Dear Reading Response, Week 2

8/31/2012

THIS IS WEEK 2, WEEK OF SEPT. 4TH

Choose a quote from your D.E.A.R. reading this week. Cite the direct quote below. Include the title of the book you're reading, the author and the page number where the selected quote is located.

1. Briefly summarize the quote in your own words
2. Explore the quote's meaning (your interpretation)
3. State why you think the quote matters to the whole of the story (the implications).

After you have posted, respond to one other person's entry.

The person you respond to does NOT have to be in your same class period or your same grade. Your initial post is due each Wednesday. Your response is due by Friday.

Do NOT WRITE, "I AGREE" TO SOMEONE ELSE. You may write, "Your post made me consider ____," "Your post reminded me of this other _____ I read and how _____," etc.

You must write your first name and last initial and class period each time you post. Example: Shelia S, period 1. You must also use academic language. Absolutely NO texting abbreviations.

SEE MODEL POST BELOW!

Gregory Boyle, in TATTOOS ON THE HEART, wrote, "You stand with the belligerent, the surly, and the badly behaved until bad behavior is recognized for the language it is: the vocabulary of the deeply wounded and of those whose burdens are more than they can bear" (2010, p. 179). (This is cited in APA format.)

Say:

This says that bad behavior is a way of communicating one's pain and that standing with the badly behaved is necessary until the pain is revealed and understood.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when people act out and misbehave that they are doing so because they are in tremendous pain. Either they've been neglected and their own needs are not being met, or they have been abused or hurt in some way, or perhaps they've suffered a loss that is too big for them to bear. Instead of using their words about how much pain they're in, they act out by doing things that are inappropriate and often illegal (This is a book about gangs.)

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers an explanation for bad behavior and challenges us to see beyond the behavior to the heart of the matter. If we can do that, then we may feel more empathy, and as a result, be able to stick it out with those who are acting badly rather than quickly dismiss, judge and abandon them.

Yesenia M. Period 1

9/4/2012 10:05:38 am

Anne Schraff, in A BOY CALLED TWISTER, wrote, "We've got to work together, not against each other if we're going to be any good." (Page 67)

Say: What other explanation does this quote need.? It says it all. If we don't work together what good is it.

Mean: What i think this means, we as human beings are capable of doing anything but if we work together we can do an even better job. For example this world would be a better place if each and everyone of us tried to make a change and work together as a family.

Matter: This matters because it not only relates to life but as well as sports and what not. This helps us to work together, to have sportsmanship, etc. It matters because it can help us become a better person.

Tara K.

9/4/2012 01:31:28 pm

I found this quote very meaningful. This quote basically sums up the whole meaning of teamwork. We have to cooperate and not bring each other down achieve things that wouldn't be possible otherwise.

Erin T., Period 2

9/4/2012 04:33:23 pm

I find this quote very true. Through my experiences of playing basketball since I was a little girl, I always realized that my team only played good when we worked together. Nobody can be selfish and bring others down, for this will only lead to a negative outcome.

Fnu L.,Period 1

9/5/2012 08:25:21 am

This quote is the most realistic one. We could implies this quote to our daily living. We have to work together or we would not get every single thing done. We, humans could never get everything done by ourselves. Working together is what has to happen through our whole life in order to survive.

Tara D., Per.5

9/5/2012 12:50:13 pm

This quote seems like it is from a very interesting book. There's a saying that there is strength in numbers. It also connects to your quote because one can do good but together can do better. This is also kind of like teamwork because a team wont win if they dont have team work.

Evy Z, Per 6

9/5/2012 02:40:41 pm

I strongly agree with this quote sometimes people are too competitive. Competition is a good motivation but when your on the same team you've got to work with the best to to be the best.

An. Huang, Period 5

9/7/2012 02:54:04 pm

As you said, this quote says it all. The quote could apply to life such as sportsmanship, or sometimes a dilemma. It could also help if this quote apply to each country; for example, if two countries were to work together instead of fighting, it could benefit the two countries more.

Lika M. period 5

9/8/2012 07:49:53 am

I found this quote very meaningful! We have to work together in order to get things accomplished. We might sometimes have to look past the fact that we might dislike people that we were put with, but in the end we still have to be able to work together. This can be relatible to many situations in life! I like this quote! It pretty much says that "There are no 'I's' in TEAMWORK."

Kimble Yuan, Period 1

9/17/2012 12:40:32 pm

Everybody will have to try their best. You will have to catch up with somebody. People can be very smart at a lot of the subjects that are in school. You really have to keep on going.

alvin O. period 5

9/18/2012 05:58:40 am

i agree with this quote because i feel that society would be better off without all the conflicts and that we can only bring prosperity if we all work together

Cynthia H., Period 1

9/4/2012 10:53:39 am

Anna Godbersen in THE LUXE wrote, "Diana was not the sort of girl who wore powders or rouge. She liked her emotion to play themselves out on her skin, and she could not now hide, even in her remote corner of the room, how ridiculous she thought this all was. She had been dying for something to do with her afternoon - nay, her life - and now she was blessed with the saintly shroud of poverty, maybe she would be able to find it. The rest of her family was blockheadedly acting as though everything were the same, as though they were still rich as anybody who might stop by, but Diana's mind was already busy with the possibilities" (2007, p. 96)

Say:
This quote is saying that Diana loves just being herself and acting as herself rather than hiding behind the make-up or the different personas that her family members have. She wants to live her life as it plays out in front of her. Diana wants to deal with the cards that she gets.

Mean:
My interpretation of her feeling is that, she should have the right to express her feelings. Diana should not have to be held back because of her status as a Holland family descendant. The other members in her family, whether it be her mother or sister, they all live behind a mask. The fact that they are not well (money wise), they pretend they are, even though they are not anymore. Diana just deals with the cards that she is dealt with. It does not matter to her if she is well off or not. It only matters to her is that she gets to live our her life.

Matter:

This matters because nearly everyone in their lifetime has pretended to be something that they are not. They hide behind their shadows and cover it up. They are not willing to step into the sunlight and enjoy the light. They are more than willing to stay in the shadows that they find comforting rather than taking a chance to shine and be different. Being something that they really are not what people want them to be.

Mikar C., Period 1

9/5/2012 07:19:42 am

Your post made me consider how life works today. Of course, we've all pretended to be something that we're not! We've all acted like everything was okay when it wasn't, but sometimes it's okay to keep a secret or two. The rest of the world doesn't have to know what really happened. If you would rather have no one else find out, then it's alright to keep it to yourself.

Thuc T., Period 6

9/5/2012 10:04:50 am

Diana is a courageous girl because she lives life with her head high and it's something we should do. I heard stories similar to what you wrote about people pretending to be something else that they are not just because they feel ashamed of who they are. To me, as long as you don't kill, rob or what so ever, there is no need to create a mask to cover your true self.

Tara K.

9/4/2012 01:26:33 pm

Lauren Oliver, in BEFORE I FALL, wrote, "I know what it's like to be on the other side. i was there for the first half of my life. the bottom of the bottom, the lowest of the low. I know what it's like to have to squabble and pick and fight over the leftovers. So now I have first pick of everything. So what. that's the way it is. Nobody said life was fair." (2010, p. 18)

Say:

This quote is what the main character, Samantha Kingston, says about popularity. She used to be one of the most unpopular girls back in elementary school but then she became one of the most popular girls in 8th grade. Ever since then, she has ruled the school with her friends. However, her stint with unpopularity hasn't made her sympathetic to those who are unpopular. In fact, she just acts like she was entitled to be this popular.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that popularity is a fickle thing as illustrated by the following quote. Samantha used to be this unpopular girl but one day she just becomes popular after being befriended by Lindsay. This quote also basically says that people who gain higher status in life (popularity, money, etc.) don't sympathize with others in the same position.

Matter:

This passage matters because it raises questions of popularity, luck, and the unfairness of life in mind. It's a fine example of how much a person can change. It also brings hope to people who wish their life would change for the better. After all, Samantha used to be unpopular. And life is unfair. Who says it can't be unfair in your favor?

Tara K.

9/4/2012 01:27:01 pm

Period 6!

Jessica L. Period 6

9/4/2012 02:42:59 pm

I like the premise of this quote. "'Nobody said life was fair.'" This applies to everyday life and is a saying that is repeated often. Furthermore, the situation in this passage is a very common one. It happens a lot in novels and movies, and in real life as well.

Bobbi G.,Period 2

9/5/2012 01:22:14 pm

I really like the part where it said "nobody said life was fair" because that saying is so true.We all have our ups and downs in life and some more than others.This quote made me consider how others feel and what position some are in.Another point is that we can not all have what we want in life it simply doesn't work out like that.

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

9/5/2012 05:53:11 pm

Your post really made me consider the truth of life. In real life, people struggle and try to overcome difficulties in order to achieve their goals. In fact, efforts do not always equal to the results which people are expecting. However, life is fair in the fact that it is never fair to anyone. Therefore, people should never believe that they can be successful without even trying to reach their goals.

Cally M, Period 5

9/7/2012 05:50:23 pm

I agree with your comments and opinion on this quote. Life isn't always fair and sometimes people don't even appreciate their luck. Having something go in your favor just may be the opposite situation for another person. People need to have compassion even if they're not under the same circumstances as someone else, especially if they've experienced the same issues in the past.

Isabella G. Per.2

9/8/2012 07:01:16 am

The part that says "nobody said it was fair," I can relate. Life is never fair, there are always problems or bumps in the road for everyone. It may be hard to overcome them, but it only makes you and your family stronger.

Jessica L. period 6

9/4/2012 02:39:05 pm

"Upbraiding Elva had been an unusual experience for Eragon. He remembered when Brom and Garrow had chastised him for making mistakes, and to now find himself the one doing the chastising left him feeling...different...more mature (2008 p. 338)

Say: Eragon realizes that he is growing up and becoming more mature after he successfully berates Elva Farseer for her petty actions. Not only did he discover something new about himself, but he also taught Elva something important.

Mean: Eragon is growing up. At the beginning of the series, he was a young teenager that had little care in the world beyond his family. Now, as an important leader in the war, many look up to him. To find himself in the position to chastise a child had put his own self-image in a new perspective. Furthermore, he understands Brom's and Garrow's actions now and no longer disregards chastising as unfairness at work.

Matter: This quote is important to the novel and character development. It clearly indicates that Eragon is evolving and further developing as a character. Furthermore, the common act of chastising a child makes it easier for the reader to connect with the character, which in turn makes the novel more interesting.

Jacqueline (Jackie) T. Per. 2

9/4/2012 02:59:11 pm

Stephanie Nelson, in CRAVED, wrote, "If my life were a movie, Micah would have chosen me over his duties. Sadly, my life was not a movie." (2011, p. 88)

Say:

This quote is what Gwen, the main character, says about her life. She was reflecting back on what her life would have been if it was like a movie. She would've still been with Micah because he wouldn't have chosen his duties over their relationship. She constantly thought about what could have been before she realized that this was reality and not a movie and that Micah was more into his duties than to her.

Mean:

My interpretation of this quote is that life is never like the movies. No matter how hard people wish for the happy fairytale endings, it usually doesn't happen. People want to believe that they will always be number one in another person's lives, but that isn't usually the case. This quote basicallt describes what most girls would say about their life and how it isn't like the movies.

Matter:

This passage matters because it discusses what most girls would wish their life would resemble. It's a great example of how many women wish that their spouses or partners would be willing to drop everything for them, always putting them first above anythign else. It gives women a chance to hope for the possibility of getting the happily ever after, like in the movies.

Lesley T, Period 2

9/5/2012 10:11:47 am

Your post reminded me of the many Nicholas Sparks books that I have read. I honestly wish my life was a fairytale but sadly nothing is that perfect. I like what you said about how girls would like to say that their lives are like the movies but the can't because thats exactly how I fell sometimes.

Tara D., Per. 5

9/5/2012 12:58:58 pm

Your post reminds me of Miley Cyrus' song "if we were a movie." Oh how I wish my life was like a movie especially at the end when you get the guy but sadly it can never be like it. It is also a good thing though because unlike a movie, life has its fun challenges we have to face.

Chelsea A., Period 1

9/5/2012 01:40:31 pm

Your post most definitely reminds of people's expectations in today's world. I agree how people base life off of movies and fairy tales. A lot of people need a reality check and understand that life is hard and they do not understand what is really out there. Also that a majority of the people in this world work hard for what they have.

Isabella Period 2

9/4/2012 03:58:02 pm

Luis Rodriguez, in ALWAYS RUNNING,wrote, " But it seems like we're paying for everyone else's mistakes too. Sometimes we pay even when there's been no mistake. Just for being who we are, you know what I mean? Just for being Mexican. That's all the wrong I have to do."

Say: Luis is saying that the police harasses the Mexican community just because they feel like it, or have the want to let out some frustration. He is explaining that he doesn't have to do anything wrong to get beat up by the police, he just has to be himself.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that the police just assumed that if you were Mexican, looked Mexican, or just lived in the "barrio," you were up to no good. Police officers would beat up on the minority because they knew if anyone ever reported this no one would believe them. This is during a time where different races were not respected, any minority, would be brought down by the "white man."

Matter: This quote matters because we have a one on one quote from someone who lived during a racial time, who is explaining how he would get harassed just because of what he looked like. He is expressing his frustration with how the community would work in such an unfair manner. He is tired of being "brought down."

Jackie T. Per 2

9/4/2012 04:42:34 pm

I thought that this quote still relates to what is going on today. There is always the issue of discrimination among the police forces being discussed today, whether its against African Americans or Mexicans or other minorities in society.

Yesenia M. Period 1

9/5/2012 01:14:35 pm

I find this quote meaningful because my parents are illegal immigrants and it's hard because they struggle so much. They came here for a better life not only for them but as well as us, their kids. It's hard seeing people like them who come here to the United Sates just for a better life get treated like criminals. I love this quote!

Erin T., Period 2

9/4/2012 04:22:05 pm

Anne Lamott, in CROOKED LITTLE HEART, wrote, "They had not spoken by phone or mail since the Thackerys moved, and Elizabeth felt sometimes, when Rosie froze up with derision and judgement, that she was secretly armoring herself against any more hurt, any more lost friends, any more lost dads. Rosie sometimes seemed to believe that if she didn't cause the lost connection, it would be done to her anyways, and so if anything more was going to be snatched away, she herself would do the snatching" (1997, p. 13).

say: This quote is saying that Rosie is afraid of getting hurt by anyone else, since she has already lost her best friend and her dad. She does not think that her body and heart are strong enough to deal with any more pain caused by somebody else. Instead of letting other people hurt her, Rosie would rather do the hurting to herself since she believes future pain is inevitable.

mean: This passage means that one will always experience hardships and pain at some point in their life, and most of the time this pain is due to losing people who matter the most to them. Rosie is currently at a vulnerable state in her life because she didn't lose just one loved one, but she lost two. She is scared of getting hurt by anyone else, so she would rather hurt herself before anybody else can do the hurting.

matter: I think this quote matters because a lot of people are afraid of getting hurt. Instead of letting others hurt them, they would rather live in fear and vulnerability because they believe they will experience pain either way. However, I believe that people should't fear pain, because along with the pain, comes happiness. If one distances himself/herself from everybody else, they will never be able to find a true state of happiness.

Alan V Period 2

9/6/2012 10:45:36 am

This quote is very relatable to many people today. Many people are afraid to use their vulnerability as their strength and do not open themselves up to others. They do not liberate themselves, causing them pain and suffering on the inside. We all need to be confident and open ourselves up to other. Just because we have been hurt at some point in our lives, does not mean it will happen again. We need to learn from our mistakes and keep on growing.

