glad that you enjoyed your book and I hope you have a great summer ahead of you.
      Incoming Sophmore.

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    2. Hi Bryan, I did not read the same book as you, but I can tell that you had a real connection with this book. Becoming a Marine sounds like it would be very cool and that would be great if you served the country like that. I also think that the book you chose was good because it could have affected your choice in reality for joining the marines or not.

      Kurt Slates
      Incoming Sophomore

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  17. The memoir I am reading is “soul surfer” by Bethany Hamilton. In the book Bethany lives in a small town in Hawaii. She Loves being at the beach, and surfing. Bethany likes looking for shells when there are no waves to surf. I can relate personally to Bethany because I love being at the beach, and looking for shells. My aunt lived in Hawaii once she said it was the most beautiful place in the world. Ever senses then I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. I wish I knew how to surf because I would be out there all day every day.

    Mackenzie Murphy
    Incoming Sophmore

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    1. Hi, Mackenzie. I know where you’re coming from. Even though I've never been to Hawaii I do love the beach and I love collecting shells. My grandmother lives near a beach in Cape Cod and whenever I visit her I always collect at least five sea shells.

      Julia Drury – Incoming Freshman – 9th grade.

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    2. Hi Mackenzie, I saw the movie but never read the book. I also wouldn't mind learning how to surf either. I like Hawaii due to the pictures I saw and how beautiful the beaches are. I used to vacation every year at the beach up in Hampton.

      Dan Cornellier
      Incoming Freshman

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    3. Hi Mackenzie, I feel the same way. I would love to move to California or Hawaii or somewhere thats always sunny and has beaches.

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    4. HI Mackenzie,
      I saw the movie and have always wanted to read the book. I love going to the beach and being able to just walk around on the sand and look for shells. One time my grandmother went on vacation to Hawaii and just like your grandmother she said it is the most beautiful place in the world. I am really hoping to read that book soon I have heard a lot of good reviews on it.

      Samantha O'Wril
      Incoming Senior

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    5. You're aunt was very lucky to live in hawaii. I hope to live there one day when I grow up. I wonder why she moved and if it's a good place to actually settle and live. I love the beach and water. I hope the beach water is warm. Unlike here. (hampton)And I also always wanted to try surfing.

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    6. Brandon CalavritinosAugust 21, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      Your aunt must have had a great time in Hawaii. One day I plan to move to the beach because I love the beach and going on walks with friends or playing games like frisbee or catch on the beach. Even though I hate sharks I would assume that it would be really fun living near the beach. Sadly I would probably have to make new friends because of move.

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  18. Marissa LadebaucheAugust 7, 2013 at 9:12 AM


    What i read is very scaring to actually go through. At such young ages. And having this book actually come from someone this actually happened to is amazing.This kind of problem happened to my niece. My brother got his girlfriend pregnant. They faught so much. DSS eventually got involved. They finally gave my mom custody of her at the age of 2 months. Then as thisngs went on, the mom moved out and my brother moved in with his biological mother. Now things are different. People change and life goes on. My neice is now 6. She's a very happy 6 year old for all the things that happened in her life. She's in 1st grade. And I know its hard to say at this young where her life will persue but its all going great. And she deserves every piece she can have of it.

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    1. Hi Marissa. I'm not entirely sure what book you read but by your comment it seems very scary but so interesting. I would love to read it. I'm very glad everything is going well again. Hoping the best for your niece!

      Monica Coupal
      Incoming Junior

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  19. The book that I read this summer was Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton. To be honest with you I don’t like reading at all. I choose this book because I liked the movie. Although nothing as severe happen to me like what happened to Bethany when she was attacked by a shark. I can relate to the love of a sport she is dedicated to. Even after her injury it didn’t stop her from getting back on her surf board and competing in the sport she loves. She showed great strength, ability and determination to move past her disability and to live a happy independent life. I wanted to continue reading the story to see how much it varied from the movie. I feel this book is an inspiration for anybody who is down about not being able to achieve something they are capable of doing even if you lost a limb. You can truly do anything you put your heart into. She is a worldwide role model.
    Julie MacFadgen
    Incoming Freshman

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  20. The book I'm reading is Straw by Darryl Strawberry. The connection the book and I have on my life is being strong and making the right choices. Darryl stopped doing drugs and decided to go to church and be a good person. For me I decided not to be motivated by bad influences and having bad friends I chose not to drugs like Darryl. I feel this book can motivate you because if you want to change Read Darryl Story because one day it will inspire you.
    Roosevelt Tek
    -Incoming Freshman

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    1. Mercedes Lienqueo, incoming freshman(9th grade)

      Being stroung and smart enough to stop/not using drugs is a great start in becoming a good person. And telling by how much feeling and detail you put in this post, that memoir must be an excellent book! I'll be sure that if I ever get a chance to, I'll read Straw aswell.

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    2. That is a great connection, I feel the same way you do, If I read this book I could make the same exact connection. Reading this makes me want to read that book.

      Welcome to Greater Lowell Tech.
      Ryan DeLosh
      Incoming Senior

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    3. I totally agree with making the right choices I had a hard time trying to understand what to do and is just I totally get why you can relate to that man It really is good that it can motivate you and make you make better choices.

      Bryan Adorno-Incoming Freshman

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    4. You're connection to the book is good. It's hard to stay away from drugs/negative influences since they're everywhere. The book Straw seems interesting. Your response made me want to read it.

      Elizabeth Whalen- Incoming Freshman

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  21. A connection about my memoir; "Fragments of Isabella" even though it's about world war 2 and the nazis invading the Hungarian people - I think I had a connection about how the author named Isabella and her sisters were so hungry that they were willing to give up their own lives and serve better off with death. It was tragic and sadly, that's how I felt without food at home.. Without anything that is most important to me, it makes me upset sometimes and it did felt like I have to survive off of bread once although, indeed I eat a lot no lie. But in the memoir obviously, they live off of food better than I do or without anything really, except for each other. At least Isabella and her sisters encouraged themselves to live onwards. And that's how i deal with it also, but not just with tasty food i like. haha

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  22. In the memoir I read "A Warrior's Heart" by Micky Ward, there were somne things i could relate to, but others I could not. I could relate to the fact that he loved what he did and that would be boxing. He was commited and devoted to the gruling sport and took a beating but never gave up. I devoted myself to skateboarding. I love skateboarding, although it can make me angry and I'll say that I hate it, i don't mean it in the slightest. It's a very fun sport and you get to meet alot of people through it just like boxing. Also like boxing, in skateboarding, you can get pretty beat up. Also Micky Ward would get injured in his fights but he would still train because he loved the sport that much. I've done the same thing. I tore a ligament in my ankle but that didn't stop me from stepping on the board. Micky Ward never gave up either, sure there were times he had to sit out and recover but he always came back to the sport. I can relate to that because I dont have much time to skate anymore but when I do have free time, you can find me at a skatepark or just cruising around town. I'll never stop skating.
    Eric Cornellier
    Incoming Senior

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    1. Eric I can totally relate to your frustration with skateboarding. There are times when I am trying to land a trick and I do it over and over and just can't seem to do it. I keep trying because I know I will get it. Getting scraped up and hurt: totally get that! Just this last spring I put my arm out to stop a fall and hyper-extended my elbow. It was so sore, later that evening it was swollen and I couldn't move it well. Next day I am at the Dr's, then the Ortho Clinic getting X-rays and eventually a cast for the next week. It turned out to be all good though, just something called a joint effusion and I just needed it to be still to heal. when the cast came off the next week, I was put into a ratcheted brace and still could not skate...I was not happy AT ALL! Once the brace came off, I was back on the board! It felt so good to be back on and doing what I love to do. I still take risks, but being on the board makes me feel free and I love it!

