finally

In the beginning I thought it was going to be hard to read and blog, because it is time consuming. But, I found it to be easier than I thought; I had time to read and blog without being too stressed. Before this project started, I absolutely thought I was going to hate it. The reading was not too bad, but I hated the blogging. At the end I just stopped doing them, because reading was time consuming and adding the blogging just made it stressful. I do think I have gotten better at reading though, I have read more books than in the past five years. Plus, I have learned to finish the whole book. Usually if I read something in the story that I don’t like, I will just stop reading. Now, I finish it then decide on it, because sometimes the ending is good even though there were parts I did not like. In the beginning I read the poetry type books, than I moved the sisterhood of the traveling pants series. So, my types of books were relatively the same. I would usually lie in bed, just before I would go to sleep, to read. Also, I would read during study hall, because it is my long period. I probably won’t continue reading for a while, but I will finish the last sisterhood of the traveling pants, because I have half way through it. Plus, I want to know how it ends. Other than that book, I won’t read any books, unless it is a book I have to for a class.

week 12

Books: "Forever in Blue The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares
Pages this week: 153
Pages this semester:  1903
"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not."
"One must have a good memeory to keep the promises one has made."
"Remember to let her into your heart."

close reading bingo

Weaknesses:
number 6 - verb "use"
The diction within this passage uses a precise, with intermediate writing literal and direct.
http://alix2278.blogspot.com/2011/10/practice-diction-analysis.html

number 8 - punctuation goes inside quotation marks
Salinger first describes the parents as “touchy as hell”.
http://letsgetawesome5.blogspot.com/2011/10/practice-diction-analysis.html

number 1 - "he says" quote
Even when speaking of his brother, Holden says where D.B. lives “isn’t too far from this crumby place.”
http://freefifteen.blogspot.com/2011/10/practice-diction-analysis.html

number 2 - long quote
Then the teen bounces around topics from an autobiographical style to the purpose of his writing to randomness about his brother, “D.B” who’s “in Hollywood without describing them very well. That isn’t too far from [the narrator’s] crumby place.”
http://ariadna-permelia.blogspot.com/2011/10/confused-practice-diction-analysis.html


Best responses:
http://mbutchko.blogspot.com/2011/10/practice-diction-analysis.html
http://charliebucket15.blogspot.com/2011/10/practice-diction-analysis.html


Both responses sound educated and do not have weaknesses.

observation: diction

In the excerpt from Cruddy by Lynda Barry, the author’s blunt elevation and dull, yet figurative language emphasizes the bitter childishness and the jaded hate the author wishes the character to portray. The character’s attitude toward her life is constantly repeated as “cruddy” throughout the excerpt. Lynda Barry’s character demonstrates a disturbed, angry girl by describing her yelling at her sister from across the room. The girl screams to her sister “I will kill if you touch this, Julie, and if you do I swear to go I will kill you, no mercy, no take-backs private property, this means you, Julie, you” which explains how the infuriated girl feels toward her sister. The character’s vicious, scornful view on the world and hate toward everything depicts her ungrateful, pessimistic attitude toward life.

style mapping

The elevation of Cruddy by Lynda Barry is informal, because the diction is blunt and familiar. The sound of the words convey a harsh sound, through the dull words used. The language used suggest a connotation in the writing. The constant use of the word "cruddy" emphasizes the low diction. The sound also illustrate a noisy and dull environment, as apposed to a musical sound. The elevation of Girls in the Pants the Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares is a mix between formal and informal. At times the author uses elegant words, and other times the author uses familiar words to convey the meaning. The sound of the words emphasize a harsh and musical sound. The letters the girls write back and forth to each other are lyrical, and the rest of the story has a dull sound. The language used suggest a medium between connotation and denotation, because it is straightforward and suggestive in different parts of the story. The author uses words like "peculiar" and "significant" to convey fancy, scholarly diction.

week 9

Books: "Girls in Pants the Third Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares
Pages this week: 153
Pages this semester:  1380

I was not here Wednesday, so I will write about it on different post.

third sisterhood of the traveling pants part5

Lena has had a very boring summer to me, but I guess to her it would be exciting. She has signed up for this art class, where she paints and draws nude models. Her model, Andrew, made her nervous at first. But, after a few minutes drawing him became natural. She loved the class, and of course her Father found out. Which he came and took her home. Lena is not the type to just rebel against her Father, but she was very upset. She loved the art she was doing, so she went back just to see everything. She liked the environment. The instructor, Annika was there, and wanted to talk to her. They talked about art and the whole situation. Annika wanted Lena to come back so bad that she gave her a job to clean up the studio after class for free tuition. Lena agreed, and when she would go to class, she would just tell her parents she picked up another shift at the restaurant. I think it was wrong for her Father to just pull her out, especially since Lena is an artist.

