DEAR Response, Week 7

10/8/2012

I HAVE CLOSED ALL PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS. YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO POST ON DISCUSSIONS FROM EARLIER WEEKS. THIS WEEK'S POST WILL CLOSE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012.

NOTE the change in directions below from APA formatting to MLA formatting.

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"(179). (This is cited in MLA 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.

Siyao L., Period 1

10/8/2012 01:32:44 pm

Lynne Griffen, in LIFE WITHOUT SUMMER, wrote "She needs me, and I need to help her... Tessa talked about the investigation. SHe holds on to ir like a rope dangling from a cliff. I've held that rope before. She doesn't realize nothing can stop you form falling, because you can't hold on forever... Holding on to a painting doesn't help much either" (127).

Say: This quote is speaking from Tessa's psychologist's standpoint. She is really worried if Tessa will ever get over the loss of her 4 year old daughter Abby. She compares Tessa's situation to her holding onto a rope, and says that Tessa can't hold on forever.

Mean: This quote is very literal; Tessa's psychologist is right that you can never hold on to something forever. You will eventually fall and have to move on. And even if it wasn't a rope, Tessa would not be able to hold on to a picture of Abby forever either.

Matter: This quote is important because it is very true. When we are faced with difficult situations, we need to put our best foot forward and keep moving on. You cannot linger in the past. Looking back will not change the past so the best thing you can do is accept the situation and simply move on.

Judy, L., Period 1

10/10/2012 06:57:40 am

Your interpretation of this passage reminds me of families who lost their love one during the wars. Wars separate husband and wife, mother and son, brother and brother, etc… Many families have successfully moved on with their lives. However, there are still a few who never let go of the past. Everyday, they suffer from the loss. Eventually, some even develop mental illnesses. Therefore, I think it is very important for us to keep moving on despite the challenges ahead.

Dawson W., Period 5

10/10/2012 12:28:45 pm

I understand this quote cause I have friends who think that they are able to have something forever. They belive that nothing they do will make it go away but there will always be one day when all that goes away. There's no holding onto something for ever in your life.

Lesley T, Period 2

10/10/2012 03:22:13 pm

Your post made me think about how parents cope with the loss of a child. It reminded me of the mother in Food Inc. and how she lost her son because of a disease caused by his consumption of fast food.

Jackie T. Per 2.

10/12/2012 01:19:54 am

Your post really reminded me of a time when my friend went through a trememndous loss. They lost someone in their family and they often found themselves unable to think much of anything else. It took some time and a lot of just helping them cope with the lost to get them to put this behind them and go on.

Justin Tang Per 5

10/12/2012 04:19:10 pm

This quote reminds me of my life and how i need everyone who is in it. I hold on to my friends like a rope dangling from a cliff. They may not last forever but they will still be there for me.

Fnu L.,Period 1

10/8/2012 03:01:35 pm

Jing mei woo,in the joy luck club,wrote,"the minute our train leaves the Hong Kong border and enters Shenzhen, I feel different.I can feel the skin on my forehead tingling, my blood rushing through a new course, my bones aching with a familiar old pain. And i think, my mother was right. I am becoming Chinese."

Say:
This passage is actually talking about how Jing mei's mom long-lost child in China had keep in touch with her mom's friend.However, Jing Mei was born in American way, but was raised in a chinese way, which is quite complicated. This passage suggest that no matter what kind of people you are becoming, you will still behave the same way when something happen to you.

Mean:This means that sometimes when you think that you can act so brave and when you face reality, thats not the case. you will feel like how she describes on the passage.

Matter:This matters because the author has been known as a brave, outgoing person.but when it comes to meeting her long-lost sister, she's transforming to another person; she no longer feel the same way as she did before. and i'm pretty sure that everyone had at least experience this once in a lifetime.

Judy L., Period 1

10/9/2012 04:01:28 am

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH’S KEY, wrote, “The mother pulled her daughter close to her. The girl could feel the woman’s heart beating through her dressing gown. She wanted to push her mother away. She wanted her mother to stand up straight and look at the men boldly, to stop cowering, to prevent her heart from beating like that, like a frightened animal’s. She wanted her mother to be brave.” (3)

Say:
This passage illustrates the fear of Sarah’s mother as well as Sarah’s innocent mind when the French police came to their house. The passage also describes the first time Sarah had ever seen her mother paralyzed with fear. Sarah hopes her mother would stand up for herself, not knowing that whatever her mother says would cost their lives.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it is always difficult for the oppressed to stand up for themselves and say something. In this case, Sarah’s mother knows that if she says something to any of the police that she will suffer severe consequences. Sarah is naïve at this point, and is hoping for things that are realistically not possible. She also does not understand and believe her situation: in her mind, she thought she would be home in anytime.

Matter:
This passage matters because it indirectly relates to bullying. When one is bullied, that individual does not only suffer from physical but also mental, fear. To those who never encounter it before like Sarah, they feel confound. Yet when they actually experience it, they would feel shocks and eventually would transform into another person. Therefore, it might be easy for one to say stand up for his or her self, especially those who never experience the feeling of being bullied. The actual truth is that not many people did stand up for themselves.

Cynthia C., Period 1

10/10/2012 08:47:38 am

This passage can really show that Sarah is still too young to understand what's going on and the consequences that may take place if her mother stands up to the police. It seems like Sarah thinks that everyone has good in them and the world isn't such a horrible place. She thinks that there is a good ending in every story but in reality, there isn't always a happy ending.

Ryan C, Period 1

10/10/2012 10:32:31 am

This passage reminds me that it is important to not only stand up for yourself, but to also stand up for others. We all need to support one another, especially now during these difficult times as seniors in high school.

Siyao L., Period 1

10/10/2012 02:11:30 pm

I agree with this quote in that standing up to people is hard. It may seem easy when you tell others to do it (Sarah hoping her mom will stand up to the police), but when it becomes very hard when it comes to yourself. Being bullied is an unforgettable experience, and even people who stand up and overcome bullying will never overcome memories of being bullied by others.

Chi Ying Yu ( Period 1)

10/10/2012 03:18:54 pm

When I am the victim of a bully, fear usually stops me from thinking or acting. However, when I see someone else bullied or harassed, I stand up and help them out of the situation, because I know scared they are. Sarah isn't scared because the police are not directly talking to her, and to her, her mother is probably the head power and authority of the family.She should not blame her mother for being submissive, because she does not understand the consequences and reality.

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

10/11/2012 04:54:11 pm

Your post made me consider how have the history and the memory of the Second World War influenced the people who had been through this war. As an example, Sarah and her mother might not be able to live in a harmony even after the war because those horrible memories of the Nazis and the concentration camp would never be forgotten. A war would have a great influence on the people for the rest of their lives.

Thuc T., period 6

10/11/2012 10:13:44 am

This passage shows Sarah's innocence, unaware of the danger she and her family are in. However, it also forebodes the courage that she will have later on to escape the fate that awaits many other Jews. She may be young and thoughtless but the fact that she has thought of her mom as a brave woman is a loving and respectful thought that almost any child has.

Berlin T, Period 1

10/13/2012 09:17:06 am

Standing up for themselves is always hard to do, no matter if its hard or easy situation. taking a stand for yourself takes courage,so this passage is really important

Kimble Y, Period 1

10/13/2012 02:55:16 pm

I agree with your quote. When a person is not feeling good, then the parent of that person will have to take care. A lot of the parents will do that to their kids. The kids will really listen to their parents.

James E., Period 1

10/13/2012 04:48:02 pm

I agree with this passage because it is pretty hard to overcome fear, even though its easy to say it to another person, its just a task that is not impossible, but hard to overcome. It also reminds me that you shouldn't stand up for yourself, but help others as well.

Jeanette F., Period 5

10/9/2012 11:28:17 am

In the book, POEMS BEWITCHED AND HAUNTED, Vachel Lindsay wrote;
"Her white wings big and wide.
And flew into the sky!
And I came home and cried"(63).

Say:
This says that the little wizard boy is sad because this, asumably, witch is flying away and leaving him. He only has the good memories of her.

Mean:
This means that even people(or kids) who are different can have a heart too. The boy really liked her and is sad about her leaving. He feels the same feelings as anyone else.

Matter:
This matters, because people are mean when they know that someone is different. They critisize them and make they feel unimportant. This is not right. Everyone should see that everyone is so different, yet so alike. No one should feel unimportant just because they are different.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

10/10/2012 10:46:49 am

I understand how this matters since many people are being criticized for being different although the people bullying the person don't understand what kind of personality that person has. So this little boy is kind to everyone noticing that each individual is unique in their own way and he accepts it and still wants to be that individual's friend.

Adam K., Period 2

10/9/2012 12:41:39 pm

Ralph de la Vega, in OBSTACLES WELCOME, wrote, "I started to realize that you can only look backward so much. Making yourself a victim doesn't change anything or help anyone- least of all yourself. You need to adapt to whatever the situation is and figure out how to make it positive."(11)

Say:
This quote says that we must learn to keep moving forward in life and not let the past hold us down or get in the way of what we want to accomplish in life.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that we are really our own worst enemy. Far too often we dwell on the past far too often and ask ourselves what we should've done to have a different outcome than the one that had occurred. The fact is, the past is the past and that there is nothing to change what has already happened. The only solution then is not to fall prey into such a trap and to keep marching on.

Matter:
This passage matters because we are a constantly worrying and grudge holding generation. We always overlook the fact that there are things that we can do to help improve a situation and reach an outcome that is at least acceptable for each of us. We should take this passage into heart and learn to adapt to whatever hardship each of us may face. When we learn from our past mistakes and apply what knowledge we have gained, we grow stronger in our character. No two situations are the same, but we are all equipped with determination and willpower to handle life's adversities.

Ryan L., Period 1

10/10/2012 01:01:48 pm

This passage made me consider to stop thinking about the past. I agree that people think too much about what happened in the past and holds them down to do anything. I agree that the only solution is to not to fall prey and try to avoid the same outcome. We should all think about the present instead of the past because no matter how much we want to change the outcome of the past, we can't.

Evy Z., Per 6

10/10/2012 01:15:49 pm

I can relate to this absolutely. I'm those people that hold grudges on people cause of the past. Every time i think of the past it gets me angry and upset. Making myself a victim helps no one i need to move on it wont change anything or help. I hope I can find a way to make this situation positive in the future. Thanks for sharing this quote Adam!

Tiffany L., Period 2

10/10/2012 03:25:25 pm

Nice quote you have there. I really do think that moving forward and progressing would be the best option. Dwelling on the past will get you no where, although it is a good idea to learn from past mistakes and avoid making the same mistakes. Making yourself a victim if probably one of the worst things you could do to yourself. If you believe you can defeat all challenges, you will defeat all challenges.

Kristin W., Period 1

10/10/2012 04:09:46 pm

I think that this quote is very true. When you are in a tough situation, getting down on yourself is not going to help anyone, especially you. One of the best things to do is stay positive and move forward. Looking back will only keep you dwelling on the problem and that will bring you down.

Jenny Yik Period 2

10/10/2012 04:54:24 pm

This can relate to everyone now. People need to keep their head up and move on forward instead of holding back on the past. Whatever happened in the past cannot be changed, so there's no point in holding onto it. It's better for yourself and your future to just keep your motivation on moving forward.

Erin T., Period 2

10/11/2012 03:08:08 am

This quote has made me realize that I should not dwell on the past because I cannot change the things that have happened. Everything happens for a reason. In my opinion, the past shouldnt matter and the future is irrelevant, but now is a gift, thats why they call it present. For others they dont take into consideration of how things have changed for the better of them, they have to realize that today is what they should treasure.

Lika M, Period 5

10/12/2012 03:56:56 am

This quote made me consider to not worrying about my past and look onto the future. The past is something that already happened. They might be things that we regret; thus, they are things that we cannot change. However, our future can be changed through learning from our regrets and mistakes of the past. I learn to not consider worrying about how bad my past was, but celebrate that I changed from it, that I know better now.

Courtney T Period 5

10/13/2012 01:01:58 pm

I can relate to this because I keep on bringing up the pass. I know I need to let the pass behind. I'm trying my best to let it go, but it takes time.

Joe Arguijo Period 2

10/14/2012 03:48:31 am

This passage makes me think about all the different environments that one must adapt to when trying to progress in life. We should not think that the world just revolves around us, but that it revolves around everyone. But than again at times many of us get sucked into a bubble reality that could easily pop at any moment. I think we should always be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Art Medina Period 1

10/14/2012 04:34:03 am

This passage reminds me of the situation that many teens in this current generation deals with. Many teens nowadays are too busy focusing on their problems in the past and dont realize that they have a futute with bright possibilities ahead of themeselves. Our generation must stop focusing on the past and instead focus on what lies ahead of them. This simple understanding can truly revolutionize a teen's way of thinking and handling adversities.

Art Medina Period 1

10/14/2012 04:49:10 am

This passage helps me relate to the current situation that this generation of teens faces. Teens nowadays are too busy focusing on their past problems and look past the bright possibilities that their future holds. They must learn to keep moving forward despite any problem that wants to hold them back. It is extremely critical that they look ahead of themselves than behind themselves. This simple concept can truly revolutionize their way of thinking and help them handle adversities.

Erin T., Period 2

10/9/2012 02:48:57 pm

Anne Lamott, in CROOKED LITTLE HEART, wrote, “Elizabeth let her cry for a while. I know you feel lonely, too, she wanted to say, but she knew better than to try to fix her daughter. Her daughter wasn’t broken—just in grief.” (68)

Say: This quote is saying that although Elizabeth felt bad that her daughter is suffering from a broken heart, there was nothing to fix because she isn’t actually broken.

Mean: This means that Elizabeth cannot do anything to change the fact that her daughter is enduring pain. Her daughter will eventually get over it, and come out of this grief as a stronger person.

