I like people who don't smile.
Ever.
I like people who smile.
Always.
In some ways, I love everything.
I like things that I love.
And I love everything that I like.
But even the worst things have something to like in them.
Like a cheeseburger.
Donut holes.
Or broccoli.
I love food.
But I hate food.
I am a writer who hates to write,
but loves to write at the same time.
There are certain books that I love.
But there are certain parts to them that I hate.
I am a writer who writes god-awful.
I am a writer who finds quality in my writing.
I am a writer because I love to write about how I feel.
So predict what I say next.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Reading Response
I recently finished reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins. I'm not finished with the book I'm currently reading, and there doesn't seem to be a plot structure within it. So I will use Crank as an example. There was a plot structure throughout the whole book that I thought would be perfect to use for this post.
The plot structure was very consistent. The cycle throughout the book went from happy and blissful to suffering and sinful. In the beginning, Kristina and her life were perfect. She was an innocent, straight-A junior. Her downfall began when she started using drugs. She was dating two guys at a time and was raped by one of them. When she goes back home to Arizona, she discontinues her drug abuse and manages to remain her grades. She focuses on schoolwork and her relationship with her new boyfriend. But once she gets her hands on drugs again, she slacks in school, ruins her relationship with her boyfriend, and drifts away from her friends and family. Her life spirals into nothing. She has no intention on doing anything in life except for drugging herself up. She then realizes she's pregnant. And for the next 9 months, she ends her drug use and gives birth to a healthy baby. But at the end of the book, she gets back to drugs. I think the reason why Ellen Hopkins wrote the book this way is for the story to never be dull. It was surprise after surprise, leaving me anticipating everything that would happen next.
I'm still reading This is Our Faith by Pennock. It's more of an educational book than a book with a plot. As I read, I acknowledge things that I know and things that I never knew about the Catholic religion. I've always had questions in my mind about some aspects about my religion, and this book answers those questions. I really like it so far as the book offers different viewpoints: atheists, Baptists, and other Christian denominations. I always try to retain my relationship with God, and I like reading religious books since I feel a deeper connection with Him. For To Build a Fire, I was constantly re-reading it to understand the story. I have to be honest, I hated reading/annotating it. The whole story confused me and the end was terrible in my opinion. I felt aggravated the whole time I was reading since it was very repetitive and the author had his point already, but he STILL kept repeating things over and over. I liked descriptive language, though, it painted a clear image inside of my mind (with the help of the pictures.)
My reading for this week:
This is Our Faith, Michael Francis Pennock: 9/26 - 45 min.
Literacy narrative: 9/25 - 60 min., 9/27 - 60 min.
To Build a Fire: 9/27 - 60 min
Total: 225 min. pp. 83-159 (This is Our Faith)
The plot structure was very consistent. The cycle throughout the book went from happy and blissful to suffering and sinful. In the beginning, Kristina and her life were perfect. She was an innocent, straight-A junior. Her downfall began when she started using drugs. She was dating two guys at a time and was raped by one of them. When she goes back home to Arizona, she discontinues her drug abuse and manages to remain her grades. She focuses on schoolwork and her relationship with her new boyfriend. But once she gets her hands on drugs again, she slacks in school, ruins her relationship with her boyfriend, and drifts away from her friends and family. Her life spirals into nothing. She has no intention on doing anything in life except for drugging herself up. She then realizes she's pregnant. And for the next 9 months, she ends her drug use and gives birth to a healthy baby. But at the end of the book, she gets back to drugs. I think the reason why Ellen Hopkins wrote the book this way is for the story to never be dull. It was surprise after surprise, leaving me anticipating everything that would happen next.
I'm still reading This is Our Faith by Pennock. It's more of an educational book than a book with a plot. As I read, I acknowledge things that I know and things that I never knew about the Catholic religion. I've always had questions in my mind about some aspects about my religion, and this book answers those questions. I really like it so far as the book offers different viewpoints: atheists, Baptists, and other Christian denominations. I always try to retain my relationship with God, and I like reading religious books since I feel a deeper connection with Him. For To Build a Fire, I was constantly re-reading it to understand the story. I have to be honest, I hated reading/annotating it. The whole story confused me and the end was terrible in my opinion. I felt aggravated the whole time I was reading since it was very repetitive and the author had his point already, but he STILL kept repeating things over and over. I liked descriptive language, though, it painted a clear image inside of my mind (with the help of the pictures.)
My reading for this week:
This is Our Faith, Michael Francis Pennock: 9/26 - 45 min.
Literacy narrative: 9/25 - 60 min., 9/27 - 60 min.