third sisterhood of the traveling pants part4

Lena and Carmen are kind of together, because Carmen is taking care of Valia, Lena’s Grandmother. Bapi, her husband and Lena’s Grandfather, died which meant Valia had to live with Lena back in American. Since then Valia has been very stubborn, because she misses her home in Greece and of course her husband. Valia living there has made it stressful for everyone. Lena and Effie purposlly got jobs so then they would not have to take care of Valia. Lena got a new job, at a restaurant, her father is very proud because he set it up. Lena’s mother asked Caremen, because she did not have to babysit the kids she had to last year. So Carmen agreed because she needed the money, plus she needed the money. Carmen has been taking care of Valia, which did not start off on the right foot. Valia is stubborn and so is Carmen, making the two buttheads. But, of course Valia wins because Carmen is in a way working for her. They had to go get an x-ray for Valia’s kidneys, because they were not working properly. Along the way her leg hurt, and so a boy help Carmen care her to the emergency room. The boy was so sweet to them, and he was kind of flirting with Carmen. Even though Valia was hurt, it brought her and Carmen closer. Plus, Carmen met a boy. I hope she and the boy start hanging out, because her summer needs some fun. I would go crazy if all I did during the summer was watch my best friends angry, stubborn Grandmother who does not speak English well.

third sisterhood of the traveling pants part3

Carmen, Tibby, and Lena stayed home, but at least they had each other. There was this graduation party that they were all going to, and Brian asked Tibby to be his date. It was kind of weird because they have been friends for so long. Brian and Tibby left the party early and went to hang out by themselves, they both were not the party type. They had that first kiss that night, it was so sweet. I can definetly tell that Brian loves Tibby, he even said it to her. I know Tibby would usually find it not true and gross, but with Brian she was happy about it. Tibby has grown up since the first book.

third sisterhood of the traveling pants part2

The graduation was happy, but also stressful. Everyone’s family was there for the big day. Tibby, Lena, and Carmen were all staying home for the summer. Bridget was the only one going away, she went to a soccer camp in Pennsylvania. It turns out that the guy she liked from the first book is in this book. I would be so confused if I was Bridget. So far the two have been distant from each other. They have only talked about little things and when they needed to. Bridget found out that he has a girl friend that he just got back with from Mexico, her name is Kaya. I could feel that Bridget felt uncomfortable and kind of shocked, mixed with upset. I would hate to have that situation happen to me.

quarterly

In the beginning, I thought that reading at least 150 pages of popular fiction would be difficult and time consuming. But, at time it was so enjoyable that I did not notice the time. I would read during school or at home at night. After getting ready for bed, reading helped relax me. The books by Ellen Hopkins I found were a little bit difficult, because it was written in a poetic form. But, after I got comfortable with her writing, I found it easier and more enjoyable. I did not really like her books though, because I thought they were always so depressing. So after the second book I read of hers, I switched over to “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” series by Ann Brashares. I love those books, they were easy to read and understand. Plus, I felt like I could relate to them. Which makes me want to keep reading to find out what will happen to the characters.

sentences of the month

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." - from "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares

"The four of them lay on the grass until the sun finished and the stars began." - from "The Second Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares

“They make us feel secure and loved.” - from "The Second Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares

I like this quotes because they remind me of my past, they make me feel better, and they are true. The first on is funny, but true. The second one reminds me of the summer, when I would spend it with my friends. The last one just makes me feel better.

week 8

Books: “The Second Summer of the Sisterhood” and “Girls in Pants the Third Summer of the Sisterhood” by Ann Brashares

Pages this week: 154

Pages this semester: 1,227

Quotes:

“They make us feel secure and loved.”

“I remember when you and Ari used to play tennis on Wednesdays against Marly and Christina, and you always took turns winning.”

“The four of them lay on the grass until the sun finished and the stars began..”

third sisterhood of the traveling pants

So, I just finished “The Second Summer of the Sisterhood” by Ann Brashares. The book was depressing, in a good way. I guess the book was realistic and it showed that things happen in life that cannot be controlled, and it is up to us to decide how to react to it. It also showed how to be strong for you and other’s when things go wrong. Overall, the book was good. I have read a little bit in “Girls in Pants the Third Summer of the Sisterhood” by Ann Brashares. This summer is one of the most important ones, because it is their last summer. They are all going off to college in the fall. The graduation was very happy, knowing that it was a new start to everything. Even though none of them were going to the same school, they all were at least four hours away from one another. I hope this one is actually good and happy, and no one dies. Because, in the first Bailey died and in the second Bapi died. I just hope no one does in this.