Mikar C., Period 1

9/5/2012 07:07:39 am

Gail Carson Levine in "ELLA ENCHANTED" wrote, "He demanded to know why you needed to be finished since there was nothing wrong with you to start with (1997, pg. 69)."

Say: Prince Char is aggravated because Ella got sent to finish school when there is nothing wrong with her. He didn't see a reason for her to change how she acts or the way she dresses.

Mean: This means that one is changing themselves to please others. They are too worried about what someone else thinks rather than being themselves. One is altering how they look and how they act to satisfy others, but really at the end of the day, what really matters is how that person feels about themselves and whether they're happy being themselves.

Matter: This quote matters because lots of people these days are transforming themselves into a whole different person just so other people will like them. It's okay to change yourself if you're not satisfied with what you have, but altering yourself into something totally different to befriend others? This is kind of the idea about sense of belonging, trying to fit in with a group of people. However, even if you wish to fit in with others, is changing yourself really what you want?

Cynthia C., Per. 1

9/5/2012 10:54:08 am

I agree with your interpretation of the quote you chose. It is true people these days are transforming into someone else and burying their true self. People are afraid others won't accept them for who they are but that's not true. This is a big world and just because the people you know may not like who you are, it doesn't mean that other people in this world would feel the same as them. Every individual is unique in their own way.

Fnu L.,Period 1

9/5/2012 08:06:20 am

Waverly Jong in "The Joy Luck Club" wrote,"But after I got well, I discovered that,really, my mother had changed. She no longer hovered over me as I practiced difference chess game. She did not polish my trophies every day. She did not cut out the small newspaper item that mentioned my name. It was as if she had erected an invisible wall and I was secretly groping each day to see how high and how wide it was."

Say:She is saying that her mom is giving up on her talent already. She no longer being praised or concerned of her actions anymore. She is feeling awkward toward her mother because of that. Their relationship had cause the building of the wall between them and eventually lead to the tension between the daughter and mother.

Mean:This means that a mother is still a human and not a robot therefore we need to concern about their feeling too. Somehow this quote represents how sometimes we the children always misbehave our mother and we later regret this. The author regrets the actions she did toward her mother. She never thought that anything could turn out that way. We the reader should understand that regret always comes in the end. To prevent being regretful, we need to not do anything we will later cry about.

Matter: This matter because we need to understand the importance of parents. Sometimes, I admitted they might be a bit annoying and irritated but they still love us more than anyone. We have to acknowledge this love and appreciate it. Because when this all gone, we will never be able to go back.

Joanne W.,Period 6

9/6/2012 02:09:18 pm

I had read this book before and this scene does agitate me a bit.I mean this littel girl should thank her mom for being so concern about her. But instead she told her that she annoyed her.and later after she had a daughter she would truly understand a feeling of a mother.not just that,but also a feeling of a human being.

Joanne W., Period 6

9/5/2012 08:23:23 am

Lisa Klein, in LADY MACBETH'S DAUGHTERS, wrote "Now sink little boat; no more shall you float." (2010, p.19)

Say:
Lisa Klein is telling us that whenever we have received things, we should appreciate it. No matter how small or big it is. Thus, if we are not acknowledge of the value of that particular thing, we would regret in the end that we had lose it.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that the author wants everyone to value anything from the deepest of their heart and not out of the value. It will only devastated others feelings to do so. Some people just can't think this way. If everyone in the world thinks this way, then this world will be filled with peace, love and joy instead of sorrow, pain and drama.

Matter:
In this book, a queen named Grelach who gave birth to a baby girl was asked to kick the baby out of the kingdom because according to the king, girl isn't worth to be kept. This matters because this quote has a very strong connection to this scene. I want to tell the readers that no matter the baby is a girl or a boy, they are the same what separated them are gender.

Janssen F., period 1

9/5/2012 10:53:03 am

I agree with what you said about appreciating everything that we receive. I believe that we are given more than what we need and everything else is just like a bonus. We don't need these necessities but we have them so we should stop complaining and start being content. Instead of thinking of all the things that we want to have, we should be thinking of all the things we have and be thankful for them. Others almost always have it worse than we do.

Pinwen Coco Leng, period 1

9/9/2012 01:35:57 pm

This quote made me realized how we need to appreciate things.Being a human, we had never been satisfied with what we have.We always try more when we already have more than enough. We never know how many people around us don't even have enough to survive each day. We had been really spoiled by the society and other and yet we never value it as a good judgement.This quote really does make me feel ashamed on how i usually judge things.

Tom Huang, Period 6

9/5/2012 09:21:21 am

Christopher Paolini, in ELDEST, wrote, "'My father...' She faltered briefly. 'My father's work will not go unfinished even if it takes me to the grave. That is what I want you, as a Rider, to understand. All of Ajihad's plans, all his strategies and goals, they are mine now. I will not fail him by being weak. The Empire will be brought down, Galbatorix will be dethroned, and the rightful government will be raised.'"

Say:
This quote is saying the character, Nasuada, will continue on her father's ambitions. She will be determined and do whatever is necessary in order to bring down the Empire, her father's goal. It is also saying that as Ajihad's daughter she will not let his death be the reason his work goes unfinished and decides to continue on his work.

Mean:
This quote means that many children tend to follow in their father's footsteps. Whenever the father is unable to work anymore, their children takes on their father's work and continues on with it. It also means that we are more determined when we have a motive, such as completely your father's work, to complete a task. By doing so, children complete their father's work and are able to feel happy for completing one last thing for their father.

Matter:
In the book, Nasuada, Ajihad's daughter, must continue Ajihad's passion or the Varden may fall from power. Without the Varden the whole continent would be controlled, uncontested, by Galbatorix. By proclaiming that you will continue your father's dreams and bring Galbatorix down, you put faith into the characters of the book to trust you as the heir to the throne.

Mark C. Period 6

9/7/2012 03:15:04 pm

I agree with your analysis, but i think that it is more realistic when one says that people are more motivated to succeed and surpass what their parents have done instead of saying that people are motivated to do their parents one last thing.

Mark C. Period 6

9/7/2012 03:15:16 pm

I agree with your analysis, but i think that it is more realistic that people would feel more motivated to try to surpass what his parent had done instead of trying to do a last thing for their parent.

William L., Period 6

9/5/2012 09:23:24 am

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, "Yura felt good with his uncle. He resembled his mother. He was a free spirit, as she had been, with no prejudice against anything inhabitual. Like her, he had an aristocratic feeling of equality with all that lived. He understood everything at first glance, just as she had, and was able to express his thoughts in the form in which they came to him at the first moment, while they were alive and had not lost their meaning" (1957, p. 8).

Say: In this quote, Yura is describing his uncle's personality and perspectives of life, which were quite similar to those of Yura's mother.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that people are both unique and alike in many ways. People may be different based on their outward features, preferences, etc., but many people can also be similar by sharing the same religion/culture, judgments, etc. Although Yura's mother and uncle differed greatly in appearance, both individuals viewed everything equally and were able to express their true feelings/thoughts without any hesitation.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows how individuals are similar, while others are dissimilar. There is no flaw in sharing something in common with people, nor is it any different to not have anything in common. In Doctor Zhivago, when Yura's mother died from illness, Yura actually benefited from the similarities between his uncle and mother because he could now perceive his uncle as a parental figure.

Kenny V. Period 6

9/7/2012 04:12:02 pm

I agree, individuals are not flawed by things they inherit, Yura does benefit from being similar to those who brought him up although he went through a lot of bad times. Usually we think of people who are orphaned when they are little are destined to be crooked but in this case, Yura grows up to be very righteous and has a strong moral compass.

Thuc T. , Period 6

9/5/2012 09:54:22 am

Philippa Gregory in THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL wrote, “ “My husband, you have caused me days and nights of them.” Queen Katherine said, smiling. “But as long as you are well and happy, and as long as you come home at the end of it all, why should I complain?” “ (2001, page 52,53)

Say:
This quote says that Queen Katherine tell s her husband, King Henry VIII, that he causes her distress all the time but she does not mind. She only cares for his well being and happiness. As long as he comes back to her at the end of the day then she is happy.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that Queen Katherine is trying to sooth her husband who is in a melancholy. It is a sweet thought that is very well said from a wife. However, the implied meaning in the last sentence is that he can have as many mistresses as he wants but as long as he comes back to her, that is all that matters.

Matter:
This quote shows the loving and forgiving virtues of a woman, the virtues that continue to represent women till this day. Men like King Henry VIII are just too selfish, caring only about their lust and desire, and despite the altruistic love from their wives. And yet in the 21st century when men and women are equal, there are still men who think they have the superior power to do what they consider to be ‘’normal’’ just because they are men. Only if they stop for a moment to think about how much it will hurt their wifes and families, only if they really care, then there will not be any tear, broken heart, or family that is torn apart.

Lesley T, Period 2

9/5/2012 10:07:31 am

I really enjoyed your "mean" portion. I liked how you described to Queen as trying to soothe her husband and how you talked about the underlying meaning of the last sentence. I think that the Queen may be faithful but I don't think that the King deserves her.

lina h., period 6

9/6/2012 01:06:41 am

Your post made me consider that I should read your book. Even though you told me it was a hard book to read, it seems interesting. It is a sad thing for those women to be misstresses for him, i like your "matter" portion too

Lesley T, Period 2

9/5/2012 10:04:23 am

E L James, in FIFTY SHADES DARKER, wrote, "He stops and runs his hand through his hair. "We have to walk before we can run." Suddenly he smirks." (2011, p. 229).

Say:
This says that before one can run, he/she must first learn to walk. In other words, you can't get ahead of yourself but instead take bay steps towards your goal.

Mean:
The book that this quote was taken from is a love story. A man named Christian Grey who is not used to any type of love or affection begins to fall in love with Anastasia Steele, a girl who wants him to love her more than anything. This being the context in which this quote is used, I believe that Christian is trying to tell Anastasia to give him time. Love is not an emotion Christian is used to so I think this means he wants her to be patient with him.

Matter:
I think that this quote can not only apply to the situation portrayed in the book but can also be used to describe real world situations. In everything that we do, we strive to do well but in order to get there, there are many things we must go through. The steps we need to take to reach our goal are all part of our journey and not something we can simply skip. I think that if anyone wants to reach a goal, this quote can be used to describe their journey.

Cassidy A. Period 1

9/6/2012 02:42:32 pm

I also think this quote is very true to life. Often times, we try to do things that we cannot do yet. Like in the quote we try to run before we can walk. But we should slow down and take the time to let things develop the way they are supposed too.

George M. Period 2

9/6/2012 02:47:52 pm

I agree with this quote, that sometimes people think they can just achieve something without practice or understanding. For someone to become successful they must learn and they will progress.

Alex D. Period 5

9/7/2012 04:16:59 pm

I can relate to this quote because i like to get hurry and quicken things up getting ahead of myself and then screw up. People like me should learn to slow down and learn the first steps before going to the conclusion first. We should first learn to walk, then learn to run meaning we should slow things down and in time, success will come.

Brandon Yip Period 5

9/5/2012 10:14:53 am

Teddy, in SHUTTER ISLAND, wrote, "Mr. McPherson, we are duly appointed federal marshals. We are required by the government order to carry our firearms at all times" (2003, p.29).

Say: Teddy is saying that since the situation is very dangerous and risky he had to carry a weapon or firearm all times during his investigation in Shutter Island.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that the task Teddy is going into is going to be extremely dangerous and you must be cautious to everyone he talks to and each step he makes.

Matter: This quote matters because it can be connected to real life in some ways. For example the Marines and the Army get in to situations like this almost everyday during combat.

Robert Carrasco, Period 5

9/5/2012 10:22:15 am

David Klein, in ROOKIE the world of the NBA, wrote, "But when you play somebody that big, you can usually count on them not being real quick or agile. Big, sure, and hard to move, and harder to go around, but not like a cat. Not like a forward."

Say: David Klein is describing the basketball hall of fame Lew Alcindor because, he was very tall at a really young age. He's explaining about being tall can be hard and tough

Mean: This quote means that being tall is a challenge because, it's hard to run because, of being very big and sometimes tall people are mad fun of because, there's things they can and can't do.

Matter: This quote matters because, yes being tall can be a challenge but, there are good things about being tall. For example if you want to become a basketball player you have to be tall or an average size. Being tall can be tough because, your so tall and big that running is going to be tough and life will too because, some people might be scared because, your so big and tall.

Elaine T., Period 2

9/5/2012 10:42:10 am

I really like this quote because I feel like it is trying to say that although people may look tall and tough, they also have weaknesses. Everybody has advantages and disadvantages with the physical or even characteristics that they are born with. People need to learn to appreciate what they are given and try to make the best out it.

Brandon Yip, Period 5

9/6/2012 10:08:00 am

Your quote does remind me how tough it is for other NBA players to play basketball even when they have height as their advantage. This shows how everyone has some disadvantages even with their physical appearance. That way everybody should try to get over their disadvantage.

Eric lo, Period 5

9/18/2012 05:50:55 am

I feel that this quote means that you can't judge a person from just there looks. You can only judge someone once you really know them because people are like cupcakes the outside is hard but the inside is soft and different from what they really show you.

Brilliant H Period 2

9/5/2012 10:29:35 am

Andrew Tobias, in THE ONLY INVESTMENT GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED, wrote, "Most people need to do better for themselves - and can" (2001, p 39).

Say: In this quote, Tobias was talking about the United State's consumers' inability to save their disposable income. He gave the shocking statistic that when he first published this book in the 1970's, personal savings as a percentage of disposable income in the United States was 9%. In the 1990's, the percentage was less than half of 9%. He urges others to save and thus, do better for themselves.

Mean: This quote means that the citizens of the United States, on average, waste money on unnecessary items. Many lose money on splurges or by failing to see savings in their spendings. A lot of people don't realize the benefits in using energy efficient light bulbs, clipping coupons, or signing up for credit cards that give percent backs or flyer miles. Many feel that taking these little extra steps are too bothersome, but Tobias proves these people wrong by calculating the thousands of dollars people would save by these small steps.

Matter: This quote matters because it really shows how wasteful people can be. People assume that investing money automatically translates to stock, bonds, retirement accounts. Investing money could also mean buying a fuel efficient car, which will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. It's not about the possible profit you can make from investing your money in stocks, but the certain savings you'll gain from smart life choices.

Elaine T., Period 2

9/5/2012 10:32:42 am

Sarah Weeks, in So B. It, wrote “He didn’t say or do anything more after that, but it was enough that he stayed. When Bernie was able to sit up and drink some water, he left, closing the door quietly behind him. I’d spent hours with Zander, listening to him tell stories out on the stoop, but until that day I hadn’t really known him. Then, just like with the first pack of Twinkies he’d given me, without my asking, everything changed. He would never be fat, or dim-witted, in my eyes again. I was only just beginning to see how powerful the truth could be.

SAY:

Zander, short for Alexander, came to help Heidi carry her neighbor, Bernadette, after she had fainted. Heidi wanted Bernadette to face her fears of going outdoors, but as soon as Bernadette stepped out of her house, she fainted. Zander came to Heidi to help drag Bernadette into her house. This action of Zander made Heidi see him in a different light. Heidi became more appreciative towards him.

MEAN:

My interpretation of this passage is that you should never judge a person until you really get to know them. Heidi judged Zander based on his outer appearance and the way he talked. She never really got to know his really personality. Zander is seen as chubby and he loved to tell lies through the stories he told. Heidi just saw Zander as a kid who lied and was fat, but after that incident with Bernadette, Heidi‘s opinion of Zander completely changed. She saw him as considerate and caring because he came to rescue Bernadette immediately after Heidi came to him crying.