To Build a Fire: 9/27 - 60 min
Total: 225 min. pp. 83-159 (This is Our Faith)
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Literacy narrative/reading response
I thought my literacy narrative was proceeding smoothly. I thought I was almost finished with it, but after reading Dr. d's comments and realizing some huge errors, I feel like I am in a tragedy. The main point of my narrative needs to be fixed, meaning that I've got to come up with something different or changing/taking out something. I am a bit muddled as to how I'm going to finish revising the second draft by tonight. I also feel so stressed since I haven't started studying for my World History test tomorrow, either!
My group experience was fantastic. Everyone in my group gave me a tremendous amount of advice and told me things about my narrative that I hadn't realized before. Also, I was able to compare their narratives with mine and learn how I could incorporate some writing styles into my narrative. I think the writing group is truly helpful and beneficial. I hope we go through the writing group process for every major essay we are assigned to do.
For my outside reading, I read This is our Faith by Michael Francis Pennock. I haven't finished yet, but I'm really enjoying this book since I'm able to understand the basic principles of the Catholic religion that I never learned before. Even though this book is for adults, I feel connected to it and the good thing is that the book isn't very challenging to read, like the Bible. The very first chapter taught me things that I never knew about, and I was fascinated by the things that I didn't know.
This is our Faith, Michael Francis Pennock
9/20 - 22 min., 9/21 - 30 min., 9/22 - 10 min.
Literacy narrative: 9/17 - 60 min., 9/19 - 30 min., 9/21 - 45 min.
Total: 197 min. pp. 1-83
My group experience was fantastic. Everyone in my group gave me a tremendous amount of advice and told me things about my narrative that I hadn't realized before. Also, I was able to compare their narratives with mine and learn how I could incorporate some writing styles into my narrative. I think the writing group is truly helpful and beneficial. I hope we go through the writing group process for every major essay we are assigned to do.
For my outside reading, I read This is our Faith by Michael Francis Pennock. I haven't finished yet, but I'm really enjoying this book since I'm able to understand the basic principles of the Catholic religion that I never learned before. Even though this book is for adults, I feel connected to it and the good thing is that the book isn't very challenging to read, like the Bible. The very first chapter taught me things that I never knew about, and I was fascinated by the things that I didn't know.
This is our Faith, Michael Francis Pennock
9/20 - 22 min., 9/21 - 30 min., 9/22 - 10 min.
Literacy narrative: 9/17 - 60 min., 9/19 - 30 min., 9/21 - 45 min.
Total: 197 min. pp. 1-83
The Only Child
Now, before I start complaining about being the only child, I will begin with the advantages. This may sound shocking to many of you, but I'm actually not as spoiled as you would think. It is rare for my parents to ever buy me gifts. I have to work hard in order to earn what I want. Even though they don't bombard me with presents, when I ask for something, most likely I will receive it if I work hard in school. When I'm at home, there is no little sister that I have to look after or brother that will irritate me. I can shower and use the restroom for however long I want to. I can do anything and not worry about it bothering anyone.
However, a great amount of pressure is mounted on me. Since I am the only child, if I screw up in school and ruin my future, there's nobody else to be a better me. For instance, if I had a sibling, and if I slacked in school and end up career-less, my sibling could learn from my mistakes and avoid them, aiming to have a better life than mine. You see? I have an immeasurable amount of pressure on my shoulders. My parents expect me to be the best of myself, since there is nobody else to be their backup. Also, being the only child, my parents are much more overprotective over me. If something happened to me, they wouldn't have someone else to take my place. Therefore, my parents hardly have any trust in me.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Literacy Narrative
I couldn't come up with any ideas, except for one. I'm unsure if it is sufficient enough to include in my literacy narrative. Because this experience was so long ago, I remember the dialogue very loosely. Honestly, I don't know if it even contributes to how I read and write today. It may contribute to how I currently speak, but I guess I'll have to stick with it since I have no other ideas. *sigh.
Vietnamese was my first language. It's true. People argue with me saying that I speak English so fluently that Vietnamese couldn't have been my first language. However, they don't know how challenging it was for me to transition to English as a kid. I could understand it, and speak a few words, but I couldn't pronounce most words or have a complete conversation with someone. I was not able to express what I wanted or how I felt. It was tragic. I guess my literacy narrative will be about this situation, but I will continue to be thinking of something else it can be about.
Vietnamese was my first language. It's true. People argue with me saying that I speak English so fluently that Vietnamese couldn't have been my first language. However, they don't know how challenging it was for me to transition to English as a kid. I could understand it, and speak a few words, but I couldn't pronounce most words or have a complete conversation with someone. I was not able to express what I wanted or how I felt. It was tragic. I guess my literacy narrative will be about this situation, but I will continue to be thinking of something else it can be about.
Reading Response
Crank, Ellen Hopkins
9/10 - 40 min., 9/11 - 30 min., 9/12 - 40 min., 9/15 - 40 min.