second sisterhood of the traveling pants part6

I loved Bridget’s summer, she found herself. Her story just shows that the little things that make a person are always there. Sometimes it can be hidden, but it never goes away. She worked hard; got to know her Grandmother, got into shape, played soccer again, and reconnected with old friends. All the little things she did when she was little helped her realize who she is and who she wants to be.

second sisterhood of the traveling pants part5

Carmen’s summer has been kind of boring. Carmen had that problem with her Mother’s boyfriend. She destroyed it, but then she realized what she did. So, she fixed them back up. Things with Porter did not happen. Porter thought it just was not working, because Carmen was too distracted. Carmen was distracted though, because she was busy with making Lena feel better, being a good daughter, being a good role model for Krista, and being there for Tibby and Bridget. Carmen was too busy to have a boy friend at that time. Also, I just do not think she was too into Porter anyways. Tibby had a more exciting summer than Carmen. She went to that school for film, and the first video she showed was bad. The video was about her family, which had bad takes of her Mother. At first Tibby did not even think her Mother would go to the showing, so she thought the video would be okay and funny. Her Mother ended up going, and her mother left the audience without a word. Also, Brian was upset with the video because he thought it was disrespectful. After the video Brian and Tibby got in a fight, so Tibby was not on speaking terms with Brian or her Mother. Tibby dug herself in a deep hole just to fit in with Alex and Maura. But, Tibby ended up doing the right thing, by apologizing to Brian and her Mother. She redid the video and made it about Bailey. The video was very touching to everyone.

second sisterhood of the traveling pants part4

I thought Lena and Kostos were good for each other, I guess the author did not want them to be together. Everything between the two was really good, then suddenly his letters were getting short and he was writing differently. Kostos also said that he could not go up the next weekend to see Lena, which that really upset her. Lena did not understand what was going on and finally he just broke it off. She knew it was coming but she did not know for sure. Anyways the break up was really tough on Lena, all of her friends were very worried about her. Also, she found out her Grandpa Bapi died. So Lena and her whole family went to Greece to have the funeral. Lena wanted to see Kostos so everything would be better. But when Lena saw Kostos, he was with another girls. When her Grandma introduced Lena to the other girl, she said this is Kostos fiancé. I just felt so sorry for Lena, because she did not know the reason why Kostos was acting different. She has been through a lot this summer.

week 7

Curently: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares
Pages this week: 155
Pages this semester: 1123
"Nothing is too wonderful to be true."
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
"On the other hand, you have different fingers."

second sisterhood of the traveling pants part3

Carmen and Lena stayed home to work. Lena’s Mother got her a job at this vintage clothing store, which I don’t think Lena really likes. Carmen babysits these two kids once in a while. Carmen started dating this boy she met in school, but with her drama with her Mom Carmen cannot see the good in the boy, Porter. Her Mother started dating this guy she works with, David, and Carmen is not too pleased. I think Carmen needs to be happy for her mother, because it would also make it possible for Carmen to move on in her relationship with Porter. Lena had a surprise visit from Kostos. The two spent sometime together, and realized the break up was a mistake. I really like Kostos, he is so sweet. I am glad he went to see Lean. Kostos went to there for a job interview, but he really wanted to see Lena. At first Lena gave him the cold shoulder, which I am not exactly sure why, because she broke up with him. But maybe it was because she found out that he had a girl friend, but that was just a rumor. The two are perfect for eachother. I love this book, it seems to be a very happy summer, or the summer could have potential be a good one.

second sisterhood of the traveling pants part2

The summer was going to start out the complete opposite of last summer. This time Bridget, Carmen, and Lena were going to stay home and Tibby was going away. Tibby is going to a film program at a college in Virginia. But, things changed when Bridget found these letters. One day Bridget went through her Dad’s drawers and she found these letters that were next to her report card. There were five letters, each written the year after the next. The letters were addressed to Bridget and her twin brother, Perry. The letters were from her Grandmother Greta, which is her Grandmother on her Mother’s side. I don’t remember if I said in one of the last blogs that Bridget’s Mother had died. Bridget’s Mother was very sick, and passed away when she was younger. Ever since then, all her friends and their Mom’s have had to look out for Bridget, because she became so vulnerable after the death. I couldn’t imagine losing someone so close. I bet Bridget went through a lot. Anyways, Bridget got mad at her Father for keeping the letters. In the heat of the moment she told her Dad that she was going to go to Alabama to visit her. Her Father was not too welcoming about the idea, because he said that Greta was the one to blame for many things that had happened in the family. I do not know what the things were, maybe the death of Bridget’s Mother. Maybe because her Father needed someone to blame, so he blamed it on Grandmother Greta. Bridget’s Father knew he could not keep her from seeing her Grandmother, so he let her go. I am not sure why she used a fake name to her Grandmother when she met her. Bridget was sneaking around to get to know her Grandmother, without her knowing she was her Granddaughter. She pretended she heard from neighbors that Greta needed some help in her house with chores. Then she introduced herself as Gilda, which was the name of the place where the ritual of the pants happened at. I guess I should explain what happened during the school year. Bridget felt like she lost herself, because of the things she went through. The thing with Eric made her change. Bridget had quit soccer, dyed her hair, stopped working out, and she just gave up on herself. I think that is why she felt like she had to go down to Alabama, to find herself again. Because when she was younger she grew up there, and she felt like she needed to get away from everything and start over. Greta talked about Bridget’s Mother occasionally and talked about her Grandkids, which makes it seem like Greta is a good Grandmother. I do not see why Bridget’s Father kept his kids from Greta. I like Bridget’s story so far, because it just shows that people can get confused and lost, even if they seem like the most confident person. She used to be this tough person, but her story shows its okay to have break downs, because I can see Bridget slowly finding herself in Alabama. I guess it just takes time to figure it out.