MATTER:

This matters because many people in society judge people based on their outer appearance. Lots of times, people’s outer appearance is just a façade and their true personality may be completely opposite of what they show. Usually people put up a different outer appearance because they have insecurities about themselves or have personal troubles. This is why it is important to get to really know a person’s true and genuine personality before you judge them. That is why you should never judge a book by its cover.

Judy, L., Period 1

9/5/2012 10:52:55 am

Your post reminds me of how people used to say that “don’t judge the book by its cover.” People tend to use this quote to tell others not to criticize someone just based on their appearances. Sometimes, it is the inside that is worthier and it is the action that matters more. Yet many could not put this quote into action. Overtime, I rethink about this quote and found out that sometimes the first appearance is very important, depending on occasions. For example, during the interview, the judges would not wait to get know you. Your first appearance literally shows who you are. Therefore, it is not totally wrong to judge others just because of how they look. But if you really want to know about particular individuals, talk to them and maybe they will become your best friends.

Judy L., Period 1

9/5/2012 10:40:10 am

Markus Zusak, in THE BOOK THIEF, wrote, “For me, the sky was the color of Jews.” (2005, p. 212)

SAY:
This quote says that Death normally sees colors like black, white, etc… But, during these times, there were so many Jews being killed that they overshadow the other colors as Death takes them across the sky.

MEAN:
My interpretation of this quote is that it is to emphasize the number of Jewish people dying during the Holocaust, in Germany, and other locations in Europe. Black, white, blue, and other colors that Death usually sees represent the colors of nature like the sky or the earth. Yet Death’s saying that the color he sees of the sky was of Jews shows that the number of Jewish people dying covered the whole sky like a blanket. Six millions lives perished during the Holocaust. Even Death could see the morality behind this tragedy, yet those who were alive during that time could not.

MATTER:
This quote matters because it shows that even Death has some human sympathies for the dying Jewish people in the Holocaust. As THE BOOK THIEF’s narrator, Death keeps us constantly focused on mortality. He exists because people died and feels because the number of deaths was so great. From his perspective, we know that the novel is a tragic story. In addition, we also know that death does not have to be feared because, like most of us, Death has human characteristics and it is reluctant to do “its job.”

Cynthia C., Period 1

9/5/2012 10:48:29 am

Madeleine L’ Engle, in A Wrinkle in Time, wrote, “Experience is the mother of knowledge.” (1962, p. 75)

Say:
This quote means that lessons can be understood better by experience. Being involved in something makes it more memorable than being taught by words. Some people wont learn their lesson not until something happens to them then they’ll realize and understand the lesson taught.

Mean:
I think this quote says it all that experience is the best way to learn things. Experiences can harm you but they teach you a lesson so you won’t make the same mistakes again. When most of us hear things that are supposed to be teaching us something, the words will most likely slip out the other ear. If the words slip out the other ear, they can’t have much of an impact on you so nothing was learned. Going to experiences and being involved will have more impact on you cause the experiences can’t go anywhere, they just happen to you so they stay within your mind to think about and learn from them.

Matter:
This quote matters because it applies to everyone. Every person must have been involved in something that taught them a lesson. Every new thing a person has been involved in must’ve had an impact on them whether it harmed them or not. It’s almost like how a person can’t be taught how to ride a bicycle with words only, that person would have to get on a bicycle and try learning how to ride it which is experience.

Gloria M., Period 2

9/5/2012 01:22:47 pm

Our experiences really do shape us and make us see things differently. We learn from our experiences and it keeps us from making the same mistakes over again. My experiences have taught me a lot, like to not was the whole blender, including its engine. Our experiences ready us for the world outside of high school and they are the memories we keep for a lifetime.

Lilian D., Per. 2

9/5/2012 02:31:51 pm

I believe this is where we derive the phrase "learn from your mistakes."
I remember a few teachers telling my class(es) that you retain only 20% of what you hear. So, really, talking to people all day about what they should and should not do isn't going to work half the time. Tough love is probably a harsh but more effective solution.
I also would like to introduce another analogy next to the bicycle one which is driving. Teens all have to take a driving course that details a lot of what they're supposed to do on the road. But, it isn't until they start driving a real, gas-guzzling car do they really learn about how to drive.

Janssen F., period 1

9/5/2012 11:26:36 am

Eric Ludy, in WHEN GOD WRITES YOUR LOVE STORY, wrote, “We are trained by our culture to be embarrassed about our family. We are educated by our peers in the art of ignoring our parents’ advice and belittling them with our words. In fact, in our teen years we are desperate to convince the world at large that we are lone rangers without a family, self-sufficient, and attending school purely for social reasons” (2010, p. 185-186).

Say:
This says that in today’s culture, our family is something we should be embarrassed about; that in this time and age, teens act as if they don’t need a family or they don’t have a family because that’s how our friends will start to think highly of us.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that our culture really dictates how we all act. It influences our attitude, our views and opinions, and our outlook on life. Sometimes we trash talk our own family just so we can look cool, because society said it looks cool. Our society encourages us to ignore our parents’ or guardians’ advice because our family could somehow ruin our image.

Matter:
This passage matters because it talks about family and most often than not, we avoid discussing our families. It shows us how our culture tells us how to act and you’ll instantly be viewed in a different light. However, I also think this passage matters because it makes us think why anyone would belittle their own family – either a biological family or a father figure or a mother figure - when they’re the ones who are supposed to care for us at all times. Are we embarrassed of them because they could spill our secrets? Are we embarrassed of our family because they see through us or because they know us inside, sometimes better than we know ourselves?

Alan V, Period 2

9/5/2012 11:26:54 am

Steven D. Levitt, in FREAKONOMICS, wrote, "Just because a question has never been asked does not make it good (2005, P.79).

Say:
This quote means that there is a lot in this world that we are yet to discover and explore.

Mean;
My interpretation of this quote is that there are a lot of unanswered things in this world. People have been asking questions for all these years-even if they haven't been the best questions. However, once in a while there are questions that make us think and yield interest answers. Many of the scientists, inventors, etc. have asked themselves questions that have been very odd; however, they never cease to amaze us with new concepts and ideas.

Matter:
This quote matters because many people are too afraid of looking dumb that they don't ask many of the questions troubling them. Questions are the foundation of learning and we all must realize that if we don't ask questions we can not expand the knowledge of ourselves and others.

David L., Period 1

9/5/2012 11:44:08 am

James Bennett, in THE SQUARED CIRCLE, wrote, "You don't know what it means to play hard. You can coast and win because of your natural ability" (2002, p.62)

Say:
This quote is saying that since you are good at something, you should still work as hard as everyone else is and not slack off because you are naturally good.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that certain people may have a natural ability to be good at something. With that natural talent that they have, they still have to work hard and try to improve themselves on whatever they are good at. I also think that this quote means that people should realize that even though they are above and beyond for a certain level of difficulty, will they be able to perform just as good in a higher level of difficulty?

Matter:
This quote here matters because often times there are those people that we encounter who are just naturally good at something. At the same time we are that person working hard and trying to become like that person. On the other hand, people with natural talents should still be improving themselves and striving for the better. They shouldn’t just go with the flow of how they compare to others but make themselves so that they are better than others.

Courtney T, Period 5

9/5/2012 01:49:17 pm

Your post reminds me of someone I know. There is this one person that is good at this sport and that person never tries in practice. While the rest of the team tries so hard in practice. When we compete that person always win.

Courtney T, Period 5

9/5/2012 11:52:16 am

Darius, in THE DARK HILLS DIVIDE, wrote,"True friends stab you in the front. (2006, pg. 105)

Say: This quote means if someone is really your friend they would not talk behind your back. Instead, they would go directly to you and say what they really feel.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that a true friend will let you know the truth before anyone else does. True friends will always talk directly to you and addressing an issue rather than talk behind your back.

Matter: This quote matters because people are scared to tell you the truth because they think it might hurt you. But if they are really your friend they would go straight to you and tell you the truth, even if it is painful.

Joe G , Period 6

9/5/2012 02:08:50 pm

Your quote reminds me of someone I know. This person would put up a front and pretend to be your friends with people but behind peoples backs this person would back stab them and start up a lot of gossip and rumors and in the end no one found this person a 'true' friend.

Danny Do Period 1

9/7/2012 06:33:06 am

This quote shows how shady people can be in this type of society.
This person would pretend to be your friend but on the real, they're just using you. The things you tell them, they end up exposing it to the world and your trust became nothing towards them. Also this type of person talks behind your back without you knowing. Truth hurts but this person is a "true friend".

Berlin T, period 2

9/5/2012 11:54:06 am

From "When It Happens" Susane Colasanti wrote " why is it when i look at him now,it's like seeing him for the first time?"

Say: this quote means that sometimes you see and meet people around you but you don't get to officially see the person until you really look and notice what's in front of you

Mean: my interpretation of this quote means is to always look in front of you, because if you don't then you might miss a good oppurtunity to see someone you saw before but in any diffrent way that you can't ever imagine before.

Matter: this quote matters because everyone can relate to it in many diffrent ways. if you never try to see what you can see past what you think you can ever be able to do. without taking any chance in life to try diffrent paths then what your used to, then you can never fully understand what lies ahead of you.

Chelsea A., Period 1

9/5/2012 11:57:08 am

Jane Hamilton, in the book A MAP OF THE WORLD, wrote "“It was about forgiving. I understood that forgiveness itself was strong, durable—like strands of a web weaving around us, holding us.” (1994, p.28)

Say:
This quote means that forgiving is a strong power that people should learn how to use and manage. That forgiving people allows people to hold bonds and families together.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that people in this world should learn how to forgive. When people are able to forgive in this world, they are able to live in peace and love. When people have the courage to forgive and as well as forget, they have the greater will power. She compares it to strands of web that are weaving around them because when she was forgiven she felt the relief and the security.

Matter:
This quote matters because it allows people to realize that forgiveness is vital. If people were not able to forgive, grudges will be held and sometimes people will take action. When people take action, it is usually violent. If that would happen in the world, we would constantly be at war.

Ryan L., Period 1

9/5/2012 12:44:33 pm

Your post made me consider that more people should be more forgiving. Life is too short to hold grudges and being angry. If people in this world were more forgiving there would definitely be less conflicts in this world. Possibly less wars also. Just forgive and forget.

Garrett P., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:12:28 pm

This passage can relate to everyone. Forgiveness is vital to having successful friendships. There are many who are unable to forgive, and in turn, they hold nasty grudges. People who hold grudges tend to be more unhappy, and no one wants to befriend them. Many relationships and friendships have been wrecked because of someone's inability to forgive and move on. Everyone makes mistakes, it's how the people around them and the person themself respond to it that makes the big difference.

Tara D., Period 5

9/5/2012 12:16:32 pm

Lisi Harrisson, in MY LITTLE PHONY, wrote, "Things are never as bad as they seem." (2010, p.91)

Say:
This quote says that people should not take everything so seriously and just be care free and not worry about it because some things are not worth stressing over for because there not as bad as they really seem. There is always going to be a way to resolve things.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that even if things seem to be so bad, people should just take time and relax and think about ways to resolve it. Freaking out or stressing over it would just cause you not to resolve it the right way or at all. You could always ask your peers for help or just have someone to vent off of because that helps out a lot. Also, sometimes you have to be patient because some problems can be seem bad because it takes time to resolve it but if you just take baby steps into solving issues then it wont be as bad.

Matter:
This quote matters because if everyone takes everything to seriously and think that everything is as bad as they seem then the world would be very chaotic. No problems would be solved the right way and that's when things would seem as bad. So people should just be care free and not take everything so seriously especially when it is just the little things that might seem as bad but they are not.

Benjamin L., Period 5

9/5/2012 03:26:22 pm

This post almost tells people that there is no need to feel any pressure. Also showing people to take a chill people in any situation and a light bulb will shine in your head giving a solution

Adam K., Period 2

9/5/2012 04:25:53 pm

I agree with this quote, because I believe that there is always a good side to every bad situation. All it takes is the right set of skills and mindset to turn a hopeless situation into one which is favorable and acceptable. Being patient is especially important in problem solving and learning to relax will definitely help in finding an outcome that effectively solves the problem.

James E., Period 1

9/5/2012 05:04:45 pm

I agree with this quote because from past experiences, I had many opportunities to take part of, but instead, backed way from it because of fear. Sometimes there is that one opportunity that you do take part of and you think to yourself "It wasn't so bad!". So, I can relate to this quote.

Aron I., Period 5

9/5/2012 12:29:25 pm

Walter Dean Myers, in SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH, wrote "I know we're facing a war on terror and we have to make sacrifices to overcome a determined foe and rid the world of weapons of mass destruction, and I'm willing to do my part..."(2009, p. 43)

Say:
This says that this man is willing to do his job in this war, even though he knows that there will be sacrifices.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that when you are in a war, you have to be willing to make sacrifices.

Matter:
This passage matters because it explains that war is a place and/or event that causes sacrifices to be made, regardless of the outcome.

Wei L. Period 5

9/18/2012 05:47:27 am

This reminds me of the fact that war comes with the deaths of many people regardless if you are actually in a fire fight.

Andy T Period 5

9/18/2012 06:00:57 am

This quote tells me that society is currently mostly about destruction and death, and some people try to fix that.

Ryan L., Period 1

9/5/2012 12:39:03 pm

Rosa Guy, in the book THE DISAPPEARANCE, wrote "In this house," Peter Aimsley said, "we don't just go out.In this house we are responsible to one another. In this house we know where one another is at all time." (1979, P. 61

Say: This quote means that when you go out by yourself or with friends, you should tell your parents or guardian. So they won't be as worried.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that people should always tell their guardian where they are going. They should tell them so, their guardian wouldn't have to worry and stress out where he or she is so they could rest a little easier on know where their kids are.

Matters: This quote matters because this could relate to a lot of teenagers like myself. If more teenagers were to tell their parents where they are and when they are coming home, we would have less angry parents in this world.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

9/5/2012 12:56:28 pm

Misty May-Treanor in Digging Deep in Volleyball and Life, wrote, "You've really got to love what you do for it to be extremely powerful. You've got to feel it, from you head to your down, down through to your bones, right to the center of your heart. I'm talking goose-bumps-all-over-my-body, the-hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-my-neck territory."

Say:

She means that you really have to love what you are doing for anything to be effective. She says you have to feel it everywhere in your body, it has to make you excited and run through the course of your veins.

Mean:

My interpretation of the quote is that you have to have a passion for what you're doing otherwise it will not feel like you're doing anything and it will not make a difference in the world or matter to anyone. I believe that it says that we have to be passionate about what you're doing or else you'll just be going through the motions of life not living.

Matter:

This passage matters because I believe it teaches us a lesson about how to live life, and be effective in the world and make a difference through our passion. This passage matters because there are a great number of people in this world who are not doing what they love and just going through the motions of life. What they are doing may get the job done, but not might be as effective if they were to do what they really love.

Kristin W., Period 1

9/5/2012 01:11:32 pm

I definitely agree with this quote. I have been in a situation where I had to do something, but my heart just wasn't in it so it was really difficult to do even though it shouldn't have been that hard. I think tasks always seem easier and more fun when you have a real passion for it.

Jodi A., Period 1

9/7/2012 02:06:44 pm

I believe this passage is very strong and it truly does teach us a life lesson. It really does take love to make something valuable and make it worth your time. When I'm doing something I love, I care more and I try harder. People who are passionate about what they do are very powerful because of their actions and because of their strong feelings for them.