      Jordan Molinaro
      Incoming Sophomore

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  23. Typically when choosing a book to read, I look for stories about teenage girls' lives and the struggles they go through. I like being able to relate to the things I read. So it just made sense to take in Three Little Words as my chosen memoir. This book was written by Ashley Rhodes-Courter, and in it, she tells about her life growing up in and out of foster homes. Although I've never been in a foster home or anything like that, I have shared the same feelings and some of the same experiences with Ashley. I know what it's like to feel unwanted, or unloved. I know what it's like to put someone else's needs before my own. I know what it's like to simply want a better life for myself, but sometimes feeling like nothing good will ever happen for me in the long run. I know what it's like to be misunderstood, mistreated, and mislead. Sometimes the world can be a cruel and confusing place, and there's no doubt that every person in it has their struggles. Reading this book instilled me with encouragement, because Ashley came from a sad places with very little signs of hope but she pushed through it all and made a name for herself. She changed things for the better, and I hope one day I can enjoy successful outcome such as hers.

    Amira Dahdouh
    Incoming Senior

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  24. I read the memoir "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx over this summer. A connection I was able to make with this book is that I know some people battling with addiction and depression. They may not be famous, but they're still important. This book shows Nikki Sixx's 2 year batting with addiction to Heroin and cocaine and how he overcame it. The book is based on all these notes he wrote throughout the span of 2 years while he was high off of heroin and/or cocaine. This book taught me not to do things like this because it can make my life awful. Honestly I believe it's a good life lesson to anyone who reads it.

    Monica Coupal
    Incoming Junior

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  25. In the memoir I am reading "ADHD & Me What I Learned Lighting Fires At The Dinner Table" Blake talks about examples of his life with ADHD and then gives strategies on how to live with it in your daily life. I can relate to Blake and his experiences, I have many of the same problems. If I forget my meds in the morning, I know I am going to have to really stay on top of being focused during class, doing work in class, and not self-dsitracting. Some of his ideas I think I will start to do-like being more organized with my school work! I have to admit, every year my Mum gives me binders for each subjects and has them organized for me to keep my work neat and current. This works for her, but I sometimes struggle with keeping up with it. These are areas Blake talks about and how to make them work for you. So I will be setting up my study area this fall to work for me.

    Jordan Molinaro
    Incoming Sophomore

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  26. The memoir I'm reading is "Chinese Cinderella", by Adeline Yen Mah and there are many situation I can relate to. First of I also lost someone close to me at a young age but instead of losing a grandmother I lose my grandfather who was always smiling. I also aim to succeed in my academics for my future and my family. I live in a big family too and I find it hard to get some attention especially when they're all talented.
    Sopheavin Sin- incoming Sophomore

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    1. I can understand how you feel about this all to well. Even though I didn't lose someone in the family I did not grow up with my real dad which was a struggle for me. But I also aim to succeed in my academics just like you do and also I find it hard to get some attention in my family just like you because my sister is an honnor role student.
      Corinna King
      Incoming Sophomore

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    2. Im sorry for your loss Sopheavin. Im glad that after reading that book,you have some great goals to make your family proud and be successful. Keep aiming for success, and dont give up.

      Thalia Rosario- Incoming Senior

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  27. The book I'm reading is Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton. This book is about a girl that was attacked by a shark and lost her arm. She had to go through many things because she lost an arm. It was hard for her and she probably got stressed out sometimes because she couldn't do it but in the end she did it. I can related to some things like when she couldn't do something she but she just kept trying. When I first moved to Dracut I didn't know anyone and I didn't have any friends and I just didn't want to go to school. But after a few days I finally made friends and i was okay with going to school because i knew people. I was stressed out and thought i would never make friends or know anything here but i do now.
    Taylor Penny
    Incoming Freshman

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    1. Hi my name is Rebecca. my connection to this is once my cousin just left a party that I was at and if turned the corner then he went up alittle bit more then he went to turn a corner and he fell and he scraped the left side of his body
      Rebecca Gantz-Incoming Junior

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    2. I don't have any connections with this book but I find it inspirational how she kept trying and she accomplished what she really wanted with having such a tragic thing happen to her.
      Julio Pastrana
      Incoming Junior

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    3. I can relate to this (although not on such an extreme level) because we all have moments where we’re just stressed and want to give up. I think it’s admirable that she kept trying because very few people would have kept going when things probably seemed hopeless.

      Sierra Roberts
      Incoming Junior

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    4. Its a beautfil thing when people that have less than us, for example, a leg, arm, or hand, make it work and do everyday things just like us. It inspires me and makes me appreciate the things i have in life now.

      Thalia Rosario- Incoming Senior

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  28. A connection to the memoir "Soul Surfer" by Bethany Hamilton would be my mom's friend Marie losing her leg in a car accident. Even though she lost her leg it didn't hold her back from going back to work, she now has a prostetic leg and works in a doctors office. Another connection would be a world connection, for example the tragic event of the Boston Marathon. The bombing hurt many people leaving some incapable of moving and others with lost limbs.

    Even though this happened to us we are not letting it keep us from having another marathon next year. As a community we all raised money to donate to the injured and we bought shirts that said Boston Stong. This shows that even though this happened to us we can all work together to stay strong as a state. Also some of the people that were physically hurt from the bombing said they were still going to partake in the next Boston Marathon.

    Jacqueline Dufault Incoming Junior

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  29. I am reading Ghosts of War, written by Ryan Smithson. I can connect this memoir to another one called A Long Way Gone because both authors experienced war. Even though the author of A Long Way Gone was a lot younger and forced into the military, both authors were away from their families and were in harm's way.

    I can also relate because a neighbor of mine was sent out to Iraq. His wife just had a baby and he has two stepdaughters. It would be tough to grow up without your dad. It also must to be hard to raise three kids without a husband. I think it would be lonely too. Some people don't realize how hard it is on others when one person goes to war. It effects the entire family because those left behind are always worrying about them. Kids have to grow up without their parents. Some have parents in the military that they don't see for years at a time. That's pretty depressing when you think about it. Even though Ryan Smithson isn't a parent, he still has a wife, mom, dad, other relatives, and friends who miss and worry about him and who he misses.
    Dan Cornellier
    Incoming Freshman

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  30. In the book "The Other Wes Moore", Wes and Woody's friendship reminds me of my best friend Schaiane and I's friendship which connected me to the book. Whenever Wes got into trouble Woody was there to back him up and try to get him out of trouble. And if he couldn't get Wes out of trouble then he was right there going down with Wes. Woody reminded me of how I am with MY best friend. Schaiane knows if she was to get into even the tiniest bit of trouble that I'd be there scheming her out of it. And if she was to ever get in trouble or arrested or anything like that then I'd be right there with her in handcuffs too. Matter of fact, we'd be sharing handcuffs. I wouldn't let my best friend go through anything giving her a hard time alone because I know she wouldn't let me either.

    Arnetia Jean-Incoming Freshman

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    1. I like the way you compared the book to you and Schaiane relationship it shows a lot . It shows that you guys were very faithful to each other . Also , that you guys have a strong connection towards each other and I admire that .