Total: 150 min. pp. 225-511
Kristina is nonexistent. Bree has taken over. Page by page as I was reading, I couldn't help but criticize her. She has her whole future ahead of her... she is an all-A student, has loving parents, has good friends, and is really pretty. But she didn't think about anything else besides crack. I felt remorseful for her. She had such a bright future, and she could've been so successful. When she realized she was six-weeks pregnant, I couldn't help but blame Bree. I didn't blame Brendan, the guy who raped her. I blamed Bree... no, I hated Bree... which is odd, considering I have never hated the main character in a book. I was extremely surprised to find that she was going to keep the baby instead of having an abortion. I felt sorry for Bree, but mostly for her baby.
Although I hated to see her make those mistakes, the book grasped me into the story. I often wondered what would happen next, being that the book is full of surprises. I have yet to come across a dull moment. I really like how Hopkins wrote the book - using the verses on the pages to morph a picture that related to what the words were saying. She also includes marks that indicate cigarette or ash marks to create a deeper acknowledgment of Bree and how she's telling this story.
9/10 - 40 min., 9/11 - 30 min., 9/12 - 40 min., 9/15 - 40 min.
Total: 150 min. pp. 225-511
Kristina is nonexistent. Bree has taken over. Page by page as I was reading, I couldn't help but criticize her. She has her whole future ahead of her... she is an all-A student, has loving parents, has good friends, and is really pretty. But she didn't think about anything else besides crack. I felt remorseful for her. She had such a bright future, and she could've been so successful. When she realized she was six-weeks pregnant, I couldn't help but blame Bree. I didn't blame Brendan, the guy who raped her. I blamed Bree... no, I hated Bree... which is odd, considering I have never hated the main character in a book. I was extremely surprised to find that she was going to keep the baby instead of having an abortion. I felt sorry for Bree, but mostly for her baby.
Although I hated to see her make those mistakes, the book grasped me into the story. I often wondered what would happen next, being that the book is full of surprises. I have yet to come across a dull moment. I really like how Hopkins wrote the book - using the verses on the pages to morph a picture that related to what the words were saying. She also includes marks that indicate cigarette or ash marks to create a deeper acknowledgment of Bree and how she's telling this story.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Reading Response
Crank, Ellen Hopkins
9/4 - 60 min., 9/5 - 40 min., 9/6 - 40 min., 9/8 - 75 min.
Total: 215 min. pp. 1-225
I think one of the main reasons why I picked up this book is because of its cover. It looks edgy, unlike most of the book covers I usually come across. Looking at the first page was interesting. The sentences and words are broken up, like verses to a poem. Kristina, the narrator, starts off the book by introducing her life before she started using drugs. When she was describing herself, I realized how much I relate to her. She isn't close to her siblings, while I don't have any siblings at all. She's usually by herself at home, like me. We're not quite gifted, but making straight-A's is obligatory by our parents. Even though I don't have different personalities like Kristina, I have a voice in my head. No, not a conscious. More like the opposite. (But don't worry, that voice doesn't affect me.) We are then introduced to Bree, Kristina's twisted devil side. After Bree takes over Kristina, her life goes downhill.
After reading a few pages, I was unable to put it down. Reading about how Kristina's life virals out of control after using drugs is thrilling. Her addiction goes out of control, and she transforms into a monster. I've never used drugs, nor will I ever in the future. Therefore, I have never been through addiction. But so far, this book has really drawn a picture of how it would feel to be addicted and how your body would react to drugs. I think this book is worth finishing and unveils many things that non-drug users would not be informed of.
9/4 - 60 min., 9/5 - 40 min., 9/6 - 40 min., 9/8 - 75 min.
Total: 215 min. pp. 1-225
I think one of the main reasons why I picked up this book is because of its cover. It looks edgy, unlike most of the book covers I usually come across. Looking at the first page was interesting. The sentences and words are broken up, like verses to a poem. Kristina, the narrator, starts off the book by introducing her life before she started using drugs. When she was describing herself, I realized how much I relate to her. She isn't close to her siblings, while I don't have any siblings at all. She's usually by herself at home, like me. We're not quite gifted, but making straight-A's is obligatory by our parents. Even though I don't have different personalities like Kristina, I have a voice in my head. No, not a conscious. More like the opposite. (But don't worry, that voice doesn't affect me.) We are then introduced to Bree, Kristina's twisted devil side. After Bree takes over Kristina, her life goes downhill.
After reading a few pages, I was unable to put it down. Reading about how Kristina's life virals out of control after using drugs is thrilling. Her addiction goes out of control, and she transforms into a monster. I've never used drugs, nor will I ever in the future. Therefore, I have never been through addiction. But so far, this book has really drawn a picture of how it would feel to be addicted and how your body would react to drugs. I think this book is worth finishing and unveils many things that non-drug users would not be informed of.
