Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind

In the story, "Out of My Mind", by Sharon M. Draper, a disabled girl named Melody faces criticisms and hardships because she is unable to communicate with the people around her. Everyone thinks she's dumb but that's not true. She's smarter than anyone in the class or maybe even at school even though nobody acknowledges her because she can even speak or walk. She has a long-lasting memory and can remember everything she has every seen before. But all these only existed in her head. No one knows that she's smart, no one even knows that she existed. Even her parents isolates her. I understand how her parents feel even though they treat Melody harshly because taking care of a disabled child is not easy.

When Melody's parents first learned that Melody was "stupid" and could not either speak or walk, they were disappointed and shock. I know a distant relative who's child has learning incapability and disability too. It takes a lot of patience and money to take care of that child. Sometimes they get really frustrated when their child doesn't understand something that they have been repeatedly trying to teach him. Melody's parents are similar. They try to do their best to take care of her but sometimes it's just too hard. She eats all over the place and rips everything she sees. Her mom especially, always had to clean up after her. I know that they try to help her overcome her obstacles but sometimes it's just a compete failure. They don't understand her and they, too, believe that Melody is just a hopeless idiot. My distant relative and Melody's parents are alike because they also cannot properly communicate with their child the right way. It also cost a lot of money for a family that's not rich. I understand how they feel because it is indeed hard to watch out for a kid who lives in a different world.

I really like this book because it clearly shows that you shouldn't judge things by the cover. No one would have ever realize that Melody was actually a genius despite the fact that she cannot communicate with people. She can remember everything that she had seen in exact detail like it has been video taped. But sometimes I feel that remembering may be painful. We people often forget only the bad things that has happened in our lives. That's how we managed to live even when we also have hard things in our life. Melody won't be able to forget. She'll always remember the smirks of her classmates, her parents hitting her, and the stares of her relatives. It's really depressing to always all the miserable events in detail.

Therefore, Melody has a life filled with hardships. No one understands her and she has to face all the tragedies all by herself. It's painful to be alone. I would highly recommend this book because it clearly explains the life of the disabled. It'll never be out of my mind.

Memories and Hope

Memories and Hope
Blog Post

Continuing the book, "In a Heartbeat," by Loretta Ellsworth, Eagan who dies after an accident, donates her heart to Amelia, who is saved because of this. The one who's now alive suddenly becomes different, liking things that she had never touched upon before. This seems like fate and that they were destined to exchange a life for the another. I feel that memory places a big part in the story. The book suggests that memory are significant and that it represents some one's personalities. Even if a person is gone forever, as long as you still remember that person, that person will still be living inside your heart. Hoping also means a lot to the author. Her life experiences are similar to the plot itself too.

Memories are important to everyone, of course. It's what make up who we are. Without it, we would be soulless ghosts that constantly forgets everything every seconds. Our decisions would be affected and we would have to continuously relearn things that we've learn ten minutes ago. We wouldn't know our names, our age, our parents, our friends. We would be nobodies. Connecting this to the story, Amelia starts to behave different then she used to be. She figured that she had obtained the characteristics of her donor as a matter of fact. Because of this, Amelia starts to experience and realize things that she never would have bothered to look at before. It's like she had went through a hidden world. Someone else's memories gave her a chance to look at things that were new to her. She develops interest for skating and even started to like purple lollipops, which was inherited by her donor. This made me believe that memory is significant for someone's growth. Even though Eagan is dead, her unique self is still there, just in another form. A part of her still lives within us, although it may just be in our memories. And if you think about it the other way, you also learn from memory because if you failed the first time, you'll know what to do the next time to do better.

I feel that the author, Loretta Ellsworth probably wrote the book in honor of her mother and nephew, who are a bit similar to Eagan and Amelia. Her mother and Amelia are alike because both have poor health although her mom did died from congestive heart failure, which was also Amelia's problem but was resolved with Eagan's heart. Her nephew and Eagan are also a bit alike because they died from an accident that costed their lives and are also both organ donors. She understand how it feels to lose a relative and feels that a part of them still lives in her memories.