Gloria M., Period 2

9/5/2012 01:00:02 pm

Jay Asher, in THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, wrote, “I can tell you this, at that table, the worst thoughts in the world first came into my head. It’s there that I first started to consider… to consider… a word that I still cannot say” (2007, p. 161).

Say:
This quote says that the experiences that Hannah Baker had, not only the ones at the diner, caused her to think about the worst thing in the world that she could do to herself. She can’t even bring herself to say the words out loud when she is recording the audiotapes. She knows for certain what she plans on doing to herself.

Mean:
I think this quote means that we seldom talk about suicide even if it has come up, it is an uncomfortable topic. We never notice the things around us, because we are so wrapped up in our own lives, we are oblivious to the changes in other people’s lives. We all have thought about it but we never talk about it because we know how morbid death is.

Matter:
This quote matters because many people have committed suicide for various reasons and we never really acknowledge it. It is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years in the United States. We should acknowledge suicide because there is a chance that we can prevent it.

Vivian H., Period 2

9/5/2012 01:34:21 pm

I believe that your post is one big step. It is true that people don't like to talk about suicide, but it's a very big issue. We are sometimes caught up with ourselves that we don't realize others. The sad thing is that people who contemplate suicide are the types to hide their emotions. Suicide is seriously something we should acknowledge.

Vivian H., Period 2

9/5/2012 01:24:22 pm

Judy Goldman, in THE SLOW WAY BACK, wrote, "'It's pretty common in families, the myth that sisters should be tight as braided strands of hair. The reality is that sisters are often resentful of each other, jealous of each other's beauty, goodness, or strength. Rivalries and tension can co-exist for sisters like matching dress, twin beds, or differing versions of the same memory. Think about it'" (1999, p. 68).

Say:

This says that the myth about sisters being perfectly in sync is wrong. In reality, some sisters aren't two peas in a pod. One sister will always be jealous of what the other has. It also says that rivalries and tension between sisters is inevitable.

Mean:

This passage means that siblings aren't all close. Some sisters resent and are envious of each other. This is a cry for help from the main character, Thea. In truth, Thea envies her sister. Even though she is the oldest, she feels that her younger sister is the most dominant one. She mentions her jealousy of her sister's beauty and strength. Because of their differing personalities, there is this unavoidable tension between them. Thea may seem close to her sister, but she describes their relationship as two birds flying close and away from each other.

Matter:

This passage matters because it reveals the truth in not only sister relationships, but also sibling relationships. Family and media may lead people to think that siblings should be in sync and close. They are forced to love and cherish each other. In reality, there are voids between siblings and they shouldn't be forced to love each other. People should be able to decide on their own on loving their siblings.

William L., Period 6

9/5/2012 06:49:31 pm

I do agree with what you are saying about the relationships between siblings. In my opinion, a healthy relationship has to involve ups and downs, so it is perfectly normal for brothers and sisters to bicker and argue. In fact, after reconciling after an argument, siblings can become even closer and more connected with one another. Lastly, I believe this idea you described does not always have to pertain to siblings, but can also be applied to friends as well.

Kristin W., period 1

9/5/2012 01:41:06 pm

Greg Laurie, in RUN TO WIN, wrote, "Anyone who has ever run a race understands this, espeically when you are getting close to the finish line. Resist every temptation to steal a glance over your shoulder to see how your opponent is doing. Why? Because if you do, you'll break your stride and possibly lose the race. You need to keep looking forward. You need to focus on that tape at the finish line." (2011, pg. 31-32)

Say:
This basically says that we have to keep looking forward to the future and not look back or dwell on the past.

Mean:
This quote means that sometimes dwelling on the past can hinder us from doing great things in the future. I know that I have had that feeling in which something I went through before kept me from doing something I really wanted. Situations in the past can make us worried or scared about trying something in the future. We have to keep on looking forward and thinking optimistically when we are faced with a problem or trying something new, because we are never going to be absolutely sure of the outcome until it happens.

Matter:
This quote should matter for many people. No one should want to be stuck on the past, especially if they are stuck on a problem. No one should want to be held back by something they can easily let go of. Hopefully everyone wants to move forward and be able to be feel excited about new experiences. If people want to try new things they should not let the past stop them.

Mark C., Period 6

9/5/2012 01:41:21 pm

Johnathan Swift ,in GULLIVER'S TRAVEL'S, wrote "For the most part, I was treated with great kindness. I was the the favorite of the king and queen and the delight of the whole court. But it was an unnpleasant kind of delight--one not suited for a human being."(2001, p. 102)

Say:This quote says that Gulliver ,in the land where he is a miniature version of giant people, was cared for and recieved much kindness from everyone he encountered, but not the type of kindness where a peer would give to another peer. The attitude of people to him are like as if he were a pet and not a person because of the size differences.

Mean:I interpret this quote as it says that people are kind to others that they see to be different, but the kindness the person encounters is one that does not make them feel that they are on equal ground with one another, but it makes them feel that they are ranked below that person.

Matter:This quote matters because this would try to get people to be how they are with people who are different and to not give anyone any special treatment just because they are different. This is the main cause for social pressures and so if this problem is fixed ,as the quote is trying to do, then the people would feel much better about themselves and who they are.

Benjamin Lin Period 1

9/7/2012 10:11:07 am

I agree with your analysis however i would add that most people are treated based on their first impression. If their first impression makes a negative impression, no politeness will be granted. Special treatment is always given to those we like whether we want to admit it or not

Bobbi G.,Period 2

9/5/2012 01:44:08 pm

Ms.Johnson,in MY POSSE DON'T DO HOMEWORK,wrote 'It reminds me not to judge my students by the thunderbolts in their hair"(1992,pg.96).

Say:
This quote is saying the basic dont judge a book by its cover.Ms.Johnson thought she was teaching uneducated troubled kids but really she was teaching students who had potential.

Mean:
I think this quote has a lot of meaning you don't really know a person until you get to know them you can not just judge somebody on there language or appearance its all about what is on the inside and what their thought are and Ms.Johnson learned that within his essay.

Matter:
In this society we all judge each other whether we like it or not.We judge each other by our looks,style,race,beliefs,attitude,e.t.c.What we are doing is wrong and we know it we simply just think its okay and that is exactly what Ms.Johnson did with one of her students. We all refuse to see whats in the inside.Especially young adults we just don't care but in the future it matters the most.

Siyao L., Period 1

9/5/2012 01:57:09 pm

I agree with you view on society. The first thing we perceive about someone is their physical appearance. Social stereotypes then take over and we are often too quick to draw conclusions about a person based on how they look. I also agree that there is no definite way to erase human capabilities to judge, but experiences like Ms. Johnson;s will definitely help people think twice when they first meet someone.

Kaylin T., Period 6

9/5/2012 02:06:44 pm

I can totally agree to this quote because the quote that I just summarized was exactly like this. To me nobody should be judged without truly getting to know the person to make a comment.

Tracy O., Period 2

9/5/2012 02:41:30 pm

This quote made me consider how all over the world people judge each other with how the way they look or act, before they even have the chance to actually get to know someone well. If they took the time to stop judging and to maybe talk to this person, our society would be in better shape.

Leon Ye., Period 1

9/5/2012 03:11:05 pm

I agree with this because people usually judge people by how they look but you should not judge people by how they look, you should get to know them first because they could actually be a nice person. If you get know someone, you think of them differenly.

David L., Period 1

9/6/2012 12:47:38 pm

I agree with you on this also because a lot of people do often tend to judge people based on their looks in today's society, but people should should actually get to know them and not judge them without knowing who they really are.

Siyao L., Period 1

9/5/2012 01:52:11 pm

Lynne Griffin, in Life Without Summer, wrote, "Ian's mute with Alden. This night was no exception. He didn't throw out an angry remark, or cast a hateful look in his direction. Instead, he simply pretended Alden didn't exist."

Say:
This quote is describing Ian's visit to Tessa's house. Alden, Tessa's husband, and Ian are mad at each other because they had an argument over Abby's situation. The quote says that Ian would normally argue with Alden, but on that visit he simply ignored the Alden and didn't even waste energy to give his distasteful looks.

Mean:
This quote means that Ian and Alden are reaching an unbearable point in their hatred towards each other. Ian does not bother to even acknowledge Alden's presence. To me this quote shows how ignoring someone can be even stronger than fighting back.

Matter:
This quote matters because it shows that ignoring someone can do the same, if not more, harm to others. As humans we all strive to receive attention from others in order to analyze ourselves, receive feedback, and confirm our doubts. When a person is being ignored, they feel less connected to the people around them, and this lack of connection hurts.

Kaylin T., Period 6

9/5/2012 01:53:05 pm

Nicholas Sparks, in A WALK TO REMEMBER, wrote "Jamie didn't care much about outward appearances, because she was always looking for things like "inner beauty," and I suppose that's part of the reason she looked the way she did." (1991, p. 21)

Say: This quote says that everybody is beautiful in their own individual way. It is the most important feature in ourselves because it makes you who you are.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote means that nobody should judge someone else by their outside appearance. Jamie has a very positive and forward looking personality. On the other hand Landon, does not see her inner beauty but can only view her outer beauty, which is something that she can't help to change. He was missing her truly genuine personality with only judging Jamie by her looks.

Matter: This quote matters because not everyone that is extremely beautiful on the outside can have the real beauty soul. Instead of focusing on the outer beauty people should mainly strike to become a more beautiful person inside with a strong heart.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

9/5/2012 01:56:07 pm

This concept of inner beauty reminds me of Beauty and the Beast and how, Belle saw the Beast's inner beauty and loved him for that.

Joe Guan, Period 6

9/5/2012 01:58:30 pm

Stephanie Meyer, in NEW MOON, wrote, "Like everything in life, I just had to decide what to do with what I was given". (2006,pg.35 )

Say: This quote says life comes with a lot of obstacles and you just have to learn to adapt and figure out what to do to overcome them.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage : When life gives you lemons you make lemonade !

Matter: This quote matters because it reminds us that there are no do-overs in life so we should embrace what life throws at us

Angelo Shimada

9/5/2012 02:05:05 pm

This quote is applicable to school life because there are various obstacles we have to face in school, such as bad test scores and peer pressure. However, this quote tells us that we should overcome these obstacles in order to grow in to a better person.

Yen Tran, Period 1

9/5/2012 05:23:01 pm

We can't have everything we want, but we can make the best of what we already have. Instead of sulking around about our misfortunes, we should try to find solutions, because nothing is going to change if we don't take the initiative to overcome adversity.

Ryan Hong, Period 2

9/5/2012 05:37:07 pm

This quote can't be any truer, in life you are limited. You need to find ways to work around the limitations and use it to overcome adversity.

Dominic Garcia Per.5

9/5/2012 01:59:47 pm

"Even strong and brave young men of greek legend were sometimes stubborn and foolhardy" by Olivia Coolridge page 45.

Say: This quote is saying that many people are just perfect from when they were born they hard troubles in their lives and without them dealing with the hard work they hard they wouldn't be for who they became in the future.

Mean: I think this quote has a lot of meaning from greek time to present day that many people think that certain people are perfect and others aren't and that for those that are perfect they think they had a easy life. Famous people and rich people are aren't just like that because they had a easy life. For sure they had many hard times to be who they are.

Matter: It's important to people to know that they everything in life is not easy to everyone there are challenges to do before you become the real person you are or want to be in the future. NOT EVERYONE IS PERFECT they worked to be who they are.

Man Ieng(Winnie) C., Period 1

9/5/2012 03:41:34 pm

My interpretation of this quote is that no one is perfect. Everyone has their own merits and weak points. All of us, including the legends, could probably be stuck by problems or make mistakes.

Angelo Shimada

9/5/2012 02:00:13 pm

Harry Potter, in HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, stated "You're the weak one. And you'll never know love,or friendship. And I feel sorry for you." (2007, pg 506).
Say:This quote shows how Harry realized that he had a power greater than that of his greatest adversary, Lord Voldemort- he had the power to love and he could be loved.
Mean: i believe this quote means that love and affection is a greater form of power than any evil, twisted torture Voldemort could use.It reminds us of how powerful love can be.
Matter: This quote matters because it teaches people the very thing we are learning in the class- that coercion and force is not the greatest power, and in fact can be detrimental when trying to get people to do what you want. Instead, treat them in a loving and caring way so that they would be more willing to treat you with kindness in return.

Dawson W., Period 5

9/5/2012 02:14:07 pm

Man this quote i know this quote i get it when people put you down and thinks that you can't do anything in life. When they tell you that you can't do this or yu can't do this all the problems that affects them. How people are like bullies when they tell people they can bully that they are lame and boring and that they can't achieve anything in life. When people put you down and you feel like nothing in life. Just like the quote telling you that your not allowed to do anything in life.

Tom Huang, Period 6

9/7/2012 04:24:31 pm

This quote is important because it reminds me of all the times everyone puts each other down. Whenever they put something down, it makes them feel like they will never feel love or friendship. There are many bullies in this world and by being so, they make people feel this way which hurts the ones around him. It makes you feel like you can accomplish nothing and is very bad to call someone weak.

Garrett P., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:05:25 pm

Stephen King, in THE SHINING, wrote, "The greatest terror of Danny's life was DIVORCE, a word that always appeared in his mind as a sign painted in red letters which were covered with hissing, poisonous snakes" (1977, p.39).

Say:

This says that children view divorce as a terrifying nightmare that they want to avoid at all costs.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that children are plain terrified of their parents getting a divorce. They are extremely sensitive on the subject of divorce, and are quick to assume divorce when their parents get in small fights. They associate divorce with evil and danger. In the passage, the boy views divorce as a big red sign covered in snakes. This goes to show that kids are trully afraid of their parents getting a divorce.

Matter:

This passage matters to society because parents need to be more aware of their child's feelings. Fights between parents can have a serious psychological effect on their child. If more parents are aware of this, we can prevent children from being scarred from the thought of divorce.

Dawson W., Period 5

9/5/2012 02:08:40 pm

Chanda Hahn, in UNENCHANTED, wrote:" It spread throughout her body and up her spine like a eletric current"(2010, pg.49).

Say: This quote says that whenever you feel nervous about doing something or your too scared to do it you feel like a shock that runs through your body and it makes you feel all weird and tingling. All the things that you think you can do wrong just comes in out of no where. When presenting you feel so nervous and you mess uo thats what this quote is trying to say when you feel awarkward doing somethng and you feel a shock that runs through your body.

Mean:
The meaning of this quote is when people are put on the spot to do something they feel like its the end of the world and that everything you is embrassing. It says that all the problem in the world is going around your mind and you feel like you can't say anything when you go up to present. The meaning is poeple feels a shock of nervousness into their body and can't do anything.

Matter:
This matter cause in the world everywhere people always have to present daily and when they do they feel really scared and they don'y know what to say. This quote can matter cause even when adults have a speech even the president have speechs they have funny feelings in there body and they are scared that shock that just comes through your whole body.

Lilian D., Per. 2

9/5/2012 02:20:50 pm

In TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, T. Davis Bunn wrote, "Anyone who's stood...close...to worldly power knows the work of the shadow hand. The road back is rough and steep, and you'll have to claw your way."

Say: The quote talks about how crippling poison can be on a person's psyche. Recovery is often harsh, disheartening, and unending.

Mean: I'd like to think that this quote does not only apply to the poison people acquire from eating unknown mushrooms growing on the ground. Poison can range from the self-destructive drugs people are dependent on to the emotional slump called depression that plagues some people. Recovering from these poisons isn't going to be easy because humans are fragile and life is hard. There will be times where things get ugly. But, it's way too easy to give up. Even if some people have to crawl their way through tough circumstances, it can also be a memory to reflect on and share with loved ones.