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    2. Hi my name is Rebecca and that part reminds me of me and my cousin because when ever my cousin is in trouble I am always there to help her. and if im not try at that second I always end up helping her after

      Rebecca Gantz-Incoming Junior

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    3. This reminds me of me and my best friend Kaci. No matter what either of us go through we are always by each others sides. We may fight but we come out stronger than ever. Just like Wes and Woody. Even though Wes is in jail Woody still goes to visit him. If you ask me, I think everyone should have that one best friend that will go through thick and thin no matter what the consequences may be.Wes has Woody, you have Schiane, and I have Kaci.
      Megan Mills- Incoming Junior

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    4. Arnetia I can totally relate to this. Just like you I would do anything for my bestfriend and my bestfriend would do anything for me.I think it's important to have a bestfriend becasue They're like your other half and they know you better than you know yourself yourself.
      Corinna King
      Incoming Sophomore

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    5. I think anybody can relate to how they have there best friends back no matter what.I like how you expressed it with you and your best friend Schaiane because it shows how you took a part of the book and really expressed yourself to it.
      Julio Pastrana
      Incoming Junior

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    6. I think your bond is amazing. The way you compared your life to the story shows so much. I believe so many people can relate to not only the book, but you and schaianes friendship. Great job.

      Incoming Freshman

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  31. I was reading "Night" by Elie Weisel, and i can understand the connection between Elie's father and Elie himself.

    I can related to Elie's relationship with his father with mine because My Father and I have been through tough times with one another and whenever i comes down to it, my father will stand by my side. The scene where Elie's father gets brutally beaten up, I can feel the emotional pain coming from his father to me. I know my father would do anything for me and i would do anything for him.

    Mario Antonetty
    Incoming Senior

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  32. The book I read this summer was called "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. Since the book was about a professor who has Lou Gehrig's disease, I can relate to it because I learned about this disease as a sophomore in medical assisting. One connection I can make is text to world because many people face diseases such as Lou Gehrig's and cancer. Also Lou Gehrig's was named after a famous baseball player named Henry Louis Gehrig who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during his years as a Yankees

    Likisha Vieng - incoming junior

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  33. 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). I can connect to this memoir because my parents went through the same thing that she went through. Even though I can’t physically and emotionally go through the things she has went through, my parents can relate to her. I feel like even though I’m reading her own story and how she got through the Khmer Rouge, and being in America attending school surrounded by all these white faces and no Asian people around, I feel like I’m going back in time and I can understand how my parents must have felt when they came to America. Reading what Loung went through made me appreciate my life a lot more and I now know where my parents come from when they tell me that they want a better life for me than they did. When they came to the U.S., just like Loung, they didn’t have much money. So they had to work hard. At a young age, my parents had to learn how to work hard. They didn’t have much of a childhood because they needed to have money to get food. Reading Lucky Child made me open my eyes and understand that I have a good life and I shouldn’t take things for granted because I was lucky enough to be in a hardworking family just like Loung was.

    Belinda Khorn
    Incoming Junior

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  34. "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent, is the book that I've just finished reading, and I enjoyed reading it very much. Erin's parents had been in a tragic accident and her mother died instantly and father dies a month later, leaving behind 3 kids - Tracey, 18, Erin, 14 & baby brother Trent, 3. I feel like I relate to more to Trent in this book because he doesn't know what was going on, when his parents doesn't come home. Trent was so young to even understand what was happening & why his parents were gone. I feel like I can relate so much to Trent because, my mother had left when I was only a couple months old, no she didn't die, but had just got up & decided simply to leave my sister, dad and I. Like Trent, I was way too young to understand why she had left and why she chose to do it, but as I got older, I understood why. I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to read this book, because it makes you feel even more grateful for the people you have in your life, because you never know, anything can happen within a blink of an eye.

    Salina Ny - Incoming Senior

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  35. The book that I am reading is called “Walden on Wheels” and the connection that I can make through the book is through my sisters. The kid in my book went to grad school with a promise him made to himself is that he will not get into debt. So to keep at promise he bought a old van and lived in it so he didn’t need to spend money on room and board. Now all of my four sisters are either graduated from college or in college right now and they all have taken out loans to pay for it. So they will be spending a lot time after college paying back loans.
    A connect to the world that I can make is that Ken the kid in my book was living on just what he needed to survive. He didn’t waste his money on the latest technology like kids do now a day. One of the morals of the story is that saving money now will protect and help you in the end.
    Bridget Hadley
    Incoming Junior

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  36. Mercedes Lienqueo, incoming freshman(9th grade)

    In the beggining of summer, I chose to read All Creatures Great and Small for the description and the cover interested the animal lover in me. However, the protagonist's main issue was being a city newcommer to an agricultural community and trying to adapt and become accustomed to the Danes people. Not to mention the new environment.In an off-centered way, I can also relate to his circumstance for I'm going to be a freshman. Meaning new building, students/teachers, situations... Though of course at the end, James manages fine for he had people perseverance,and his skills really proved himself to others. Which in a way we can all somewhat connect with or learn from.

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  37. The book I'm reading is called "Feels Like The First Time." By: Shawn Inmon. So far the way I can connect to this story is in high school and growing up I changed a lot. I had a crush and liked this boy but it was sorta just a phase until i really got to know him.I realized my parents thought i was young and that I shouldn't be thinking about those types of things. Therefore I wasn't allowed to really bring up a boy unless he was my friend. But i still went on and ended up dating this boy. The most thing I can connect with is that between me and this true story was even though both me and the author we ended up with our love ones even though our parents did not approve and we still looked for ways to see each other till the time was right for our parents. A very difficult situation but I'm glad i can share my connection.

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    Replies
    1. That's the same thing with me. My parents still don't know but am still hoping for the right time to introduce him. I hope they will accept him because he is indeed my soul mate

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  38. I read the Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It was about a family who had a hard life. The father was a drunk, and the mother was mentally ill. There were four kids. A lot of the time they were homeless, when they weren't, they lived in run down shacks with no electricity or plumbing. They were starving a lot and were always skinny and dirty. All the kids became successful though. The mom preferred to stay homeless, but the kids married, lived in New York and had steady jobs.
    This reminds me of the Other Wes Moore because Wes and Jeannette started from the bottom and ended up on top
    Kimberly Egan
    Incoming Sophmore

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  39. I am reading the book An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison. I can relate to the book in certain ways. As Kay tells her story she mentions things that seem like she is in a way trapped in her mind. As if she is a prisoner to her own thoughts and actions.
    I think everyone has felt like that a couple of times in their life.I for one have, it's like most of the time you seem fine on the outside but yet your mind is racing with different thoughts.It makes me wonder what kind of things other people go through on a day to day basis but yet we think they're Ok.
    Zhaneeyah Jean-Incoming Junior

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  40. The book i read was 'Soul Surfer' by Bethany Hamilon, my connection to this book was Bethany's faith in god. Bethany believes that everything happens for a reason and that god has a plan for everyone. She is also a very grateful person, after loosing a limb she looked for the positive things. She said how she was thankful for her family being there through it all and she's thankful that the attack wasn't so severe that she couldn't continue surfing. Bethany helped me realize that sometimes we take things for granted and sometimes need to take a moment and be thankful for everything we have because it could be gone tomorrow.