And also, I think that she wrote this book to change what have happened to her mother. Instead of dying, this story brings hope to patients waiting for a new heart like Amelia. Hope is a small theme in the story because she wants to encourage patients to not give up and that miracles could happen. Stressing over something would only worsen the problem. It means the same thing as giving up.

Overall, memory and hope are essential aspects of the story impacts not only the characters in the story but also the author itself. Think about it, if you have good memories, even if the end of the world was coming, you wouldn't regret a single thing. And even if that day going to come, that doesn't mean that you have to stop hoping. Therefore, I believe that it's important to remember and to hope.

In a Heartbeat

Two Girls, One Heart
(Love at first sight?...nah, that's not even close)
Protagonists and their Perspectives

I was pretty much running out of good books to read when I spotted a copy of "In a Heartbeat", by Loretta Ellsworth, laying on the shelf helplessly trying to convince someone to read it. It's interesting at first because I've noticed that there are actually two protagonist. According to the part I'm up to right now, a girl named Eagan dreams of becoming a professional figure skater and to win the Olympics but is always fighting with her mother, who used to also skate, because of different opinions. Then one day she crashed her head on a sharp point in the ice rink and is therefore, dead. Amelia is the other protagonist who has a heart failure and is blessed with Eagan's heart in order to live a normal life. Eagan's behavior, personalities and words seem to live inside Amelia's new heart now. Based on what I'm reading now, I feel that it was the author's purpose for applying both of their perspectives in the story.

In Eagan's world, she seems to handle things too easily, causing her to not appreciate what she has that others don't have. She's always wasting time fighting with her mother and now that she's dead, it's just too late to fix the wound. She could have stayed alive if she was just a little bit less than half an inch away from the sharp point. There's nothing she can do when her heart's not even with her body, you know. Even if she's desperate to fix up their relationship, what else could she have done when her heart is beating inside a body of a stranger's? Her perspective is important in understanding that she should have done better things then to fight with someone who only wants the best for her. Time is priceless. It's like in the book "Romeo and Juliet" because people die so unexpectedly. Tybalt, then Romeo, then Juliet. Even though it was wrong for Capulet to suddenly force Juliet to marry Paris, it was understandable because life can be shorter than you think.

In Amelia's side, she seems to understand the pain of not haven't something. Because of her congestive heart failure, she is always home schooled and stays most of her life in the hospital with the tubes and pipes sticking in her body. She wishes to go on school trips and have friends who she could talk to. When she gets the chance to have a heart transplant surgery, she is overwhelmed with guilt but can't stop her happiness. It's strange that if you think about the fact that Amelia was allowed to stay alive because Eagan was dead. She has never experienced the fun of life and if you think about it, life and death is pretty much just less than half an inch away.

Both of these perspective are important to make readers think about how life could be so short and that there's no time to waste around. Eagan died so unexpectedly in an accident and Amelia, who had believed that her life would end soon, ended up have a new heart and a new life. Of course, you'll never know how something will feel unless you've experienced it before, and this was why two perspectives were given to readers in order for us to understand the best—or maybe the worse of both sides.

To be honest, so far, I'm really liking this book in which I had started yesterday. I was able to look through the minds of both of the characters that have completely different personalities and behaviors but are struggling in the battle of life and death. The two perspectives really made a big difference in the reading experiences and understanding the book better. A small mistake can cost a life and thousands of regrets and like I said before, time is priceless.

Comedy in a Minor Key

Comedy in a Minor Key
Blog Post

In the book, "Comedy in a Minor Key" by Hans Keilson, there was a couple who was nice enough to allow Nico, a Jew who had no where to go, to live in their house and stay like a hideout place. This story is not full of comedy and as a matter of fact, it holds more tragedies because afterwards, Nico ends up dying from a disease. The couple, Wim and Marie showed great bravery because of hiding a random Jew and risking their lives (possible to face consequences) because they live in a place where tit is controlled by the Nazis. I feel that the setting and time period showed great importance in the story. Without this, the whole story couldn't even take place. This story is also a bit similar to the story of Anne Frank's.