week 6

Curently: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "The Second Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares
Pages this week: 164
Pages this semester: 968
"This girls is a freeeeeeak."
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened."
"Before the traveling pants we didn't know how to be together when we were apart."

second sisterhood of the traveling pants

So I just started “The Second Summer of the Sisterhood” by Ann Brashares. I am excited to read it, because I think it will be good just like the first one. But I hope no one dies in this one, because that was soo sad. But I guess it was a lesson in a way, to show that life can be vulnerable and must be treasured.

sisterhood of the traveling pants part5

Bridget had hit a big bump in the road, because she ended up being with Eric. The book didn’t really say what happened, but I can make a guess. Because Bridget became very upset and secluded from everyone at the camp, even Eric. Everyone was worried about her. Eric was so worried he finally met with her privately to talk to her. The talk was very sweet, but it was upsetting. He basically said how in a different time it would work out, but because the rules of the camp and their age that it would not work out. I feel so bad for Bridget, because she had been through with her mom being dead. Through the whole summer all of the girls had been sending letters to each other, sometimes they would call if they could. Bridget had been sending Lena letters that worried her. So it was the day Lena and Effie were traveling back home, when Lena decided she would catch a flight to Baja, California to comfort Bridget and return home with her. She knew she had to make it all work out, because the next day Bridget would be getting on a plan to go home. Lena wanted to make she that Bridget would get on the plan and have a safe flight. Lena ended up making it to Bridget’s cabin, which surprised Bridget. Lena gave the pants to Bridget to make her feel better, because it would feel like Tibby and Carmen were there. I think Lena is an amazing friend for going to see Bridget. Lena knows Bridget so well that she knew she had to be there for her. I think friendships like that are very rare, and if it happens people should embrace it. I love how all the friends knew each other so well, and even when they are in a fight they still know what to say. I think more friendships need to be like the one in this book, I find the book somewhat inspirational.

sisterhood of the traveling pants part4

I finished “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares. It was a pretty good ending, I guess. Tibby’s one friend Bailey died. It was sooo sad, because Tibby got really close to her over the summer. Bailey was a mini Tibby. Carmen finally hit her breaking point when she was at her Father’s. She was upset about the dress fitting for her Father’s wedding. Carmen went with her soon to be step-mom, Lydia, and her soon to be stepsister, Krista. The seamstress was being very rude to Carmen, because the dress was not fitting properly. Carmen ended up leaving and taking a walk, when she realized it was really late and her Father would be worried about her. But when she looked through the window, she saw her Father, Lydia, Krista, and Paul saying grace without her. She got so upset and threw a rock through the window and ran. The author never really established how she got home though. But, Carmen did return home and hung out with Tibby and Bailey. Which was a good thing Carmen came back, because she helped Tibby deal with Bailey who was in the hospital. Plus she was there for her when Bailey had passed away. Lena ended up meeting up with Kostos on her last day, which she also got the pants back. She explained to Kostos everything and apologized to him too. She noticed how he was patient with her, because many things she was saying came out wrong or it was hard to get out. They had their first kiss too, which I wish happened a long time ago. I think Kostos seems like a good guy, especially for Lena.

sentences of the month

"Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday." - from the book "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares

"Don't let the cute guy make you forget yourself." - from the book "Burned" by Ellen Hopkins

"You shine brighter than the Milky Way." - from the book "Burned" by Ellen Hopkins

I like these quotes because they are sweet and inspirational. The first quote is funny and inspirational, it reminds me not to worry so much. The second one gives any girl good advice, because people can get lost. The last one is just a cute, sweet quote.

currently 5

Current book: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares

Pages this week: 161

Pages this semester: 804

Quotes:

"When life hands you a lemon you say oh yeah I like lemons. What else ya got?"

