Chains
By Laurie Halse Anderson
1. At first, I read the book because it was required. I didn’t like it at first. Farther into the book it got better. I am not a big historical fiction reader. I usually read fantasy fiction books. I look for books that are more popular most of the time.
2. The ratio of history to fiction is 1:2. I would say this because the history forms the background but the fiction is more important in the whole story. This is true because the main character is fictional. In fact, most of the action in the story is fictional. The book is based around the Revolutionary War which is historical. The characters, except for the main character, are historical as well. However, the main character is trying to break away from history; to write her own history. It really doesn’t matter which elements are true or not in the story. The story could take place in a different time frame.
3. In the book, it is most important what happens to the characters in the story. The dome of color (fiction) in the black and white area (historical) represents the fictional aspect of the book. It is the fiction that makes you want to read it. It won a Scott O’Dell award for historical fiction.
4. I didn’t know that there were people who wanted to assassinate George Washington. I also didn’t know that there were people who wanted to support King George the Third during the Revolution. I want to know more about the back story of this book. In other words, I want to know more about all of the circumstances that took place, during the revolutionary war, than the book provides.
5. If I were the main character I would have acted differently. She actually alerted the congress about the plan to assassinate George Washington. I am not a big risk taker so I probably would not have let the congress know what was going on. There would have been a risk of hanging and torture for me if I had put myself in this situation. So if I was in the story instead of the main character it would be a much less exciting book.
6. I would write a book about my school life revolving around some particular historical events, such as, the Iraq War and the assassination of Ben Ladin. I would be the main character in the book. I would be a character who gets all of the troops out of Iraq and back to their families. Due to a radioactive solar panel explosion, I would become a super hero who could harness the suns rays. I would then use this power for good in the world. I would have a weakness towards lead. I think it would be an interesting book.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Catching Fire
Catching Fire
By Suzanne Collins
1. Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games. It focuses on before, during, and after the 75th Hunger Games. In the beginning of the book Katniss returns to district 12 and goes on a victor’s tour of the Panem. Most of the action takes place during the actual Hunger Games. The 75th Hunger Games are similar to the 74th Hunger from the previous book, except it is a “Quarter Quell,” which occurs every 25 years. The 3rd Quarter Quell is more severe than a regular battle and is made up of past victors. These games are the government's way of controlling all of the districts. The first and second involved the districts having to choose their own tributes, or more people in the hunger games. As in the last book there is physical as well as emotional action. Katniss goes back to the Hunger Games and allows Peeta to win. This reveals her ability to sacrafice and that she cares about Peeta.
2. The action in the story is both realistic and imaginary. For example, there is an unreal force field in the book. However, the realistic parts of the book are identical to those in the previous book. (Real weapons and fighting situations.)
3. The author achieves suspense in the story by using a beach as a dangerous starting place and a forest that is even worse. Thunder, dangerous bugs, carnivorous monkeys, poisonous gas, blood rain, tidal waves, and jabber jays are all thrown into the story to create suspense and tension. The suspense creates a very unpleasant feeling.
4. I can’t imagine myself being one of the characters in this book because, unlike the first book, the terrible things that happen to them are much worse.
5. The story takes place in the future after the 74th Hunger Games. The book starts off in district 12 and goes into the other districts. The train is also the setting, the actual Hunger Games, and district 13 as well. The action could not have taken place in another setting. The forest is unique in that if something bad happens in that area it is very difficult to escape. On the other hand, the forest provides a sense of security because it is dense and easier to hide.
5. Nothing.
6. See Hunger Games question #6.
7. Catching Fire would do well as a film. However, like the first book, I feel it would be difficult because there is so much action occurring throughout the book.
