Blog #2-5

Happy Holidays!

I'm starting to read The Body by Stephen King and so far I have been so ecstatic because I absolutely idolize Stephen King's books. I'm actually going to start reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King over the Christmas break and hope to be done before school starts up again. The book was tremendous and I have to say I felt the character I connected most with was Gordie and Teddy. Gordie and Teddy were two young boys who were extremely nerdy and adventurous.  In the beginning of the movie Gordie doesn't have the self confidence to believe in himself although his incredible talent to create great stories is hidden. Throughout the movie Gordie learns that he needs to move on with his life especially after the death of his brother. This inspires him to pursue his career in journalism and to have more confidence in himself. Gordie inspired me that to pursue my dream as a speech pathologist because anything is possible if you believe in yourself. Teddy unfortunately ended up getting himself into numerous incidents and was not wise in his career path.

Most importantly, these characters: Gordie,Chris,Vern, and Teddy demonstrated friendship many times throughout there journey that kept them so close together. The boys developed a very strong and trusting relationship with each other even when some of them wanted to give up. Knowing that they had each other's backs no matter what, they began to open up to one another more about their personal lives. All of the boys come from a different background and each have a different personality but through there journey they realize that friendship is the key to success. At the end of the book after Chris has been stabbed in the throat, Gordie says "I never had any friends like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus does anyone?" Friendships can help us learn from our mistakes and help us to grow stronger each day.

Blog #2-4

"I knew it was a great mistake for a man like me to fall in love."-Jay Gatsby

The Great Gatsby was such a astonishing novel and kept me asking so many questions. Did Daisy truly love Gatsby or his wealth? Near the end of the book, Gatsby is murdered by George Wilson who believes that he killed Tom's mistress. The book states that Gatsby grabbed a "pneumatic mattress" and headed to his pool when he suddenly here's gunshots. Luhrmann then describes Jay Gatsby leaving the pool and adds a more barbaric ending. In both the book and movie, Gatsby is waiting for a phone call from the love of his life, Daisy. Gatsby takes a quick dive in the water when he hears the phone ring. Although, in the film Gatsby gets out of the pool when he here's the phone ring. Nick Carraway shot Gatsby essentially ending his life. Unfortunately, Gatsby dies believing that his beloved Daisy was going to leave with him instead of Tom compared to the book in which none of this takes place. The film also seems to display a more crueller means of Gatsby's death. In fact, Gatsby's father makes a surprising appearance and a unexpected arrival of someone involved in Gatsby's studies who Nick has met already joins them. This man distinguishes Gatsby has real books but fails to cut the pages. In the movie, we meet the man who's subsequent appearance is not at all acknowledged and does not discuss the books.

If I were to change the ending of the book I would have to say Daisy leaves Tom to be with Gatsby and Gatsby is not killed by Wilson. As the two make plans to run away they are quickly approached by George Wilson and Daisy is killed by him. A scuffle occurs and Gatsby then swaps roles and kills Wilson. The police arrive to the scene and Gatsby is quickly arrested by authorities. Although, Daisy is dead Gatsby keeps Daisy's dark secrets about killing Myrtle to himself when questioned by authorities. Gatsby continues to stay loyal and of his word even after the love of his life has been killed right in front of his eyes. The authorities can sense something is up and research more into Gatsby's past. Without a second to spare Meyer Wolfsheim kills Gatsby and the authorities are left with no evidence and yet another crime scene.

Blog #2-3

Good evening!

I'm starting to read The Great Gasby by F.Scott Fitzgerald which is a very sophisticated and classic novel. It takes place in New York City and the twin villages of West Egg and East Eggg in Long Island. The main characters are Nick Carraway and Mr.Gatsby which I will begin to talk about later in my posts. At the moment the story revolves around a woman named Daisy who seems to be having troubling marriage problems.

I'm interested in also seeing the movie to see how the two compare and contrast. Although, the story does take place in 1922 I would probably change the setting to Paris during the same year because of all the attractions it has to offer. New York has a variety of unique attractions but a change up on things would be nice to here once and a while. The fashion it also has to offer would be invigorating to see especially in the early 1900s. Paris would suit perfect especially for ballroom dancing and it would be riveting to know how the stock market is there considering Nick is a stockbroker.