Matter: The bottom line is that the world is always going to throw some obstacle our way. There will be times when these obstacles look similar to the Great Wall of China. It's not going to be easy climbing those walls. Although simply laying back and doing nothing seems appealing, not overcoming these hardships stumps potential growth because no on really learns from being a couch potato all day. They learn from slugging through countless hardships and cheering victoriously when they've succeeded.

Lilian D., Per 2

9/5/2012 02:23:13 pm

pg 56 (oops)

Tracy O., Period 2

9/5/2012 02:22:05 pm

Suzanne Collins, in CATCHING FIRE, wrote, "A terrible impulse to flee, to abandon Peeta and save myself, shoots through me. It would be so simple, to run full out, perhaps to even climb a tree above the fog line, which seems to top out at about forty feet. I remember how I did just this when the mutations appeared in the last Games. Took off and only thought of Peeta when I'd reached the Cornucopia. But this time, I trap my terror, push it down, and stay by his side. This time my survival isn't the goal, Peeta's is." (2009, p.298)
Say:
This says that Katniss is ignoring her basic human instinct to flee and save herself in order to save Peeta. Something she has failed to do in the past and is trying to make it right by putting Peeta’s life ahead of hers.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that people can have the ability to overlook their basic human instincts in the favor of saving someone they love. Deep down, Katniss’s gut feeling is going to be to try to save herself, but her loyalty to Peeta is stronger than that. So what Katniss feels is enough to get her to stay, and to work harder for the survival of another person instead of herself.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows that loyalty, love and courage have the power to make someone overcome their fear, in order to save someone they love. Because no matter how afraid you might be, by thinking of the other person first you are being selfless and trying to protect the ones you love from danger.

An H., Period 5

9/5/2012 02:23:21 pm

Ethan Wate, in the book BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, wrote "It wasn't that she was different from all the other girls at Jackson. That was obvious. It was that she made me realize how much I was like the rest of them, even if I wanted to pretend I wasn't." (2009, p. 36).

Say: This quote is saying that even though you can pretend that you aren't part of a group you don't like, in reality, you still are.

Mean: My interpretation is that even if you don't like a particular group, but you are in it, it doesn't change the fact that you are a member of this group. To try and pretend you aren't is useless unless you could do something to prove it.

Matter: This quote matters because as much as one likes to believe a delusional fact, it could be better to face it instead. It could be better to take action instead of staying back and blend in with the crowd so that instead of the fact being fake, it can be real instead.

Man Ieng(Winnie) C., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:27:51 pm

Rosa Guy, in THE FRIENDS, wrote, “It was confusing. Why should I care how hurt she was? She had insulted me. She had made me ashamed because I, like the rest of the class, happened to be born with the kind of hair that needed oil for its care. Foolish woman, lumping all of us together, calling us pigs. Why indeed should I care what they called her? “(1996, p. 44)

Say:
This says that the speaker, Phyllisia, understands that she cares about how Miss Lass feels. However, she thinks that she should have ignored Miss Lass’s feelings. It is because Miss Lass doesn’t care about the children’s feelings. She even hurts the children by teasing them and calling them pigs. Phyllisia actually feels sorry for her.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that we should respect each other even though the others are not doing the same. Phyllisia is being an example for us. When someone bothers us, we don’t like it. Of course the other people will not be happy with it too. That’s why we should not treat the others as you would not like to be treated.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows that Phyllisia is a special and nice girl who is so different from her classmates. Like everyone else, she has been treated badly by Miss Lass. But she did not join her classmates in their assault. She might not like Miss Lass but she wouldn’t try to attack or hurt her like the others do. Instead, she feels sorry that Miss Lass is hurt. This also explains why she could not make friends with her classmates.

Danny Do, Period 1

9/5/2012 02:28:05 pm

Julius Lester, in "To be a Slave" wrote, "Slaves were whipped for the most trifling incidents and the whip was as often wielded by the salve owner's wife as the slave owner him self." - Roberta Manson, Chapter 1, p. 32.

Say: This quote tells you how slaves were being treated back then. Whips were a object used for discipline when it comes to slaves disobeying their masters. This deadly weapon was used by many slave owner, and traders, which caused alot of deaths.

Mean: The meaning of this quote is when slaves disobey, one of the discipline is dead by the whip. Fearful as it sounds, i wouldn't ever want to go through what slaves went through back in the day.

Matter: This matters because in this world, alot of people take slavery as a joke. If someone bothered to take time and read the history of slavery. I believe they've been through so much, and that who ever invented the whip is terrible!

Aron I.

9/7/2012 11:09:17 am

This reminds me of those videos that explain how harshly the slaves were treated.

Aron I. Period 5

9/7/2012 11:11:22 am

I forgot to put that I was in Period 5

Bryan L. Period 6

9/5/2012 02:30:53 pm

Suzanne Collins, in MOCKINGJAY, wrote, "Maybe it's because I still have the ashes of my own district on my shoes, but for the first time, I give the people of 13 something I have withheld from them: credit. For staying alive against all odds" (2010, pg. 29).

Say:
In this passage, Katniss is admiring the people of district 13 for keeping up with their struggle against the Capitol. Katniss has been suffering herself, and did not see anyone else trying to cope with this difficulty.

Mean:
This means that the people have determination and courage to stay alive, survive and thrive. They have to go through this struggle to go against the Capitol, who mistreated the district. It also has to deal with respect because Katniss respected the people of district 13 for doing a lot to stay alive to be against the Capitol.

Matter:
This passage matters because people from all around the world should have at least one difficulty in their lives. With this difficulty, they have to struggle with it, which shows determination and courage when overcoming it. People also have to respect each other for what they can do.

Berlin T, Period 2

9/6/2012 03:16:13 pm

Your interpretation of this quote is true, i also believe that peopla all around the world deals with at least one difficulty in thier lives whether its in the past or possibly the future. you can always overcome all difficulties

Benjamin Lin p6

9/5/2012 02:33:14 pm

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, "Yura felt good with his uncle. He resembled his mother. He was a free spirit, as she had been, with no prejudice against anything inhabitual.” (1857, pg 8)

Say:
This quote states that Yuri is not restrained like most of the other people. He is free and capable of doing anything he wishes.

Mean:
To be able to express one’s feelings is a special ability that only comes to a few people. To posses this quality is a huge advantage to them when it comes to the world. There are countless people that are incapable of expressing their thoughts. Of course in the case of this quote, Yuri lives in a oppressed country. He had no choice regarding expression. It was either do what the government wanted or risk death. The threat of death is an excellent leveling field, as under it, it is impossible to do anything that even closely resembles a free spirit. Also the idea that his mother was also a free spirit could possibly imply that free spirit can be passes down through generations. Maybe it is a genetic trait that some people just can’t seem to take any criticism.

Matter:
This matters because many people aren’t free. They feel oppressed and forces to do what society wants them too. Being a free spirit doesn’t mean that one must be a rebel. In fact to be free is relative to a person. What I consider to be free may not be what you consider to be free. However in the end the only thing that matters is what you think. Other people can think about you but no one and think for you. How you act and feel is completely up to how you feel like describing yourself. It all comes down to if you think you are free or not.

Evy Z, Per 6

9/5/2012 02:33:17 pm

Gary Paulsen, in HATCHET wrote, "so incredibly fast that Brians mind could not take it in at first. Could only see it in stages" p.11

Say:

Sometimes your mind reacts slower. In other cases things are hard to take in.

Mean:

This quote means that when something fast happens for example a person gets shot and dies instantly. Our mind would be in shock then see this situation in stages. At times we have to break things into stages.

Matter:

This quote matters because, some things are meant to be taken in slowly. It just means that were in shock and have to process what had just happened to us slowly step by step even. I'm sure this happened to all of us at one point.

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:34:46 pm

Mildred D. Taylor, in ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY, wrote, “Biting the hand that feeds you. That’s what you’re doing, Mary Logan, biting the hand that feeds you.” Again Mama laughed. “If that’s the case, Daisy, I don’t think I need that little bit of food.” (1997, page 30).

Say:

This says that the two women, Mary Logan and Daisy Crocker, are arguing on the books’ situation. Crocker accuses Logan of being ungrateful for what they are given. On the other hand, Logan covers the offensive labels on the books with paper and says that they do not need to be grateful for being handed someone else’s trash.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means during the 1930s, the general living conditions for the African-Americans were impoverished. There still existed a critical racial discrimination between the whites and the blacks. In this case, the African-Americans’ school would only be given books in very poor condition. However, the school would actually need books in better condition and other things in order to conduct a proper learning environment for the students. Mary Logan’s action of covering the offensive labels on the books represented a hope of giving her students better education with at least a proper learning material. All in all, people should be given equal opportunity of learning regardless of their color of skin.

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers a realistic scene of an African-American teacher struggled and wanted to get the learning materials which were at least in good condition in order to provide her students better education. In this story, the author pointed out the differences between people’s social, educational, and job opportunities according to their skin color. As the examples, during the nineteenth century, the Blacks could hardly compete with the Whites for jobs regardless of their skills and knowledge. Also, the African-American schools were not given enough materials to even create a proper learning environment for students. Therefore, their futures were predictably tragic since they could not even get the basic education in order to be able to compete with the others in the society.

Derek Ing

9/5/2012 02:40:05 pm

The Soloist by Steven Lopez wrote “.. a friend is someone who inspires, who challenges, who sends you in search of some truer sense of yourself..” (page 211)

Say: This quote shows the friendship between Steven and Nathaniel; the bond and relationship that Steven thought of. He showed that he not only cared about Nathaniel but also tried to make Nathaniel become truer to himself.

Mean: I believe that this quote is meaningful because it gives an example of to how much Steven cares for Nathaniel. This is also interesting because Steven first just saw Nathaniel as a homeless man, but their friendship grew. The friendship grew to a point where he wants to make Nathaniel a better person and allowing him to benefit himself.

Matter: This quote matters because it teaches us his idea and concept of friendship. He shows how friendship isn't just people getting along its about trying to help the other person from themselves, and trying to give the person a better life through themselves as well.

Jeffery W Period 5

9/18/2012 05:55:34 am

This quote reminds me when my friends always try to make me do something that I was too scared to do. They would always persuade me to do something new.

Derek Ing

9/5/2012 02:40:37 pm

Period 2

Jinoto C. Period 6

9/5/2012 02:45:51 pm

Robert Liparulo, in "The Gatekeepers" wrote, "He remembered thinking that dad's ability to ride the clearing's currents was like standing on an escalator no one could see. With that image in mind, he raised his foot and tried to stand on the air."

Say:
This quote says your family inspires you to do things you thought you could've never done. It says that confidence mostly comes from your family.

Mean:
From my perspective I believe this quote means that your family is your true inspiration to do things, to strive for the things you want to achieve. Also it seems that many accomplishments are mostly from your families' belief that you can do it.

Matter:
I believe this quote matters in life because families do give you hope and they inspire you to do great things. They always want you to achieve your dreams and such. Even the thought of your family pushing you to achieve greatness you gain the confidence needed to do it.

Leon Ye., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:46:04 pm

Say: "The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. . . . Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you."(1951, pg 127).

Mean: This quote says that no matter how long time has gone by things don't change a lot but the thing that changes the most is yourself.

Matter: This quote matters because in reality everyone changes. Some people could change and be a lot different in the future. Everyone changes and no one can stay the same and not change. Some people could change and be a better person and some could change and just be completely different.

Leon Ye., Period 1

9/5/2012 02:54:54 pm

J.D. Salinger, in "The Catcher in the Rye" wrote,"The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. . . . Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you."(1951, pg 127).

Say: This say that Holden wants life to freeze like the cases in the museum. They represent the simple, idealistic, manageable vision of life that Holden wishes he could live.

Mean: This means that no matter how long you are away from something everything will change and there is nothing you can do to stop it from changing.

Matter: This quote matters because in reality everyone changes. Some people could change and be a lot different in the future. Everyone changes and no one can stay the same and not change. Some people could change and be a better person and some could change and just be completely different.

April V. Period 2

9/5/2012 03:11:34 pm

Christopher Golden in "Poison Ink" wrote "Her father might not be the most attentive dad in the world but she couldn't imagine never having Sunday morning pancakes with him again."

Say: This says that the main character, even if her parents were fighting and their life are pretty miserable she doesn't want her parents to have a divorce. She'd rather them stay together despite all the fighting.

Mean: This means that no matter how much her dad ignores her and doesn't pay much attention to her, she still really loves her dad. She still wants her parents to stay together because she wants a perfect family.

Matter: This situation matter to some people because they might be feeling the same way Sammi does. They feel that as unhappy as their parents are together, they still don't want them to separate. They want to have that perfect family.

Jenny Y, Period 2

9/5/2012 03:39:53 pm

This quote can apply to people who are going through this time. It is difficult to see any parents fighting in front of their own child. The quote says that the main character cannot imagine not having breakfast with her dad shows that his presence in accompanying her for a Sunday meal shows that she does care about her parents.

Alex D. Period 5

9/5/2012 03:19:03 pm

Suzanne Collins, in THE HUNGER GAMES, wrote,"Stupid people are dangerous." (2008 pg. 159).

Say:
This quote is from Katniss. She is in the Games and is sitting in a tree watching a stupid person light a fire attracting enemies. She is smart and thinks through before doing any of her actions aware that the smallest decision may be the difference between life and death in the Games.

Mean:
This quote means that we should think before we do something. Our actions reflect upon ourselves and others and it may cause bad things to happen. I'm not saying mistakes are a bad thing, but when you only get one shot, like in the Hunger Games to live, it would be better to not screw up.

Matter:
This quote matters because there are plenty of smart and intelligent people in the world. And some not as smart. People may be affected by the other not so smart ones and be influenced to do the same. Or say that someone leaves a task in the hands of a person, but that person fails todo so. Then both fail and don't benefit from the mistake.

Eric H Period 2

9/9/2012 08:02:38 am

this quote reminded me of the person who brought a gun on campus a couple years ago. The individual acted before thinking, as a result caused a devastation to the safety of the school.

Jose F., Period 2.

9/5/2012 03:30:05 pm

Ellen Kushner, in The Fall of the Kings wrote,"The world he witnessed was in essence the same world we live in today. 'Worlds do not change over time, nor the people in them,'" Rugg quoted sententiously.(2002, p.23)

Say:

This quote says that even though places may change, people do not change nor do they ever leave their ideas, rather they expand on these ideas to have another repetition of what happens.
Mean:

I believe that this quote means that the world stays the same throughout time, the only thing that changes are the settings of the areas. Most of the events that occur in today's society have occurred before in some way or another before. Most people say that history repeats itself and I believe this to be mostly true especially with what happens today and how it connects to previous events in our history.This would also mean that most of our actions are based in our nature and not of our own free will which posts the conundrum of whether or not we are truly "Free Thinkers" or are we just following a genetic code that was embedded into us before we were even born.
Matter:

This is an important aspect to the story since Wizards still play an enormous role in the book and because of their supposed extinction long ago, one of the main characters brings up the possibility that they will one day return since time works in a looping manner. Constantly having the same scenarios only in different settings each time. Because of this, the quote plays a pivotal part in revealing that the time for wizards may yet be upon them once again. This also goes to show that time for them at least is always repeating itself and constantly making slight changes to accustom the settings.