Firstly, the couple lived in a place where there were neighbors in all directions of their house. If the neighbors saw Nico, the couple could be killed for helping. I wouldn't be able to be like them and take chances to danger my life. They could not have predicted how long this mass murder with the Jews would last. It will stain their lives if they were caught doing such an "uncivilized" thing. The horrors they faced are just like the real event where Jews were quickly being eliminated. The setting is significant because it showed reality and represents the real scene. It showed how people felt during that time period. This story couldn't have occur without the Nazis occupation.

Secondly, the book is sort of similar to Anne Frank's life, although they were not arrested. She faces situations that were alike; for example, she also had to hide to escape from the Nazis persecution. Their family had to live secretly and have others to provide them with food and supplies because it would put them in jeopardy if they were to be discovered. They were arrested and brought to camp later on. Most of the people were dead from diseases. Nico was lucky that he hasn't been discovered but diseases were spreading like wild fire and he soon too, caught pneumonia.

I feel that it was generous of the Dutch couple to help someone that they hardly know because they are completely putting their lives in danger. They are just ordinary people, probably in the middle social class or lower but they still took the Jew in. They even had to help get rid of his body after his death. If I were to be in their shoes, I would probably get a broom and kick Nico out because I don't want to become a victim of the government. I won't take chances to get my family dead just to help a dude who has no blood relationship with me. It's cruel but this is reality. I guess I just can't be as courageous as them so blame Hitler.

Therefore, I believe that this story clearly shows the horrors at that time period. Many people would probably be able to relate to it. I feel that the author did a great job in describing the event with the characters. Keilson was in the Dutch resistance group during the war, which made it easier and more believable for him to write such a strong story. His experiences enriches the book and allowed the setting and characters to seem more interesting.

To Speak and Not Be Heard

Speak'ring for Thy Self
Symbolism

After a long time, I've decided to revisit the book "Speak", by Laurie Halse Anderson which is about a girl named Melanie who was isolated and disliked from others in high school. She gets raped and even the new girl Heather, ends up betraying her because she thought she was too boring to be friends with. Melanie has to draw trees for her art project for the whole semester and this makes me feel that the tree is kind of symbolic to her character. I also liked how the title has a bigger meaning then just any kind of titles. In all, these symbols are meaningful and important to Melanie.

When Melanie was first assigned to draw trees, she find it hard to believe since she think that it's too easy to do and that "anyone can draw a tree". But as the story proceeds, she discovers that a tree is not just a tree. It is like a mirror image of her. A tree does all it can to live. Drawing trees represents her feelings. They have flaws like her but will fight for the nutrients and water so that it can survive. She's like dead in her own world. She feels that she cannot change until the branches of sick trees were being cut down in her yard. It turns out that in order for the tree to survive, the damaged parts must be eliminated. This tells Melanie that she can still save herself by stepping up and speak for herself to get rid of her "damaged" parts. When she is troubled, she drew a tree that has been struck dead. The tree seems to symbolize her feelings and growth. She starts to grow out of the pain. Now that I think about it, sometimes trees are shaped to look like human features and maybe this is why Anderson chose this as the symbol. The branches stretch wide and large to show its beauty while Melanie just hides constantly in her closet. Her struggles are shown when she draws the tree.

The title "Speak" is important to Melanie because that is what she has to do. She has to speak up and prove to others that she can do just the same as others can. She has to suck up all the depressing memories and just live without any burdens from the past. She was scarred, true, because she has been raped and no body believes it, but later she found evidence to prove that it has happened. If she had not spoke up, nothing like this would have ever occurred. The final goal for her seems to be to speak up for herself.

I feel that the symbols in the story tells a lot about Melanie's personally. She is complicated and may seem strange to others even though she has a nice heart. She may have been lost, but she will surely find a way that will allow her to move on to the right track. Speaking up can be more difficult for her, but that's the only method. The trees and the title represents Melanie as a whole and her growing up. It's frustrating and truly sad when you speak and not be heard, to be annoyed and not be seen. Hiding seems to be the only thing that she could have done, but no. Speaking makes a big difference.