    Nicole Kuenzler, Incoming Freshman

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    1. i share the same belief. i believe that everything does happen for a reason. i also believe good people eventually receive rewards in life based on their good nature. it is also good to keep a good attitude and stay positive even when going through terrible events

      Angel Garcia
      Incoming Freshman

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  41. The book I read is called A Long Way Gone – Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Ishmael had to be a soldier to defend his home during a war. He was only thirteen at the time and he was killing people and watching people die. He had not seen his parents for a very long time and eventually found out they had died. His new family was the soldiers at his base they became his brothers. I could not imagine being in a war at the age of thirteen killing people and seeing horrible things like that. Also I could not imagine being separated from my family for a very long time then learning that they had died.
    I am happy that we don’t have to fight in the wars here. We have the choice to go in the military right now. We don’t get forced to like Ishmael had to. I think it is for the good of us especially for young kids, so they don’t have to witness that. This story made me realize how lucky I am to have a home, a huge family, a school to go to, and plenty of food to eat.

    Corey Garneau – incoming senior

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  42. The emotional roller coaster that I read about in the memoir Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs is crazy. I believe that anyone can connect with this book because everyone’s lives have their ups and downs, but just some are bigger or steeper than others. I realized that I may not be able to connect with Augusten on the fact that his parents are divorced or that his mother is mentally crazy, but I can connect with him of what he might have felt on the inside and not ever knowing what is going to happen next. In the world you never what is going to be around the corner or what life is going to be like in thirty years from now.
    We all have our dreams for the future. Augusten when he was younger always wanted to be a doctor, then he got into beauty products and wanted to have his own line of beauty products look at him now he is a published writer. When he was younger he was constantly saying that he did not want to be a writer because his mother was a writer and he did not want to end up crazy like her. I have my dreams and hopes for the future, and ever since I was young I have known that I wanted to be a teacher, but then I got to high school and found that I liked working with computers a lot and that this is something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. So being able to connect to this book was not very hard once I started to think deeper into the book, and trying to understand what the author wanted to say.

    Samantha O’Wril
    Incoming Senior

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  43. For my summer reading project, I read The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx. This memoir tells the year-long story of bassist Nikki Sixx’s struggle with heroin and cocaine addiction while simultaneously facing the pressure brought on from his popular band. Over the course of the book, Sixx tells of his increasing addiction and dependence on drugs, which cause hallucinations and paranoia. In the memoir, Sixx also suffers with depression, a hardship that goes undiagnosed until the end of the story.

    I found that this memoir was easy to make both personal and diverse connections with. Many people around the world struggle with drug addiction, whether it be a current or past problem. The Heroin Diaries provides much insight into what these people have to deal with on a daily basis. Sixx’s diary entries directly connect to people around the world that deal with addiction by shedding some light on the kinds of events and thoughts they may face. Additionally, I found that I could connect to the memoir on a personal level. I found that I could relate to some of the feelings of anxiety and discomfort that Sixx wrote about when faced with social situations. It was interesting to read that other people, especially my favorite bassist, dealt with these struggles. The connections that I was able to make with this memoir helped keep me interested, and helped me to enjoy the reading.

    Krystyn Sylvester, Incoming Junior

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    1. most rock star live for the now and don't really understand what will happen if they take a curtain thing , its a good thing to see that sixx noticed that he had a problem and that's always the first step to becoming clean

      Robert McNamara sophomore

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  44. In the book "Zoo Station", Christane was a druggie and prostituting to get the money for heroin. I really don't relate to the book but if I had too, I would most likely relate to her sister because Christiane and her sister (no name) along with the mother was beaten by the father. After awhile they moved away from the dad but even through all that, the sister moved back with her dad. My dad has never done that to us but everyone makes bad choices. So, if I could, I'd move in with my dad just like Christane's sister.

    Elaine Voraphonh- Incoming Sophomore

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  45. In the book "First They Killed My Father" by Loung Ung. it related me personally because my grandparents also went through similar terrifying situations like Loung and her family. My Grandparents had told me stories about when they were in the Labor Camps. When my grandparents told me their stories it was emotional just like how the book describe it.

    Chau Tran
    Incoming Junior

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    1. your grandparents are really lucky they still are around and you are lucky because you get to hear first hand experinse on what happened not through book and other resourses and you'll get the real story not jus what th world wants you to know

      Robert McNamara sophomore

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    2. That's really cool how you have grandparents that survived things like that and are able to talk about them!
      It makes it even better cause you can connect the book's story to your grandparents story!

      Bridget Porter
      Freshman

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  46. In On Writing, Stephen King does a very good job at connecting elements of his book and making it relatable to just about anyone. For example he uses the analogy of a tool box as your basis for writing. The steps that you take to become a better writer are the shelves in your tool box, the most important tools you must use in your writing are on the top shelve. Then everything else comes after. What Stephen King said in his book really made me understand and connect to writing. He made me realized that the only way to become a great writer and be a great successful writer like him is to read and practice writing every day of your life, you have to be devoted to literature. Listening to this made me realize how similar writing is to many things, such as sports, school, and work, the only way you can become great at something is to practice, you need to practice all the time whenever you can.

    Ryan DeLosh
    Incoming Senior

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  47. In the book "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago, Esmeralda reminded me of how I had to move to a different part of United States. When I first came here I did not know anything and I had a hard time understanding English. She relates a lot to my past which was growing up and my parents always fighting just like Esmeralda's parents. Which were always fighting and arguing which made me upset. Everything was hard because when I came here without my parents I had to get comfortable living with my aunt. I practiced my English and I worked on communicating with others and becoming more comfortable. Esmeralda relates to what I have gone through and I felt like when I read about her it felt like I was in her position before and so I decided to relate myself to her.

    Bryan Adorno-Incoming Freshman

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  48. The memoir " When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago is a story about a young girl called Negi, she lives in small tin house in the town of Macùn, Puerto Rico. Negi has to take on the responsibility of taking care of her siblings, because her parents are always getting into arguments. When Negi's parents get into a argument, her dad always leaves and doesn't come back for days. I was surprised that Negi's mother would take Negi's father back after leaving and she would forgive him. There is connection between this book and "Hope Was Here" by Joan Bauer. They both involve a a girl and her mom moving to a New York.
    Both have the struggle of beginning life in a new city.

    Daniel Mugeche
    Incoming Freshman

    ReplyDelete
  49. The connection I have with my memoir , is very strong because I can relate to how he feels when he plays in the game .I can also relate to how Michael started using the sport as a escape whenever he had problems or just anything at all he just go to the courts and play."I'M DAYDREAMING ABOUT HITTING A WINNING SHOT " I can honestly relate to this big time ! .

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  50. The memoir I am reading is called The Other Wes Moore. I can't really relate to this book because thankfully my life is nothing compared to how Wes Moore's life was. The only thing that I can really relate to is how hard working Wes Moore's mother Joy is. Like my mother Joy just wants the best for her children and their future. She never gave up on Wes Moore no matter how bad he messed up. For example Joy had to make a lot sacrifices to be able to put Wes Moore in Valley Forge. Like Joy my mother is always making sacrifices for me and my siblings just so we can get a better education that will help benefit our future. Now Wes Moore is very successful and I believe if it wasn't for his mother he wouldn't be as successful as he is today. Wes Moore even thanked his mother in the beginning of the memoir because she was one of the women who helped shape his journey into manhood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi , Jalyce You and your mother must have a great bond. The way you compared his mother to yours showed your mother must be a strong woman who wants nothing but to make her children happy.