Jose F., Period 6

9/5/2012 03:31:07 pm

Meant to write Period 6, my bad

Kevin W., Period 6

9/7/2012 02:44:51 pm

I totally agree what you say, even the place might change over time, but the culture do intensely effect the people that wouldn't be changed

Cassidy A. Period 1

9/5/2012 03:30:14 pm

John Irving, in A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, wrote, " Later, I would remember everything. In revisiting the scene of my mother's death, I can remember everyone who was in the stands that day; I remember who wasn't there, too-and what everyone said, and didn't say, to me. But the first visit to that scene was very bare of details." Pg. 34

Say: This quote is saying that at the time his mom was killed, Johnny couldn't remember any of the details. His emotions were controlling him, making it difficult for him to process anything that was going on. But as time passed, he learned that he subconsciously took in everything that was happening.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that at the moment, things are hard to comprehend. Things just get too overwhelming so you shut down. However, as time passes, you heal. Things get bearable and eventually you start to realize that maybe you didn't completely shut down at the time. You remember things that you never thought you even noticed before. Soon, can recall the events of that particular day better than any other.

Matter: This passage matters because it highlights the phrase, hindsight is always 20/20. At the time of things, you don't know what's going on, but later, everything is so much clearer. Even, though we can't process things going on at the time, we can always look back in order to be prepared for the next time something happens.

Derek Ing (period 2)

9/6/2012 02:44:00 pm

I think your quote is very interesting in the sense that it captures the emotions we have when a serious event in our lives take place. An event that changes our lives forever usually devastates us for the better. However, in the end you forget what many people said or did at the time because your so overwhelmed with emotions.

Maggie W. Per. 2

9/5/2012 03:33:27 pm

Monica Sone, in NISEI DAUGHTER, wrote, "Trying to stop the flow of tears, I swallowed hard and blurted out, "But, Mama, is it so terrible to be a Japanese?" " (1953, p. 114).

Say:

As Monica has grown up in a community where people of Japanese descent were not treated as harshly as so other places, she could not understand why the places where their family wanted to rent a summer house, refused them. The surrounding memory of this quote was the first time Monica had experience the negativity towards the Japanese. Her mother, then, answered her, stating that she be proud.

Mean:

The meaning of this quote is the utter confusion that Monica has in face with the rudeness of the people. Her mother and her walked around a community seeing for rent signs for their summer house but as they ask for details, all the places are mysteriously taken up or out of their price range. After Monica overhears her father talking to a friend, she finds out why. During this time in America, I had wondered why it would be like, having never experienced it, and this question is actually pretty natural. However, I wouldn't have imagined it specifically, surprisingly enlightening me.

Matter:

This quote matters because Monica is going through the pain of the harassment of being of Japanese descent. As her mother explains to her that as she gets older, the pain is not as powerful, this gives us an insight to how even her mother believes it will not stop in the future.

Jose V. Period 2

9/5/2012 03:34:22 pm

Anne Schraff, in Shadows of Guilt, wrote “B.J. bragged about having it made now, and wore good clothes and a lot of gold chains around his neck. His pockets were fat with money. But his eyes carried a deep sadness. The drugs could raise mood, but they couldn’t cure the wounds.”
SAY: This quote is saying that Jaris sees B.J.’s pain and how he tries to hide it by using drugs. Jaris found out that the mother of B.J. had recently passed away, so Jaris could see the sadness through his eyes.
MEAN: I think that this quote is saying that even though that a person may show that they’re happy or have smile on their face, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re feeling happy inside. Also people sometimes turn to drugs so they won’t have to think of any problems their facing. In this case B.J. uses drugs to show that he is happy but Jaris knows he is very sad inside.
MATTER: This quote matters because even if a person does drugs to try to get rid of their problems, they’re still going to be there and the person is still going to feel sad inside. A person can have money but if the person isn’t happy then there is no point in having all the money in the world.

Jenny Y. Period 2

9/5/2012 03:35:03 pm

Lesley Kagen, in WHISTLING IN THE DARK, wrote,"I didn't feel that same way, but I almost never disagreed with her because of that promise I'd made to Daddy in the hospital."(2007 pg. 25)

Say: This quote is from the main character Sally O'Malley. She was talking to her sister Troo about how she cheated for the bookworm contest. Sally just had to continue to agree with her since she kept a promise to her dad who passed away.

Meaning: This quote shows that keeping a promise is very important. It does not matter if they are physically here or not, a promise is a promise. Sally kept a promise to her dad that she would not get Troo mad and just to go with whatever Troo wants.

Matter: This matters in the book because throughout the book, Sally might just be agreeing with Troo again just to avoid any conflicts. It also shows that shes trustworthy and keeps her promises. It also shows how much she misses and cared for her dad because she is keeping her promises with her dad.

April V. Per 2

9/6/2012 09:13:08 am

Your quote reminds me that a promise is very important. You always have to keep to your word if you promised someone something. Your quote should remind everyone that keeping a promise is a responsibility and if you don't keep your promise then you will suffer the consequences.

Kevin T., Period 1

9/5/2012 03:43:16 pm

Suzanne Collins, in MOCKINGJAY, wrote, "People of Panem, we fight, we dare, we end our hunger for justice" (2010, pg. 72).

Say: This says that everyone is going to stand up, be brave, and fight for their freedom and rights.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that the people are tired of being controlled by the Capitol and that they are going to put an end to it. People have human rights and if you restrict them from that for a long time, they will start to rebel.

Matter:
This passage matters because it's going to start a revolution for the district and the people are going to rebel and that may end up to be a good thing or a bad thing in the story, depending on the outcome.

Dinh T, Period 5

9/7/2012 01:40:08 pm

Your post reminded me of the movies that I watch. Usually, it is the main character that has to be brave and stand up for themselves or for others. Being brave isn't easy, especially when you are afraid, but sometimes you need to be brave in order to protect the things that you care about.

Dinh T., Period 5

9/5/2012 03:45:18 pm

Rick Riordan, in THE LAST OLYMPIAN, wrote,"Being dyslexic is one mark of a demigod, but sometimes I really hate it. The more nervous I am, the worse my reading gets"(2009, p.55)

Say:
This says that sometimes when you are nervous, you aren't able to do things very well.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that many people get nervous when they perform or present things in front of a crowd. The adrenaline sometimes causes people to do poorly in front of an audience.

Matter:
This matters because when people are dyslexic, they sometimes misinterpret a word for another and they sometimes can't follow written instructions.

Cindy T., Period 1

9/5/2012 04:48:34 pm

Your post reminded me of the countless struggles people with disabilities face. What may be hard for the very fortunate people without any disabilities may be twice as hard for those less fortunate. Nervousness is an emotion that cannot easily be shaken off, and for it to be even more difficult for those less fortunate truly strengthens my appreciation. To be dyslexic cannot be easy, for words, letters, and numbers, everything to be jumbled around must be very challenging. Also, having this disability become even more apparent when nervous, is just another constant reminder of the struggles that people encounter. Your post truly made me more appreciative and grateful of how fortunate I actually am.

Kenny., Period 2

9/5/2012 03:46:53 pm

Will Hobbs, in DOWNRIVER, wrote, “Young people tend to see everything in extremes, not only in our society and not just in modern times – they always did.” (1991, p. 16)

Say:
This quote talks about how people, mostly children and teen always try to fit in on what everyone else is doing. They take everything that they see and they over exaggerate on situation.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that, people always want to fit in with people around them. This was not only today but back in the days as well. People go through phases in life where they switch between many fashions and style due to what is popular in the time. People care about their reputation too much and they do whatever it takes to protect it.

Matter:
This passage matters because people want to do what want to fit in. I find this to be a natural state, because people grows and learn as their live on in their life and it is a good thing to be experiencing to new things. It is just a state of growing up and it goes through everyone.

Kenny V., Period 2

9/5/2012 03:48:21 pm

Fixed title.

David Dang, period 2

9/5/2012 04:34:43 pm

I actually looked at this quote from a political perspective and interpreted the "extremes" as the two ends of the political spectrum. From this point of view, I saw that this quote accurately reflects the society at the moment. People, particularly politicians, are adopting more extremely conservative views and extremely liberal views. Moderates seem to be in lower numbers today.

Kevin T., Period 1

9/7/2012 06:34:04 pm

Your quote reminds me of my daily life in school around teenagers. I've seen many people over exaggerate in the things they do, and they make a big deal about it when it's not really important. People take what we have today for granted and complain about the things we have and always want it to improve. People also commit actions in their lives that can ruin their future because of people around them or how they think. Young people like to look at simple things really complicatedly.

Adam Kuo

9/5/2012 03:48:58 pm

Dan Brown, in The Da Vinci Code, wrote, " 'Release your hatred,' Silas commanded himself.'Forgive those who trespassed against you.' "(2003, p.54)

Say:
This quote means that you should release any grudges you may be holding onto or hate against others and learn to forgive those who have caused you to hate or hold such grudges.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that based on how the quote is presented, hatred is bad and can cause more harm than good. It might be hard at first to let go of such feelings, especially if the hate has built up over a long period of time. However, if we learn from Silas here and tell ourselves that we should forgive those who have caused us pain or trouble, then we will be set free from our negative feelings and our lives will be better than what it was with hatred and grudges.

Matter:
This quote matters because far too often we humans are quick to anger than we are quick to think and react to certain situations. When hatred builds up inside of us, we often look for a way to release that hatred, either by confronting and yelling those who have caused such anger or turn bitter to everyone that we come in contact with. However, resolving anger in such a manner often leads to unwanted outcomes or situations which end up with more conflict than the start. By forgiving those who have caused us troubles instead of venting at those individuals, it demonstrates maturity in the way we handle our hatred. It also releases stress that otherwise might have continued building if we were to hold it in and not let go of. Forgiveness is vital if we are to repair broken relationships or connections, and letting go of hatred will lead to resolve and reconciliation.

Adam K.

9/5/2012 03:50:13 pm

Period 2!

Tiffany L, Period 2

9/6/2012 09:43:24 am

Nice interpretation you have there, Adam! Silas is someone I admire. It definitely is harder to be the bigger person and let go of something, especially if someone offended you in some way. When you are reminded of a not-so-pleasant situation constantly, the anger will only continue to build. Instead, we as humans should learn to forgive and forget. That would make life a lot easier and decrease the level of stress.

Cindy T., Period 1

9/5/2012 03:51:35 pm

Jay Asher, in TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY, wrote, “When I looked up, the whispers stopped. Any eyes looking at me turned away. But I saw that paper getting passed around. A single sheet making its way up and down the aisles. Eventually, it made its way to the desk behind me—to Jimmy Long’s desk—which groaned as his body weight shifted” (2007, p. 38).

Say:
This quote says that any action could really make a difference in someone’s life. Hannah Baker, one of the main characters in this novel was put on this list, which ranked certain body features. As it got passed up and down the rows, Hannah became suspicious. Hannah knew she was on the list somewhere, her surroundings made it obvious, and she was determined to find her name when she looked over to Jimmy Long’s desk.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that people react very quickly to labels. It is so easy to judge someone off of what you have heard from your peers or in the halls. It comes naturally to judge and assume, but we must stop and realize that what we hear may not be true. It is not right to base your opinions on anyone or anything when you do not know the entire story.

Matter:
This passage matters because it demonstrates how easily an action could alter someone’s life. From that list, Hannah was labeled, and then harassed, which ultimately led to her suicide. Everyone should realize sooner than later, that what they say or do will follow consequences. We should all be considerate of other peoples’ feelings, because any hurtful or degrading action today could definitely affect tomorrow.

Zerlinda Lee

9/7/2012 09:17:59 am

I understand that rumors can affect your social status, but of course they're not always true.

James Endo

9/5/2012 04:15:07 pm

Pittacus Lore, in THE POWER OF SIX, wrote "Even when the world throws it worst and then turns its back, there is still always hope."

Say:
This quote means that even though you may have a heavy load, and sometimes it may be hard to handle, that there is always still a chance to try and fix it.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that there may come times where you've hit a dead end, or everything in your life is crumbling, but there is still always a chance. The word's called hope. And "hope is stronger than fear." (quote from "The Hunger Games")

Matter:
This quote matters because too many people, in the real world, have fallen into this problem, and sometimes loose their sense in hope. Hope is like a friend that wants to help you get up when you fall, but without acknowledging them, they probably wont be there. This quote affects the characters in the story because of what they've been through, such as being accused as fugitives, or having to hide from civilization, to even having to run from "home", leaving every memory and person they've met there. Through this whole adventure, they know that there's still hope; that there's still a chance for them.

James E. Period 1

9/5/2012 04:16:19 pm

Period 1!

Kenny V., Period 2

9/7/2012 03:31:48 pm

This is true many people are being shut down by themselves because they lose hope in themselves when problem comes to them. You just need to stand up to the situation and face it like how it is. There is always hope in any kind of situation and giving up isn't going to solve the problem.

Pinwen Coco Leng, period 1

9/5/2012 04:16:55 pm

Sophie Kinsella, in REMEMBER ME, wrote "
"Well." Neil flips through my notes. "You're in good shape physically, Lexi. I would say you'll probably be discharged tomorrow. I'll make an appointment for you in a month's time as an outpatient. Until then, the best place for you is home." He smiles. "I'm sure that's where you want to be too."
"Yes!" I say after a pause. "Home. Great."
Even as I'm saying the words I realize I don't know what I mean by home. Home was my Balham flat. And that's gone.
"What's your address?" He takes out a pen. "For my notes."
"I'm...not sure."
"I'll write it down," Eric says helpfully, and takes the pen.
This is crazy. I don't know where I live. I'm like some confused old lady.
"Well, good luck, Lexi." Neil looks at Eric and Mum." (2009, P.56)

Say:
Few days after Lexi wake up after the car accident, her body was in good condition, but she still can not remember anything from past three years. When the doctor said that she can go back to home, she did not even know where was her home. In her mind, her home was the flat she brought couple years ago. Right now, she felt like she lost her home.

mean:
Everyone has their own definition for "home". But what if you forget where is your home and what is your home? In this passage, the main character Lexi lost her memory, when the doctor told her that she could go home, and she realize she did not even know where is her home. She started to being anxious and helpless, she has no where to go. Home is always the place that we can get full rest and feel secure,that is why people say "East or west, home is best".

matter:
This passage because even though Lexi feels insecure for not knowing where is her home, but after she finds out what is home look like, she will absolutely love it! Her house looks incredibly splendid, has all the latest technology, and extremely expensive furniture. She will not worry about "home" anymore.

Tiffany L.

9/5/2012 04:20:56 pm

Randy Pausch, in THE LAST LECTURE, wrote, “Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people.”(2008, P. 17).

Say: This quote means that obstacles in your life are there for a reason. The “brick wall”, or obstacles, will always be there to filter out those who really want something from those who do not care as much.
Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that obstacles in life are there to test if we really want something. If we really did want something, we would do anything to get it. For those who don’t want something as badly as others, they will never get to see the other side of the brick wall, and will always remain in the darkness. In times of distress, we have two options. One option would be to fight until the end, and the second option would be to give up. No matter how unfair the obstacles life presents us with, those who actually fight for their cause will get to see the brighter, successful life once the brick wall has been crossed.
Matter: This passage matters because it categorizes the general population into two different groups- those who would do anything to achieve their goals, and those who would rather stay behind and not leap over obstacles in life. Randy is showing a very strong sense of optimism, especially for a man who is suffering a terminal disease that will make him lose his life, as well as the people in it. People should use Randy’s optimism as an inspiration and not let shortcomings discourage them from leaping over the brick wall in their life.

Tiffany L., Period 2

9/5/2012 05:00:37 pm

I forgot to put the period, sorry.