"Time tells the truth."

"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Got that?"

sisterhood of the traveling pants part3

So Tibby and Carmen’s summer has gotten a little bit more exciting. Tibby is starting to hang out with her new friend Bailey. Tibby met Bailey at work, when Bailey collapsed on a display and passed out. Tibby tried her best to do the right thing in the situation. She called 911 and looked through her wallet to contact a parent. Also, she went with Bailey to the emergency room. I thought it was very kind of Tibby to do that, when she did not even know Bailey. Anyways the two of them are a good pair, even though Bailey is a few years younger than Tibby. I think in the beginning Tibby hung out with Bailey because she found out Bailey has leukemia. After the two been hanging out, I think Tibby actually likes hanging out with Bailey. The two get along very well with their personalities. They decide to start a documentary with different people they know. They have so far interviewed a women Tibby works with, and this nerd that play this arcade game at a seven eleven store. The last part I read was when Bailey asked to try on “the pants” to be interviewed by Tibby for the documentary. I think Lena overreacted when Kostos accidentally caught Lena skinny dipping. She made it seem like Kostos hurt her, and Lena’s Grandparents and Kostos Grandparents got into a fight. Her Grandfather, Bapi, had to go to the hospital, because he broke his nose. The only people Lena told the truth to was Carmen and Effie. I do not understand why she was even upset about it. She should have just been embarrassed, not angry and upset. I will blog about Carmen and Bridget’s vacation when I read more about it. I am at a spot where I need the whole story to understand and talk about their summer.

sisterhood of the traveling pants part2

I am in love with “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares ! I guess it really is true that the books are better than the movie. There is so much more that happens in the book than in the movie, plus the book is way more descriptive, obviously. All of the girls have gotten a little settled into their summer spots. So far I like Bridget and Lena’s vacation. Bridget is in Baja, California for soccer camp. I love how Bridget is so confident, there is this boy Eric that Bridget likes and she is trying to get him to like her back. Eric is a coach, so he is older, and it is against the rules to have a relationship with one of the coaches. Also, the description of the environment sounds so very pretty, I want to go there now. I love the beach and ocean, and I have never been to California. Lena is in Greece to visit her Grandparents with her sister Effie. Her Grandmother, Valia, tries to set Lena up with Kostos, which everyone in the little town of Oia love him. Lena is very skeptical about the situation, because every boy to her is the same. Effie is more excited to meet Kostos than Lena is, which I think is funny because Effie is younger than Lena and has more interest than Lena. Kostos actually impresses Lena a little bit, because he really is handsome and polite. But, Lena still turns the other way and does not give him a time of day. Kostos is a sweet gentleman who keeps trying to get to know her, but Lena turns him down politely. I would so get to know Kostos if I was Lena. He just seems like the perfect guy. Anyways, Tibby and Carmens summer vacation is a bit rocky and boring so far. But I will read a little more to see if it gets better. Their stories probably will get better; I just have to wait until that one moment.

claims of the day

CLAIM 1
http://daltonstuart.blogspot.com/2011/09/close-reading-of-team-iluminate-dance.html

Team iLuminate’s performance on NBC’s Americas Got Talent the groups [jerky but elegant movements, strange and breath-taking choreography, and rapid roaming use of space].

i love the video, the song is one of my favorites. the way the movements were described showed the most description.

CLAIM 2
Catherine's use of goofy clothing, fierce jumps, and precise gracefulness express a sense of energetic and explosive dance that has a playful attitude. 

i like the adjectives used in this claim.

CLAIM 3
With a curved and fluid body, a deafening roar and clean and colorful finish and the majestic way they drive on the roads, cars today express an animated and aggressive vibrance that is all themselves.

CLAIM 4
In this video clip Corgi Stampede, the puppies running towards the camera demonstrate a brief and eager excitement,  an adorable, cute, graceful, and cuddly appearance,  a loud, repetitive sound, and a fast paced, wild, and out of control energy, which exposes a sense of sweet docility, animated enthusiasm, friendly excitement, ecstatic playfulness, joyful giddiness, and frantic silliness.
CLAIM 5In this dance from the show America's Best Dance Crew, the [crew's breath-taking yet crazy, loud and exciting choreography, fast paced music, and wide range of use of space] express [a dramatic explosion and loud abstruseness.] 

claim

ELEMENTS:
color -clean, beautiful, gleaming, light, sparkling,
texture/line - distinct, precise, graceful
environment - vast, wandering. high, colossal


CLAIM:
In this beautiful beach painting, the sparkling water to the clear gleaming sky, the vast openness of the ocean, and the author’s use of graceful, yet precise lines and textures illustrates the dreamy peacefulness the author attempts to portray.

poet of the month

I copied “A Single Smile” by Paul Eluard into my moleskine. I thought his poem we wrote in class “I said it to you” was sweet. So I read more poems he wrote.