      Delete
  51. In the book " What happened to goodbye " Mclean has trouble finding who she really is because for the past few years she has pretended to be someone who she really wasn't . I feel like I can relate to her because my parents don't live together so every time I go to my moms house I act one way, and every time I go to my dads house I act another way.

    Selena Pareja Incoming Freshman

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    Replies
    1. I'm going into my senior year and it took a lot of style changing, attitude changing, friend making, things falling apart, and new things beginning to be able to honestly say i found who i am. I've found a balance with myself in different situations but I am still the same person everywhere i go.

      Emily Robitaille
      Incoming Senior

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  52. I read "Seriously... I'm Kidding" by Ellen DeGeneres and the connections I made to this book were at the ending when she says, "Be happy.","Laugh.", and "Don't worry what people say about you or think about you." This just inspired me to open my eyes and not really care about anyone else's opinion of me and to smile more because life is too short to be sad all the time. I think you could connect this to the world too because everyone should think this way and believe in these things.
    I related to her because she could always rely on her friends and family to be there for her when she needed their support with her decisions and I rely on my family and friends to be there for me when I need them too.

    - Incoming Junior.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Brianna, I totally get where your coming from. When I was in 8th grade I always worried about what people thought of me and if I was doing something wrong every time I took a step. I was like this until just recently when my older sister told me to just relax and be myself. And you shouldn't worry about the people who don't like you for who you are, It's their loss. I wish I had read this book over the summer. I love Ellen DeGeneres.
      – Incoming Freshman

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  53. In the book "Dinner With the Smileys", it reminds me of when my brother was away at basic training for the Marines. Just like when Dustin is deployed his family has a hard time with not seeing him everyday. Ford and his two brothers realized that it was going to take alot not to let their dad being gone get in the way of their everyday lives. For them, they planned to have a dinner guest every week to fill Dustins spot at the table. So instead of counting down to the end of the year, they counted down the days till the next dinner guest. This is like what i did when my brother was gone. Instead of waiting till the day he got back, I waited until the day he sent me another letter.
    Megan Mills- Incomin Junior

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  54. What I related to in my book "the glass castle" was when Jeanette Walls talked about not have a real friend and not fitting in becasue she was usually the new girl. Not fitting in was a struggle for me too when I was in school. I felt like I didn’t belong with the other kids because they ignored me or picked on me. Basically I thought that no one liked me because I was the new girl. It would take a year for me to make really good friends that I trusted and had a lot of fun with. This year my sophomore year will be the year that for the third time in my life I will be the new girl. Like Jeannette Walls she finally felt like she belonged somewhere and that was her school news paper. For me I feel that it is cheerleading.
    Corinna King
    Incoming Sophomore

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  55. While I was reading "Crazy Love" by Leslie Morgan Steiner, I couldn't find anything to relate to because the memoir is about domestic violence. But while I continued I found that I could relate in a totally different way. When you love someone you let them get away with so much sometimes you don't know how much you can let them get away with until you are truly unhappy. I gave more than enough second chances than I should have when I was "in love." When Leslie fell in love with Connor, she was blinded by all the signs that led into the violence. She didn't want to see what he was doing wrong because she was "madly in love" with him. When Connor started a huge fight when one of Leslie's guy friends from college called her, she just thought it was a little bit of jealousy. Five days before her wedding day he beat her for the first time and the excuse was cold feet and wedding jitters. I can relate to the way Leslie let things go and when she looked back that she needed to care for her self first.

    ReplyDelete
  56. In the book I read "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent I made a really strong connection when she became depressed. Erin felt as if she couldn't open up to anyone to talk about her problems and she harmed herself one time because of this. I really connected to this part of the book because i know what its like to have no one there to help you with struggles in your life. I also know how low you have to feel to harm yourself like that. So this part really got me interested to hear about someone else feeling like that, some point in their life.
    Jayme Abramofsky - Incoming freshman

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  57. In the book i read called "grief girl" by Erin Vincent she suffered depression because of the lose of her two parents. I really connected with this book with that whole situation because a couple reasons. The first is how Erin felt like she couldn't talk to anyone about her problems.I as many other people have probably felt like that before. Also how she harmed herself one time, I know how low she must have felt at this time in her life to do that so I really connected. Erin eventually opened up to a teacher about her problems and how she felt. I really know how Erin felt thought this book.
    Jayme Abramofsky- incoming freshamn

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  58. The book I read 'Where you left me' By Jennifer Gardener Trulson is a wife explaining her day and days after the terrorist attack on 9/11. I think not only me but many people can personally relate to this day, with good and bad memorys. For me this day was very confusing concidering Iwas just in kindergarden, which started off like any other day.
    From what I can remember we ended up getting dismissed early once the teachers were told of this traggic event. They never really told us why we were leaving, once I got home every TV in my house was turned to the same station, the news. As I watched the planes hitting the buildings on the tv I asked my grandmother what was going on, and she told me some bad men had taken over these planes and flew them into these building on purpose. Alls I can remember thinking to myself was why?
    savanna coutu
    incoming senior

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  59. I read the book "American Sniper" by Chris Kyle and a lot of the choices he had to make in this book reminded me that we all have to make tough decisions but unlike Chris his choices were made to save his fellow military men from harm by insurgents and his decisions could even cost him his life

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  60. The Memoir i choose to read this summer is "I Am Nujood, Age 10 and divorced" I really can't relate to this book with my life experience because i haven't being through married and not to talk about a divorce. But i can for sure relate it to a movie i watched months ago when i little girl just like Nujood was forced into an early age marriage to a man twice her age. She was too young that she didn't really know what was going on until she was dressed in a white long dress at church, which reminded her of the day her aunt got married. She pleaded it with her dad but her dead had refuse. with a promise made from the man that he wouldn't touch her until she has reached puberty was not made. he forced her into bed and unfortunately she saw blood. She was afraid till when one day she had the gust to stand up on her side and get a divorce. She knew the consequences but she still took the chance. Luckily for her she won and got her freedom. She studied and is now a Lawyer who will do everything in her power to eliminate young children being forced into marriage. I learned so much from this and i thank God that in this modern time there isn't any thing like that.
    -Philly

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    Replies
    1. Hi Philly, I couldn't image be forced to marry at such a young age and to someone you don't love at all. Specially not even knowing anything about love at that age. This book sounds really interesting.

      Samantha Campbell
      Incoming Junior

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  61. Brandon CalavritinosAugust 21, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    IN my book Michael Oher always tryed his hardest to get better at each sport he played . I Can relate because i really wasnt that great at sports freshman yearuld of and I could of done better and this year i have done everything to make me improve.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brandon, your book reminds me a lot about other people. A little about me because I wish i can get better at some sports sometimes. People shouldn't stress over sports they should just keep practicing and they'll get better.


      JOCELYN KONG - UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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  62. Hello,
    The memoir I am reading is "Are You My Mother?" by Ashley Bechdel. There are so many connections that the book and I have. I can relate to how she feels towards her mother and her questions that she feels confused about. the relationship her mother and her have is quiet, and a little hateful with love in it. That's how my relationship with my mother is. I try to do as much as I can with my mom, but what does she want to do that I can do too? I have so many questions like how the author does. Why does she give so much care to other things? What makes her feel this way? And so much more. The only thing I can do is wait for the answers.