Matter: I think this quote matters because everyone will face adversities and heart breaks in life. Even though one feels like they are so depressed and weak that they are broken, they are not. The pain is only temporary, they will eventually move on as stronger people.

Elaine T., Per 2

10/10/2012 12:05:08 pm

I feel that this quote is trying to say that people sometimes need to overcome some sadness in life by themselves. Sometime trying to consul a person makes the issue worse because just reopens the pain. But rather Elizabeth needs to time to think about her situation and accept her grief. This will allow her to get over it so she can become a stronger person and move on with her life.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

10/10/2012 01:34:16 pm

I agree with Erin when she says that people come back stronger from broken hearts and grief. I think that they come back stronger, wiser, and more determined because of their experience.

Andy B. Period 1

10/10/2012 03:56:17 pm

This quote reminded me of the saying that whatever does not kill you makes you stronger. This is true to a certain extent, but it does not mean that any attempts to comfort or ameliorate the situation is useless consolation.

Jason Tran. Period 1

10/10/2012 04:00:25 pm

I can relate to this quote because there are times that a person cries and you can not really do anything to help that person. As much as one wants to be there with that person, they know that they shouldn't.

derek ing (period 2)

10/11/2012 03:02:39 am

I think that this quote refers to the heartbreak a lover has to one another. I believe that this shows how a view thought of a lovers heart brake. In the quote this refers to how the mother believes she's not heartbroken, instead just filled with grief. I blieve this relates to today because in many view points the people outside that see broken hearts dont believe the lover was truly in love therefore can not truly be heartbroken, just filled with grief of the other person causing them depression and missery.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

10/11/2012 04:36:31 pm

This quote reminds of me when I had to go through some very hard times with my grades during my freshman year. The harder I tried, the harder I was failing at those classes. I tried many ways to fix this problem by trying to drop classes, managing my time, strengthening my self perseverance. But by the end of the year, I had realized that I shouldn't worry too much about freshman year and that I will just have to look towards my upcoming years.

Ryan L., Period 1

10/9/2012 02:58:25 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote, " You know we all have a spirit, Lily, and when we die, it goes back to God, but nobody really knows how long that takes. Maybe it takes a split second, and maybe it takes a week or two. Anyway, when we sit with May, we're saying, 'It's okay, May, we know this is your home, but you can go now. It'll be all right.'" (page 200)

Say: August is trying to tell Lily that everyones spirits goes back to God and that no one knows how long it will get their. It's okay to let the deceased go even if they're not here with us.

Mean: My interpretation of this is that it's okay to let the people who died go even if it hurts not to see them anymore. Everyone has a spirit and it will eventually go back to God.

Matter: I think this quote can be related to everyone because I think everyone in the world at least lost someone important to them that they can't see anymore.

Yen Tran, Period 1

10/10/2012 04:43:14 pm

Growing up in a world where labels become definitions, it is easy to lose ourselves. Many of us are always trying to fit in, sometimes with drastic measures, and that is when we start to forget what truly matters to us.

Aren Lim Period 5

10/13/2012 06:15:54 am

This post made me think about how everyone questions what will happen in the afterlife. Some choose the beliefs of their religion, and some people choose beliefs of their own morals. All in all, no one truly knows what it is like in the afterlife. We can only hope it is not something that we would regret.

Chi Ying Yu (Period 1)

10/9/2012 03:17:06 pm

Nic Sheff, in Tweak, wrote, "As long as you look for someone else to validate who you are by seeking their approval, you are setting up yourself for disaster"(195).

Say: If the reason for you to do stuff is for social fitting and acceptance, then your motivation is wrong, and people may fail to meet your expectancy.

Mean: It mean to say you chase your own dreams and do whatever you think is right , regardless of what society or other people think about you. Don't live your life for someone else, live for yourself.

Matter: This quote matters because it explains why humans conform, and humans have the wrong intention in life. Sometimes, we ruin our own lives because we follow the social norm, instead of what's best for us. Other times, we are so focused on others' approval that we forget that our drive is our own determination to do ourself goods.

Naomy Cuevam period 6

10/10/2012 05:30:54 am

I agree people should not please others they should be themselves and under no circumstance change who they truly are.We should priorities what is important for us.The satisfaction of other or ours.

Janssen F., period 1

10/10/2012 07:31:04 am

I know exactly what you mean by conforming to society. Peer pressure is another for of conforming, and sometimes our "friends" pressure us to do something and we feel the need to do what they say in order to avoid humiliation. That's why I agree to what Nic wrote. When you live life to please other people, you're automatically setting yourself up for failure. When you do what your "friends" told you to do, you end up feeling bad afterwards like you wish you could've done what you wished to do, instead of pleasing them in order to save yourself from their hurtful words.

Leon Y, Period 1

10/10/2012 09:09:50 am

This quote catch my attention because there are many people out there that seek for others people approval on for them. They should just chase what you want and should not listen to others. You should just do whatever you want to do and not care what others say.

Yang, Y., Per 2

10/10/2012 10:30:43 am

I can relate this to my life because at times I would try to fit in with the others by doing things I normally don't do, but I figured, why copy and live other peoples lives?

Eric lo, Period 5

10/10/2012 12:46:33 pm

You don't need anyone approval to be who you are. As long as you are true to yourself and remain true no one can break you. You just have to be confident. People that are confident will go a long way in life. If you shower confidence then no one put you down or ever touch you.

Andrew L. Period 5

10/10/2012 01:11:43 pm

This quote makes me consider about fitting in with the rest of the people. When one is new and they really want to fit in, they will do anything to be a part of and fit in like the rest of the others. We do not think what is really important and what we should being doing. However, an urge will hinder the brain and the thoughts one has. Our urge to be better and and fit in really makes our thoughts irrational. We focus on what we think is best as to being like another, but really when we should be focusing on our own lives.

Tracy O., period 2

10/10/2012 01:44:15 pm

This quote made me think about how you have to accept yourself the way you are before you can be happy with what people think of you. If you are happy with yourself no one can tell you any different, or change you. It is important to be confident in who you are and not be insecure because someone else may see you differently.

Tara K., Per. 6

10/10/2012 01:58:48 pm

I found this quote to be quite illuminating and true. People seek other people's opinions too much and then determine their own actions from that when they should do what they think is best. That's just sets people up for an unhappy life since they always have to look to other people for approval.

Alvin O. per. 5

10/10/2012 02:59:52 pm

I can totally relate to this because for the most of my life, I have always been relying on others to make myself feel like a part of something. Its a wonder how I ever got out of that dependence.

Isabella Gorrocino Per.2

10/11/2012 12:19:32 pm

This quote made me consider how I always feel the need for my sister's approval on everything. I know I dont need to but I feel better with myself if I do. It usually does end in an argument, so this quote really opened my eyes.

William L., Period 6

10/12/2012 03:17:11 pm

I believe you should let other people influence your decisions to only a certain extent. Receiving advice from people can be helpful, but you should never let them completely control your decisions. Instead, incorporate their advice with your own thinking and then decide what's best for yourself.

Cally M, Period 5

10/12/2012 04:11:11 pm

I agree with you on the fact that people do worry too much about other people's opinion. You shouldn't be doing things to please others. Often times, you can't please everyone so relying on the opinion of others to dictate whether who you are is "acceptable" is not the way to lead a life.

Kenny V. Per 6

10/14/2012 04:10:47 pm

I agree that at times, seeking conformity is a weakness but however sometimes conformity is necessary. In a collective society, differences can be destructive but in a individualist society, conformity is a weakness. Sometimes we conform to a standard that we don't believe in just to fit in but in the end, we only suffer from it.

Aren Lim period 5

10/9/2012 03:22:09 pm

My quote is from the story "Twilight" by Stephen Meyer: "I made my way to English in a daze. I didn't even realize when i first walked in that class had already started.
'thank you for joining us, Miss Swan,' Mr. mason said in a disparaging tone.
I flushed and hurried to my seat."

Say: i went to english, not knowing class had started. I hurried to my dseat in embarasment.

Mean: The main character Bella is in such a flurry with her thoughts and day dreams about Edward Cullen, that she did not realize she was late for class. She was singled out of her tardiness, and was embaraced, and hurried to her seat to dodge any upcoming emvarassment.

Matter: This plays a big role in the story, because the story plays out how the two main characters fall in love. This part of the story displays the distraction Edward causes on Bella. Her not being focused on the things that are very simple, and how she totally drowns out everything, with the thought of Edward in mind.

Naomy Cueva period 6

10/10/2012 05:22:39 am

George McGovern in ABRAHAM LINCOLN wrote " I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.I do not expect the Union to be dissolved...but I do expect it will cease to be divided" (pg.48,209)

Say:The people had a big issue concerning the stand that Abraham had on slavery because southerns wanted to maintain slavery. They opposed to his election arguing that he was going to make wrong choices while he was in presidency.

Mean:The southerns were doing everything to maintain what they thought will change. And claim to go to war if the slavery issue was not settle.

Matter:This issue or dilemma could cause a war.

Zishan (Angela) T., Period 2

10/15/2012 12:33:06 am

Your quote made me feel that was is caused because of an issue going on. They all think maybe a war can solve the issue that is going on but although not everything could cause a war, they think that war will make a change. Even though that issues cause wars, there should be a better way to solve the problem.

Janssen F., period 1

10/10/2012 07:25:48 am

Nic Sheff, in TWEAK, wrote, “They’re hooked up to tubes and wires and things, like Spencer … It’s as though all the emptiness inside of all of us – regret about our past and fear about our future – has been physically manifested in these withering bodies … Up until a few months ago, I didn’t even have hope of surviving past my twenties. Now that I want to live again, all this sickness and decay makes me feel humble and even slightly humiliated. How could I have so willingly thrown my life away when all these people are fighting desparately, every day, to save theirs?” (2008, p. 172)

Say:
This says that Nic is humbled when he saw all the old patients in the hospital, withering. Before he got sober he didn’t even think he would survive his lifestyle and get to the age of twenty. But now that he’s trying to change and live a sober life, he feels very fortunate and also embarrassed for throwing his life away with drugs the way he did in the past.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means a lot to someone who’s been so down and had nowhere to go but up, to see someone who’s in about the same place they’ve been in. What this means is that they see their old self in someone - their old self who was so sick and in great need of help - and they realize how lucky they are that they got a new chance to start over in their lives. Nic realized how lucky he is to have Spencer take him in when no one would.

Matter:
This passage matters because this makes us rethink about how we’re living our lives. All of us always have something to complain about. We never seem to be content, and this is where the meaning of the passage is illuminated. We should look into our lives and look at everything that we have, not what we don’t have. We realize that there are more things that we can smile about than to those that make us sad. If we think about how blessed we are, we would also feel what Nic felt, and we should always cherish our lives no matter how bad it may seem at the moment. Some people are very sick and fighting every single day with all their strength in order to stay alive and be with their loved ones while we could be throwing our lives away and just going through the motions. Instead of doing this, we should live our lives to the fullest as if it was our last day on earth so that we won’t have regrets and live a more meaningful life.

Garrett P., Period 1

10/11/2012 11:28:50 am

Your post reminded me of visiting a retirement home. We all get so caught up in our lives that we take many things for granted. We are all very selfish in different ways. When you see the old or sick in hospitals, it really gives you a humbling experience. We realize that many people have it alot worse than we do, and sows how we take so many things for granted.

Maggie W. period 2

10/12/2012 02:44:19 pm

I agree with quote as you should appreciate the better things in life rather than complain about the things you don't have. However, sometimes it is better to acknowledge that you don't have those things because of the choices that you made and strive to achieve it.

Cynthia C., Period 1

10/10/2012 08:42:24 am

Nic Sheff, in Tweak, wrote,”Isn’t that the greatest gift in the world- just not to care?”

Say:
This says that when a person doesn’t care about what others think or not care about anything such as consequences then you can have more fun. You can feel more confident about yourself and what you do.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that when you ignore the opinions of others, you can feel more free and just be yourself and express yourself without being hurt by criticism. Now, people tend to be more self conscious because they’re afraid of receiving criticism or being isolated. People want to fit in and sometimes it requires the person to change themselves and they can’t really be themselves.

Matter:
This quote matters because it applies to everyone. Most people care too much about what others may think of them. This prevents them from truly expressing themselves and being happy by being themselves than acting like someone they aren’t.

Kimble Y, Period 1

10/11/2012 12:39:58 pm

This quote was talking about being a rich person. I think that you will feel very comfortable and you will want to smile. You would choose to have even more gifts, then you can keep them. Having a gift can be very cool.

Berlin T. Period 1

10/10/2012 08:43:34 am

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen says "Silence Is Freaking loud"

Say: the quote is saying that silence is loud because when you have silence you really want noise so silence is annoying, and noise is annoying, so the interpretation of the silence is saying that "silence is loud"

Mean: this quote is trying to tell us that even though silence is quiet, it really isnt because you can still feel anoyed by the silence that its attempting. because it really is noise instead of silence.

Matter: this quote matters becuase the say is "silence is the golden ticket" but it really dosent mean that. it is true that silence is so loud

Nguyen, Minh (period, 6)

10/10/2012 08:49:53 am

Today I post the my dear named was "The Son Of Summer Star" of Meredith Ann Pierce. I think this was his or her book I don't know but this book of this author made up read very attracting me because, the legendary story was my favorite stuff.

Says: In that have a character named is Alian the son-of-Korr, and some maintain of background make interested. Like, Dark Moon the Firebringer. He's the youngest prince the unicorns have ever known, destined to conquer their enemies and lead the tribe back to their ancestral homeland.

Mean: He's the king of to bring the tribe on safety places of the Firebringer and with it the unicorns' bright future.

Matter:
His important to his tribe of unicorn and of the final volume in the Firebringer brings to a close dramatic, and majestic story.