A single smile disputes

Each star with the gathering night

A single smile for us both

And the blue of your joyful eyes

Against the mass of night

Finding its flame in my eyes

I have seen by needing to know

The deep night create the day

With no change in our appearance.

curretly 4

Current books: “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares

Pages this week: 165

Pages this semester: 643

Quotes

“These are magic pants."

"They all watched breathlessly as Bridget expertly jimmied the lock."

"Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday."

sisterhood of the traveling pants

I started “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares. I have seen the movies, but I have always heard the books are so much better than the movies. The book gives more of a description on their childhood, and how close they have been. The book starts out with a prologue, written in Carmen’s point of view. She had got the pants from a thrift store near this water store called Yes. The purchase was random, because she just bought it to just end up throwing away. I love their friendship together, it is so strong and loving. The book is pretty much about the lives of four best friends who are going to be separated during the summer, doing their own things. The four best friends try on the pair of pants Carmen bought from the thrift store. They find it strange that the pants happen to fit all of them amazingly. They are different shapes and sizes, so they come to the conclusion that they are magic pants. I just do not understand how they could fit all of the, but I guess it is just a book. Anyways, they discover that the pants all fit them a few days before they are all separating. Tibby is staying home to work at Wallman’s. Bridget is going to Baja, California for soccer camp. Lena and Effie, Lena’s younger sister, go to Greece to visit their Grandparents. Carmen goes to South Carolina to visit her Dad and his new family. They all decide to make rules about the pants; some of them are quiet funny. I wish I had a pair of pants I could share with my best friends that fit each of us amazingly. Even though I just started this book, I definitely like it much better than the movie. I am so glad I started reading this, because if I did not read this, I would probably be reading another Ellen Hopkins book. I like her writing and ideas, I just think her books are too depressing. I like to read books that make me happy, even though they can be too fairy tale ending, I like it.

crank

I finished “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, it was really good and bad. I liked the message and the emotion, but I hated the way things turned out for Kristina. In the beginning she was this bright girl who no one would think would be addicted to drugs, or even start them. Kristina went away to spend time with her Father in New Mexico, where she started with the drug. She met a boy named Adam, who calls himself Buddy. Oh, and Kristina tells people her name is Bree while she is in New Mexio. In the beginning when the author mentions Bree, I was very confused as to who she was. I guess she is Kristina’s other half. Bree is the wilder and darker version of Kristina, when she is under the influence. Kristina’s relationships with her family, friends, and boy friends fall apart. Anyways when Kristina met Adam she began getting into meth. Her personality changes when she is under the influence and with Adam. The two keep writing together when Kristina has to return home to Nevada. She soon meets Brendon who is also addicted to meth, who ends up raping her. Kristina gets her meth from a girl named Robyn. Then she meets a good guy named Chase, who does meth too. Chase is the only one she really has a relationship with, because he actually cares about her. Then she finds out she is pregnant, at first she thinks it is Chase’s, but then realizes its Brendon. The whole book is just an eye opener. I hated how her life turned out because she tried meth and got addicted, but it is a realization to people the effect of meth on a person’s life and the surrounding people. I don’t think I will be reading anymore of Ellen Hopkins books, they all end sad. I like happy endings.

current post week 3

Books Reading: “Burned” and “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins and “Keeping the Moon” by Sarah Dessen

Pages This Week: 153

Pages This Semester: 478

Quotes:

“Every atom of me missed him.” – “Burned”

“Don’t let some cute guy make you forget yourself.” – “Keeping the Moon”

“Anyway, Samuel’s all red and scrunched up and not pretty at all.” – “Burned”

I was not here Thursday and Friday, the day the current blog post was due.

The book I was reading at the time was, “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins. I started on page 1 and ended on page 460. So I had read about 153 pages that first week.

Quotes:

“He was Chateaubriand. I was hamburger.” –“Burned”

“You shine brighter than the Milky Way.” – “Burned”

I put both the quotes on the bottom on the first blog too.

On the update week two, I messed up the page numbers and quotes. I read 162 pages on the second week. So I read 315 pages this semester. I read a few pages in “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins, but most of my reading was in “Keeping the Moon” by Sarah Dessen.