    Amenda Chhoun-Upcoming Senior

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    Replies
    1. Hello Amenda,
      I'm Abigail an incoming freshman, I was reading your post and I found that book to be very interesting in particular. I love a good book that makes you wonder about your life and how there a so many things you can relate to. A book that really makes you think!

      Abigail Rossino incoming freshman

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  63. The book I am reading is called "Always Running" by Luis Rodriguez. There are not many things I can relate to in this book, but A few of them are about gangs, drugs and violince.

    Although I have not been through things as bad as he has many things that went on in his generation goes on in mine today. From the prejudice cops to the violince. Living in a city where there is a lot of gang activity I can see very well what Luis goes through in his everyday life and what people around me go through. It is very heart breaking to hear that horrible things like this happens to many people around me.

    Natasha Hernandez- Incoming Sophomore

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  64. The book I am reading is called “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. This book really brings out your young adventurous side that everyone has. Krakauer wants nothing more than to make it to the highest point in the world and would do anything for that opportunity. When you are a young child all you want to do is explore and see what is out there that isn’t around you. This really helped me understand his drive for making it to the top and helped me connect with Jon Krakauer.

    Ryan Laird
    Incoming Freshman

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    Replies
    1. Hello Ryan, your book sounds really interesting. I know some people who also want to get to the highest point and will do anything to get there. As a child, I think you should live your life. Just let opportunities come when they do and you face them when they approach you.


      JOCELYN KONG - UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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  65. The book I am reading is called Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd. I don't have any personal connections to this book because this book is based on prostitution. What it did get out of it was that we are living "the good life" compared to what these girls have been through. The author herself went through some rough times, having been a teen prostitute at an early age. She had no choice but to stick with her pimp, because as it turned out he was the only person she actually had in her life. Not to mention the physical and mental abuse he and several more "boyfriends" have put her through. Eventually she found her way out of that mess later on in life, and turned out to be a great author.

    Charisse Lopez
    Incoming Sophomore

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  66. Hello, the memior I am reading is "Basketball Junkie" by Chris Herren. I can relate to everything he talks about in the book do to the family experience I've had. The main thing he talks about is how he has gotten addicted to drugs and what it had made his life like.

    Although I've never been through what he has , I've had a year experience of how to deal with a family member who was addicted but ended up clean for 7 years now. His habit has effected us , but together as a family we've gotten through it .It is sad that people can get addicted to a drug and as bad as they want to get off , it is not as easy as they thought. I've had family members who has died from drugs. It is just said that these things happen to people who never thought this would happen to them. But there is help out there.

    Alyssa Doherty- Incoming Junior

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  67. I read the book Night by Elie Wiesel. This cant relate to my life, but I can relate it to the world around me because of all the racism and prejudice that still occurs today. People today are still treated like back in the holocaust. People were treated differently if they didnt live up to somebody else's opinion of what a proper human was and some people still look at it like that which, in my opinion isn't right. That is how Night can relate to the world around me.
    Victoria Wilson - incoming junior

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  68. I read Night by Elie Wiesel. I cannot relate to the story myself but I can relate it to the world around me because of all the prejudice and racism that occurs. Back during the Holocaust there was prejudice and racism against people that were thought to be "imperfect" human beings whether it be because they're homosexual, a different race/religion, etc. Even today there is still prejudice and racism against people like this because some people think the same way they did during the Holocaust. The world around me relates to Night because in both time periods there is still hate against certain types of people because they are thought to be "imperfect" or "not normal."
    Victoria Wilson - incoming junior

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  69. In my book, The Best Seat in the House, by Jamie McLennan He starts the book off remembering his early years as a kid playing in goal for his pee-wee teams and the struggles his parents went through for him to play his favorite sport. I relate to this because im in that same position. My parents work hard for me to play a sport and i try to make the best from it and nothing is better when you know you've made them proud. Seeing i'm on the verge of graduating i hope to play during my college years. This book also talks about the struggles of living your dream.

    ReplyDelete
  70. The memoir I’m reading is called tweak by Nic Sheff. I haven’t and probably will never make any connections to this book. The reason why is because I don’t take drugs. Although I didn’t make any connections with this book, it really explains to me and other people how terrible their world could be in the future by doing drugs.

    In this book Nic Sheff is currently living and sleeping in abandoned houses and on some nights in his car. Nic breaks in to his girlfriend’s house to sleep there sometimes. He is constantly getting chased around by his step mother Karen. This book really makes me realize never to do drugs because this stuff can mess with your brain and make your own life miserable. This can also mess around with your health and sometimes kill you.

    Ariana Freeman
    Incoming Sophomore

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  71. The memoir I read was Tuesdays with Morrie. It is about a college student named Mitch whose professor is Morrie. Every Tuesday at Brandeis University he would attend Morrie's class. Sixteen years after he graduated he wanted to connect with Morrie again and they started meeting up on Tuesdays in Massachusetts but Mitch lived in Detroit and had a good job. Morrie got sick with ALS and got worse every week. Every tuesday Mitch would learn life lessons. And the meaning of life.

    I dont really have a connection with this book because i have never been in the position of having someone i like very much get sick in front of me and watch them die while being taught lifes lesson but i did learn alot from this book and to never give up

    Richard Byron-incoming freshman

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  72. the book I picked was the warriors heart when I was chooseing the book I thought I was about lacrosse but turns out it was about navy seals the only real conection we have is motivation. my football coach ( mr. abrams) always says no excuse no regrets witch mean there no excuse that can get you about of trouble and never regret a decision there is always good in something. that's how Eric goes about his life.

    in the book Eric likes to help people by training them in boxing and become a navy seal I like to help people on a way smaller scale like in te weight room if someone is doing a lift wron I like to help them in a potive way not by says "dude that's so wrong why would you do it like that" I say it a like "hey to get more out of it do it this way" or help someonecarry stuff when there hand are full

    Robert McNamara sophomore

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  73. My connections to the book i read, Never Fall Down, is that its based on how this slice of someone's life is around the same stage era as a slice of my family's life. Arn witnessed everyday murders, went days without eating, cut through jungles, probably felt like going from hell & back through this Khmer Rouge battle, so did my grandparents.

    ReplyDelete
  74. The connection i have with the book, Never Fall Down, is really what the title says "Never Fall Down". My main priority in life other than school is basketball. Recently i put a major hold in basketball and i now noticed that i am now falling into the wrong path in life. I quit over hate through social media. I now have the motto, "Never Fall Down" constantly running through my head. When I'm playing basketball, i trip and fall but then what did i do after? Got right back up. This book got me to realize that if you want something, want to reach a goal, want to follow your dreams, you would have to go through the obstacles and struggle in order to strive and be successful.



    SOPHANY CHAU - UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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    Replies
    1. Your post is very true! You always need to remember to "Never Fall Down." The book you read sounds very interesting! I will defiantly look forward to reading it!

      Zayda Boghossian-incoming freshman

      Delete
  75. The book i read was "West of Kabul East of New York" the connection i have with this book is basically not fitting in, in either place or groups I'm with. I don't fit in with other groups because I'm different, and being different from everyone else is a bit of a struggle. Not all people will accept for yourself. I'm different because I'm loud and talkative, I'm not really a quiet person.


    JOCELYN KONG - UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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    Replies
    1. In my opinion, everyone is different and feels like they don’t belong. I always feel like maybe I don’t belong with a certain group, and maybe I don’t. But I’m not going to let that stop me from making friends or hanging out with preexisting friends. The important thing is to stay true to yourself.