Nguyen, Minh period, 6

10/10/2012 08:52:07 am

Leon Ye, period 1

10/10/2012 09:06:48 am

Suzanne Collins, in "The Hunger Games",wrote, “Deep in the meadow, hidden far away, a cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray,forget your woes and let your troubles lay and when it's morning again, there they'll wash away here it's safe, here it's warm the daisies guard you from every harm here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true here is the place where I love you.” (p150)

Say: This says that even though things get tough you can not go to a place and hope for things to get better or hope for it to disappear.

Mean: This means that you should just face your troubles and deal with it because you can not just go to a happy place and hope for things to just disappear. If you do not face it you will eventually have to face it and it just won't disappear and be like it never has happen.

Matter: This matters because there are many people out there who would just give up when they have trouble and they would just try to run away and try to hide from it but you can not just hide from your problems, you have to face it head on.

Minh, Nguen period, 6

10/10/2012 09:07:15 am

Tara D., Per. 5

10/10/2012 09:11:14 am

Dave Pelzer, in THE LOST BOY, wrote, "You have to understand that in a person's life there are a few precious moments in which decisions, choices that you make now, will affect you for the rest of your life" (57).

Say: The quote says that we have to stop living in the past and the decisions that we make now, good or bad, is what the rest of our lives are depending on and what will happen to us in the future.

Mean: Everybody has precious memories in the past that we will never forget but sometimes people use that as an excuse not to move on with their lives and make decisions for their futures. We have to stop living in the past and make the right decisions now that will benefit us and or others in the future.

Matter: This quote matters because it tells us that we need to make the right decisions because it will affect the rest of our lives. Yes it is good to re-live old, precious memories but we have to move on with our lives because the past is past, it'll never come back, it is the future that lies ahead of us.

Albert L Period 1

10/11/2012 01:08:27 pm

This quote reminded me of a time when everyone has to make. There is two paths that is on the same road that lead in different directions. By choosing one or the other then it will affect the future ahead of you. Its the same with decisions because if you have one or the other then in the future you won't know what would happen if you made the other decision.

Jennifer P., Period 2

10/11/2012 04:20:09 pm

This quote makes me wonder about what would happen if I made different decisions in the past. Would it have a major impact on my life, making it totally opposite? What could've changed, and who would I be?

Qi Hong C Period 6

10/12/2012 09:58:16 am

i agree with this quote, because this quote is useful for my life. Nowadays, we have to make many decisions, some are hard to decide , but no matter they are good or bad, that's your choice which would affect rest of your life, so just face what you have chosen.

Adam K., Period 2

10/12/2012 10:50:45 am

I very much agree with this quote. There are times in which I made decisions in the past that have affected me to this day, and some of those decisions I regret making. It really does make a difference to stop and think about the impact of the choices we make today on our future.

Aron I. Period 5

10/10/2012 09:43:39 am

In SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH, Walter Dean Myers wrote "You did what you were told to do in the army, so the question wasn't even worth answering."(Myers 91)

Say:
This says that if you are a soldier, then you obediently listen to commands.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that soldiers have to listen to orders and commands without hesitating and complaining.

Matter:
This passage matters because it explains that soldiers have to listen to orders and commands, even if they don't want to, which means some soldiers are forced to do some actions that they don't feel right doing.

Wei L. Period 5

10/13/2012 12:37:17 pm

This reminds me of the parts of war movies where soldiers were forced to follow orders or else you would be punished.

Tom Huang, Period 6

10/10/2012 09:48:57 am

In ELDEST, by Christopher Paolini, he wrote "They may fight with us, but they don't fight for us." (pg. 207)

Say:
This quote sates that those around you who help you now may not be there to help you unconditionally. They have have ulterior motives that no one may know about and may be using you. It also says that the ones around us will not always be trustworthy and you must be careful who you trust around you.

Mean:
This quote means that people around you are not always trustworthy. They may be helping you now to seek some sort of benefit in the future. Also, it means that you should not trust others just because they are helping you.

Matter:
This quote matters because a lot of people are betrayed daily. They should not trust someone completely after one meeting and should get to know the person first. Being able to trust others around you is good, but you will never know what ulterior motives they have.

Jeffery W., Period 5

10/10/2012 10:23:07 am

Walter Dean Myers, in MONSTER, wrote, "Did he do the shooting? I don't know. But naturally he says he didn't do it. If he had sat up there and said he did the shooting, he would never have offered the deal he got. The only way for him is to look around and find somebody else to accuse. And that's precisely what he did."

Say: This says that the man falsely accused someone of murdering the store owner because he didn't want to be charged with the crime and wanted to get away.

Mean: This means that the man accused someone else in order to escape his punishment of murder, and placed it on a bystander or someone he knew with the crime.

Matter: This matters because even though you committed the crime, it doesn't mean that you could place the punishment on someone else. If you get caught, you could get in even bigger punishment for accusing someone else.

Alan V Period 2

10/11/2012 10:31:21 am

This is very true. Many people are afraid to accept responsibilities for their actions nowadays and blame their mistakes on a myriad of other factors. We are too caught up in not taking the fault even when we know that we are wrong. People fear having horrible repercussions done to them. Instead, we need to accept the fact that we are at fault and try not to do anything wrong for the sake of a better world.

Yang, Y., Per 2

10/10/2012 10:23:14 am

David Michaels, in END WAR, wrote, " Brent carefully measured his words and his tone" (109).

Say:
This says that, when Brent was talking, he was very careful with his words and tone that is coming out of his mouth, he did not want to say anything bad or wrong to the other person.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that when you speak, you should speak after thinking if these words are appropriate for the time and place. If you were just kidding about something, but you used your tone wrong, the other person may think you are serious and you meant what you said, it easily confuses people.

Matter:
This passage matters because it teaches us to use the appropriate words and tone at the appropriate time, so you won't offend or hurt anyone with your words.

Ryan C, Period 1

10/10/2012 10:28:20 am

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, in SUPER FREAKONOMICS, wrote, "For more than half an hour 38 respectable, law-abiding citizens in Queens watched a killer stalk and stab a woman in three separate attacks in Kew Gardes" (Dubner and Levitt 98).

Say: This quote states that 38 people stood by and witnessed a brutal attack on a woman without making any effort to help her or to call the police.

Mean: This quote describes a news article in the New York Times that tells a true story about an attack on a woman in the presence of other people. This story emphasizes the fact that people today are becoming more apathetic toward one another.

Matter: This quote builds upon the idea that society is becoming more motivated by incentives rather than morals. In this case, people most likely feel that getting involved would pose a threat to themselves, which is why they choose not to get involved. If society continues to follow this trend, we face the threat of losing our compassion toward one another.

Tom Huang, Period 6

10/12/2012 10:03:11 am

This quote stood out to me because it shows how inhumane people can be. I remember one time on the news, they said a child was run over by a van in China and 17 people walked by the dead child on the street without even stopping to look or helping. It is sickening how people can just ignore it like nothing is happening.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

10/10/2012 10:55:24 am

Marilyn Reynolds, in NO MORE SAD GOODBYES, wrote,"I drop off to sleep replaying the moment when I might have told Danni everything, imagining what would have come next. After I'd spit out the blocked up words, then what? I do remember how angry she was when I went out to dinner with Jason. Pregnant with him? She'd be angry to infinity and back." (p.56)

Say: This says that Autumn wants to tell Danni about her being pregnant since she has no one to tell, but she doesn't want to suffer the consequences of hurting her best friend's feelings by telling her that she's pregnant with her crush's baby.

Mean: This means that Autumn is holding in her secrets so no one gets hurt and she is wondering how things would happen if she had told Danni about her being pregnant.

Matter: This matters a lot since there are many teenage girls who are getting pregnant recently, and it's a big situation on their life. Some are open with it so they can get help and assistance, but some are scared of making it public and they're afraid that being pregnant will interfere with both their social life and private life. These girls have no one to talk to, and they're desperate to let it out, but they keep the secret to avoid getting anyone's feelings hurt.

Dominic G. Per.5

10/10/2012 11:10:21 am

The quote from the book "Shut Up" by Marilyn Reynolds: "I don't even like him. It's bad enough that carmen's my official guardian. I don't have to follow orders from some has-been, maybe never-been basketball player.

Say:Knowing that Carmens my aunt and hating having to follow her orders, mario also has to forcefully follow Dentons orders when Carmen is there.

Mean: In the book Mario really hates Denton, but also hates that he has treat him with respect when his aunt is there. It gets on Mario nerves having to do what they tell him to do making him hate his aunt Carmen and Denton.

Matter:This matters because i know how it is when even though Mario lives with his aunt having to follow her orders as if he's a 12 year old, but he also has to respect his aunts boyfriend that he really hates. My friend had the same problem having to see a new guy with his mom instead of his dad and thought of him as a jerk and having to listen to his orders.

William L., Period 6

10/10/2012 11:19:23 am

Sue Monk Kidd, in The Secret Life of Bees, wrote, "I felt that somehow I belonged here, I really did, but I could have been in the Congo for how unfamiliar it felt. Staying in a colored house with colored women, eating off their dishes, lying on their sheets- it was not something I was against, but I was brand-new to it, and my skin had never felt so white to me" (78).

Say: This quote is describing Lily's feelings while she is living with August Boatwright and her sisters in Tiburon. Lily feels as though she fits in, but at the same time, considers the environment unfamiliar.

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that sometimes we have to experience events we are not normally used to. In this case, Lily had to adapt to living with colored people. That's why this situation was brand-new to Lily and made her feel as though her complexion stood out.

Matter: This quote matters because it can apply to everyone. At times, we have to face certain problems that deviate from the norm. Regardless, we work with what's available and hope to make the best out of it.

Jeremy C., Period 6

10/14/2012 12:30:46 pm

I can relate to this quote because I have been to a different country while working there. During my experience working there, I felt different from everyone else because the culture was very different compared to America's.

Elaine T., Per 2

10/10/2012 12:00:50 pm

Jacqueline Woodson, in FEATHERS wrote, “I looked down at my notebook. Beneath my name, I had written the date—Wednesday, January 6, 1971. The day before, Ms. Johnson had read us a poem about hope getting inside you and never stopping. I had written that part of the poem down—Hope is the thing with feathers—because I had loved the sound of it. Loved the way the words seemed to float across my notebook.” (3)

SAY:
Frannie, the protagonist, has just read a poem in class. She likes the sentence “Hope is the thing with feathers” so much that she writes in her notebook. Although she does not know what the meaning behind this line is, she feels as though that it has some importance in it meaning.

MEAN:
Frannie’s mother states that the line in the poem is trying to tell people to look forward to the future and not back. Frannie did not know what a metaphor was and she did not understand what her mom was talking about. Frannie literally thought that hope had these feathers on it. Frannie tried to understand what she called the “grown-up” interpretation, but she still could not grasp it. It shows that all people have different interpretations when they are reading a sentence or book. Although it may mean different things to people, these lines can impact people on way or another. Frannie’s interpretation of the line is not wrong but it just shows how innocent her mind is.

MATTER:
In most subjects, students get the answer right or wrong. But in English, most of the time there is no wrong answer. This is because peoples’ brains work differently and therefore they interpret words differently. Also for the line, “Hope is a thing with feathers”, I interpret it as people having hope within them and has the ability to spread its wings. Although this may be a different interpretation from other people, it is okay because I have a different mind that others.

Zishan (Angela) T., Period 2

10/10/2012 12:01:24 pm

Walter Dean Meyers, in MONSTER, wrote “He was trying to convince himself that he wasn't guilty.”(143)

Say:
Steve knows he is guilty but feel so ashamed and hurt, he tried to convince himself that he was innocent instead of being guilty.

Mean:
When you do something wrong, don't try to convince yourself that it's right because it is wrong and you know it. Here, Steve knows he was wrong so in order to make himself feel better, he convinces himself he's not guilty.

Matter:
This is important because it shows that you shouldn't ever try convincing yourself that you're doing something right even though you know it's wrong. However, in order to not get yourself into this trouble, they shouldn't of have done it in the first place. Steve not doing the right thing in the first place caused him to do this to himself and now he must face with all the guilt inside of him.

Dawson W., Period 5

10/10/2012 12:25:43 pm

Chanda Hanh wrote in UNECHANTED, "I felt as no one can see me like im invisble"(Pg.134).

Say: What this quote is saying is that she felt that no one could see her like she wasn't there anymore. She feels likes people can see her but everyone is ignoring her. She just feel like shes invisble to everyone.

Mean: What it means is that when you do something that makes everyone see you as someone that no one likes. They put you aside and like you don't even exsite to them anymore. The feeling when people see you but they just pretend to not be there.

Matter: This matter cause when you don't fit in people don't notice you and all you see yourself to people is nothing. Like they know your there but they just hid from you and or ingore you, to make you feel like your not include.

Kimble Y, Period 1

10/10/2012 12:31:41 pm

Suzanne Collins, in The Hunger Games, wrote, "She's just worried about her boyfriend" (136).

Say:
This says that the girl should really care about her boyfriend. She really loves her boyfriend. Her boyfriend will give her the correct answers to almost everything that she will always want to talk about.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that she will really want to cry and laugh. Her boyfriend can make her want to dance. She will think that her boyfriend is the best and her boyfriend will do anything.

Matter:
This passage matters because this will tell you about having a boyfriend will make the girl want to walk with him. She will really make a lot of choices. Her boyfriend will agree with her.

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

10/10/2012 12:53:00 pm

Tatiana De Rosnay, in SARAH’S KEY, wrote, “‘Quick, children, come now,’ she said, holding out her hands. ‘You are safe here. You are safe with us’” (110).