Protagonist: Self to Text

The Protagonist:
Self to Text Connections

I have just started to read the book, "Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City", by Kristen Miller, which started off with Ananka Fishbein discovering an underground city near her house. I infer that she has a strong personality and thinks that girls are no less than boys. She is the protagonist that controls what will happen in the story. Ananka feels that other people always looks down on her, like she's too weak to handle something serious. She takes advantage of being a girl to prove to others that she can do the same, actually more, than what boys can do. I can sort of understand why she feels this way.

First of all, I can connect with Ananka, because I also feel that people often underestimates girls for what they can do. She thinks. "No one takes you seriously? Let people believe what they want to believe, and the element of surprise will always work in your favor." She basically means that girls could surprise others by doing what they least expected. If you're poor at sports, surprise the boys by beating the "crap" out of them. "If they assume you're stupid, you'll out-think them every time." I agree with her, because guys treat girls like weaklings. They have low expectations on them. I know why she thinks this way because people tends to think that girls "couldn't possibly understand" when they say secrets in front of them. Girls should take use of this and surprise them by letting them change their perspectives on them. You can take advantage of staying invisible and collect secrets that could be used against them. I feel that Ananka's strong personality is similar to mines because of what she believes.

Second of all, she feels that girls should take use of their ability to "hide almost anywhere...disappear into any crowd." They could do more than what others could do. Boys aren't necessarily the best. For example, girls could hide in disguise. They could easily change their looks with just a brush. They could quickly hide their flaws with makeups. They could escape and hide into places that others couldn't see. I can connect with Ananka because she says that others refuse to acknowledge girls because of what they think previously. But you could also take advantage of being a girl. We should fight for ourselves and surprise them with our possible strength to change their views.

And finally, I can conclude that both of us thinks the same way. We shouldn't be considered weak just because of our ability to do things. Of course, we can take advantage of this sometimes and out-think them. We could surpass their ability if we try. There are times when people think that girls are "too sweet and innocent" to know anything. But what they don't know is that we can all hear what they say. I believe that people should not underestimate what little girls can do. In conclusion, Our thoughts are alike.

Where's the Spot for "Non-Dreamers"?

Where's the Spot for "Non-Dreamers"?
Opportunities, Goals, and a Better Tomorrow
Quote Interpretation
"There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school"

Wrapping up "Prom", by Laurie Halse Anderson, I feel that sometimes the characters may be more deeper than it looks. Ashley Hannigan as mentioned before is now forced to led the prom committee since Natalia, the original head is stuck in the wheelchair. After many days of hard work, begging, and suffering, the senior prom is finally ready. And yet, Mr. Gilroy banned her from going to the senior activities because of the mistakes she had made before. This made me referred to one of Ashley's old thought. "There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." It made me feel about how the normal people always gets the least amount of attention, which is why they are always wandering around without a goal to achieve.

Ashley is nothing more than a regular student who attends a regular high school. I think that she feels lonely, like the school had gave up hope on her because of what she used to be, even though she is already starting to change, bit by bit. I'm surprised about the massive amount of books that I've read, which are mainly about popular kids with problems. If a popular kid or a smart geek forget to do his/her homework or fails his/her test, the teachers will always comfort them with nice words and encourage them to try harder next time. On the other hand, when a kid who always gets into troubles faces the same situation, the teacher may criticize them or threaten to call their parents. They basically don't stand a chance because they aren't expected to do more than what they have been doing. I feel that it's unfair because those are the people that actually needs the most attention. Someone popular or smart in the school are able to handle their problems better than the messed-up kids but people, even adults, tend like them smart ones more and give them lots of opportunities. It feels that not everyone is treated equally, even in the modern days.