      Sierra Roberts
      Incoming Junior

      Delete
  76. While I was reading "Crazy Love" by Leslie Morgan Steiner, I couldn't find anything to relate to because the memoir is about domestic violence. But while I continued I found that I could relate in a totally different way. When you love someone you let them get away with so much sometimes you don't know how much you can let them get away with until you are truly unhappy. I gave more than enough second chances than I should have when I was "in love." When Leslie fell in love with Connor, she was blinded by all the signs that led into the violence. She didn't want to see what he was doing wrong because she was "madly in love" with him. When Connor started a huge fight when one of Leslie's guy friends from college called her, she just thought it was a little bit of jealousy. Five days before her wedding day he beat her for the first time and the excuse was cold feet and wedding jitters. I can relate to the way Leslie let things go and when she looked back that she needed to care for her self first.

    Stephanie Perry
    Incoming Junior

    * I forgot to add my name and grade before.

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    Replies
    1. Stephanie, I can relate to you when you say that you give more than second chances. I do the exact same. You don't realize how much someone you supposedly love so much can just hurt you in a blink of an eye. We give people so many chances because we think maybe it'll be different this time.

      Belinda Khorn
      Incoming Junior

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    2. Hi Stephanie, I could see where your coming from when you give to many second chances when you really shouldn't have. I could see how hard it is to leave someone who you really love but isn't any good for you. That book sounds really good to read also!!

      Samantha Campbell
      Incoming Junior

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  77. i related to this book because i understand how this women feel when it comes to prejudice and people thinkin you cant do certain things just because the color of your skin or what race you are so that is how i have connected with this book

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand what you mean. Just because I am Puerto Rican i get stereotypical comments thrown at me as an answer to why i run faster than my friends or saying i may not be able to do something as well as one of my "lighter skinned" friends

      Angel Garcia
      Incoming Freshman

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  78. Over the summer I read the memoir "The Thrill of The Chase" by Forest Fenn, which is a story of a man who is dying of cancer but to basically leave his story behind wrote this book and left behind a hidden treasure and his book holds the instructions to finding it.

    I connected with the story because of the authors life story he reminded me of a close deceased family member, a hardworking man like the author.I also connected and related to the story because I have the same interests as the author which made me connect with the story even more.
    I think after reading it Forests Fenn's message is if you work hard enough and have the willpower to never give in or give up you can do anything you set your mind to.


    Branden Willimas Incoming Freshman 2013

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  79. I read a book called "Dying to Survive". It is a memoir of a girl named Rachael Keogh and her ever lasting battle against addiction. As a very young teen she started drinking and smoking, as most teens do. She very quickly got wrapped up in the party scene and was trying every drug she got her hands on. Then came heroine. Although I can't say I relate to a heroine addiction, I do relate to Rachael. I understand addiction. I understand the psychological and/or physical hold it can have on a person. Reading this book really brings out that drug addictions like Rachael's happen everyday. A child can picks up something and instantly be hooked. I've seen it more than enough and it really makes you think. I just recently lost a friend to a heroine overdose. I will always look back and think of what I could have done to help, as I'm sure everyone involved feels the same. Not only does it affect you but every person around you. Everyone who loves you gets dragged down trying to support you. But if there's one thing I learned from this book and my own personal knowledge, it's that when your trying to come off an addiction it has to be for you. Not to get friends and family off your back, not for a relationship, you are the only one that can help yourself in the end in a situation like that.

    Emily Robitaille
    Incoming Senior

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  80. I don’t think I can really relate to my memoir, Two Kisses for Maddy by Matthew Logelin, personally because I’ve never lost someone close to me or had a baby to take care of by myself. I can say, though, that I’ve babysat my brother plenty of times and taking care of a little kid isn’t easy and taking care of a baby is probably ten times worse. I can definitely make a connection to the world because everyone deals with grief. If you haven’t dealt with it now, you probably will at some point in your life. This book made me realize that not everyone deals with grief the same and just because you don’t constantly cry doesn’t mean you don’t care; it just means you’re trying to stay strong.

    Sierra Roberts
    Incoming Junior

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  81. The book I read was when Hitler stole a pink rabbit by Judith Kerr. I Couldnt really connect in alot of ways to the characters in the book becasue they are jewish refugees. one way i could relate was how they kept on moving. When i was younger I moved alot, i lived in eight different places and every time we moved we had to find a new school and my parents, new work. in this book the family moves about 5 times. The only personn in the family with a job was the father who was a famous author. every time they moved the children would need a new school, new friends and the father a new paper to write in. the true challenge for the main character, anna, was going to new schools, making new friends, learning new customs and for one move a language. It was very difficult for her and I could understand her frustration.

    ReplyDelete
  82. The book i read was When Hitler stole a pink rabbit by Judith Kerr.
    I couldnt really relate to the story in many ways because the family in the story were jewish refugees running from Hitler. One way i could relate was the way the family kept on moving from place to place. when i was younger i moved alot, a total of 8 times. and doing so, each house i went to i had to make new friends and my parents, new jobs. This relates to the story becaus of the way the family moved. They only moved about 5 times but had more of a struggle. Only one of the family members worked and that was the father. He was a famous author and wanted by hitler. every time they moved he would have to find new papers or books to write in and alot of the time he wasnt paid much. the kids i could really relate to because everywhere they went they had to adjust to new accents, customs, friends and sometimes new languages. their stuggles were like mine when i tried to make new friends.


    RAYMOND ROWE
    UPCOMING FRESHMAN

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  83. I was able to relate to the book I read (Med Head) because he was going through a very hard time. In the eighth grade I went through depression and going to therapy was scary. It was for Cory too. It felt like as I was walking though the concrete hallways and going into elevators, I was in a insane asylum.I felt like I was gonna be locked up. Corey described it the same way. I liked knowing I wasn't the only one.
    Erin Riordan -Incoming Freshman

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  84. I related to my book because my family has gone through some problems in the past with losing a family member and having to adapt to not having them around anymore! It is very hard and frustrating to deal with! It gets very hard to deal with because you know you have to be strong for the younger kids around you who may not understand what has happened!

    Zayda Boghossian-incoming freshman

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  85. The book I read was "Soul Surfer". I can't say I relate to the Bethanys (main character) personal story but,I can say I know what it's like to be looked at as the odd one, someone different. I also can relate to Bethany because she went threw so much before she could get back up on her feet. So many people world wide have problems of their own. They make so many excuses to not get back up, and I think this story is a wonderful example of a young girl who had hope and never gave up on what she wanted!

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  86. The book I am reading is "Grief Girl" by Erin Vincent, at the begging of the book I could relate to the main character, Erin, but when I read more and more of the book I noticed that I started not to relate to her so much. For example: My parents did not die, I did not have many close relatives, I did not talk to my teacher about many personal things in life.

    Malia Melendez
    Incoming Freshman

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  87. "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago. This book reminded me of a movie Country Strong because the teacher told her it was very unlikely to get into the performing arts school that she wanted to go in when she moved to New York because of the school she went to. But she ended up auditioning and getting into the school. This reminds of country strong because a country singer had gone to rehab and when she got out her manager (her husband)got her a comeback tour and People said to her how she shouldn't be singing anymore because she was in rehab but she pulled off her tour and she showed all the people that she can do it and she was right. That was what "When I was Puerto Rican" reminded me of.