Say:

This says that after Rachel and Sarah escaped from the concentration camp, they spent hours looking for a safe place to stay. Finally, they came to the Dafaure’s house. The old couple in the house knew what had happened to them, so they decided to provide Rachel and Sarah food and shelter.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means there were still many people who were willing to help the Jews to escape from the concentration camp during the Second World War. Although the Germans were in control for a period of time, but those people did not sacrifice the lives of the innocent Jews. Instead, they tried the best to protect them from being captured by the German troops. This indicates that with more and more people decided no to be bystanders, those cruel wars can be prevented.

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers a clear idea that people who decided not to be bystanders could influence the world’s important issues. People should express their opinions and beliefs, especially when they felt like something must be wrong. In fact, those people who helped the Jews to hide or escape from the Nazis really saved a lot of people’s lives. Also, they symbolized the model of the society because their actions were signs to the society that something horrible was happening, we should not allow this to happen.

Andrew L. , Period 5

10/10/2012 01:01:30 pm

Ingrid Tomey, in NOBODY ELSE NEEDS TO KNOW, wrote "WEBB NO longer did his exercises at home. It all seemed pointless to him. His leg wasn't getting any stronger, he wasn't walking any better. If he walked with a limp for the rest of his life, he didn't care " (1999, pg. 181)

Say: This quote is saying Webb has soon come to a definitive thinking to give up his therapy from his accident. After his long productive constructed therapy to ameliorate his fractured leg, he became tired and has an urge to quit. His perfidy to his commitment has soon come to an end.

Mean: This quote really construes that he, Webb, has become preoccupied with the frustration that has encountered him halfway. The overwhelming frustration puts him into a position of a lack of motivation and a proclivity to quit. His eager attitude to become better has come to an end and that he has no patience to continue with his physical therapy.

Matter: This quote really should influence others because of the difficulty one has to endure through and live on with the burden he carries. Many should learn that, when one lives a critical condition, they will face troubled frustration and lack of patience. They will concede and call it quits.

Eric Lo, Period 5

10/10/2012 01:06:21 pm

Craig Lesley, in STORM RIDERS,wrote,"Natalie yelled from upstairs" I've got a headache and I'm trying to rest." (247)

Say: I dislike when i am tired or i look sad and people keep bugging me about whats wrong and when i tell them they just say i am a liar or whatever they may say.

Mean: Natalie just wanted to be left alone. She didn't want to be bother because she wasn't having a good day. Everything thing that she didn't want happening happened. She needed time to soak up what happened and process the data she has gotten.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows how people don't trust other people. I feel that this shows how some people don't know when i the truth is being told or a lie is being told. I can relate because i trust anyone until they give me a reason not to. I can vouch for her and how she feels because not everyone can have a good day everyday. But it the thing about life, its changes very rapidly and it is up to your to keep up or get lost in the past.

Evy Z., Per 6

10/10/2012 01:11:13 pm

Jay Asher wrote in 13 REASONS WHY “I wanted people to trust me, despite anything they'd heard. And more than that, I wanted them to know me. Not the stuff they thought they knew about me. No, the real me. I wanted them to get past the rumors. To see beyond the relationships I once had, or maybe still had but that they didn't agree with.

Say:This character in 13 Reasons Why Hannah Baker wants people to see through lies and rumors that are about her. She also wanted trust, the benefit of the doubt, and for people to get to know the real her.

Mean:Hannah wants what we all want which is for people to not judge you just by something someone said or heard for example rumors. Everyone judges by looks and never get to know the people we judge which is just unfair. A girl at school could be dressing all revealing but that doesn't make her a slut or anything. Maybe she dresses like that cause shes poor or just likes the style,

Matter:This quote is important because we can all relate to this. Whether if it was rumors or assumptions we all been hurt and insecure about them. We should all stop judging people and get to know each other. Jumping to conclusions and assumptions helps no one in the end.

Jose F. Period 6

10/13/2012 03:34:43 pm

I do agree with your quote however, trust is something that has to be gained not just implied. Because of this I believe that this trust needs to be brought over time and not through some first impression. Like the character in the book, trust is not something one can easily come by. It takes a lot of time and perseverance in order for someone to see the real you.

Jackie T. Per 2

10/10/2012 01:18:05 pm

S.L Naeole, in FALLING FROM GRACE, wrote " Surrounded by so many people, so many relatives, I had never felt more alone and more scared." (607)

Say:
At this point, Grace is on her way to visit her mom's grave. While on the way Grace is reminiscing about the day of her mom's funeral. This quote describes how even though Grace was surrounded by family, she felt as if she is all alone.

Mean:
Even thought Grace was surrounded by other family members, she talks about how she has never felt more alone. Her dad was numb and was basically in a unresponsive. Grace was enveloped in hugs by everyone, but she felt as if no one was there. Grace was the who felt what it was like to lose her mother while everyone else lost a friend or sister, so according to Grace, she is alone in the world about what it feels like to lose a mother.

Matter:
I believe that just because you are surrounded by people, it doesn't mean that you aren't lonely. To me, being lonely means that no one feels what you feel, or understands what you are going through. You can have hundreds of friends and still feel alone because they may not necessarily understand you. To me, this quote basically says that no matter how many people you surround yourself with, you will feel alone unless there is one person that understands who you truly are.

Jacelyn K, Per 6

10/14/2012 04:19:28 am

I agree with your interpretation of lonely. Even when surrounded by a sea of people, it is still possible to feel alone. The only way to stop that feeling is to find a person that understands you and truly cares.

Lika M. , Period 5

10/10/2012 01:33:35 pm

Susan Vreeland, in GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE, wrote, " Cornelius had to admit on his father's behalf that Otto Engelbrecht was a dutiful father, often stern and then suddenly tender during Cornelius's childhood in Duisburg, near the Dutch border" (12).

Say: This passage is saying that Cornelius tells everyone at his father's funeral that his father was a very tough, strict man when it comes to discipline; however, he was also very nice and caring to his child.

Mean: This passage means that Cornelius recognizes that her father was scary, but he was only being caring and loving to him through his "scariness". Cornelius remembers his father's characteristics and habits at his funeral.

Matter: This passage reminds me of my own father, who is harsh on me but at the same time he jokes around sometimes. Even though sometimes it may not be very nice or pleasant, it becomes memories that we all cherish someday. This passage matters because little traits can play a big part of your rememberance for someone; thereforre, we must keep them to heart and appreciate our loved ones while they are still here with us.

Kaylin T., Period 6

10/10/2012 01:34:02 pm

Mitch Albom, in Tuesdays with Morrie, wrote, "The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." (p.52).

Say: This quote says that in life the most important thing is to learn how to give out love and let it come in.

Mean: This quote means that you need to be able to accept love in your life and give out love in return to others. Love is something that is indescribable.

Matters: This quote matters because everyone needs love to enjoy life to the fullest. Some people may be independent and not need anyone, but they still loved at least once.

Chelsea A. P1

10/11/2012 11:44:24 am

I agree with your quote. People should learn how to apply and spread love. It allows people to forgive and not live in the past. People would be able to become open minded and expand their horizons.

Kemberly M Period.6

10/10/2012 01:38:45 pm

Jodi Picoult wrote in the book Change of hearts, "words are like nets - we hope they'll cover what we mean, but we know they can't possibly hold that much joy, or grief, or wonder.” (98)

Say:

This says that having words told you cant really mean anything till its prove. People can just talk to get someone else attention but later on act like someone else.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that in order to fall for somebody we must expect more then words because it can be false just to trap you.

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers an explanation for people behavior and how easily we fall for words. In the book Change of hearts the mother of the daughter that was murder, had trust in her husbands words and later on discovers that it was just all words and lies she believed.

Tracy O., Period 2

10/10/2012 01:39:22 pm

Jason Myers, in EXIT HERE., wrote, “I'm afraid to”. Claire moves the pillow to her side of the bed. "Afraid to do what?" To sleep. I'm afraid that if I fall asleep, I'll lose this feeling. I'll start dreaming and everything good that's just happened will mean nothing.” (380)

Say:
This says that the main character, Travis, is afraid of any change to come to his world. He feels like if he falls asleep he will lose all of the good things that have happened for him. It is also kind of ironic that he does not want to dream when most dreams are good things.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means sometime we may be afraid that if we close our eyes or change something it will cause something bad to happen. It shows how everyone has a fear of change no matter how little or how big.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows how someone can think about change and how much it affects their everyday life. Fear is a big problem and might cause someone to be afraid to change for the better.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

10/10/2012 01:44:48 pm

Misty May wrote in DIGGING DEEP IN VOLLEYBALL AND LIFE, "We often live life complaining, and reflecting on all of the bad that surrounds us. We often forget to reminisce about the good times. Taking things fro granted is an anchor that most of us carry around with us. Life is good!! When we truly are living we have cut away the anchor and allow ourselves to float freely among the stars."

Say:
This passage says that everyone likes to look at what they've done and forget to look at the good. It says that we take things for granted which hinders us. It says that we should not take things for granted and learn to live free.

Mean:
This means that we often look at the past and regret certain things or wish we had done things different. We hold on to the bad times and often forget too look at the good times that currently surround us. When we do have good times we often take them for granted and we feel entitled to have good times and don't appreciate them like we should.

Matter: This matters especially in today's world because today people whiz past everyday not really looking at each day. They take simple things for granted each day and don't recognize that they're blessed to have certain things. The fact that people today continue their lives without realizing the good things that they are blessed with can be an anchor because they won't be really enjoying life with the mentality that they are blessed.

An H., Period 5

10/12/2012 02:09:12 pm

I agree with part of the quote. Nowadays, we do complain about our life a lot, whether it be homework, tests, projects, or work in general. However, we do sometimes reminisce about the good times once in a while. It's not that we don't appreciate the good things and taking them for granted, it's that there are many negative things we see everyday that we forget about the positive things most of the time.

Brandon Yip Period 5

10/10/2012 01:46:06 pm

A quote in Shutter Island says, "Teddy looked across the table at Peter Breene, and he wanted to punch him in the face so hard that doctors would never find all the bones in his nose. Hit him so hard the sound would never leave his head"(110).

Say: This says that Teddy's aggression towards Peter was nearly uncontrollable. Peter made him extremely angry which made Teddy wanting to punch him extremely hard.

Mean: This means that Teddy sometimes have a short temper. Teddy might have a bad relationship with Peter later on during their search for the prisoner.

Matter: This quote matters because some people in the world can have a temper on certain people or made them very mad that they wanted to start a fight. This also can also explain the peoples' behavior from around the world towards others.

Tiffany L, Period 2

10/10/2012 01:46:21 pm

Randy Pausch, in The Last Lecture, wrote, "The great thing about working out at a gym is that if you put in effort, you get very obvious results. The same should be true of college. A professor’s job is to teach students how to see their minds growing in the same way they can see their muscles grow when they look in a mirror."(243)

Say: This quote says that just like seeing results from a workout at the gym, you should see and feel results after exercising your mind in a lecture hall or classroom.

Mean: This quote means that when you work out physically, you will see muscles as the end result. These muscles did not form from laziness, but rather, from hard work. The same goes for exercising the mind. In a classroom, numerous words and information are being transferred from the professor's mouth to your mind. Just like the muscles developing, your knowledge should be developing too. Once that knowledge has been developed, you will feel mentally and physically sharp.

Matter: This quote matters because nowadays, some students fail to realize that it takes effort to obtain a proper education. Anyone can sit through a lecture, but only a few will truly grasp every word and apply it to their surroundings. Being educationally and mentally fit is just as important as being physically fit.

Aren Lim Period 5

10/10/2012 01:53:23 pm

My quote is from the story "Twilight" by Stephen Meyer: "I made my way to English in a daze. I didn't even realize when I first walked in that class had already started.
'Thank you for joining us, Miss Swan,' Mr. Mason said in a disparaging tone.
I flushed and hurried to my seat."

Say: I went to English, not knowing class had started. I hurried to my seat in embarrassment.

Mean: The main character Bella is in such a flurry with her thoughts and day dreams about Edward Cullen, that she did not realize she was late for class. She was singled out of her tardiness, and was embarrassment, and hurried to her seat to dodge any upcoming discomfort.

Matter: This plays a big role in the story, because the story plays out how the two main characters fall in love. This part of the story displays the distraction Edward causes on Bella. Her not being focused on the things that are very simple, and how she totally drowns out everything, with the thought of Edward in mind.

Cally M., Period 5

10/10/2012 01:53:47 pm

Sarah Weeks, in SO B. IT, wrote, "I know this is probably impossible after all that's happened, but someday I would like to know you." (239)

Say: Mr. Hill is trying to say that through everything that has happened, he would want to move past it and develop a relationship with Heidi. He knows that it will be difficult but wants to try.

Mean: My interpretation of the quote is that the Mr. Hill's natural instinct, now that he's met Heidi, is to want to mend the mistakes of the past and actually play the part of a grandfather in her life. He wants to fill the void in her life as well as his.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows that people want to move on and form better connections with one another, supporting the idea that people are willing to try and fix relationships.

Tara K., Per. 6

10/10/2012 01:54:41 pm

Lauren Oliver, in BEFORE I FALL, wrote, "That's the thing about best friends. That's what they do. They keep you from spinning off the edge." (252).

Say:

This quote is what the main character Samantha Kingston says about best friends. She's musing over the concept of friendship since she had a fight with one of her bet friends and was contemplating their friendship.

Mean:

This quote basically means that your best friends are what keeps you grounded in life, or sane, in the midst of all of life's craziness.

Matter:

This quote matters because it offers an interesting perspective on friendship. One usually thinks best friends are the ones that support you, share similar interests with, have fun with, etc. and not to keep you from losing your mind.

Jennifer P., Period 2

10/10/2012 01:57:59 pm

Kathryn Stockett, in THE HELP, wrote, “So instead of feeling sorry for myself every minute of the day, I work. I type. I swat. Who knew heart break would be so goddam hot.” (276).