Response to Comments
Thanks for reading my post, Dru! Yes, I am all three! :) Some of my Vietnamese friends get offended by Americans calling them Chinese, but in my case, I am part Chinese so I don't feel offended. This happens to me frequently: people asking me if I am Asian or Chinese. I think it's a bit funny considering China is in Asia, but hey, I'm a spoon sometimes too - reference to Coach Hawkings there. And I agree with your comment. Culture is extremely important and should never be lost.
Thanks, Liz! I'm glad you enjoyed my post. :) Have you read The Outsiders before? It sounds like you have. If so, are there any books that you can recommend to me that are of this topic? I'd really appreciate it. Nevertheless, I am undoubtedly happy that I chose this book! Most of the books I have read lack an interesting storyline to me, but this book left me dumfounded. And yes, society plays a huge factor on how we all think and behave. I wish the rules and restraints would disappear, but I have no control over that.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Reading Response
The Coldest Winter Ever, Sister Souljah
8/29 - 30 min., 8/30 - 60 min., 8/31 - 45 min., 9/3 - 75 min.
Total: 210 min. pp. 347-535
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I was really surprised about what I found out. Midnight, one of the main characters, lived a completely different life than he does now. Living in Sudan, Africa, coming to the projects in Brooklyn when he was seven, and seeing his younger sister being raped right in front of his eyes. I started to feel really sympathetic for him, since I viewed him as a top-notch, independent "I only do me" type of guy. He always knew his ground and knew everything about anything, but reading that he had lived a life like that, I see him as a different person. It shows that we can't judge a person since we know nothing about what they've been through, what they've seen. We can't say that we fully know someone until we understand who they are as a whole person.
But my eyes popped out when Winter was about to get an abortion. As heartless as she is, it wasn't surprising, but I couldn't believe how quick she jumped to that decision! Not even a second thought! Yea sure, she is too young, but she could have a chance to start over with a baby! The thing is that.. she doesn't even know who the baby's father is. Her high class, extravagant mother becomes a crackhead, and that made me furious seeing as how Winter couldn't stay with her mother to keep her from becoming that way. In the end, Winter changes into a decent person - much better than before. I really liked how that turned out. This book is a prime example of trial and error on a MUCH deeper scale. But ah, Winter's little sister, Porsche, becomes the nightmare that takes the steps of her older sister's past...
8/29 - 30 min., 8/30 - 60 min., 8/31 - 45 min., 9/3 - 75 min.
Total: 210 min. pp. 347-535
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I was really surprised about what I found out. Midnight, one of the main characters, lived a completely different life than he does now. Living in Sudan, Africa, coming to the projects in Brooklyn when he was seven, and seeing his younger sister being raped right in front of his eyes. I started to feel really sympathetic for him, since I viewed him as a top-notch, independent "I only do me" type of guy. He always knew his ground and knew everything about anything, but reading that he had lived a life like that, I see him as a different person. It shows that we can't judge a person since we know nothing about what they've been through, what they've seen. We can't say that we fully know someone until we understand who they are as a whole person.
But my eyes popped out when Winter was about to get an abortion. As heartless as she is, it wasn't surprising, but I couldn't believe how quick she jumped to that decision! Not even a second thought! Yea sure, she is too young, but she could have a chance to start over with a baby! The thing is that.. she doesn't even know who the baby's father is. Her high class, extravagant mother becomes a crackhead, and that made me furious seeing as how Winter couldn't stay with her mother to keep her from becoming that way. In the end, Winter changes into a decent person - much better than before. I really liked how that turned out. This book is a prime example of trial and error on a MUCH deeper scale. But ah, Winter's little sister, Porsche, becomes the nightmare that takes the steps of her older sister's past...
Vietnamese Parents' Day (Dai Le Vu Lan)
As I was walking up the steps to the temple, all I could think about was the blistering heat. I paid no mind to the array of roses, the scrambling kids, or my slow-moving parents behind me. I just wanted to escape the blazing weather and be inside of that overcrowded temple already. As I entered through the doors, I felt a delightful gush of AC. I had been melting from being outside. Sadly, there was only one spot left between a woman with a head of white and her toddler granddaughter. My parents and I squeezed through and sat down.
Oh, the lecture was tiring. My legs were achingly asleep. Then, as I looked up, there were a cluster of young girls in long ao dai (Vietnamese dresses), carrying baskets of red and white roses. At that moment, I remembered at once! OH NO! It was the celebration of Vu Lan, the Buddhist holiday in honor of parents... and I felt like a twat for not remembering. I got up and fetched a red rose for my father and me, and a white rose for my mother. Red roses symbolize the fullness and beauty of having a living mother, whereas white roses meant a cold, incomplete life without a mother. After I clipped on the rose onto my mother's shirt, I held her hand as she started bawling over my grandmother.
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