By Suzanne Collins
1. Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games. It focuses on before, during, and after the 75th Hunger Games. In the beginning of the book Katniss returns to district 12 and goes on a victor’s tour of the Panem. Most of the action takes place during the actual Hunger Games. The 75th Hunger Games are similar to the 74th Hunger from the previous book, except it is a “Quarter Quell,” which occurs every 25 years. The 3rd Quarter Quell is more severe than a regular battle and is made up of past victors. These games are the government's way of controlling all of the districts. The first and second involved the districts having to choose their own tributes, or more people in the hunger games. As in the last book there is physical as well as emotional action. Katniss goes back to the Hunger Games and allows Peeta to win. This reveals her ability to sacrafice and that she cares about Peeta.
2. The action in the story is both realistic and imaginary. For example, there is an unreal force field in the book. However, the realistic parts of the book are identical to those in the previous book. (Real weapons and fighting situations.)
3. The author achieves suspense in the story by using a beach as a dangerous starting place and a forest that is even worse. Thunder, dangerous bugs, carnivorous monkeys, poisonous gas, blood rain, tidal waves, and jabber jays are all thrown into the story to create suspense and tension. The suspense creates a very unpleasant feeling.
4. I can’t imagine myself being one of the characters in this book because, unlike the first book, the terrible things that happen to them are much worse.
5. The story takes place in the future after the 74th Hunger Games. The book starts off in district 12 and goes into the other districts. The train is also the setting, the actual Hunger Games, and district 13 as well. The action could not have taken place in another setting. The forest is unique in that if something bad happens in that area it is very difficult to escape. On the other hand, the forest provides a sense of security because it is dense and easier to hide.
5. Nothing.
6. See Hunger Games question #6.
7. Catching Fire would do well as a film. However, like the first book, I feel it would be difficult because there is so much action occurring throughout the book.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins
1. “Hunger Games,” are a group of events in which children are sent off to fight other children from different districts, (similar to future cities). Each district makes something different, such as electronics, textiles, and luxury items. The competitors are placed in an arena where they battle in extreme environments. Twenty four children fight against one another to become the victor of the Hunger Games bringing great honor to themselves and their district. The Hunger Games are the main event of the story. The action in the story is a combination of both emotional and physical action. The two main characters develop a close emotional relationship while the fighting is a very physical action. Throughout the games, Katniss, who initially was confused about her relationship with Peeta, learns she does love him as much he loves her.
2. The action in the story could be realistic. In comparison to other action stories, which involve fantasy, this story uses real life weapons and situations instead of magical weapons and powers. The characters are believable because the reader can connect with them. Their emotions are similar to ours. Also, their situations are similar to ours. The districts are similar to cities in our world.
3. The hunger games are full of suspense. Each day you aren’t sure what will happen. Someone could die, or live another day. They could be severely injured of sick. They could also be cured and healed. This is a very suspenseful book.
4. I can relate to the main character, Peeta, who is the son of a baker. I can imagine being in charge of helping his dad bake and trade the bread to other people in the districts. I can also imagine my world crashing down when my name is picked to enter the hunger games. I can understand the idea of being on top of the world and then having the whole world crumble beneath my feet. In the story, Peetas survival technique is to allow the others to believe he is in love with Katniss so that they will get more sponsors and more supplies. It is his way of getting the sympathy of the audience. If I were Peeta, I would have been more nervous and panicked more. I would have made everyone feel that I was the weakling in the group so that I could get pity and then I would take advantage of that and use it to defeat the others.
5. The story takes place in the future in a place named Panem. Panem is a country made up of 12 districts. The capitol can be compared to Washington, DC, except the government ruled by a group of people called the capitol. The story is set in the future but it could actually take place any time as long as there is people. Although it is better set in the future.
6. I’m glad that I don’t live in a country that is ruled by one “evil” group.
7. The writing in an action adventure stories is different from other types of writing. There are many verbs used to show the action in the story.
8. In 2012 a film of the book is coming out. I think it will translate well into film, however, it will be difficult to do because of all of the technology that happens in the book.