Say:
This quote says that we tend to occupy ourselves with other little things just to keep our mind off of something we don’t want to think about.

Mean:
Cecilia just went through a breakup with Stuart Whitworth. After being a mere decoy for Stuart’s ex-girlfriend, Cecilia finds herself having a hard time with the breakup. She wants to get him out of her mind, so she occupies herself with other things such as writing her novel.

Matter:
This quote matters because everyone goes through a similar phase. There are some things that we just don’t want to remember so we try to block it out. We seem to be able to find almost anything little thing to occupy us.

Vivian H., Period 2

10/11/2012 01:48:28 pm

This quote got me thinking about the different ways that girls react to a break-up. Some girls like to cry over it and eat buckets of ice cream. Other girls, like Skeeter, work to keep their minds off it. I find it admirable of Skeeter and those who keep busy and try to move on with their lives. We can work and push through our saddest times in life.

Benny C., Period 2

10/10/2012 01:59:01 pm

Alyson Noel, in Shadowland, wrote, “The only escape is to break free” (171).

Say:

This says that if you ever feel trap, such as stuck on a problem that you can’t solve with regular methods. Then solve the problem with something you don’t usually do and just find a way to break free.

Mean:

I think this quote means that if you ever have a problem that bothers you and can’t solve it normally. Then do the abnormal to solve it. All problems have a solution. It is only the how to solve the problem that trap us. If we find the how, then we can break free.

Matter:

This quote matters because the main characters have a big problem in their life and the only advice they get is “The only escape is to break free”.

Jasmine Li, period1

10/10/2012 02:00:12 pm

Meg Cabot, in BOY NEXT DOOR, wrote "Aaron, in order to die you have to live a little first.” (pg78)

Say: The main charater tries to convice her friend to do something exciting for once in his life, she is trying to tell him that he can't die unless he start to try new things.

Mean: This quote means that we shouldn't stay home and let time fly, we should go out and make new friends, try new things, and have fun. The point of life is to live without regrets, if we stay home nothing will happen. So don't die before you make a difference in your life.

Matter: It matter beacuse we all live differently, some are exciting and some are not so exciting. It really depends on how we choose to live, and the main charater understands how important it is to live life. The main concept is that we won't regret what we did when we're old because it'll be all be a life well lived.

Christian L., Period 6

10/12/2012 10:01:40 am

Today, enjoying ourselves has almost become strenuous. Because of the large national deficit one our hands, a lot of people are worrying about money and financial aid. This stress burdens everyone who wishes to escape from reality; most of which involves either money or time -- something not all of us have plenty of. Moreover, enjoying life can be rewarding, however, it should not be pushed aside because of financial issues. One should live their lives with a mindset that things will get better and that enjoying life and working hard with work together to reproduce a prosperous nation. Because if we live our lives in a constant worry over finances or work, we'll be overcome with disease, stress, and a ride towards an early death.

Maggie W. Period 2

10/10/2012 02:01:51 pm

Gaston Leroux, in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, wrote, "Her reason for this curious attitude was never known. Some pretended that it was due to overweening pride; others spoke of her heavenly modesty. But people on the stage are not so modest as all that;"

Say:
This quote means that the narrator never found out why Christine Daae turns down appearances to sing and promote herself. He hears other people's guesses but reasons them out to be false.

Mean:
The quote means that sometimes people think the worst or the best of a person based on their actions. This holds true for entertainment people or those in the public's eye. Also most assumptions could be reasoned out to be false but the public may not do so.

Matter:
While Christine Daae showed that she is a wonderful singer, she declines most invitations that her friends get her. Here the narrator examines the reasons along with the audience's reactions. Then he conclusions that it is just fear that prevents her. This quote explains the atmosphere of the theater during the story and their feelings towards Christine.

Vivian H., Period 2

10/10/2012 02:23:48 pm

Breena Clarke, in RIVER, CROSS MY HEART, wrote, "Johnnie Mae was obliged to remember Clara. It had been her responsibility to watch Clara ever since Clara was a baby. But Johnnie Mae's mind was elsewhere" (8).

Say:
This says that as an older sister, Johnnie Mae's only responsibility is to care for her sister. Although it was her responsibility to pay attention to Clara, she has her mind elsewhere.

Means:
This quote means that the responsibilities of the eldest child is to care for the younger ones. It's the only thing that parents expect them to do. Unfortunately, Johnnie Mae, Clara, and their group of friends went swimming at the forbidden Potomac River. While having too much fun, Johnnie Mae unintentionally forgets about her sister. Instead of looking after her sister, Johnnie Mae is busy splashing and diving around. Sadly, on this day, Clara passes away in the river.

Matter:
This quote matters because it showcases the importance of tending to one's responsibilities everyday. Even when we least expect things to happen, things can suddenly change our lives. If we let our minds slip from our minds for even just a moment, consequences will take toll.

Gloria M., Period 2

10/10/2012 02:25:25 pm

Kathryn Stockett, in THE HELP, wrote, "Miss Hilly get up from the table. She lean in, say, 'We really don't need any more help, but we'd be delighted if you and Johnny would attend the Benefit, Celia.' Miss Celia smile and look so grateful it'd break anybody's heart. Who had one" (352).

Say:
This quote says that Miss Hilly turned down with Miss Celia's offer to help with the benefit. Miss Hilly dislikes Miss Celia because Mister Johnny dumped Miss Hilly for Miss Celia. Miss Celia was really sad about this because she has been trying to contact the League ladies, but everyone ignores her.

Mean:
This quote means that Miss Hilly is like the ring leader and everyone is afraid to go up against her because they know that she will ruin them. Aibileen says at the end of the quote that Miss Hilly and the people in her circle have no heart, because they weren't willing to stand up for Celia. Miss Celia was so disappointed because no one was willing to accept her into their group. She tries to look like it's not a big deal, but she takes it to heart.

Matter:
This quote matters because in society we always have someone we are afraid to cross. Most people are willing to follow that person's lead and they will throw their friends under the bus to save themselves. Humans care for themselves and they won't worry about who they will hurt to stay in tact within their social circles.

Brilliant H., Period 2

10/10/2012 02:27:05 pm

Andrew Tobias, in THE ONLY INVESTMENT GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED, wrote "Once sold to the public, unit trusts are not traded. Investors may redeem their shares with the trustee at "net asset value" - at a loss if bond prices have fallen since the trust was issued, at a profit if they have risen. But if you sell early, the handicap of the up-front sales fee bites particularly deep. Forget unit trusts" (84).

Say: This quote basically warns of the setbacks in purchasing unit trusts. Tobias goes on and on knocking down types of bonds, from junk to corporate. This quote is specifically about unit trusts, but he also discusses convertible bonds, zero coupon bonds, and bond funds.

Mean: This quote means that although unit trusts sound good in theory, they actually aren't much more valuable than treasury bonds, which are the best type of bond to buy - if any. At the end of each bond description, Tobias just goes on to say that if anyone is interested in any type of bond at all, treasury is the way to go. It is the highest type of yield with the least interest rates and highest yield.

Matter: This quote matters because it has absolutely no importance to me. I scoured the chapters I read for an interesting quote, and I realized I could not find a single quote that I could spin with another meaning. Reading this book has made me question whether or not I want to pursue a career in finance. I find this book so impossibly banal, and I would like to switch DEAR books immediately. Stocks sound interesting sometimes, but for the most part, I feel like I cannot immerse myself into this subject.

Zhicheng(James) W., Period 2

10/10/2012 02:44:17 pm

Nic Sheff, in Tweak, wrote, "As long as you look for someone else to validate who you are by seeking their approval, you are setting up yourself for disaster"(195).

Say: If you think others approve you of your behaviors throughout life, it may or may not be true. Living your own life is more important than what other people's opinion are about.

Mean: This means that you shouldn't listen to what other people tell you to do unless it is a recommendation. You should chase your own path and career that would make you the most successful and happiest man on earth.

Matter: This matters because people make the wrong choices but that is their decision and they are happy with what they have accomplished, then it is accepted and nothing in the world can change that.

Alvin O. per. 5

10/10/2012 02:54:43 pm

Kristina, in CRANK, said "The way it's okay to gift their heart one day, a backhand the next, to move on to the apricot when the peach blushes and bruises."

Say: She's saying how some people can give their hearts out to others, but the time when they do something wrong, they get rejected.

Mean: I think she means that some people aren't true to the feelings they give to others. In the end, the person who was deceived ends up with the severe truth that will crush them.

Matter: I feel that this act of betrayal is a large factor in this society. This supports the role of deceiving and hurting people that may cause them to go to far extents to get rid of or act upon their feelings.

Courtney T, Period 5

10/10/2012 02:55:53 pm

Mr.Collins, in "THE POWER OF FIVE" says "“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” pg 45 2006

says: No matter what happens to u,whether someone died,you lost your job,you get dumped,your boyfriend cheated on you,the world still spin. Life does not stop even if your life stop short.

means:Its means whether it's good or bad, life will just go on.

matters:It matters because people brings up their past all the time. You should leave the past behind and start a new life the next day.

Gloria M., Period 2

10/11/2012 12:21:25 pm

Yes, life does go on even if you don't want it to. There's nothing you can do to make it stop, but moving on keeps us busy and keeps us from giving up. Life goes on, we make new memories and keep our old ones, giving us a life we will never forget.

Lilian D. Per 2

10/10/2012 02:57:13 pm

In, Magic Bleeds, Ilona Andrews wrote, "Sometimes being alone in an empty apartment, with nothing but your own craziness for company, was far worse that weathering a night in the office in an uncomfortable bed" (pg 160). (This is cited in MLA format.)

Say: This quote states the reality where loneliness can overwhelm a person entirely during times of despair.

Mean: Because humans are essentially social creatures, we have an affinity to surround ourselves with others for social or intimate reasons. Considering this need for a social presence, when people become depressed without a social group to support or comfort, loneliness prevails, driving people insane because no one is there to prevent despairing thoughts.

Matter: Friendships with lasting qualities are important for a healthy mentality because support and comfort is transferred between friends. Having human relationships are especially important in the U.S. because it influences job opportunities, future opportunities, etc. Ultimately, friendships contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Alex D, Period 5

10/10/2012 03:00:47 pm

Suzanne Collins, in THE HUNGER GAMES, wrote,“For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first.” (2008, pg. 107)

Say: This quote says that if there is betrayal, there was first trust. So at first, you trusted them, but then they betrayed you.

Mean: To me, this quote means that many people who gain other's trust, is just using that to betray them. In the book, it is a world ruled with power and in the games, it is life or death, and one should never trust their life in the hands of a stranger because once they do, they're dead.

Matters: This quote matters because many people have friendships and relationships and trust is a big factor in keeping these friendships intact. You must trust friends and they must trust you in order to have a helpful fun partnership.

Lilian D, Per. 2

10/12/2012 05:29:10 pm

Trust is such a fragile thing. Once lost, it's really hard to gain back. The fact that humans open up to others is such a vulnerable act that it's a wonder that friendship is encouraged, especially in this society.

Benjamin L., Period 5

10/10/2012 03:03:53 pm

The Dallas Cowboys, by John F. Grabowski, wrote, " I need a smart, tough kid who will take this ball and initiate every play for our team. ( 2002, pg.24 )

Say: I need a captain or leader who will help our team have a winning record. What's more is great strategic plays or skills for this team.

Mean: The owner of the organization ( Dallas Cowboys) needs a coach member to help them and teach them the way of playing football. They need a certain type of person to guide them to a winning season and having a high chance to go to the playoff.

Matter: Almost a lot of things or plays matter a lot. Every team, class, presidential things need a leader or a good/powerful person to guide them to a very successful years or months. Having someone to teach is an important matter cause it will helps us become better at a certain type of activity. Learning is important since you are learning who has learned a lot of important things when he/she were young.

Alex D. Period 5

10/13/2012 04:33:26 pm

This man is looking for a leader to lead his team into the field and control everybody. This leader will help and make sure everybody is doing what theyre supposed to be doing. I can relate to this because in basketball it is the point guard who is to lead and keep his or her team in control.

Lesley T, Period 2

10/10/2012 03:18:54 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote, "His eyes passed over me. The only thing he seemed suspicious about was how a girl as white as me could be a friend of the family."(183).

Say:

This says that when August and Lily went to the jail to visit Zach, the police guard was most suspicious about why Lily, a white girl, was friends with a black woman.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means that people were so racist that they could not even imagine the possibility that a white little girl could be friends with a family of black people. This is why Lily and August being together puzzles the jail guard so much.

Matter:

This passage matters because it shows how racist America used to be. Even though America is still racist, some parts more than others, it is not as unusual to see white people and black people together. In hindsight we can see how ridiculous we were and how some things that we did just didn't make sense but this passage shows what they were thinking at the time.

derek ing (period 2)

10/10/2012 03:20:43 pm

Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell, "Big Brother is always watching you."

Say: This is said in the second chapter of the book when it refers tot the government. The government is big brother, and George Orwell describes it as big brother watching over you.

Mean: The meaning of this quote is the saying that government tells its people. Big brother is known as the government, similar to how in real life a older sibling, in this case a big brother is watching over you. It shows that in your form of society you have no sense of freedom or privacy. You are controlled by the government and the views of the big brother.

Matter: This quote matters because it causes Winston Smith and Julia, two lovers, to undermine the government. The book shows if these two lovers can show and expose what the government is truly about. The society is controlled by big brother, and the two characters try to show this.

Qi Hong C Period 6

10/10/2012 03:21:28 pm

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
Jimi Hendrix
Say: this means love is the must important thing for peace.
Mean: Nowadays, people start realizing the importance of peace, and people really do not want the wars anymore.
Matter: to me ,i think this quote is really important, wars are awful to every human being. so i really think we need love, not the power or military.