Quotes:

“Cat Norman was, after all, named after Norman Norman.” – “Keeping the Moon”

“The light over the medicine cabinet WORKS, BUT ONLY SOMETIMES.” – “Keeping the Moon”

“Mayonnaise is a lot like men.” – “Keeping the Moon”

crank

Now I am starting “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, the book I originally wanted to first read. My friend gave me the book, because the school library had a waiting list and I did not have time to go to the public library. I had high hopes on this book being good, but after reading “Burned” I am not having my standards set too high on “Crank” being a happy ending book. I heard from other people that “Crank” is a good book, plus it is based on a true story. Which I think is very interesting, considering the book is about a girl who gets addicted to Crystal Meth. I have always wondered what really happens to a person, and the lives it destroys. I feel like this book has a good message to people, especially to teenagers/young adults.

finished keeping the moon



I just finished “Keeping the Moon” by Sarah Dessen. The ending was soooooo much better than “Burned”. The ending was an appropriate and mood lifting. Morgan did have a hard time with her fiancé, who ended up marrying a pregnant stripper without Morgan knowing. Morgan found out because she went to surprise visit him. That would absolutely suck, I could not imagine how she must have felt. Her friendship with Isabel went down too, because Morgan became very bitter at Isabel. Also, Morgan distanced herself from Colie. All of the friendships and relationships went through a hard time. Colie has a little thing for this boy named Josh, which hurts Norman. Isabel and Morgan push Colie to realize that Norman is a much better guy than Josh. Apparently Norman has had a not so perfect life, his Father owns car dealerships and Norman did not want to pursue what his Father wanted. Norman told his Father he wanted to go to art school, but his Father said he would not pay. Norman’s Father was really upset, because both of Norman’s older brothers worked in the dealership. Once his Father said he would not pay for his art schooling, Norman left and started on his own. When Colie and Norman get close, Norman makes a portrait of Colie for his project. Norman is very talented and everyone in the little town adores him, because he is so sweet. Anyways, the two end up together. Plus Morgan realizes she cannot keep dwelling and crying over her ex-fiancé. Morgan makes up with Isabel and Colie by dancing to the music. That was the very last scene of the story, which I thought was a perfect ending.

fnished burned

Omg, so I just finished “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins. I liked the book up until page 458, where Pattyn had to go back home. After Pattyn went home, her life went down hill. I felt so sad and angry when I finished. When Pattyn got home, her Father beat her whenever she made a small mistake. Everyone in the house was even more threatened by him. Also, her Mother had the baby boy, which was named Samuel. I felt so bad for everyone in the house; the Father was very abusive and did not care about anyone in the family, except for the new baby boy. Samuel was the first boy of the family, which the Father kept trying to have. Now there are I think seven or eight children in the house. A few weeks into school, Pattyn noticed she had not had her period in seven weeks. She then took a pregnancy test and found out that she was pregnant. She obviously kept the secret from her family, until she could decide how to act. Pattyn and Ethan would call each other durning Pattyn’s lunch at school. When Pattyn told Ethan about the baby, Carmen and Tiffany overheard. They went around and told everyone. So, obviously it got around to her Mother. Pattyn’s Mother did not tell her Father right away, instead she questioned Pattyn about the pregnancy. Anyways, Pattyn and Ethan had a plan to runaway together. Both of them were scared that Pattyn’s Father would hurt them. While they were driving away the cop lights lit up. Pattyn told Ethan to speed up, but Ethan lost control of the car while they were turning a curve in the road. Pattyn woke up in the hospital, She had lost Ethan and the baby. At first when I read that I could not believe it, I had to reread it. Pattyn had to stay in the hospital for a week, and no on in her family visited her. When she got home, her father pretty much disowned her. After the tragic event, Pattyn went crazy. She had a plan that she would kill a list of people that ruined her life. I do not know if she is really going to do it, but anything could happen.

update week 2

books: "Burned" by Ellen Hopkins and "Keeping the Moon" by Sarah Dessen

pages this week: 172

pages this semester: 632

keeping the moon, part 2

At first when Colie meets Morgan and Isabel it is a bit rocky. They get a long; it is just it is a bit awkward. Colie is the reserved type of girl; I think it is because she was insecure about her weight. Morgan and Isabel are best friends, but they are the total opposites. Morgan is the kind, nice one. Isabel is more of the tough girl. Anyways, Colie goes with her Aunt to this restaurant called Last Chance Bar and Grill, where Morgan and Isabel work. Colie ends up getting a job there. They live in a small town called Colby, North Carolina. Everyone knows everyone there. I like how this teen book is about a girl finding herself and making good friends along the way. Instead of a girl meeting a boyfriend, well at least for now that is how it is. Through the summer the girls become close and learn that they can count on each other. Colie thought Isabel was this popular cheerleader with high self-esteem back in high school. Isabel actually was not, which surprised Colie. Isabel told Colie about her life, and it sounded like Colie’s life about not fitting in. This book just shows how people are a lot different then they appear. I am going to read more of Sarah Dessen books, I love them.