By Suzanne Collins
1. “Hunger Games,” are a group of events in which children are sent off to fight other children from different districts, (similar to future cities). Each district makes something different, such as electronics, textiles, and luxury items. The competitors are placed in an arena where they battle in extreme environments. Twenty four children fight against one another to become the victor of the Hunger Games bringing great honor to themselves and their district. The Hunger Games are the main event of the story. The action in the story is a combination of both emotional and physical action. The two main characters develop a close emotional relationship while the fighting is a very physical action. Throughout the games, Katniss, who initially was confused about her relationship with Peeta, learns she does love him as much he loves her.
2. The action in the story could be realistic. In comparison to other action stories, which involve fantasy, this story uses real life weapons and situations instead of magical weapons and powers. The characters are believable because the reader can connect with them. Their emotions are similar to ours. Also, their situations are similar to ours. The districts are similar to cities in our world.
3. The hunger games are full of suspense. Each day you aren’t sure what will happen. Someone could die, or live another day. They could be severely injured of sick. They could also be cured and healed. This is a very suspenseful book.
4. I can relate to the main character, Peeta, who is the son of a baker. I can imagine being in charge of helping his dad bake and trade the bread to other people in the districts. I can also imagine my world crashing down when my name is picked to enter the hunger games. I can understand the idea of being on top of the world and then having the whole world crumble beneath my feet. In the story, Peetas survival technique is to allow the others to believe he is in love with Katniss so that they will get more sponsors and more supplies. It is his way of getting the sympathy of the audience. If I were Peeta, I would have been more nervous and panicked more. I would have made everyone feel that I was the weakling in the group so that I could get pity and then I would take advantage of that and use it to defeat the others.
5. The story takes place in the future in a place named Panem. Panem is a country made up of 12 districts. The capitol can be compared to Washington, DC, except the government ruled by a group of people called the capitol. The story is set in the future but it could actually take place any time as long as there is people. Although it is better set in the future.
6. I’m glad that I don’t live in a country that is ruled by one “evil” group.
7. The writing in an action adventure stories is different from other types of writing. There are many verbs used to show the action in the story.
8. In 2012 a film of the book is coming out. I think it will translate well into film, however, it will be difficult to do because of all of the technology that happens in the book.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
by Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, written by Jeff Kinney, is a realistic fiction about a kid who is going through middle school. I chose to read this book because a friend told me about it. It was a very strange but very good book. In the story Greg gets bullied a lot. I have had a similar experience.
Yes, it is true that there is conflict, and there is a lot of conflict, I.e. Greg VS. Rowley, Greg VS. Rodrick, Rodrick VS. his mom, etc. Some of the conflict is related to friendship. This story is crazy, realistic, and very humorous. Sometimes it is serious too. I have read other books similar to this. For example; the other three books in this series. Beginning on November 26, 2010, a fifth book will come out.
The book was written like a diary. It has dates and pictures throughout. I didn’t mind the way it was written. I like how the title of the book is put into perspective. When they called it “Diary” of a Wimpy kid they really made it into a diary published on notebook paper.
The alchemyst
The Alchemyst, written by Michael Scott, is a fictional story about a normal twin brother and sister who work at a book store and a coffee shop. John Dee, the main antagonist, is a magician who tries to steal a book called The Codex that will make him the most powerful magician in the universe.
In the story there are many things that could happen in real life. Sophie is an agoraphobic; a person who has an irrational fear of open spaces. In fact, there are about 3.2 million (3,200,000) adults (ages 18-54 years) who suffer from agoraphobia, including Woody Allen, and Howard Hughes. There are also many fictional aspects of the story. For example, it is virtually impossible to do necromancy (the practice of attempting to revive someone) , as John Dee does.
John Dee creates Golems in the book. Golems are men made out mud. In the book John Dee uses them to hurt Nicholas Flamel and the twins. The author puts this in a way that makes you think they are real. They seem real because they actual follow commands and they actually hurt people.
The best thing about the book is the characters. Each character has a different personality. For example, Josh , one of the twins, is a claustrophobic. Also, it is interesting when the bookstore he works in becomes the battlefield for Nicholas Flamel and John Dee and his Golem Army of Doom.