Blog #2-2

Happy Thanksgiving!

I finally finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel which was a pretty quick read. Night definitely blew my mind. It provided numerous vivid discriptions of events that took place during the Holocaust which came as a shock to me. For example, many people in the Aushwitz concentration camp were homosexual due to the nudity and gender seperation. In addition, the S.S or Nazi soldiers would kill a child without thought only because of their ethnicity. This came as a major shock because how could one human being kill another regardless of who you are. Of course with any book there is always questions. 

My questions to Eliezer is what did he mean when he said he felt free after the death of his father? Does he mean he is free of responsibility or drifting into death? What really kept me pondering was the last couple of sentences at the end of the book. "One day when I was able to get up, I decided to look at myself in the mirror on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto. From the depths of the mirror on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto. From the depths of the mirror, a corpse was contemplating me. The look in his eyes as he gazed at me has never left me". What does this mean? Was he referring to his late father? Overall, Night was an upsetting and distressing novel that taught me to cherish everything I have because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

Blog #2-1

Good evening!

The book I am currently reading is Night by Elie Wiesel which is a very riveting,wretched, and moving autobiography. Wiesel uses vivid descriptions to describe the characters in the story such as Moishe to ensure that the audience does not forget the cruel actions of the Holocaust. As a survivor Wiesel's duty is to be the "messenger of the dead among the living". His intent is to not live like glum because of such a catastrophic event that took place during World War ll but to assure people this won't happen again. Theologically, Wiesel plans to motivate the Jews during the Holocaust. Over six million Jews died, leaving many of those left to question how to still have faith? It became a struggle for many people to still have faith when their love ones were dying because of concentration camps and other torturing reasons. 

This book reminds me of the book and movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Both books take place during the Holocaust and explains the ongoing pain Jewish people suffered. For example, in Night while Moishe and his father are in a concentration camp the Nazi soldiers forced prisoners to run outside in a cold bath of disinfectant then beaten. Many of them were seperated from family members and often starved. In fact, most people died from hunger and overworking in concentration camps. The only difference in the two is that Moishe and his family are constantly on the move from concentration camp to concentration camp while in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is about a young boy who is not Jewish helps out a young Jew who he has become friends with in a concentration camp he lives near. Everyday the boy brings goods to the young Jew until one day the boy sneaks inside the concentration camp to help his friend find his dad. The story has a very upsetting ending which I won't spoil but shows how there was genuine compassion for Jews that was never fully respected until later on. Eliezer was too stuck in an unfortunate situation as well when he was torn between saving himself or helping his dying father. Interestingly, Eliezer doesn't pray, but he is not an atheist. My question is will Eliezer's unassertive faith in God help him and his father to survive?

Blog #5

At last, the war between the Capulet's and Montagues has finally come to an end. Romeo decides to risk his own life, by returning back to Verona after hereing the news about Juliet's death. Unfortunately, Friar John's letter letter did not reach Romeo in time to inform him of his death. Meanwhile, Romeo buys poison from a local apothecary that will later on kill him. Paris mourns his wife to be as Romeo arrives at the Capulet's burial chamber. Within a matter of time, Paris fights Romeo whom he believes is desecrating Juliet's grave. Paris dies leaving Romeo heartbroken only to see his one true love dead. Romeo kisses Juliet for the last time and takes the poison. Friar Laurence arrives but it is to late and Juliet has awaken seeing Romeo dead. After Friar Laurence leaves Juliet kisses Romeo and stabs herself. 

Why would Friar Laurence just leave Juliet all alone in the chamber knowing her love for Romeo was everlasting and passionate? He knew the both of them would do anything for each other and could have saved Juliet's life. The Prince, Capulets, and Montagues arrive only to see the ones they lost and cherished the most. If I could ask any character a question it would probably be both Romeo and Juliet. I would ask them probably what everyone who has read the book would ask, "why do all of this for love?" They've only known each other for a couple of days and instantly they've fallen in love and even died for one another in this case. I look forward to reading more of Shakespeare's books because they truly are captivating. Although the two families end their feud is this truly a happy ending or a tragic one? 