keeping the moon

I am one hundred and some pages away from finishing my first book this semester, “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins. I went to the school library a few days ago to get “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, which is the book I am most excited to read. “Crank” is the first book I wanted to read, but the librarian told me that “Burned” was the first and “Crank” was second. When I got more into “Burned” I realized that the book had nothing to do with “Crank.” After I finish “Burned” I am going to read “Crank.” When I went to the section where I found the books by Ellen Hopkins, I noticed that there were no books.  I asked the librarian, and she said that they were all checked out. L So, I decided was just going to ask a friend to borrow “Crank” one day soon. I went home after school, and my mom had bought me books. Which is how I got into “Keeping the Moon” by Sarah Dessen. I read the back and I thought it would be a good book. I like normal teenage books. I feel like I can relate to them more. Also, the book was not thick; it has only two hundred and twenty-eight pages. I thought it would be an easy, fun read. In the beginning it was kind of a slow boring start, but I kept reading it because I need the pages to finish the assignment. The beginning of the story began with Colie and her mother. They were at a train station to say their goodbyes to each other. The mother wanted Colie to go to her Aunt Mira’s for the summer, because her mother did not want Colie to be alone during the summer time. A long time ago Colie use to be on the fat side, but then her mom became a famous work out trainer. Her mother was known as Kiki Sparks, for her amazing work out videos. After her mother’s fame, Colie became skinny, but apparently she still had a hard time fitting in, according to her mother. Colie is sent away to her eccentric Aunt Mira and Uncle Norman. This book is similar to “Burned,” because both characters, Colie and Pattyn, were sent away to live with a relative. In “Burned” Pattyn was sent away in the summer for being troubled, because apparently to her religious family, she was out of control. In “Keeping the Moon” Colie is sent away because her mother wants her to make the most of her summer. The reasons for sending away the daughters were totally different. Anyways, the book turned around somewhere in chapter four, where Colie meets Morgan and Isabel.

burned

I am currently reading “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins. So far I have read 460 pages out of 530 pages. I was in the Bahamas a few weeks ago, and my friend was reading “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins. I read the back of the book and wanted to read it. I figured when she was done reading it I would read it, because I had the time to. I was not able to read it before we left to go back to the states, so I just forgot about it. If it were not for this class, I probably would not have picked it up to read. I am very surprised that I actually like it, and I want to read more. The pages have a few sentences spread out on the page. I love the simple, poetic style of writing. As I started I could not relate to the main character, Pattyn. She was a Mormon who lived in a religious house full of brothers and sister. Pattyn’s father was an angry, drunken alcoholic. Her mother was in the shadow of her husband. Her life is the total opposite of mine. As I kept reading about her life, I thought how terrible that would be to grow up in her shoes. Pattyn never got to experience anything because of her religious, over dramatic parents. After sometime, she got into some trouble. Her parents sent her away to live in the middle of a desert, in Nevada with her aunt. I have a friend who had the same thing happen to her. Except my friend’s parents sent her away to an all girls boarding school in a desert in Arizona. I can kind of relate to how Pattyn must have felt, because I was going through the situation with my best friend. There was no way I could contact my friend, just how Pattyn could not reach her family and friends back at home easily. I love how the author created Pattyn’s Aunt. I wish I had an Aunt like her’s. Aunt J was so wise and full of life. Her Aunt taught her so much about the life, I felt like I learned a little bit too. Aunt J was just so positive with everything that has happened to her. Even though Pattyn’s was sent away, it was the best thing for her. She found herself, learned life lessons, and fell in love. I love the boy who Pattyn fell in love with. His personality was what a true boy friend should be. This is one of my favorite lines, because I thought it was so funny. “He was chateaubriand. I was hamburger.” Pattyn said that when she met her first boy friend, Derek. He was just an average boy she met while practice shooting, when he showed up with his friends on his quad. She was comparing herself as not being good enough for him. When forreal it should have been the other way around. Another quote I liked was “You shine brighter than the milky way.” Aunt J said that to Pattyn when she did not think was worth anything. I thought what Aunt J said was so sweet. I really like this book and I cannot wait until I finish it, I probably will finish it later tonight. Also, I cannot wait until I read the other books by Ellen Hopkins, especially the series starting with “Crank.” I have wanted to read “Crank” awhile ago, but I just never had the time. Know that I know I like her writing, I am definitely going to read the rest of her books.

favorite quotes:

“He was chateaubriand. I was hamburger.”

“You shine brighter than the milky way.”

first friday

this is cool :)