Anna V. (Per. 6)

9/7/2012 03:14:07 pm

Hi Tiffany.
I have watched Randy Pausch's Last Lecture, and it is very insightful. Randy Pausch breaks down life lessons into various small stories. It reminds me of a similar book, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE by Mitch Albom. This book is also about lessons about life from victims of dreadful diseases. Similar to THE LAST LECTURE, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is entirely true. This book is a collection of Albom's memories of his former college professor, Morrie. As he was laying helplessly on his deathbed, Morrie talks to Mitch about life and how you must "die before you live."

David Dang, Period 2

9/5/2012 04:25:55 pm

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, “In the car, there was a bit of a whiff from the toilets, which they tried to ward off with eau de cologne, and it smelled of roast chicken gone slightly bad, wrapped in dirty greased paper. The graying Petersburg ladies, powdering themselves as before, wiping their palms with handkerchiefs, and talking in chesty, rasping voices, all turned into jet –black Gypsy women from the combination of engine soot and greasy cosmetics. As they passed by the Gordon’s compartment, wrapping the corridor of their shoulders in shawls and turning the narrowness of that they hissed, or judging by their compressed lips, meant to hiss: “Ah just imagine, such sensitivity! We’re special! We’re intelligentsia! We simply can’t!”” (1957, p. 16).

Say: This passage describes the actions of a group of wealthy Russian ladies aboard a train that was forced to stop due to an incident involving a man who committed suicide by jumping off a train. The ladies are repulsed by the imperfections of the train, stating that they deserve better treatment due to their social status.
Mean: This passage is Pasternak’s social commentary regarding the upper class. He paints them as conceited and arrogant people that are undeserving of their wealth. Class conflict is a major theme in this novel since it focuses on the Russian revolution. Based on this passage, I can infer that Pasternak’s sympathy lies with the lower class that is fighting for a more democratic government. This passage is an embodiment of the lower class’ frustrations towards obnoxious elite that engages in nothing but hedonistic pleasures.

Matter: This passage matters because it reflects the social atmosphere in Russia during the Russian revolution as more and more of the poor were becoming antagonistic towards the government and the elite. It also sheds some light into human psychology. We can see rich people’s sense of entitlement as well as the jealous nature of those who cannot reach the same status as the elite.

Cally M., Period 5

9/5/2012 04:27:34 pm

Sarah Weeks, in SO B. IT, wrote, "I stood there with that big jar of jelly beans in my arms, thinking just because you can't feel something doesn't mean it's not there."

Say: This quote means that something can be present even if it's not tangible or sensed.

Mean: I think this quote explains that certain things may not be perceivable or seem obvious, but they can exist. For example, emotions cannot be felt but they are still there.

Matter: This quote matters because it can give people the assurance that they have the emotional support of others or certain qualities and traits that aren't physically present.

Cally M., Period 5

9/5/2012 04:29:05 pm

(2004, p. 154)

Kenny V. Per 6

9/5/2012 04:52:39 pm

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, "Yura felt good with his uncle. He resembled his mother. He was a free spirit, as she had been, with no prejudice against anything inhabitual. Like her, he had an aristocratic feeling of equality with all that lived. He understood everything at first glance, just as she had, and was able to express his thoughts in the form in which they came to him at the first moment, while they were alive and had not lost their meaning" (1957, p. 8).

Say: This quote shows that Yura had a good childhood despite the death of his parents. It also shows that he grew up with quality similar to his mother and has a strong moral. He is intelligent and is able to communicate his thoughts clearly.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that regardless of an event as tragic as losing one’s parents, one can still take the positives of their own parent and grow up happy with no resentment of the cause of the tragedy.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows that even though we go through tragedies, we do not have to be influenced by it like everyone else. Like Yura, we can live on and adapted and become a better person from it. What you go through in your childhood does not define what you become.

Jodi A., Period 1

9/5/2012 05:04:00 pm

Sarah Dessen, in THIS LULLABY, wrote "This was a screwed-up place he'd just come in to. But he didn't have to know that. Not yet, anyway. There in that room, where it was hot and cramped, the world probably still seemed small enough to manage." (2002, pg. 59)

Say: At the time, the main character Remy is watching a baby lizard hatch; the only one that survived out of three eggs. The very last part of this passage is saying that there is a big world out there, but we can deal with a smaller one first until we get used to it.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that it means we don't have to look at the "big picture" right away. The world is very big and can be very intimidating, but if we just start small and slowly widen the frame, we can handle anything.

Matter: I think this passage matters because there are so many huge problems in the world today that we cannot fix overnight. When we were born and as we grew up, we had no idea how big the world was or how many problems there were. We started with the simplest problems and found ways around them. We started out thinking we lived in a small, simple world. But as we learn to manage our own little world and broadening our view, we see how much bigger the world and all our problems start to become.

Yen T., Period 1

9/5/2012 05:15:54 pm

Jane Green, in JEMIMA J, wrote, “So here I am now, at twenty-seven years old, bright, funny, warm, caring, and kind. But of course people don't see that when they look at Jemima Jones. They simply see fat. Unfortunately they don't see what I see when I look in the mirror. Selective visualization, I think I'll call it. They don't see my glossy light brown hair. They don't see my green eyes, they don't see my full lips. Not that they're anything amazing, but I like them, I'd say they were my best features.” (2000, p.2-3).

Say:
This says that as much as we hate to admit it, we all judge others by their appearance and we are constantly putting each other down. Each and every one of us have something incredibly valuable and amazing that we could contribute to society, but because we are masked behind our appearance, we automatically assume and label each other. We are taught what is considered “beautiful” or “worthy”, but what we do not realize is that as a whole, we are essentially the same, and individually, we are worth it.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that we miss out on so much when we judge and categorize people, because we do not get to dig deeper and find who they really are inside. Together, we have created these “rules” of beauty that seem to define how we view ourselves, ultimately leading to insecurities and self-deprecating excuses that convince ourselves that we are not good enough. We rely so much on appearance and outer beauty that we forget to remember that every single person has something special to offer. People are so quick to judge, and it's almost innate of us to make assumptions simply because we can. It is not until we find out why this person does what he/she does that we realize our mistake and start to feel bad. I believe that everyone has three sides: the part they choose to show, the part they refuse to show, and the part that they make evident, yet we are too blind to see it.

Matter:
This passage matters because it suggests an issue that is reflected throughout our society. I once read in an article about two woman of different sizes; and when surveyed by the public, the slimmer woman received comments that were both positive and negative such as: hard-working, beautiful, attractive, to anorexic, prostitute, etc. The plus-sized woman was labeled as: lazy, incompetent, fat, overweight, does not work, etc. In actuality, the feedback received from the audience did not match the women's lifestyles at all. Jemima J. uses “selective visualization”, which I think that we all need to do once in a while, because otherwise, we wouldn't be able to notice our wonderful features and would eventually be sucked into the idea that we don't fit in. And yet, we try so hard to stand out, just to “fit in”. There are so many people who look in the mirror everyday and hate what they see, and it is such a shame because they are all attractive in their very own aspects.

Chi Ying Yu Period 1

9/6/2012 03:46:06 pm

It is very true that society tends to stereotype and categorize people, but I too believe everyone is different. It is true that we make our impression in the first seven seconds we meet people, but it is also important that we really meet them and find out who they are. I judge too, but I try my best to alter that and find all the positive characteristics of them. I am always very happy to meet people who breaks the stereotype rules.That way, I can use them to counter argue anyone who makes stereotype assumptions on people.

Ryan H. Period 2

9/5/2012 05:28:21 pm

Walter Dean Myers, in MALCOLM X BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, wrote, " We all here like you, you know that. But you've got to be realistic about being a nigger. A lawyer -- that's no realistic goal for a nigger. You need to think about something you can be. You're good with your hands. Why don't you plan on carpentry?" (1993 page 37)

Say:

This quote shows the harsh reality for Malcolm. Blacks were not expected to succeed or go to law school. Even his teacher discouraged Malcolm from becoming a lawyer and that there is no future for him down that path.

Meaning:

This quote means that African Americans don't have a future in certain occupations no matter how good they are. African Americans are limited, second-class citizens and won't be able to take a job such as a lawyer.

Matter:

This quote matters because this is a reminder to Malcolm of the world he lives in. Malcolm gives up on the American dream and began to withdraw himself.

Jose F., Period 6

9/7/2012 02:54:08 pm

I believe that this quote was true back in the 1960's etc. but I think the important thing to grasp from this quote was to never settle for what someone else thinks of you and to always strive to do what you want to do. The civil rights movement was largely based upon this idealism that everyone is created equal and here in America we have an equal opportunity to be successful

Eric H. Period 2

9/5/2012 05:31:29 pm

Ernest Hemingway, in A OLD MAN AND THE SEA, wrote,“But man is not made for defeat," he said. "A man can be destroyed but not defeated. ” (1951,p.87)

Say: This quote describes how everyone should have the perseverance to never accept defeat. It goes on to state that the only way that we could be defeated is by physical restrictions, but it would never be by voluntary submit.

Mean: On a more personal note, this means that you should never break your spirit in light of a great challenge. You should always face it head on, until the very end no matter what the tribulation. This quote also takes into question a mans pride and how he is suppose to have a impenetrable will.

Matter: This quote matters because it helps assure people that they all have the potential to be strong willed individuals. In fact, when we take it upon ourselves to see that we put up monumental struggle until the death to fight for our beliefs, we build our own character.

Benny C., Period 2

9/6/2012 07:00:24 pm

The quote didn't really imply anything about restriction being the soul reason of defeat, but I like how you express the weakness of people. I will remember this quote and face my challenges head on. I would also hope to gain my potential through this.

lina h.,period 6

9/6/2012 01:01:01 am

annabel Greene, in Just Listen said " it was becoming clear, though that myself imposed isolation during the summer had been more effective than I'd realized..I'd cut myself off entirely, figuring this was safer than risking people judging me."(2006, pg.19)

Say: This quote shows that she had been alone, and she feels like nobody is with her. Everybody moved on with their lives but her. She had lost her best friend, and she can't rely on her family either but yet throughout most of the book she feels like everybody is against her all cause of one mistake.

Meaning: this quote means that, whatever happens to you and your friends, especially your close friend to try and fix it. they were theones that has been there for you more than anybody else was. That way you dont end up alone and wont feel it either.

Matter: this quote matters because it helps you realize that being aone is sad and that if you are feeling alone you should always have someone to talk about it, that way you don't end up alone with bottled emotions. becuase of that you can end up losing everybody around you.

Nguyen, Minh per.6

9/6/2012 09:38:30 am

Birth of the Firebringer on page 1-4 it tell about how Alma created the world. She are witch. She made up the earth, and so many of strange animal, examples; unicorn, griffin, and many other kinds.

Anna V. (Period 6)

9/6/2012 11:26:34 am

Walter Mosley, in DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS, said, "Because in L.A. people don't have time to stop; anywhere they have to go they go there in a car." (1990, pg 95)

Say
Walter Mosley stated this quote through narration in the protagonist's, Easy Rawlin, voice. Rawlin means that most people in Los Angeles drive in cars, rather than walk or utilize other methods of transportation. Because of their use of cars, people hardly have time to stop and observe the scene around them.

Mean
This quote possesses little depth and can be interpreted as stated. However, this quote can be analyzed in a multidisciplinary manner. My interpretation of this quote is that people in Los Angeles merely focus on themselves, instead of absorbing the environment around them. Although more people in Los Angeles bike, walk, or utilize mass transit nowadays, cars continue to dominate this diverse, overpopulated city. People do not allocate time from their days in the car to observe their surroundings. Cars transform people into independent forms of beings who do not carea bout anybody else but themselves.
Matter
This quote matters in today's society because we continue to drive in cars. Not only are cars environmentally harmful, they also eliminate the interaction between people. During the 1970s to 90s, popular fiction, which might as well be nonfiction, depict Americans living in large cities as people dedicated to spending time in their car. As fiction as it may seem, people actually do this. In the book, this quote comments on how people are ambitious and possess the drive to achieve. Easy Rawlin enjoys living in Los Angeles after moving here from Houston, where people merely work to survive for the day. In Los Angeles, Rawlin believes that people motivate themselves and know where they are going, both literally and figuratively. It is this mentality that draws Rawlin into a life of crime, as the plot intensifies after this short passage and revelation.

Jasmine Li, Period 1

9/6/2012 01:29:13 pm

Stephanie Hemphill, in " THINGS LEFT UNSAID", wrote "Why I like theater, freedom to fall into someone else, not worry what to say. Because the lines are written down, can be memorized exactly. On the stage, I feel safe from judgment, can step out of sarah, drape myself in cloak of character, play the children's game pretend, escape into scenario and not look foolish at all." (2007, pg 97).

Say: This says that the stage helps her to escape her terrible life, it let's her to be someone else. Pretending she have another life where there's no judgement.

Mean: This passage shows that people like to find ways to escape reality, they like to listen to music, watching movies, or other hobbies that can temporary erase their memories.

Matter: this Quote matters because we always try to run away from our problems. Instead of running away from it we should find ways to solve it.

Jasmine Li p.1

9/6/2012 01:31:28 pm

sorry that I post it on week one but I fixed it.

Jeremy Chan, Period 6

9/6/2012 04:01:15 pm

Frank McCourt, in "Angela's Ashes", wrote "I don't know why we can't keep Eugene. I don't know why they have to send him away with that man who puts his pint on the white coffin. I don't know why they have to send Margaret away and Oliver. It is a bad thing to put my sister and my brothers in a box and I wish I could say something to someone." (1995, p.108).

Say: This says that Frank does not understand the meaning of life and death at such a young age. His brother had recently died and he could not gt why they are sending him away in a box.

Meaning: The purpose of this passage is to describe the innocence a child perceives in life. Death is an idea in life that is hard for a child to comprehend because he does not understand the true value of life.

Matter: This quote matters because a child's innocence is shown in the dire times of his/her life. Society should raise their children with the perception that life is a precious thing and all things should valued and loved.

Benny C., Period 2

9/6/2012 06:47:00 pm

Alyson Noel, in EVERMORE, wrote, “’Forgiveness is healing.’ He smiles. ‘Especially forgiving yourself’” (2009, p. 300).

Say:
This says that forgiving one another can help the one forgiving to let go a package of sadness and the one being forgiven a new start with no regrets.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that it means forgiveness actually heals mentally. When someone is forgiven, they can start a new life with no sadness or regrets and keep moving forward.

Matter:
This quote matters because it gives an explanation on why the main character still hasn’t been able to enjoy her life. The main character had been blaming herself for the death of her family. After she was able to forgive herself, she can move forward and enjoy her new life.

Kevin W., Period 6

9/7/2012 11:28:15 am

J.D Salinger, in Catcher in the Rye, wrote, "I never seem to have anything that if I lost it I’d care too much about." (1955, pg 85)

Say:
This says that one might not have something important in their life, but once one lost it, they would be very regret and sad.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that it means whenever we have something, or we earned something. Don't lost it easily or give up easily, that when we feels we need it, again, we will be regret.

Matter
This quote matters because the main character have a baseball gloves, and it is one of the important things in his life, but it was stolen because he did not take care of it, and didn't try to take it back, that we he realized he really care about it so much, he is not getting it back anymore.

Ryan C., Period 1

9/17/2012 02:53:20 am

This quote makes me realize life is often taken for granted. We live our lives believing that better things will come, but in realilty life is not as long as it seems. The things we have now, such as love and friendship, are more significant than we perceive. Only when we lose them do we realize how important they were.