Winnie (Man Ieng) C., Period 1

10/10/2012 03:22:21 pm

Dave Pelzer, in THE LOST BOY, wrote, “In an instant I wanted to apologize, but I couldn’t. I was tired of being sorry for everything – for not understanding words or phrases; for feeling so humiliated by Larry Jr. and the crazy psychiatrist; for riding my bike down a street; or for just trying to hear my mother’s voice.“ (146)

Say:
This passage says that the little boy, David, is so depressed that he no longer has the strength to put everything on himself. He has been apologizing for everything he does as they all seem to be wrong.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that David has been blamed for everything he does since he was a little child. What is always in his mind is that he never does something right and he is a bad boy. He has been trying so hard to gain attention but his mother makes him believe that he does not deserve any of it and he will never be praised. It turns out that he blames himself for all the things happened.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows how much impact a parent can have on a child. I think that a parent should teach his/her children to determine what is right and what is wrong, instead of putting all the blames and responsibilities on them. Once we are sorry for everything in our lives, we get tired and will only be sorry for ourselves at last.

Benjamin Lin Period 6

10/10/2012 03:23:15 pm

Orson Scott Card in Ender’s Game wrote “sometimes a lie was more dependable than the truth” (57).

Say:
This is the statement that claims that sometimes you can obtain more truth from a lie then from a truthful statement. This is especially true when someone is purposely being evasive in their speech.

Mean:
This quote asks us to express doubt at the statements that others say to us. We often times take these statements as true without any thought. However if they are indeed lies, we are left completely defenseless. Although most of the time we are lied to for our own good, what happens during the times that we are lied to for malicious reasons.

Matter:
In the real world, we have to be able to identify what is true from either the truth or lies. To be able to distinguish what is the truth and a lie can mean the difference between an advantage in life or a disappointment.

Cergio A. Period 5

10/11/2012 10:57:11 am

The quote from your book is sometimes true because when comes to facing your parents the truth is always the best to say even though you'll get in trouble sometimes. It just depends on the situation your in. And sometimes kids will lie cause it will save them from trouble, but if they can it they can take that they lied to their parents. But sometimes it may be okay to say a lie but not with parents just in other situations.

Anna V., Period 6

10/13/2012 04:48:20 pm

The ability to distinguish the truth is definitely the difference between an advantage in life or a disappointment. There is always a truth in a lie, however. Your quote reminds me of a book I read about a child with cancer. In order to protect him, however, his parents lied to him about his sickness. However, the outcome of this was far from what they expected. The child spent his time carelessly on activities he found to be banal, instead of enjoying the limited amount of time allocated to him. Indeed, the ability to distinguish a lie from a truth can aid one in the long run.

David L., Period 1

10/10/2012 03:25:34 pm

Dave Peltzer, in THE LOST BOY, wrote, Mrs. Catanze wrapped her hands around my shoulders. Not to worry. This is something we’ll just have to work through.

Say: This quote is saying that Dave has gotten into a fight with one of his foster brothers and he’s trying to talk to his foster mom to help things work out between the two of them.
Mean: This quote means that everything that we go through whether it may be bad, we just have to get through it and everything will work out at the end. We just have to have a positive attitude towards the outcome of everything.

Matter: This quote matters because a lot of times when things aren’t going the way we want, we tend to not look on the positive side and think that things won’t work out in the end. We just have to have our close friends and family there to work things out and help comfort us so that we know that things will be good. This quote shows that he foster mother comforted him as much as she good so that Dave would feel loved and that everything will be okay.

Kaycel Carlem

10/10/2012 03:33:29 pm

Stephenie Meyer, in NEW MOON, wrote "I had to keep moving. If I stopped looking for him, it was over. Love, life, meaning. . . over." (73)

Say:
This says that she is refusing to stop her search for Edward. Bella believes that if she stops looking that everything will come to an end. And she does not want to lose Edward.

Mean:
This quote means that she is afraid of losing her connection. She does not want their relationship to end because for her it would mean an end for her love and life meaning. So she continues her determination to find ways for her to be able to see him again.

Matter:
This quote matters because it relates to many people are in a relationship. And if something were to happen to them and their significant other they would not be able to cope with it. They are consumed by them. Sometimes people forget to remember the difference between what they want and what they really deserve.

An H., Period 5

10/10/2012 03:37:13 pm

Sarah, in SARAH'S KEY, wrote "'Please don't stop me,' mumbled Sarah, reddening. She was both happy and annoyed that they had followed her. 'Stop you?' Jules smiled. 'We're not stopping you, you silly, stubborn girl. We're coming with you'"(142).

Say: This quote is basically saying that Sarah thinks that the old couple was going to stop her from going back to Paris, when in actuality, they just want to go with her.

Mean: The meaning of this quote is that you shouldn't assume things since the assumption can sometimes be wrong.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows that even though you think you are alone, there is actually people out there that care for you and can look out for you.

Wei L. Period 5

10/10/2012 03:40:03 pm

Alan Lawrence Sitomer in Homeboyz wrote, "Pain was her motivation, and despite what the outer room looked like, the inner room told her real story."

Say:Teddy was able to read her inner feelings with his perception.

Mean: This means that people can have way different types of inner and outer rooms.

Matter: This matters because a person with great perception can read about a person in a short time.

Kemberly Molina Pr.6

10/12/2012 03:07:08 am

I agree with this passage because you can never "judge a book by its cover". We mostly all do when we should learn how to get to know a person and focuse on our on life.

Aron I. Period 5

10/14/2012 08:42:07 am

This quote reminds me of those people that can see what the people are currently feeling even though the people don't say how they are feeling.

Andy T. Period 5

10/14/2012 09:29:39 am

This quote reminds me of how peoples verbal communication is not always everything true about their inside feelings.

Kenny V

10/10/2012 03:42:04 pm

My quote is from the story "DOCTOR ZHIVAGO" by Boris Pasternak " " The fools don't know who they're enving," the all knowing legalist said. "They've been mobilized, drafted as labor conscripts from Petrograd. They were sent first to Vologda, to the northern front, and now they're being driven to the eastern front. Not of their own will. Under escort. To dig trenches." "
Say: A legalist is overlooking the shipment of the citizens to the war fronts. They will be digging trenches there and are being treated as prisoners.
Mean:The Russian people are being forced to work and if they, the citizens, don't do as they say, they will be executed for desertion even though they are not part of the army. This shows how people can be controlled through fear.
Matter: People usually become powerful through fear. The "all knowing legalist" was able to use the law to his advantage and imprison the Russian people and force them to do hard labor. This shows that the law should not always be strictly interpreted so that people can take advantage of it but rather be loosely interpreted for people to have leeway.

Justin Tang Per 5

10/10/2012 03:43:04 pm

In THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, she writes, "I spread out my fingers, and the dark berries glisten in the sun. I give Peeta's hand one last squeeze as a signal, as a good-bye, and we begin counting. 'One.' Maybe I'm wrong. 'Two.' Maybe they don't care if we both die. 'Three!' It's too late to change my mind. I lift my hand to m mouth, taking one last look at the world. The berries have just passed my lips when the trumpets begin to blare."

Say: They were both about to kill each other before they blew the horn that meant the game was over. They didn't think that the district cared, and wanted to prove the point that what they did every year was wrong.

Mean: Katniss and Peeta were going to sacrifice their own lives so that the districts wouldn't have to hold tributes every year anymore.

Matter: Sometimes in life you have to take risk to achieve your goals. They didn't want to die, but as a last resort to show their rebellion against the district they did.

Dinh T, Period 5

10/14/2012 05:07:57 am

This scene was a little different from the movie because in the movie, they didn't put the berries in their mouth. They were about to eat it, but then the horn blew.

Pinwen L., Period 1

10/10/2012 03:50:27 pm

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH'S KEY, wrote, "The eyes of a women in the face of a ten-year-old girl." (162)

say:
This says that during the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, the Jews suffer a lot, especially the children. When people look at this ten-year-old girl, even though her face looks young, her body was still small, but the message in her eyes were like a women, which much more experienced.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that during the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, the children suffer so much that even a ten-year-old girl could lost her innocence. People say that the eyes are the window of mind, so whatever your mind is thinking, you can not hide from your eyes. The girl in the book, used to be happy, without any worry, but after she saw all the cruel and unreasonable treatment, she learned to protect herself, to become mature, but lost her innocence.

Matter:
This passage matters because it remained me of myself when I was a ten-year-old girl, I was innocence, living with worry about anything. But is this story, the girl was so young, she is too young to be suffer by this world, this force her to become mature, to protect herself. That's why "The eyes of a women in the face of a ten-year-old girl." Even today, there's children in this world are still suffering, we should pay more attention on them.

Fnu L.,Period

10/13/2012 03:58:20 am

Your quote really appeals to me because first of all, im reading the same book. second of all, because this scene of the book is very outrages, sad, and unbelievable.To me, in this kind of situation people will eventually turn into an older and mature person.

Joe Arguijo

10/10/2012 03:50:55 pm

Marcus Zusak, in THE BOOK THIEF, wrote, "The Star of David was painted on their doors. Those houses were almost like lepers. At the very least, they were infected sores on the injured German terrain" (35).

Say:
This quote reminds us of all the hardship and discrimination the Jews and other minorities in Germany endured during the era of Nazism. The ignorance was so great amongst Nazi supporters, that many saw all those to blame for as animals. Many Nazi's treated the Jews and minorities as if they were the disease and evilness of the world that had to be dealt with in order to produce a supposed Aryan race.

Mean:
People at times can perform disturbing things in this world that would be considered unthinkable. The rise of Nazi Germany showed us what what some humans are capable of during times of despair. Liesel was one of many who witnessed such disturbing actions done by those who stood by the powerful regime at the time. Most of the things that have affected Liesel deeply were mainly due to the unfortunate events brought up by the atrocities done by Nazi Germany.

Matter:
This quote should give us an idea of how much hate many Germans had towards the Jews and other minorities during that era. Sometimes the hardships and despair that one goes through causes them to find the fastest way out of the problems. For many Germans during 1930's, the fastest way to fix the problem was to blame everything on the Jews. There mistakes and illogical decisions should teach us Americans not to make accusations without proper evidence because the truth always finds its way out.

Andy B. Period 1

10/10/2012 03:52:13 pm

Patricia McCormick, in SOLD, wrote “If you look hard enough, chaos turns into order the way letters turn into words” (60).

Say:
This comment is saying that everything eventually falls into order naturally. Something that is perceived as random may hold more meaning behind it. Through this perspective, one can make sense out of chaos.

Mean:
Life has a specific order to the way it operates. The laws of nature has been dictating and regulating events on this planet even before human planning. In the midst of our human tendency to make sense of everything and establish an predictable scheme, we lose the very idea that some times some things just happen naturally with out major central planning. This is expanded on by the theory of spontaneous order, which states the emergence of order out of seeming chaos.

Meaning:
This matters because too much fixation on something that is beyond our control leads to unnecessary stress. In order to have a happier life and society, some things that are capable of self-regulation should be left do so.

Kenny V., Period 2

10/12/2012 04:49:13 pm

I really like your quote, it reminds me of myself. When i try something out for the first time it always confusing, but as I continue working on it, it slowly comes together. If we continue working on one thing we will eventually become better at that one thing.

Kenny V., Period 2

10/10/2012 03:54:21 pm

Lois Lowry, in Gathering Blue, wrote, “Take pride in your pain, her mother had always told her. You are stronger than those who have none.” (22)

Say:
This says that the struggles that you have now are just making you stronger and experience compared to the people who never faced what you have faced.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means everything you do right now is just contributing in one way or another to help you in the future. The pain you struggle now is just going keep you more prepared for what going to be coming up when you do face the problem again.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows the growth of people. As time goes on you experience more obstacles in life and each one that you face and go through the more experience you have in it. So going through it again should be much easier than before.

Kevin T., Period 1

10/13/2012 04:56:15 pm

I agree with your quote because people who have no pride, are not worth it. Your quote also reminds me of the song "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson. She says "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller." I find that this song relates to your quote. If it pains you, then you grow stronger to show people that you can withstand anything they throw at you.

Mark Chang period 6

10/14/2012 12:29:14 pm

This quote can also tell people that they should do things on their own because it makes them more prepared to face difficulties in the future. So having the pain of doing something on your own is always more rewarding then if you ave someone else do it.

Jason Tran Period 1

10/10/2012 03:59:07 pm

My quote is from Ray Bradbury's book Fahrenheit 451, "We know all the damn silly things we've done for a thousand years, and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, some day we'll stop making the goddam funeral pyres and jumping into the middle of them. We pick up a few more people that remember, every generation." (215)

Say: What the quote is saying is that if we have records of the foolish things that we did in the past we won't repeat them.

Mean: It means that the reason we make the same mistake over and over, is because history repeats itself, but if we found a way to remember why we did wrong, we are able to fix ourselves.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows us how foolish we were back then, and how we could fix ourselves now.

Wenda (Michael). Z

10/10/2012 03:59:25 pm

Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games Catching". “The bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flames. I am the mockingjay. The one that survived despite the Capitol's plans. The symbol of the rebellion.”

Say:
The main character Katniss, she is ready to rebel against the peace keeper, she is describing the feeling she is expressing. And the Capitol’s is there symbol of the rebellion.

Means:
Everything around her, the bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flame, she is the mockingjay, a bird that wants to be free, all the thing around her is speaks to her just like her want to be free, she want freedom.

Matters:
Well, this is the second book of the Hunger Games, Catching Fire, the story is to rebel sees for freedom, this the a quote of Katniss take action to sees for the freedom, that was miss place on her lift.

Anna V., Period 6

10/10/2012 04:11:47 pm

In EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE, Jonathan Safran Foer writes, "I loved having a dad who was smarter than the New York Times... Being with him made my brain quiet. I didn't have to invent a thing."