The main characters, the twins, are antagonized by John Dee and the Dark Elders of Doom. This is a challenge and the ending is not resolved in this book, however, I think that Sophie will save the day that is how most of book like these books usually end. When Sophie is powerful enough, lucky enough, and brave enough (none of which she is now) she, and her twin, Scathach, and Nicholas will beat Dr. Dee and save Perenelle Flamel.
There are not illustrations in the book, however, it is very easy to follow because I am able read at an advanced level and go back and forth between one place and another. The author describes the events very well.
I prefer reading fiction and non-fiction but nothing in-between. It just doesn't interest me. Realistic fiction is not interesting for me because I have to read it so often at school. I would rather learn about the past from a history book. That makes more sense to me. I like reading history that is in its original form, instead of mixing it up with fictional parts. I do not think that all fantasy books are alike because that is just like saying that jello and pudding are alike. That's like saying this book and Twilight are alike. In this book one of the characters is a vampire but they don't live on blood. In twilight the characters do live on blood. Twilight books add romance to horror while The Alchemyst does not.
Fantasies are just as serious as other types of books. For example, Harry Potter is about wizards fighting other wizards and people do things that real life people do. It is not silly. It is very serious. In the story I read there were very violent things that happened like in the real world. Two of the characters destroyed Hekate's territory and killed her. This happens in the end and also in real life.
Sent from my iPodWednesday, August 18, 2010
The Last Olympian
The Last Olympian, written by Rick Riordan, is a fantasy-adventure story. The battle between the Titan Army and the Olympians is full of action. This final battle will determine who has control over Olympus and the human world. The plot of the book revolves around the great prophecy which then determines what will happen at the end of the series. The action in the story is both physical and emotional. During the physical battle we learn that Percy will risk his life to save a place where people do not like him at all. This reveals that he is a brave, sacrificial, person. Even though these people hate him, he would rather live in a world where some of the Gods like him instead of living with his enemies, the Titans.
The action in the story is not realistic. It could not happen in real life because there are not Greek Gods and Titans on Earth. It wasn't extremely believable to me but at times it somewhat seemed believable. For example, the parts of the story which were not about battles could have been real.
Rick Riordan adds dramatic scenes, such as the fourth battle. There is a lot of tension because at times it seems that the Protagonist can not win. It doesn't bother me but it makes me want to read on.
I can imagine myself as Percy Jackson a bit. He goes on adventures and I like to read about adventures. I would have acted differently than Percy in the novel. I might have hung out in a safer place and let the half-bloods take care of their own problems.
The story happens in New York, NY. The book does not have a specific time. It is more of a 21st century book. The action could take place virtually anywhere else with some changes.
I learned that it was a satisfying book but I didn't really learn anything new about myself or the world because it is full of fantasy.
An action/adventure book could be written differently than other books. For example, Twilight uses romantic words, characters, and plots. The Last Olympian uses more action words and excitement. In chapter 6, page 105, it says, "BOOM, BOOM, BOOM which… meant a SWAT team was breaking down the door…
The action in the story is not realistic. It could not happen in real life because there are not Greek Gods and Titans on Earth. It wasn't extremely believable to me but at times it somewhat seemed believable. For example, the parts of the story which were not about battles could have been real.
Rick Riordan adds dramatic scenes, such as the fourth battle. There is a lot of tension because at times it seems that the Protagonist can not win. It doesn't bother me but it makes me want to read on.
I can imagine myself as Percy Jackson a bit. He goes on adventures and I like to read about adventures. I would have acted differently than Percy in the novel. I might have hung out in a safer place and let the half-bloods take care of their own problems.
The story happens in New York, NY. The book does not have a specific time. It is more of a 21st century book. The action could take place virtually anywhere else with some changes.
I learned that it was a satisfying book but I didn't really learn anything new about myself or the world because it is full of fantasy.
An action/adventure book could be written differently than other books. For example, Twilight uses romantic words, characters, and plots. The Last Olympian uses more action words and excitement. In chapter 6, page 105, it says, "BOOM, BOOM, BOOM which… meant a SWAT team was breaking down the door…
Sent from my iPod
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