To add on, I think that Anderson also meant to tell readers about finding a goal. "Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." I feel that this is also describing myself. I seriously don't know and does not want to even think about my future. I find it difficult to write a letter to my future-self. I can connect with Ashley, because I also feel lost with the directions that I should go. As a student, my job is to learn, study, and take tests. But what happens after that? What would happen when school is all over? Will my life fade along with it? I suppose that Anderson had the intention to tell readers that you should take the opportunities there are to find a goal for yourself. You should make others pay attention to you by paying more attention to yourself first. If you want to do something, do it immediately because you'll never know when the chance will be gone. You should not waste time and think that there is always a tomorrow for you to finish up with what you had to do.

In brief, I can tell that Anderson wanted to say that you should get a "life". Every step you take to reach your goal may be difficult, because others don't pay much attention to you but as long as you work your way up, you will get what you get. Your success in the future will surely cover up the mistakes in the past. It changes everything by having something you would want to do. This does not mean that you have to be like Martin Luther King though. Just be someone who can dream and achieve.

A Cinderella Story...

A Cinderella Story...
Prom
Topic: What hard things occur in text? Whose perspective is being used?

I've been reading the book "Prom" by Laurie Halse Anderson, which is about Ashley Hannigan, a girl who declares herself as average, because it's normal for students who attend Carceras High School to get into trouble all day long. In the story, the end of school is approaching, which means that prom is coming soon. Ashley is not the type of classy, girly girl that is bothered by the dress she should wear or the guys she should go with to the prom. Well, at least not like how the other girls are. Strangely, Natalia, also know as Ashley's best friend, is the leader of the prom committee. And right at the time people had least expected it to happen, the prom money collected was stolen and it from the math teacher too. I feel that the author chose to use Ashley's perspective in the book because even though she wasn't affected by the fact that the prom may be canceled, her friends around her sure were. She was also facing hard things besides struggling to comfort her friend, who had been ignoring her ever since. In all, Ashley is having a hard time organizing her life, which is why her perspective was used.

In the book, Ashley has many difficulties to deal with, and prom is basically her least concern. For example, Natalia is too upset to talk to her. Her small house is overcrowded with four naughty kids, another one in her mom's belly, and a unusable washer taking up a large space. On top of that, she is working with a job that she hates, which requires her to serve pizza to customers while wearing a rat costume. Additionally, her library fines are climbing up to the top of her table, and the detentions that she owes to the teachers are never really served. And most annoyingly, it's her dishonest slash lazy slash horrible boyfriend that cares about nothing. Ashley has too much things to worry about to even think about prom possibly being gone forever. I feel that she should use this opportunity to reorganize her life. If she study hard and get to a good college, then she could find a suitable job for her and leave the overcrowded house. If she return or replace the books, then she wouldn't be fined anymore. If she join the prom committee, then she won't have to serve detentions. If she have no more detentions, she can actually graduate. And plus, this way, Natalia won't be mad at her for not caring anymore. The solutions are here, it just depends on Ashley to decide whether or not she should do it.

On top of that, this makes me feel that the reason Anderson chose to use Ashley's voice to explain the story is because she started to do what she normally would not do. I believe that prom have became a symbol of making impossible things in her life happen. She's different from the other girls. If we view through the eyes of Natalia, the story gets pretty lame because the plot will be changed to how she was anticipating everyday for the prom and then cried over it because there may not be enough money to run the event. Ashley's role has a wise personality, who is stubborn and has a strong-will to save the day. That's the image of a heroin. Seeing through her mind is more interesting than seeing than a prom-freak girl's because they have nothing to worry about in there lives. They are like pretty, little barbie girls who don't even know where the kitchen is. I feel that the author used Ashley's perspective to write the story because of the contrast of her personality traits with the other people's.

To wrap it up, Ashley is facing an ongoing series of troubles that does not seems to have an end. Hard things are hitting her whenever she least expects it. She's different from the other cheesy friends, which made her perspective special. I think that prom is a symbol of hope, and how you can make anything possible, because it was difficult to have the event with the low amount of money available but by the end, Ashley and the others came to put something great together. She is like Cinderella making the transition from being imperfect to perfect in order to go to the ballroom party. Her mean sister's perspective weren't used, because they do nothing more than be mean to someone who doesn't deserves it at all. In all, her obstacles differed from other people, which was why her viewpoint was used in the story.