Blog #4

So I started reading Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare which is my second time reading it but I love it so much I've decided to read it again. I guess it's something about William Shakespeare's writing that sounds so sophisticated and endearing to me. Romeo and Juliet is basically a love story that ends in a tragic yet loving scene. Both two come from families who despise of each other which is preventing them from living an everlasting life together. These characters kind of remind me of Jack and Rose from the Titanic except the fact that the Titanic was based on a true story. They are both truly amazing stories that keep me with suspense throughout the whole movie or book.

I have to say the Netflix "new" version of Romeo and Juliet I did not like because it did not express as much detail as the book did. Throughout the movie Leonardo Dicaprio was an exceptional  actor as well as Claire Danes. The only differences I could spot was the Capulets and Montagues used swords instead of guns in the movie. Also, Romeo kills Paris at the Capulet's tomb which did not happen in the movie. In the book, Juliet finds a dagger and commits suicide while stabbing herself in the chest while in the movie Juliet uses Romeo's handgun to shoot herself. Also, when Romeo enters the tomb he believes Juliet is dead and takes the poison which kills him after Juliet wakes up in the book. The movie shows that Juliet shares one last kiss with Romeo why he lays dying. Maybe the 1996 version of the movie was a little better? 

Blog #3

"No one has ever survived a night in the Maze"-Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Except for Thomas...

Woohoo! I finally finished reading the most astounding and breathtaking book ever. Without spoiling to much, Thomas was able to find a way out of the maze with the help of his friend Minho. Thomas and Minho lead the group out of the Maze through a series of tunnels. It wasn't easy nevertheless Thomas managed to use his undaunted and cognitive ability skills to make it out just in time. In the end one of the glazers betrays Thomas and almost gets him killed. Fortunately the tables turned and the story unfolds into a path no one would have ever expected before. On the other side of the tunnels is a building that has been evacuated and Wicked is there. They take Thomas and his friends into a helicopter that is safe away from all grieves and other dangers. One question remains, where is Wicked taking Thomas and his friends?

I think the author, James Dashner wrote this to convey how our future society may be due to the advancements in technology. Theoretically the book isn't based on technology however, if you think about it the maze itself was built by the use of technology for the glazers to test their skills and strength. These mystically creatures aren't real but they are robotic and that is one major aspect of how technological advancements has made society more intelligent and detailed with certain works. I think the message of the novel is friendship relies on trust and strong connections at the end of the day. Without friendship who would we all have to look up to and inspire us to make better choices or decisions. For example, Thomas forms a close working bond with Minho which ultimately gets his friends and himself out of the Maze to safety. Our friends can be seen as repositories and reflections of our lives.

Blog #2

Hello! 

I'm so excited I'm finally up to the climax of my official favorite book,The Maze Runner! Thomas has finally figured out why he is in the "Glade" with his fellow graders and how he got there. It turns out Thomas use to work for a company named Wicked which stands for World in Catashropihuc:Killzone Experiment Department. Apparently "Wicked is Good" but if they truly are than why have they trapped kids in the glade for so long? What are they waiting for? As the story progresses Thomas and his friend go into the Maze and find out the source of the grievers. Grievers are treacherous creatures that have been attacking the glade killing off some members as simple as one sting. If the glazers do not take the grief serum they will die however in you do, you begin to go through a process called the changing which will regain some of their memories.

I look forward to Thomas and his friend, Minho going into the Maze to find an end to this deranged journey. Hopefully Thomas and his friends will get out safely and find out why Wicked would put all of them together. They can't possibly all be related... Or can they? Thomas' courageous skills can help solve this puzzle once and for all but Gally an enemy of Thomas may conflict the situation. Will Thomas be able to make it out alive with his friends?

Introduction

Greetings Everyone!

This is my first blog so I'm not really sure if I'm doing everything right but eventually I'll get it. The past two weeks I have been reading the book "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner. It's about a young boy named Thomas who has woken up inside this Maze with absolutely no memory of how he got there and why he is there. It incorporates science-fiction characters you can only imagine dreaming about in your worse nightmares which in this case comes to reality for Thomas. The book expressed all kinds of odds in which Thomas and his friends must overcome in order to survive. Hopefully Thomas will began to learn more about himself before it's to late. In this dystopian society not only Thomas but the lives of others are tested as they complete difficult challenges. Will Thomas and his friends be able to make it out the maze alive? I can't wait to see how this exciting book ends and share my thoughts with you all.