SAY
In this passage, Oskar Schell recalls his favorite memories with his late father. Oskar reminisces his life before his father's unfortunate passing. In his father's presence, Oskar never has to invent stories to entertain himself. His father provides him with interesting facts and concepts that challenge him intellectually, allowing him to think and have fun with his thoughts. Through his everlasting memory, Oskar attempts to preserve his father's existence.

MEAN
This quote reveals the loneliness Oskar experiences as a result of his father's passing away. Although he attempts to act normal and his mother occupies him with activities so his thoughts will not meander through hopeless thoughts, Oskar cannot help but reminisce his priceless experiences with his father. This quote reflects the vacant void created by his father.

MATTER
This quote matters because the entire novel reflects Oskar's emotions after his father's death. This single window to Oskar's perspective of the world is conveyed within this quote. Additionally, the void exists within everybody who can relate to Oskar's emotions. We have all experienced loss, whether it be the loss of significant people in our lives or loss of objects. Regardless, this void cannot merely be occupied by new material things or people.

Jodi A., Period 1

10/10/2012 04:12:02 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote "The whole problem with people is... they know what matters, but they don't choose it... The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters." (147)

Say: People want to take the easy way out of things even if it means letting other people down or sacrificing the most important things. Here, August is explaining to Lily why she painted her house bright pink and that it was to see May happy.

Mean: This means that people are naturally lazy or shallow or both. "Choosing what matters" is a very tough decision and when people give in to their nature, they end up taking the easy way out. They don't want to give up what they want for other people or just because it's the right thing to do.

Matter: This passage matters because it describes the nature of humans to do things the easiest way possible. It shows how much effort we have to put in to do the right thing sometimes. It's ridiculous to see people complaining about a simple task that could completely change someone else's day or week or life.

Yen Tran, Period 1

10/10/2012 04:15:04 pm

Jane Green, in JEMIMA J, wrote, “The social misfits they called themselves, pretending to delight in their difference, but each of them wishing they belonged elsewhere.” (158).

Say:
This says that those who are considered socially awkward are often found to be content with their lives, but in reality, they are lost and they have a desire to be someone else, somewhere else. People are too quick to judge, and so we miss out on opportunities to meet wonderful people.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that people like Jemima who are labeled as “losers” are told so many times that they don’t fit in that they start to believe it. They live their lives feeling like they cannot join social festivities or socialize with people and this puts a great toll on their self-confidence.

Matter:
This passage matters because I strongly believe that every person should pick themselves back up when they are knocked down. A lot of people need to realize that when you can excel at being the best person you could possibly be, and you are happy with yourself, you shouldn’t have to change for anything or anyone else but yourself.

Kristin W., Period 1

10/10/2012 04:20:43 pm

Greg Laurie, in RUN TO WIN, wrote, "This is often how the Lord works. When times are especially dark, God brings forth a leader. He designates someone to turn the light on... someone to stand in the gap... someone to turn the tide-someone like you."(63)

Say: This quote says that God brings up certain people to make a difference and on of those people could be you.

Mean: This means that people were created to have a purposeful life. We can all make a difference for the better in some way. We can be leaders and be great examples for future generations.

Matter: I think this quote matters because some people don't realize the effect that they can have on others. Some people just stay in the background, but they could be meant for so much more. We can take action and make a difference anywhere. It may seem like a cliche, but we could change our ways and affect the world in a good way by protecting our environment or standing up for something we believe in.

Cassidy A. Period 1

10/10/2012 04:29:07 pm

John Irving in, A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, wrote, "When someone you loves dies, and you're not expecting it, you don't lose her all at once; you lose her in pieces over a long time-the way the mail stops coming, and her scent fades from the pillows and even from the clothes in her closet and drawers. Gradually, you accumulate the parts of her that are gone. Just when the day comes-when there's a particular missing part that overwhelms you with the feeling that she's gone, forever-there comes another day, and another specifically missing part" (135).

Say: In this passage, Johnny is recalling how hard it was for him to lose his mother. People usually think that when you lose someone, it happens to abruptly. He is uses his personal experience in this passage explain to people how hard loss really is.

Mean: This passage means that losing someone you love, is extremely painful. It is even more painful because it never stops. There will always be something that you realize is missing because your loved one is missing.

Matter: My interpretation of this quote is to really appreciate your loved ones. You never really know whats going to happen, and losing them is more painful than anything.

Jessica Lai, Period 6

10/11/2012 09:08:31 am

I think that this quote holds some truth. After someone dies, you still hold the memories you had with them. However, as time goes on, you begin to forget and you realize that you cannot recall things like what shade the deceased eyes are or what his or her scent was. And every time you realize that you have forgotten another thing about the loved one, the pain and the loss grows.

Winnie (Man Ieng) C., Period 1

10/13/2012 11:53:59 am

Some people say time heals the pain of losing someone we love. But I think that we cannot completely forget about the pain, as that person will always be in our minds. This pain just makes us learn to appreciate the ones we love right now.

Christian L., Period 6

10/10/2012 04:41:02 pm

A quote from Thomas J. Watson, Sr. in, THE SLIGHT EDGE, by Jeff Olson, writes, "The formula for success is quite simple: double your rate of failure" (p. 21).

Say:

Success is a difficult thing to achieve and it is definitely a strenuous escapade for one who tries to achieve success. The process of achieving success can extravasate challenges and road blocks in one’s path towards achievement. However, Watson believes he has the solution to the problem; failure.

Mean:

Any sane person would think, “Double your rate of failure? Now why would anyone want to work against their goal?” However, any sane person also learns from their mistakes; and when one is able to narrow down his or her mistakes, there are only so many more ways left to succeed making it more likely to achieve success.

Matter:

This quote is very important because it can be applied to practically every situation in modern day society. It is an important concept to remember and to understand. Not many people realize that there is significance in failure despite the fact that success is more appealing.

Benny C., Period 2

10/11/2012 02:03:46 pm

This is a very self-contradicting quote. I still don’t understand this quote because if you double your rate of failure, then won’t you get more mistakes to make? However, we do learn from our mistakes. I would still choose to win because I get the knowledge without failing and I would get the appeal. Two prize, instead of one.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

10/10/2012 04:43:01 pm

J. D. Salinger, in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, wrote,"Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell."

Say: This says that worrying too much about money will make you very miserable."

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is That money isn't the most important thing in your life. At the same time, this means to live a joyful life and not to stress out in money.

Matter: This passage matters because it teaches us that we shouldn't care too much about money. The best thing to do is to balance out your mind and have a regular life without the obsession about it.

Jenny Yik, Period 2

10/10/2012 04:52:01 pm

Lesley Kagen, in WHISTLING IN THE DARK, quotes, “...things happen when you least expect them. Things that can change your whole life.” (page 103)

Say: When something happens, you never know how the effect of it will be. Nothing is predictable and you cannot see it coming.

Mean: The main character reacts to the death of the girl down the street because she was unaware of something like that was going to happen. No one knew what happened or how it happened to the dead girl.

Matter: This alters the main characters daily life as she walks pass the pond where the dead body was found. This part of the story shows how one reaction can really change the mood and attitude of the character. It explains how this made a huge impact on the main character's life.

Eric Huynh Period 2

10/12/2012 08:09:07 pm

This quote has me reminiscing about my time as an eighth grader in a math class. There was a lesson that inspired me to like math, and the way my teacher taught it really put me on the fast track to liking math.

David Dang, Per 2

10/10/2012 04:52:30 pm

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, “The boys were playing at the most dreadful and adult of games, at war, and moreover of a sort that you were hanged or exiled for taking part in. Yet the ends of their bashlyks were tied at the back with such knots that it gave them away as children and showed that they still had papas and mamas.” (1957, p. 58).
Say: As the October Revolution of 1905 is coming to an end, the Russian government is beginning to gather up rebels who have been causing problems for authorities. In this passage, the author describes that the people who participate in this conflict between the government and anarchists are mostly young men that are practically boys, forced to fight by higher figures.
Mean: I interpret this passage as a criticism of war and the casualties it produces out of its innocent victims. As stated by the passage, the people who partake in the fighting are only young boys who have yet to know how to differentiate right from wrong. To them, war is only a game. They are unable to discern what the true nature of it is. Even if they do, it may be too late because they may already end up exiled or dead.
Matter: When people are too caught up in the hysteria of war, they are unable to see who are the victims in a war. Since normal people are not the ones fighting wars, they take for granted the services that soldiers provide for them at their own will. Most of the time, these soldiers are young men, even boys, who have their future ahead of them, but are forced to neglect that in order to go fight. Thus, this passage serves as an echoing reminder that war is an atrocity that causes nothing but pain and implies that there may be better means of resolving issues.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

10/10/2012 05:04:07 pm

J.D. Salinger in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, wrote,"Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell." (113)

Say: This says that worrying too much about Monday will make you very miserable."

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that money isn't the most important thing in your life.

Matter: This passage matters because it teaches us a lesson about money. The best thing that you should do is to open up your mind and stop the obsession about money.

David L., Period 1

10/11/2012 03:27:11 pm

I agree with you on this quote. I feel that people shouldn't focus their lives on how much money they earn and that there are more important things in life than money. I also think that people do focus a lot on money and don't realize the things that are around them as long as they get money.

David Dang, Per 2

10/13/2012 02:00:22 pm

The debate about whether or not money is the most important thing in life has been around for a very long time, probably since the inception of currency. It is difficult to decide between financial security and personal satisfaction. There are undoubtedly things that are more important than money, i.e. friends family, etc. Those things can never have a monetary value. But at the same time, we also cannot forget the significant role money has in our lives. Money in our society represents power, opportunity, and prestige. It allows us to do many more things in life and provides us a stronger sense of security. Society seems to have accepted this definition of money. The importance of money has grown to the point where we rank people not by personality, but by net worth in monetary terms. I am not making an argument that money is the most important thing in life, just stating that the influence of money has increased to the point where it is a strong contender for that position

Kevin T., Period 1

10/10/2012 05:06:04 pm

Suzanne Collins, in MOCKINGJAY, wrote, " "Katniss... how do you think this will end? What will be left? No one is safe. Not in the Capitol. Not in the districts. And you... in Thirteen..." He inhales sharply, as if fighting for air; his eyes look insane. "Dead by morning!" (133)"

Say: This quote says that Peeta cares for Katniss so much that he would throw his life away just to warn her.

Mean: This quote means that when you love someone so much, you will do anything for them to make sure they are safe. It means that having priority over someone you love over yourself is what true love is.

Matter: This quote matters because Peeta warned Katniss of the dangers of what will happen in District 13. Peeta is worried that Katniss might get hurt or end up dieing, so he takes the burden of pain to give her this message.

Joanne W., Period 6

10/10/2012 05:11:59 pm

Lisa Klein, in LADY MACBETH'S DAUGHTERS, wrote "My heart is a stone lodged behind my ribs. I am hard all over, as the looking glass shows me. My cheeks are flat, my bones are sharp. Strands of silver glisten in my hair, though I am only twenty-three. My eyes are pale and hard, like an ice-covered loch." (29)

Say:

This says that the mother, queen Geillis, thinks that although she is still very young, her behaviors and daily routines make her look like an old woman.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that Geillis is a kind of regret of marrying a prince in her 15. She realizes that the life she lives is not what she wants.

Matter:

This quote matters because her father is a king and of course she is forced to marry a prince even though she is young or she doesn't even know who the prince is. And we all know that most of the people in the past got married so young, but she finally realized she doesn't like it.

Jinoto Cheam Period 6

10/13/2012 01:32:22 pm

Sometimes you do things that you will regret in the future. But as a human being you will make many mistakes that you will end up regretting. This quote really relates to many people because everyone makes mistakes and this is a great interpretation of it.

Alan V, Perod 2

10/11/2012 05:06:59 am

Nic Sheff, in TWEAK, wrote "Spencer would tell me that the only reason for living is helping other people. That's what gives his life meaning. I really do want so badly to get to that point." (157).

Say: This quote is speaking from Nic's standpoint. He is trying to portray that we should all help each other in life. Helping each other, as humans, provide us with a good sense that we actually helped someone.

Mean: After Nic's struggle with drugs, he has no where to go. His life has shattered and reconnecing with Spencer is what is helping him turn his life around. Nic is trying to say that he wants to eventually turn to the person Spencer is. He wants to break free of his addiction and help others with what he has gone through.

Matter: This quote is important because it is very true. Many people nowadays are self absorbed or do not take the time to understand someone. They walk by people and ignore the problems they have. However, if we do not do our part to help others, why should they take the time to help us? Today has been a competitive and dog eat dog world, but we should still they take the time to help those in need. Many do not have the priveledges we do and we need to change that.

Randall C., Period 6

10/11/2012 02:26:59 pm

This quote means a lot to me because in life that is our main goal whether or not we know it. Most people do not spend their time trying to hurt others, so this quote explains the way human beings interact with each other. With the respect and the gratitude that is given when one is helped by another. And by someone hat is more fortunate than another less fortunate the fortune can be spread around.

Jessica Lai

10/11/2012 09:05:50 am

"Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretended to be" (231).

Say: This quote is in Valentine Wiggin's point of view. In this section of the novel, Valentine and her brother, Peter, have developed pseudonyms and write on political issues on the internet. Her pseudonym is Demosthenes, who often write against the Russians and calls for war.

Mean: Valentine has had so much success and so much practice writing as Demosthenes during her free time that she finds herself thinking and writing along the same lines when he is discussing political matters or writing for school. Eventually, she becomes what she pretended to be because, although she was pretending, somewhere in her mind, there exists some mental basis for what she writes. However, she is hesitant about becoming someone like Demosthenes because she is the pacifist among her siblings. Demosthenes calls for war, but she would rather avoid it. Her pretense no longer becomes just that as she continues to write on the nets.