Jason Tran P1

9/17/2012 11:58:07 pm

I think this quote is fascinating because sometimes it's true, Sometimes you don't have anything that you'd care too much about if you lost it. Whether it be materialistic or something personal. The quote makes me think about the things that we take for granted.

Andrew L. , Period 5

9/18/2012 05:59:03 am

This quote makes me consider that when people take things for granted, they do not appreciate the things that they are provided. When their privileges have been taken away, they then realize how important that the things that were given to them were that special. Thus, many should take into consideration of the things that are around them.

Ryan C., Period 1

9/17/2012 02:48:32 am

In SUPER FREAKONOMICS, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner wrote, “ Humankind has a great capacity for finding technological solutions to seemingly intractable problems, and this will likely be the case for global warming. It isn’t that the problem isn’t potentially large. It’s just that human ingenuity-when given proper incentives- is bound to be larger” (Dubner and Levitt 11).

Say: This quote states that humankind has an ability to use our minds and innovations to solve even the toughest of problems. This, of course, only occurs when we have the proper incentives, or a kind of reward.

Mean: My interpretation of the quote is that human ingenuity will continue to grow as long as the appropriate incentive is available. As long as we have reason to collaborate with one another and solve problems, our minds will continue to expand with knowledge. For instance, at one point in our history we had to solve the problem of getting clean water in our homes. The incentive in this case would be to improve our general health and well being, since water was often plagued with germs and bacteria. As we all know we eventually solved that problem. Ultimately as long as we have a seemingly good reason to do something, humanity is going to do it.

Matter: This passage matters because it revolves around the underlying theme of the entire book: we live in a world of incentives. Whether we realize it or not, our lives are run on incentives. The book itself only mentions several instances of this, but upon further analysis I came to the realization that incentives are everywhere. Without fully understanding this idea, one cannot fully comprehend the significance of the experiments done in the book.

Kimble Yuan, Period 1

9/17/2012 12:30:39 pm

Lemony Snicket, in The Austere Academy wrote, "Prufrock Preparatory School is a serious academy, not a nursery school. I told Mr. Poe that we would have room for the baby here, but we do not have a classroom for her. Sunny will be employed as my secretary."

Say:
This says that the baby will have to be taught. The baby will be very quick at a lot of things.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that the baby will be like a leader. Being a leader, will really make that baby come forward. The baby will respect a lot of the people.

Matter:
This quote matters because the baby will be protected. Everybody will want to give the baby a hug. The baby can have the day to do a work. Then, the baby will feel very good.

Lisa Z., Period 2

9/17/2012 01:32:37 pm

This is interesting because everyone that see's a baby, they want to protect them because they can't protect themselves. I would too of I saw a baby because they are new to the world and they don't know anything about it so they won't know how to defend themselves.

Qi Hong C Period 6

9/28/2012 03:28:05 pm

I think this quote is very interesting, because nowadays, people focused more on babies. People start thinking that educate babies when they are very young and they find that babies learn fast when they are young.

Qi Hong C Period 6

9/28/2012 03:32:31 pm

I think this quote is very interesting. Nowadays, people start focusing on people's education when babies are very young. They find that babies learn very fast when they are very young. So, more and more parent start teaching their babies in order to let their babies to have a better future, and make their babies will not beat by other children when their children grow up.

Lisa Z., Period 2

9/17/2012 01:29:30 pm

Judy Goldman, in THE SLOW WAY BACK, wrote, “First of all, she didn’t even know if Helen could do the translations. She should be putting all her energy into hoping Helen would say yes. Into hoping she’d finally get a straight perspective on her family” (1997, page 21).
Say:
This says that because she grew up separated from her grandparents, her knowledge about her roots are very limited. This also shows about how little her family talks about their past and childhood memories because she has translate the letters written in Yiddish from her grandmother in order to find out something, anything from her grandmother.
Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when you want to know about your past, you will do anything because you will always want to know where you come from. Knowing where you came from, makes you have a stronger bond to family. Even though she hasn’t met grandmother since her early years of her life, she is still curious but I think because of that, it is more interesting. She wants to see how much has changed.
Matter:
This passage matters because it shows her determination. Her determination to know where she comes from and know more about her history and in a way know more about her parents also. These letters might also explain why her mother doesn’t want to talk about her wedding to her father.

This is for week 2 but i posted in week 1 so i am re-posting!

Jason Tran P. 1

9/17/2012 11:53:20 pm

Rosa Guy wrote in her book, THE DISAPPEARANCE, ""That Jacques! But where he is? I waiting long. Why I must wait? I a young woman," she said. "Lovely. I keep meself that way for me man -- and I ain't mind paying the price for he. Why I must be alone? I ain't want to be alone--" Her eyes sucked him in. He wanted to snatch himself away. Run. Never stop running. She leaned against him. His arm fell down around her waist. He squeezed the soft flesh. No bones. He felt himself sinking into her soft flesh. A warm stirred in the pit of his stomach."

Say: This quote is talking about how a man left a woman by herself when she was willing to pay the price to be with him. And it ended up breaking her apart.

Mean: My interpretation of this that in relationships, the majority of the time women end up heartbroken, and they need support and comfort. And person who comforts her is the person who truly loves her and cares about her.

Matter: I think this quote matters because it shows how caring for one another after something traumatic can be beneficial for you and those around you. And since the story is about a family with a huge problem, it shows the significance of sharing emotions, human interaction and support.

Eric lo

9/18/2012 05:44:34 am

Craig Lesley, in STORM RIDERS,wrote,"pressing both palms against its flimsiness. Nothing seemed real to him or permanent."(2001, 39)

Mean: I think this means that nothing felt real to him. He couldn't feel anything because he has lost so much and now nothing could hurt me mentally. He could only feel pain when his loved ones are put in pain.

Matter: He felt sad that anything he cares about will end up in pain and that only if he doesn't care will they stop being pained. He only wants whats best for them but he doesn't want anyone else to get hurt either.

Jeffery W.,Period 5

9/18/2012 05:46:16 am

Robert Lipsyte, in THE CONTENDER, wrote, "Don't worry, James, I have lots of blood for you."

Say:
This says that in life you will always have friends around and they will always try to help you.

Mean:
This means that the main character will help out his best friend no matter what. He will give him whatever is needed in order for James to live.

Matter:
This matters because without good friends, there could be problems that you are forced to deal with alone. If you don't have much people around, then you might be troubled in life.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

9/18/2012 06:24:04 am

I agree with your thinking because friends will always be there for you. Whether you're in trouble or in need of help, they will always be there to help you. Friends even help another for things like transferring any blood or any essential organs to save their lives. This proves having friends is a great factor in living a good life.

Eric lo, Period 5

9/18/2012 05:51:33 am

Jeanette F., period 5

9/18/2012 05:51:46 am

In the book THE HUNGER GAMES Suzanne Collins writes, "Imagining my home makes me ache with loneliness. This day has been endless."

Say: This says that Katniss Everdeen is home sick. She wants to go back home instead of being in the Capitol. She has been away for so long and she is missing her friend Gale.

Mean: This means exactly what it says. She is home sick. She does not want to be in the Capitol. Even though she is fed, has clean clothes, and is being treated well in the Capitol, she wants to go home. She misses Prim, Gale, and even her mother.

Matter: This matters because it shows how much Katniss loves her family. She does not want to live without fighting for her next meal. Instead, she wants to be with her family and Gale. It just shows that she can be nice. it also shows that she will fight and try to win for her sister, Prim.

Andrew L. , Period 5

9/18/2012 05:54:10 am

Ingrid Tomey, in NOBODY ELSE NEEDS TO KNOW, wrote "He told me that you got up at five-thirty every morning this summer to run for an hour and a half before you went to work"(1999, pg. 89)

Say: This quote says that this young man dedicates his mornings to be in shape and shows a will to do something greater. This young man does his best for his goal.

Mean: This quote as I interpret it is that this young man wakes up to run. To be able to wake up at five thirty every single day shows his commitment to running. Running for an hour and thirty minutes, shows his dedication to his passion of running. Being able to show this type of dedication means something and trying to achieve what they are trying to achieve shows they spend much time to doing so.

Matter: This quote will really open eyes of many. This kind of dedication might inspire others to being able to be this dedicated into doing the things they like and show improvement. Many people should be just like this young man in this story and do greater and achieve and hope big. To do just that, they must show commitment and show action and will.

Alvin O., Period 5

9/18/2012 05:56:05 am

Frodo in, THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, said, "Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones." (1954, p. 99). (This is cited in APA format.)

Say: In the story, he is telling his friends that trying to find shortcuts may even lead to more obstructions and that staying at inns will make no progress at all.

Mean: I think this means that instead of being lazy and trying to find a way around something, you must progress forward and must certainly not stop and make no progress.

Matter: This is under a bigger and more vague concept: procrastination. Procrastination is always a bad thing to come across especially when you are in a hurry. You must make full and complete progress and must not allow laziness to overcome you.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

9/18/2012 05:56:48 am

Marilyn Reynolds, in NO MORE SAD GOODBYES, wrote, "One thing is for certain, though, whatever mistakes you make, you'll always figure out how to be part of the solution, not part of the problem."

SAY: Autumn's father is trying to say that you should try to think postively and you'll find yourself out of the problem that's been created.

Mean: What this means is that although a situation may be hard to get through, it's up to you to either try to ignore it and just feel burdened, or understand it more and make a better way to end the problem in an optimistic way.

Matter: This matters because if there's ever a time that you feel stuck in a situation and don't know what to do, you'll finally understand how to deal with it and not feel bad about it constantly or possibly once in a while.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

9/18/2012 05:57:40 am

J.D Salinger, in The Catcher In The Rye, wrote,"It's really too bad that so much crumby stuff is a lot of fun sometimes." (1951, p.64)

Say: This says that sometimes little things can also play a role in your life.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when the main character, Holden, misses out on a lot of people and activities during his life, he regrets making those decisions. At the same time, he is living a lonely life. Not having a lot of choices at the moment, he realizes that having friends could be a fun thing.

Matter: This passage matters because it teaches a lesson that everyone on this world should take their chances whenever they get the chance to do so, even if its a small thing. That way people will have a more joyful and grateful life.

Andy T Period 5

9/18/2012 05:58:15 am

Orson Scott wrote, "I thought speakers didn't believe in sin."

Say
It says that the truth speakers do nothing but tell the truth, but many don't go through their speeches with a complete story.

Mean
This quote means that speakers are meant to be used for truth and nothing but it.

Matter
This quote matters, since most of the book is about solving a mystery, and speakers.

Andy T Period 5

9/18/2012 06:13:23 am

PG(26)

aren lim period 5

9/27/2012 01:02:44 pm

This quote made me think about how everyday people are speaking out their minds without even thinking of consequences. Yes, they do have the right to freedom of speech, but it is not always the moral thing to do.

Wei L. Period 5

9/18/2012 05:59:33 am

Alan Lawrence Sitomer, in Homeboyz, wrote "Emotion led to erratic behavior"

Say:
This says that the person thinks emotion would led to weird behavior in the person's self

Mean:
This means that the character feels strong because he has no emotions expressed in hard times.

Matter:
This matters because it is always a great thing to keep your emotions to yourself in various times.

Wei L. Period 5

9/18/2012 06:10:48 am

I forgot the page number is 21.

Ryan K. Period 5

9/18/2012 06:14:12 am

Jack Lopez said this quote on pg.24 in the story IN THE BREAK saying, "Jamie's on the beach. He beat the shit out of F."

Say:
It says that you can get beat up anywhere, not just on the street or whatever.

Mean:
I think this means that you can get beat up on the beach, even though they are just some random person.

Matter:
I think this matters because you should always watch you back if you aren't careful because you can get beat up anywhere. Even places that you don't expect that you would get beat up at.

ilene rios

9/18/2012 06:24:51 am

Patricia McCormick wrote in SOLD, " We drew squares in the dusty path between our huts and played the hopping-on-one-leg game. We brushed each other's hair a hundred strokes and dreamed of names for our sons and daughters. We pinched our noses shut whenever the headman's wife passed by, recalling the time she broke wind strutting past us at the village spring."
say:
Their are two kids living a childhood were they laugh, play, and make fun of people who fart.
mean:
This means that they are a bunch of brats,
because they have a sense of humor it could be just a stage in their not so long lived life at this point.
matter:
This matters because every kid has to have a childhood or else they could possibly grow old with regrets from the past or feelings of un-accomplishment.

Aren Lim Period 5

9/24/2012 02:00:36 pm

A quote from the story "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer: "He looked away quickly, more quickly than I could, though in a flush of embarrassment I dropped my eyes at once."

summarize: He looked at me so quickly, that I flushed in embarrassment, i dropped my eyes at once.

meaning: The boy looked at her and was thinking the exact same feeling she was. The boy looked away faster than she could do so, leaving her in a such embarrassment, that she looked down at once, notwanting to be seen.

matter: This matters in the book, because this was the main part of the story where the main characters meet for the first time, and how they reacted to each other. It also showed that they both had the same feelings for each other. Both the embarrassment of just looking at each other, although they both knew that they wanted just a little peek.

aren lim period 5

9/27/2012 12:59:47 pm

My quote is from the story "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer: "All in all, I was feeling a lot more comfortable than i had thought I would feel by this point. More comfortable than I had ever expected to feel here. "

say: I am starting to feel like I am not such an outsider.

mean: The main character Bella is starting to feel accepted by her peers. She is new to the school and is still weary about how everything goes around there. She is happy, because she feeling more comfortable around school now.

matter: This quote matters to the story because the main character Bella is finally seeing the light under all the darkness. She is finally looking up of how she sees things. More optimism is being displayed, and it will definitely play a role in the story, due to how sad she was in the beginning.

Qi Hong C Period 6 link

9/28/2012 03:22:56 pm

As the author said the quote " in three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on.
Say:i think this quote means that no matter how hard lives are, we just need to stand and lives would go on for sure.
Matter: I think this quote matter. I think nowadays, people think lives are hard and complicated, and actually life goes on, no matter you give up your life or not. So, this quote teaches me no matter how hard the life will be for me , the only thing that I need to do is to stand and obey.

Lika M. period 5

10/8/2012 04:11:32 am

(I realised I posted this on the wrong week)

Anne Schraff, in SHADOWS OF GUILT, wrote, "' Bad stuff happens all over,'" Pop argued. 'Couple of college students were walking outside their nice, ritzy campus, and a drunk driver killed them. Big baseball rookie, a kid with a great future, gets killed in a hit-and-run accident. You can't let fear run your life. It's okay to take precautious, like having our kids staying away from the deli at night, but we got a good neighborhood here. We got good friend. There's no need to flee from our home.'" (2012, p. 13).

Say:

This says that the father of the Spain family, Pops, justified his decision of not leaving their town just because one of their close family friend's daughter gets shot unexpectedly at a deli by a drive by car of "gangbangers". Pops wanted to keep his family safe, but their lives were alright in the town they already occupied.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that there is crime everywhere, and crime may not be controllable in certain places, for instance, Pops wanted to explain that a couple of college students got hit by a drunk driver. He adds on that all kinds of people die, even people that perhaps would have had a great future ahead of them.

Matter:

Therefore, we shouldn't be feared by the things that people can't expect and control. This is because if we fear, everyday we will concentrate on that and end up not being able to accomplish things we've always wanted to do. Those kind of crimes that happen should not be feared of, but should be taken as advice to everyone to be careful of our surroundings and take precaution so that we might be able to avoid getting hurt.

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Dear Reading Response, Week 2

Authors
We are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!

Archives

Categories

Dear Reading Response, Week 2

AuthorsWe are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!

Archives

Categories

Authors
We are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!