Friday, August 30, 2013

Reading Response- The hate list

Valerie Leftman has just gone back to school after a terrible tragedy that most people think she caused. The deaths of more than 5 people at Val's high school has darkened her sweet soul. Val cannot even think about being happy anymore. On her first day she tries to think about staying focused on school, but all she can think about is Nick her ex who killed himself after he shot other students. As you can tell, the first day back to the frightening high school where everything went down is tough for Val but most of all worth it.

What I like most about Valerie's character so far is that her emotions are clear. The author, Jennifer Brown, describes her as a weak, confused, lost teenage girl who has experienced what average teens haven't. I feel like the author really does develop the beginning of the book well, and I look forward to reading on.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

This monday we had our first cross country practice at highland road park. It was not so enjoyable. Highland road park is basically a hilly grassland where runners can practice running. Well after a long day of school that was the last place I wanted to be. When I first got off the bus, my water in my hand dripping off my fingertips, I felt the itchy grass already sticking to my boney legs. Coach Cole told us to stretch and hit a mile. As I start on my mile, my knees feel weak but I know I have to push through this practice to make me better. Then about 12 seconds went by, and I slowly start to walk the rest of the way. I gave up. There was no way I could run in the heat like this. I was far to tired.

When I got back to the cross country group, I was breathing in and out, so short of breath. I was so worn out and I feel like Coach Cole could see it. He told me I could sit out the next lap and catch my breath. I pulled up my shirt and felt my cold stomach. A cold stomach means you burned calories, so I was excited about that. Twenty minutes went by and practice was over. I got in the car and turned the air conditioning up on full blast!
How does the front/back of the book attract the reader?
To me, finding a book is very difficult. Well that might be because books never appeal to me, but it is still quite a hard process. First off, pick a book thats cover is exquisite or attractive. Then always read the back or the first page of the book, and see if it interest you. Just because the book doesn't look that good doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it. Never judge a book by it's cover!!

Another thing, look for a book thats your style. What I mean by style is one that is short or long. Or one that is appropriate  for your grade level. I have experienced not being able to find a book, and it's not fun. But once you find one you can snuggle up in a warm blanket and read all night!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Hate List, Jennifer Brown
8-19- 20 min., 8-20- 20 min., 8-21-15 min., 8-22- 20 min., 8-23- 20 min., 8-24- 15 min, 8-25- 10 min.
Total= 120
Pp. 89-135

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Baton Rouge Dance

Last weekend I experienced my first high school dance. It was so much fun! We danced, partied, and chatted. To be honest, I was nervous at first. When I first walked into the dance the freshman were in the back by the door, talking. It was a little embarrassing for our grade because we were unsure what to do. My sister, a junior, came up and brought me to the front of the crowd. There, it got crazy. There were a bunch of high schoolers that I did recognize, which made me more comfortable. Towards the end of the party, everything was okay. I wasn't nervous anymore, and I had a fun time with my friends.

After the dance, there was an after party! Well this was not the average rad after party you're thinking of. This kind of after party was more of a stuff our face with waffles and talk about the drama that went down at our first cotillion party. Just girl stuff, you know? We all sat down in my friend, Stolz, kitchen and watched Claudia make us fluffy waffles. It got up till about 3-3:30ish and we all started piling upstairs. In bed we caught up a little more, since we didn't really talk as much at the dance. We also exchanged pictures, well ones that we looked good in anyway. Overall I could honestly tell you it was a very fun experience, and I hope the next dance is like that.
How can you relate to the main character of this book?
In the book The Hate List the main character is Valerie Leftman. She is a not like any other teenage girl. Valerie has experienced some really difficult things for a teenager to be experiencing. One example is death. Val and has gone threw a school shooting by her own boyfriend. This eventually develops Val into a very strong, fearless, and brave character.  I believe I show the same traits as Val. Strong through tough situations, fearless at all times, but overall brave. 

Also, I feel like it is important to be able to relate to at least one character in the book you have chosen to read. I feel this way because you get more of a visual and more of a purpose to continue reading. If you can visualize yourself in that situation it is easier for you to be able to relate to them. Also, if you can connect at least one character in the book, then that gives you more of a purpose to continue the book and maybe even enjoy it more. 
It is also a really good book! I suggest all to read it!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Hate List, Jennifer Brown
8-13- 20 min., 8-14- 25 min., 8-15- (Chat Worksheet) 20 min., (Insurgent notes) 15 min., (Read) 10 min., 8-16- 20 min., 8-17- 11 min., 8-18- 20 min.
Total= 141 Pp. 1-89

High school

This 2013-2014 school year I plan to be successful. I plan to put forth all my focus and education ability, but I mostly plan to thrive for success. I have heard that ninth grade is a struggle. Moving from middle school to high school it can give you a major wake up call. This year I am hoping to find success in all my tough classes. For example, Biology honors. I hope I can look myself in the mirror at the end of each quarter and say, "Well Sophie I'm proud of your grades."

One thing I've noticed about high school, that is diffrent, is that there is a ton more homework. That is such a bad thing because you have sports every night and the chaos at home can make you not focus as much. This year I plan to get out of practice and go straight to my homework, not sit around on the couch and play candy crush. Although in high school you have more freedom it is a little intimidating being a freshman, just because your the baby. Overall, high school is going smooth so far and I hope it maintains to be that way.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The book I disliked most was The Knife of Never Letting go. When I first started the book, I did not feel like I was completely engaged. At first I thought that it was just because it was the beginning of the book, so I kept reading on. As I kept reading, I do have to admit I was getting a little into the book. I then realized the problem. I did not feel like I was relating to the characters, and the book didn't have any effect or meaning to me in life. Opposing from divergent. Another thing that I disliked was the bad ending. It was one of those books where I was waiting for the happy ending and then BAM it hit me with the worst ending ever.

Not inferring The Knife of Never Letting go was the worst book I have ever read, but it was one I didn't seem to like as much as others. What I find most confusing is the characters in the story. In chapters 1 & 2 you hardly know much about Aaron, but towards the end he is the biggest most aggravating character. Things like that do not make me want to read the second book. Also, I felt the story or plot line of the book was uninteresting, and boring. Overall,  The Knife of Never Letting go was one book that I do not recommend for others.