Matter: This matters because it serves as a warning for some people. Some might think that acting in a certain way will gain them benefits and once the goal is reached, they can go back to the way they were before. However, subconsciously, they will remain the same because they have been thinking in that way for such a long time. Eventually they will lose who they were and change into someone else.

Cynthia H., Period 1

10/11/2012 11:23:59 am

Nic Scheff, in TWEAK, wrote, "I lie on the bed, holding my body in the fetal position-- hyperventilating a little. I feel like a small child again, covering my ears while my parents argued. I feel this cold heat inside and I'm suddenly terrified that Zelda is going to leave me. I want to call Spencer but I know he's asleep. I lie on the bed, just trying to shut my eyes-- to make it all go away" (225).

SAY:

This says that Nic, as a child, has grown up being around his parents, who have always argued. And when they would argue, he would hide in his room, lay in his bed in the fetal position, placing a pillow over his ears to protect himself from hearing the argument.

MATTER:

My interpretation of this matter is that when children are brought up, parents are always giving their child love and care for their own child. So when a child hears their parents fighting, it is like an unknown world to them. The child has grown up in a caring and loving environment, so to have their parents yelling and screaming at each other is usually a scary thing. So a child would normally hide to go away from the yelling and screaming. And in Nic's case, he did that as a child. However, now that he is an adult, Zelda (his girlfrend), is having an argument with her ex-husband. And their argument brings back his childhood memories.

MATTER:

This passage matters because it shows more of how Nic Scheff was vulnerable as a child. He grew up protected by his parents. And when his parents would argue, it would be a completely different environment for him. So as a child, what else was he supposed to do, but hide. And hide he did, he hid in his room, under his blankets in the fetal position, and with the pillow over his ears.

Garrett P., Period 1

10/11/2012 11:24:19 am

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.

Cergio A. Period 5

10/11/2012 11:35:19 am

In Gulliver's Travels the author wrote, "He desired I would not take it ill, if he gave orders to certain proper officers to search me;for probably I might carry about me several weapons,which must needs be dangerous things, if they answered the bulk of so prodigious a person."

say: This quote says that the emperor has ordered his men to search him weather he's uncomfortable with it or not.

mean: This means that if though the emperor has already fed him he doesn't have full trust in him even though he hasn't done anything to them. Since what if the emperor thinks Gulliver is just waiting for the right moment.

matter: This quote matters because it shows how the emperor may trust Gulliver when it comes to his things he has. But at the same time he's curious because he may see some things he's never seen before.

Chelsea A., P.1

10/11/2012 11:36:26 am

Jane Hamilton, in MAP OF THE WORLD, wrote" have since wondered if a person can know how deep a thing goes without getting outside of it, without taking it apart, without, in fact, ruining it.' (89)

Say:
The narrator explains that people can be pushed so far and will eventually breakdown. She portrays limits in the quote and that people are humans and are not perfect.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that people, humans, are not perfect. We can be pushed so far, and once we are pushed over that edge, consequences appear. For example, parents expect a lot from their children, but children can only take so much. Therefore, they act out or rebel against authority.

Matter:
This quote matters because us humans need to understand that we have our limits and can only handle so much. When we are pushed towards our limit, we eventually breakdown or rage. People need to learn how to understand where we are coming from and how difficult it can be.

Isabella Gorrocino Per.2

10/11/2012 12:37:02 pm

Luis Rodriguez, in ALWAYS RUNNING, wrote "But for the Chicanos at Mark Keppel High School, this meant another barrier had been torn down and an important aspect of our culture recognized."

Say: This quote is saying that the Chicanos at Luis's school is now being recognized. They are not being pushed aside anymore, they are slowly starting to matter.

Mean: This means that the barrier that was once built in between the whites and chicanos is now being torn down.By actually letting the chicano student be involved in school activities such as Luis and Esme being the new Mr and Mrs Aztec.

Matter: This quote matters because society as a whole should not want barriers to be built between different races. If there are barriers nothing can ever be done in unity as a community.

Albert L, Period 2

10/11/2012 01:02:04 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in The Secret Life Of Bees, wrote "I can tell you this much: the world is a great big log thrown on the fires of love." (126)

Say: Lily comes to this conclusion at the end of chapter 7, after she has her first interaction with Zach and has witnessed Neil and June have a fight. She concludes that not only love could bring people together, love could also drive people apart.

Mean: During there trip together Lily figures out that she loves him. From the time when Lily licked the honey of his fingers. These two experiences, involving emotional outbursts and physical interaction, only serve to confuse her as to the point of love in life

Matter: This quote is important because there are many people involved with emotional outbursts and physical interaction that only serve to confuse love. By having these confusion it can question, what is the meaning of love?

Randall C., Period 6

10/11/2012 02:23:50 pm

Jess Lair, in I AINT WELL BUT I SURE AM BETTER, wrote " To me the real test of living alone with ourselves is how we do in the middle of the night."(115).

Say:
This quote is saying that the only problem with living on our own is how we are when we are in fact alone.

Mean:
This quote can relate to everyone that is living alone or is an introvert. Most teenagers are not close to their parents and are peer pressured to hide their feelings from others to not show vulnerability. When we are alone in our rooms is where we can be the actual person we want to be. If we are content with the way our life is going at night then the time should go by smoothly. The problem is that some of us are not that fortunate, making the nights long and stressful.

Matter:
This quote is rather ironic to the story of the book because the book is about self help. The main character Nick is trying to turn his life around and he is speaking of how we cope with the lonely nights. There is also another ironic meaning to this because by reaching out to others we are able to live life on our own.

Jeremy C., Period 6

10/11/2012 03:09:01 pm

Jeannette Walls wrote in "The Glass Castle", “One time I saw a tiny Joshua tree sapling growing not too far from the old tree. I wanted to dig it up and replant it near our house. I told Mom that I would protect it from the wind and water it every day so that it could grow nice and tall and straight. Mom frowned at me. "You'd be destroying what makes it special," she said. "It's the Joshua tree's struggle that gives it its beauty.”

Say: This quote is from Jeannette's mother. She is trying to say that life is not easy to go through; however, it is the struggles we go through that make us stronger as a person.

Mean: As the Walls family travel across the country, Jeannette's mother stumbles across the Joshua tree. The significance of the Joshua tree in the Walls' lives is that it reflects the Walls' journey. The Walls' persevere multiple climates, hunger, and etc but, it is these struggles that strengthen the bond in the family.

Matter: This quote is important because it should reflect many people's lives. Everyday, people face many problems, new or old, and do not realize that each time he/she solves the problem, he/she gets stronger as a person.

Dinh T, Period 5

10/12/2012 02:00:13 pm

Rick Riordan, in THE LAST OLYMPIAN, wrote,"Annabeth had intercepted the knife with her own body"(190).

Say:

This says that Annabeth blocked an attack that was meant for Percy. Percy, Annabeth, and the other demigods are fighting Kronos' army, trying to defend Mount Olympus.

Mean:

This means that Annabeth cares about Percy and she would even risk her own life to save him. It shows that they have a strong bond and they would go to any extent to save each other.

Matter:

This matters because if Percy got hit on his weak point, which is a small spot on his back, he would have died and there wouldn't be anyone to give orders to the other demigods. Annabeth could have blocked the attack with her knife because if she did, she wouldn't be wounded and she would still be fighting.

Eric Huynh Period 2

10/12/2012 03:58:34 pm

Nic Sheff, in TWEAK: GROWING UP ON METHAMPHETAMINES, wrote, “Isn't that the greatest gift in the world-just not to care?” (107)

Say: This quote is saying that it is much easier in life to just not care than to care and try to deal with the problem at hand.

Mean: This quote stood out to me because it really embodies the current aggregate mindset of most high school students. Many people choose to not care or pretend not to in order to just avoid the problem in the first place. In many cases, it is very helpful to the situation to not get involved at all and just don’t worry about it. But on the other hand we have to know when to stand up for what is right. More times than not, we never get a chance to stand up to authority, oppressors, or even a simple bully. Thus, it really bugs me whenever this quote is thrown around in everyday vernacular.

Matter: This matters because we have to have a sense of heroism in order to function at our fullest capacity as a human being. No matter what the situation, there is always a time to stand up for what is right and combat oppressive forces from overtaking the weak. I know this may sound a little bit cynical, but I think many people feel the same way that I do to some degree.

Fnu L.,Period 1

10/13/2012 03:54:57 am

Jing Mei Woo,in The Joy Luck Club,wrote,"the minute our train leaves the Hong Kong border and enters Shenzhen, I feel different.I can feel the skin on my forehead tingling, my blood rushing through a new course, my bones aching with a familiar old pain. And i think, my mother was right. I am becoming Chinese"(201)

Say:This passage is actually talking about how Jing mei's mom long-lost child in China had keep in touch with her mom's friend.However, Jing Mei was born in American way, but was raised in a chinese way, which is quite complicated. This passage suggest that no matter what kind of people you are becoming, you will still behave the same way when something happen to you.

Mean:This means that sometimes when you think that you can act so brave and when you face reality, thats not the case. you will feel like how she describes on the passage.

Matter:This matters because the author has been known as a brave, outgoing person.but when it comes to meeting her long-lost sister, she's transforming to another person; she no longer feel the same way as she did before. and i'm pretty sure that everyone had at least experience this once in a lifetime.

Jinoto Cheam Period 6

10/13/2012 01:29:42 pm

In "The Gatekeepers" Robert Liparulo said “Live to fight another day accounted the loved one who would die because you didn't continue fighting today.”

Says:
I think this quote is saying that, confidence and striving is a really important characteristic in life. By being able to have the strength to continue helps you accomplish things.

Means:
This quote means that by have strength and the will to accomplish things will help you get far. Also it means that the fear of death can get in your way of your accomplishments and with this fear it can make things really complicated.

Matters:
This quote matters because by having the will to live on can make you stronger. By being stronger you can be of a great use to the society we live in today.

Jose F. Period 6

10/13/2012 03:31:08 pm

Ellen Kushner in "The Fall of The Kings" wrote, They say all kings are mad," he remarked.Basil took the cup from him and dipped water for himself. "They are right," he said. "But you must remember that madness is a gift of the land. (92)

Say: This quote is from a teacher known as Basil St. Cloud who knows that to be mad (or crazy) is what makes us humans and because of this, he said "Madness is a gift from the land" this demonstrates Basil's remarkable intellect and his understandings of the ways that humans work.

Mean: I believe that this means, we all have a little bit of a reckless side to us, but that's what makes life interesting. We are not born to be statues, we have feelings and deep thoughts that stem from this madness, there can be no order without chaos like there can be no darkness without light. Because of this I believe that the message being sent here is that to be mad, is to be truly alive.

Matter: This quote is important because in the story, Basil is mentoring a young heir to a throne and due to this, he must teach him life lessons. One such lesson helps the king make just decisions later in life and because of this. Teachers are absolutely crucial to the growth and the development of the future kings.

Jacelyn K, Per 6

10/14/2012 04:16:47 am

Dave Pelzer, from A Child Called It, once wrote "Mother call beat me all she wants, but I haven't let her take away my will to somehow survive." (4)

Say: This quote comes from Dave himself, in his point of view. Through out his life, Dave has been physically and mentally abused by his mom. This quote shows how he stayed strong, not allowing his mom to break his will.

Mean: This quote shows a great example of internal strength. Though abused to the extreme extent, Dave pushed hard and did not waiver. He never gave up; he held strong and never broke under his mom's hand.

Matter: It shows that you can get through anything. If the author could stand up in such horrid situations, we can get through anything if we put our mind to it. Dave's state of mind showed his strong will to survive.

Art Medina Period 1

10/14/2012 05:41:57 am

Patricia Mccormick, in Sold, wrote,"Simply to endure is to triumph"(17).
Say: Lakshmi's mother is stating her perspective of life. She believes that enduring hardships will help her grow and thrive as a person and eventually lead to triumph. She has been faced with many adversities throughout her life and has learned to endure them as much as she possibly can. After, triumph is sure to come.
Mean: My interpretation of the passage is that some people have come to understand that success comes by the more you endure hardships. This was of thinking has helped certain people get through adversities. It is a perspective in which some people have learned to live their life by. It is simply a way of life and the road to success.
Matter: This quote is significant because Lakshmi lives by these words. The words of her mother have ruled her life and without them she would be lost and would no know how to be successful in life. Of course these words would not have a significant meaning in others lives, but they sure do have an impact of Lakshmi. These words are so specific to her life simply because of the setting in which she lives, the atmosphere she embraces each day, and the people that surround her and their actions.

Andy T. Period 5

10/14/2012 09:28:24 am

In Speaker for the Dead, Orson Scott wrote, "I will love somebody who doesn't insist I perform the labors of Hercules." (103)

Say
This quote says how love is not always an easy decision to make. There are many factors to it.

Mean
It means that Novinha who is one of the main characters has yet to decide who she will love, for her future.

Matter
It matters since Novinha loves somebody but does not know if she should proceed with it her love of Libo, who is also one of the main characters.

Mark C. Period 6

10/14/2012 12:44:27 pm

Orson Scott Card, in ENDER'S GAME, wrote" Everyone believed Hitler got power because of his armies, because they were willing to kill, and thats partly true because in the real world power is alomst always built on the threat of death and dishonor. But mostly he got power on words, on the right words at the right time."

Say: This quote is saying that Hitler and many other people got their power not by force, but by using their ability to talk and manipulate people to think as they do.

Mean: People only achieve power by using their words to get people to believe in what they think is the best way. This quote tries to explain to us this concept and tells us that if people use force for their power then they will never achieve this.

Matter: This quote matters because it helps explain to people how the deceptive leaders rise to power and how they are able to maintain for a long enough time to implement their ideas. This also will help people be able to notice if one of these people try to ascend to power.

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DEAR Response, Week 7

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

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DEAR Response, Week 7

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!