How would you like to live in a society where the word "I" is forbidden? In Anthem by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 is in this exact situation. There is absolutely no individuality, everything they do, they done as "we". The people were not allowed to choose anything for the future of their lives. They were forced into certain jobs, did not have families, and seemed completely miserable.
Equality 7-2521 was one of the very few people who dared to be different. He was smarter than the others, which is not allowed. He soon learned that he had to escape this chaotic world. He wanted to be able to be himself, and would not stop until he could.
I would recommend this book to others because Ayn Rand teaches a great lesson, how important it is to just be yourself.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
iMPULSE..
"It's called Aspen Springs, and it's the place where you go when you've reached the end."
This is how Ellen Hopkins begins to tell the story of three teenagers who are stuck at Aspen Springs, in her book Impulse. This book teaches a great lesson about teen suicide and abuse. Depressing? Yes, it is. But, there are still many valuable lessons to be learned.
The story is told in three different point of views, Vanessa, Tony, and Conner. Each of the characters have experienced some type of abuse. Whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual, the abuse has caused each of the teenagers to attempt suicide. The teens are in a psychiatric facility, Aspen Springs, where they undergo therapy so that someday they might be able to live a normal life.
The split up point of views and Ellen Hopkins's unique free verse writing style make this seemingly long book a very easy read. The verse also lets the reader see into the minds of the teens and all the trauma each has been through.
Each stay at Aspen Springs ends at level four, a survival course. Read to find out if these damaged teenagers can make it through level four, get out of Aspen Springs, and get back to their normal lives. I loved this book, and I know you will too!
This is how Ellen Hopkins begins to tell the story of three teenagers who are stuck at Aspen Springs, in her book Impulse. This book teaches a great lesson about teen suicide and abuse. Depressing? Yes, it is. But, there are still many valuable lessons to be learned.
The story is told in three different point of views, Vanessa, Tony, and Conner. Each of the characters have experienced some type of abuse. Whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual, the abuse has caused each of the teenagers to attempt suicide. The teens are in a psychiatric facility, Aspen Springs, where they undergo therapy so that someday they might be able to live a normal life.
The split up point of views and Ellen Hopkins's unique free verse writing style make this seemingly long book a very easy read. The verse also lets the reader see into the minds of the teens and all the trauma each has been through.
Each stay at Aspen Springs ends at level four, a survival course. Read to find out if these damaged teenagers can make it through level four, get out of Aspen Springs, and get back to their normal lives. I loved this book, and I know you will too!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
CALL OF THE WiLD
Jack London was the first of his kind. He was a famous writer when he was alive. His works of art we’re adored during his short lifetime of 40 years.
In The Call of the Wild, London uses Buck, a southern farm dog, to embody the struggle for freedom and the climax of life. Buck is a prideful animal that is removed from his luxurious home and taken to the Northland to serve as a sled dog.
Buck learns that to survive he must out think, out persevere, and he must be stronger than all the other dogs. The Call of the Wild shows Buck as a highly human-like animal. London’s details in the book are crystal clear.
I was constantly entwined in The Call of the Wild’s story. I suspect you will be as well.
In The Call of the Wild, London uses Buck, a southern farm dog, to embody the struggle for freedom and the climax of life. Buck is a prideful animal that is removed from his luxurious home and taken to the Northland to serve as a sled dog.
Buck learns that to survive he must out think, out persevere, and he must be stronger than all the other dogs. The Call of the Wild shows Buck as a highly human-like animal. London’s details in the book are crystal clear.
I was constantly entwined in The Call of the Wild’s story. I suspect you will be as well.
ANTiGONE
Sophocles’ tale of family disputes and decisions has endured the test of time. Antigone’s essential characters are Antigone, Ismene, and King Creon.
Creon has punished Antigone’s brother, Polynices, to rot on the streets where he fell to his brother, Eurydice. The punishment for performing funeral rites for Polynices is death, as he was declared an enemy of the state.
Antigone must choose between death and respect for family. Ismene must choose between death and helping her sister.
This book isn't the kind of book I would usually choose to read. But, it was a lot better than I expected. This short, easy read has many valuable lessons for the reader to learn, such as taking a stand for what you know is right.
Creon has punished Antigone’s brother, Polynices, to rot on the streets where he fell to his brother, Eurydice. The punishment for performing funeral rites for Polynices is death, as he was declared an enemy of the state.