    Rhiannon Peden-Incoming freshman

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  88. While i was reading "Basketball Junkie"by Chris Herren I made connections. Chris Herren had became a drug addict while his daughter was only 7 years old. My mom was a drug addict but she was a drug addict up till i was 10 years old. Chris Herren was in and out of hospitals and he also went to jail. My mom tried to get help but she passed away when I was 10 years old. It is sad to see how drugs can ruin someones life and even take away a life. Herren was lucky enough to not have passed away after the overdosing . My mom passed away from the overdosing. This book has made a very big connection with my life and what I went through as a kid that nobody should have to go through as a kid and what Im going through now that I dont have her around to watch me graduate or be in my life.

    Nathan Kapala- Incoming Senior

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  89. The book I read was called “Lifesaving Lessons” by Linda Greenlaw. I didn’t have I specific reason why chose it, but I’m glad I did. I was able to make several connections with the story. “Lifesaving Lessons” was about the author adopting a 15 year old girl who escaped an abusive uncle. I may not be able to make connections that way; however I was able to connect with the adopted teenager, Mariah. I know what it’s like to be a teenager. I know what it’s like to most of the time to be left alone, but at the same time, want someone to be there for you, always wanted to be addicted to your phone and going through drama constantly.

    I really enjoyed reading about how she got through it. I was also able to compare it to my life. That’s why I really enjoyed it, and id definitely recommend it.

    Bridget Porter
    Freshman

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  90. I'm reading "Dry" by Augusten Burroughs, this book is mainly about the struggles of an alcoholic. Augusten would've never known he is an alcoholic without the help of his co-workers and his boss. His boss made him attend a rehab or else he would've gotten fired. He thought to himself that he would go just to get things over with and when he comes back he would go back to his normal ways. Things change when he shows up, Augusten realizes he does need help and he is an alcoholic.
    A connection to "Dry" is the real world, many people are alcoholics and deny everything until they seek help; just like Augusten.

    Incoming Junior,
    Victoria Gates.

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  91. The book I chose to read for summer reading was Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I can related to this book because similar to Mitch I have a hard time opening up to someone and being able to trust them, it takes someone like Morrie for me to really be comfortable around certain people. But I can also relate to Morrie in the sense that when I am comfortable around someone I can say whatever I want and not care what that person will say because I know that they are there for me one hundred percent. Untimely this is one of the best books I've ever read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good read!

    Alyssa Proulx
    Incoming junior

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  92. In this book Elie has so much faith in God but he keeps getting more and more disappointed each day from the way that he lives inside these concentration camps. He feels that God should be protecting his followers but instead Elie and the other Jews are punished, and some even killed, every day! This made me reflect on a time when i studied for hours on end for a big test i had coming up back in the 6th grade only to fail with a measly 35%. I felt like i had all the answers right and i thought to myself, "How could this have happened?"

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  93. The book I am reading is called "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. I said something about this when replying to another student's post, but this is a big connection I made with my book. I was at the Boston Marathon, and I was close to where the bombs went off, probably about 80 yards or less away from them. I've always avoided death, and when I was at the Boston Marathon, I saw this as a scary thing. Also when I was younger my favorite aunt died, which made me even more opposed to death. This book is about a man named Morrie Schwartz having to deal with a terminal disease with no cure. I can connect with the book, because it talks a lot about the fears of death.

    Serena Gil- Incoming freshman

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  94. Connections are not always a simple task to discover, especially when you find what you are attempting to connect to seems to be on a different planet entirely. This was the case with The Glass Castle, written by Jeanette Walls. The story revolves around hardships and self dependency, both experiences that I have never had to endure. What I found to be an easier task was instead seeing myself in the author’s position, the actions I might have taken. The author is stuck between an alcoholic father and an irresponsible mother, both of whom are incapable of taking care of themselves, let alone four children. If I was put in that scenario as is, I cannot say for sure I would have the strength to push through as the author did. Reading this helped me through my immediate sight and into the world that children all around us are continuing to face today. It’s saddening to know that those living like this often have no way out; their only option is to toughen up and hope that life will get better. Jeanette Walls showed that strength and motivation are the key to success, and even in the darkest of places, you can rise out if you take responsibility.

    Matthew Mondazzi - Incoming sophomore.

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  95. i read the book "The Other Wes Moore" this summer. i was intrigued by the back of the back and just everything it was about. I wondered how two boys with similar troubled childhoods could grow up to receive such different fates. Plus the fact the book was 100% true and that it was consisted of all personal stories and events that any kid can experience growing up keep me interested in the book.

    Angel Garcia
    Incoming Freshman

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  96. Picture yourself living a little old house waking up every morning, freezing. Could you? Well if you can, imagine this: waking up every morning with no mom. Some of you can, and if you ever have to experience that, well I’m very sorry. Now really picture this, you, growing up with just about nothing, only a little bit of money to keep your family alive, and enough love to keep your family warm. That’s all Paul McCartney had, and if you don’t know who he is, GO BACK TO THE 60’S!
    The book that I am reading is called “Yesterday the Unauthorized Biography of Paul McCartney” by Chet Flippo, yes I do believe that I have read a biography, but, I picked certain parts of the story that connect with me. The reason why in the first paragraph I had you imagine yourself in different scenes is because that’s what Paul McCartney had to go through. His family was poor, his mother died when he was fourteen, but he had a dream. He had a dream to make it big in life, and man did he make it. With the little money he had and an old trumpet his dad bough him for his 14th birthday, he had enough to buy himself his first Zenith Model 17 acoustic vintage unknown guitar. Paul McCartney was a self-taught singer, guitarist, bassist, and pianist. That’s all he needed to start his journey to the top.

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  97. Jonathan Andreazza - Incoming Sophomore

    I related to this book because of how the dog had patience and If he wasnt patient bad things would have happened. Patience is something that is very important if you think about it.

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  98. I read the book, "Medhead: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain" by James Patterson. This book was very relatable to me because the past year i have had to gone into the hospital a couple of times just for being sick because I have allergies and we didn't know that. I did not know that I had this allergy to soy and it made me sick for about 2 years. This was relatable to my book because this boy named Cory had Tourette's Syndrome and he was always in a doctor's office and most of the time he just felt like giving up. That is how I felt sometimes. Obviously my case was not as bad as Cory's but i still have felt what he has felt before.

    Kurt Slates
    Incoming Sophomore

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  99. The memoir I am reading is Memoir of a Teenage Amnesiac. Some connections I made are imaging what it would be like for me to lose my memory. All the things in my life that I’ve done but not are able to recognize the good and bad things that I’ve been through. Forgetting all my friends and teachers, I could relate to how confused she must be. Personally I couldn’t tell how sad my parents would be about having their daughter lose her own memory. Having to teach me how to do simple things.
    I can’t even imagine how many people in the world have lost their memory. How many families have to go through every day while someone they love forgets for they are and what they have gone through. Being in the medical field learning about all these conditions this is one of the hardest ones someone would have to go through mentally. It must be hard for nurses and doctors to have to deal with patients who always forget.
    Samantha Campbell Incoming Junior

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  100. I feel connected to the book by the way that Harry's mother cares about him. I feel the same way with my mother. We may not have plenty of money, but we still make it through every day with a smile on our faces. Also, the way that Harry's brothers treat him is close to the way my brothers treat me. Harry's brothers would have preferred to leave him out of their life, like playing games with the other children on the street, and my brothers don't really like me doing anything with them either.

    Megan Fitts - Junior

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