Antigone must choose between death and respect for family. Ismene must choose between death and helping her sister.
This book isn't the kind of book I would usually choose to read. But, it was a lot better than I expected. This short, easy read has many valuable lessons for the reader to learn, such as taking a stand for what you know is right.
Monday, February 2, 2009
TAKiNG A STAND
Being a teenager, taking a stand is not always easy. A few weekends ago, I went to a party with one of my best friends. When we got there, everyone else had been drinking. Most of the people were so drunk they couldn't stand up straight. One phrase I heard over and over again that night was "Come on, nobody will know if ya'll drink." My friend and I just refused, and said we didn't want to.
I've always been taught not to drink, because it only leads to worse things. Eventually, my friend and I just called her grandma to come pick us up. We came home without touching a drop of alcohol. It was hard to just leave all our friends at the party, but we knew it was what we needed to do.
When you get in a tough situation that challenges what you believe in, do you simply give in, or take a stand for what you know is right?
I've always been taught not to drink, because it only leads to worse things. Eventually, my friend and I just called her grandma to come pick us up. We came home without touching a drop of alcohol. It was hard to just leave all our friends at the party, but we knew it was what we needed to do.
When you get in a tough situation that challenges what you believe in, do you simply give in, or take a stand for what you know is right?
Friday, December 19, 2008
SOPHOMORE YEAR.
After finishing my first semester of high school, I have realized that it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I thought that tenth grade would be just a replay of seventh grade....Being the youngest ones, getting lost, not knowing the teachers, leaving junior high, and starting all over just seemed so hard.
But, it's really not that bad. This first semester flew by so fast, its almost like I was walking into that big, scary maze of hallways for the first time just yesterday. High school is definitely different than junior high, but I've adjusted to it now.
The best part of high school is that most of the students are more mature now. There aren't as many pointless fights, and there's way less drama. In junior high, it seemed like people would get bored, so they would simply try to pick fights with other people...Just because they had nothing better to do. But this year, there hasn't been any of that, so everyone is getting along most of the time.
The hardest part of high school is constantly hearing about the future. I've realized how fast time flies by. It's hard to believe that in two and a half years, I will graduate and leave everything and everyone that I'm used to being surrounded by. But, hopefully that will be another start of something great...like starting high school has been.
But, it's really not that bad. This first semester flew by so fast, its almost like I was walking into that big, scary maze of hallways for the first time just yesterday. High school is definitely different than junior high, but I've adjusted to it now.
The best part of high school is that most of the students are more mature now. There aren't as many pointless fights, and there's way less drama. In junior high, it seemed like people would get bored, so they would simply try to pick fights with other people...Just because they had nothing better to do. But this year, there hasn't been any of that, so everyone is getting along most of the time.
The hardest part of high school is constantly hearing about the future. I've realized how fast time flies by. It's hard to believe that in two and a half years, I will graduate and leave everything and everyone that I'm used to being surrounded by. But, hopefully that will be another start of something great...like starting high school has been.
Friday, December 12, 2008
JULiUS CAESAR...LEADERSHiP.
In the book there are many bad examples of leaders. The bad: Cassius and Brutus.
Cassius, the "leader" of the conspirators, shows that he is merely a manipulative, devious, self - ambitious politician.
Cassius manipulates the weak-minded Brutus by convincing him to murder one of his dear friends. A true leader wouldn't manipulate other people to do his "dirty work" for him. Obviously, Cassius is not a good example of leadership.
Brutus also proved that he wasn't fit to be a leader. Brutus was gullible, weak, and naive. Nobody wants a push-over to be their leader. Brutus was such a fool that he was convinced to stab one of his best friends in the back...literally.
These are two of the worst examples of leaders in the book. Cassius was very devious..and Brutus fell hook, line, and sinker for Cassius's plan.
Cassius, the "leader" of the conspirators, shows that he is merely a manipulative, devious, self - ambitious politician.
Cassius manipulates the weak-minded Brutus by convincing him to murder one of his dear friends. A true leader wouldn't manipulate other people to do his "dirty work" for him. Obviously, Cassius is not a good example of leadership.
Brutus also proved that he wasn't fit to be a leader. Brutus was gullible, weak, and naive. Nobody wants a push-over to be their leader. Brutus was such a fool that he was convinced to stab one of his best friends in the back...literally.
These are two of the worst examples of leaders in the book. Cassius was very devious..and Brutus fell hook, line, and sinker for Cassius's plan.
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