This week I decided to put my Harry Potter re-reading to the side, and read a new book instead. I still plan to finish the series, but would like to freshen things up a little bit with a different book so I don't become bored. So, at the urging of many friends, I have decided to read the Best-Selling book, "Divergent", by Veronica Ross. I liked the book a lot, and went on a reading marathon to finish the book in two days. The book is set in a dystopian future, where everyone belongs to 5 factions, Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. Everyone is tested and analyzed, and assigned to the faction which best fits their personality. This has resulted in a complete degradation of society. Everyone is a mindless robot. However, some people are born with a strong will, and are able to resist the brainwashing. These people are hunted mercilessly, and are called Divergent. The main character of the book, Beatrice, is one of them. That's pretty much the summeary. Some parts of the book I liked, and some parts I did not. Here is my reading analysis.
One thing that I really enjoyed was the authors use of internal struggle to intensify and better the reading experience. She allows us to peer into the minds of Beatrice as she is faced with difficult decisions. One example of this is page 25. "I feel a lump in my throat. A stern voice in my head says. Duck your head and do nothing" This kind of internal struggle really made the book that much better. The author, instead of telling me what was going on in Beatrice's mind, showed me.
One of the few things that I really did not like was how the authors writing seemed a bit cheesy at times. In page 37 she writes, " Tomorrow, these two qualities will struggle within me, and only one can win." It seems to me that this writing was very generic, and not original. I don't know, just my thoughts.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Finished the book!
Surpsisingly, I managed to finish The Sorcerors Stone over the past week. I found myself with a lot of free time,and thought to myself, why not read? I really did enjoy the book, and how reading it a second time opened my eyes to several new aspects of J.K Rowlings writing.
One of the first instances of literary technique that I noticed the author use this time around was her incorporation of poetry within the story. I didn't really realize the first time around, or rather I didn't really pay attention to it, but I never realized how poetry/riddles really improved the writing of Rowling. In page 285, Harry and his friends are on a quest to save the school from evil, and encounter a road block. They see 7 bottles of liquid in front of them, and 6 of them are poisons. Only one bottle holds the key for continuing on their journey. The answer to which bottle holds the correct potion is encased in a page long riddle. In essence, this riddle really draws readers in and engages the audience. The first time around I read the poem and was fascinated by it, but I didn't really realize what it was. I didn't see how it improved the general quality of the writing as well as increase the tension and suspense within the story.
The second instance of literary technique that I saw the author use only the second time reading was irony. In page 262 the author writes, "they tried to remember how to make a forgetfulness potion". I never noticed the authors clever use of irony within the text. The first time reading I just blew through the story and didn't give it a second thought, but this time I stopped and really appreciated the cleverness of J.K rowling. Although it does not seem likemuch, these kinds of instances are precisely the reason why I chose to read the book once again.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book a second time. I'm planning to read another Harry Potter Book in the near future, and I'll be sure to tell how that goes.
One of the first instances of literary technique that I noticed the author use this time around was her incorporation of poetry within the story. I didn't really realize the first time around, or rather I didn't really pay attention to it, but I never realized how poetry/riddles really improved the writing of Rowling. In page 285, Harry and his friends are on a quest to save the school from evil, and encounter a road block. They see 7 bottles of liquid in front of them, and 6 of them are poisons. Only one bottle holds the key for continuing on their journey. The answer to which bottle holds the correct potion is encased in a page long riddle. In essence, this riddle really draws readers in and engages the audience. The first time around I read the poem and was fascinated by it, but I didn't really realize what it was. I didn't see how it improved the general quality of the writing as well as increase the tension and suspense within the story.
The second instance of literary technique that I saw the author use only the second time reading was irony. In page 262 the author writes, "they tried to remember how to make a forgetfulness potion". I never noticed the authors clever use of irony within the text. The first time reading I just blew through the story and didn't give it a second thought, but this time I stopped and really appreciated the cleverness of J.K rowling. Although it does not seem likemuch, these kinds of instances are precisely the reason why I chose to read the book once again.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book a second time. I'm planning to read another Harry Potter Book in the near future, and I'll be sure to tell how that goes.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Perspective Update
Like I said in my last blog post, I was planning to read the Harry Potter Series one more time from start to finish to gain a new perspective on the literature and writing style of the author. I also wanted to see if I would be able to glean some new information from the books, as I read very fast the first time around.
Last week, I sat down and started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerors Stone, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to read so much more effectively this time around. I was able to identify all kinds of literary techniques that the author used, and instead of blindly reading, I was able to use these techniques to really gain a deeper understanding. For example in the beginning of the book Harry Potter (The main character) is shown to be the lone survivor of a brutal attack on his family. Voldermort (The main antagonist), had killed his parents and attempted to kill Harry as well but his curse backfired and Voldermort was killed instead. Then Dumbledore, a powerful wizard comes and states that Voldemort will return. This was a very strong example of foreshadowing. Of course, I had already knew what was going on, but still this hint really opened my eyes towards the authors literary style. Voldemorts return would later turn out to play an integral part within the story.
Another literary technique that I witnessed the author using was flash forward. In one chapter, Harry is 1 year old and in the next he is already 11. I found this to be very effective in advancing the plot of the story. Previously, I was a bit confused on this sudden turn of events. Now however, I was able to effectively read for understanding and decipher the meaning and implications of this important plot line.
Overall I am really enjoying the book, even though it is my second time reading it. I will be sure to keep you guys updated as I progress throughout the story.
Last week, I sat down and started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerors Stone, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to read so much more effectively this time around. I was able to identify all kinds of literary techniques that the author used, and instead of blindly reading, I was able to use these techniques to really gain a deeper understanding. For example in the beginning of the book Harry Potter (The main character) is shown to be the lone survivor of a brutal attack on his family. Voldermort (The main antagonist), had killed his parents and attempted to kill Harry as well but his curse backfired and Voldermort was killed instead. Then Dumbledore, a powerful wizard comes and states that Voldemort will return. This was a very strong example of foreshadowing. Of course, I had already knew what was going on, but still this hint really opened my eyes towards the authors literary style. Voldemorts return would later turn out to play an integral part within the story.
Another literary technique that I witnessed the author using was flash forward. In one chapter, Harry is 1 year old and in the next he is already 11. I found this to be very effective in advancing the plot of the story. Previously, I was a bit confused on this sudden turn of events. Now however, I was able to effectively read for understanding and decipher the meaning and implications of this important plot line.
Overall I am really enjoying the book, even though it is my second time reading it. I will be sure to keep you guys updated as I progress throughout the story.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Krista Ramsey Blog Post
Post: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/02/15/krista-locking-into-the-magic-of-legos/5521245/
The column I chose is basically about the magical and captivating effect of legos. The column explains in brilliant detail, how young children are so attracted to the toy, and how this building block is not simply a mere toy, but a building block to life.
The quote that I think is best written is, "In the end, that's the magic of these polymer bricks whose funny name is a Danish contraction for "play well." With Legos, kids build sturdy little creations – which, in turn, build sturdy kids."
This line is the ending to the column, and demonstrates masterful syntax and diction. The first item that I really liked within the line is the last sentence. In the beginning of the sentence she states how kids build sturdy little creations with legos. In the second part of the sentence, she states how these legos build sturdy kids. Within that single sentence, she first sets up her opinion about legos, and then expresses it. She shows how she believes that legos are far superior to anything else, and are not really a toy, but a building block for life. Secondly, I really liked how she stated "the magic of these polymer bricks". She used a directly contrasting statement to really emphasize her point of legos are beyond a simple toy. Magic is an abstract, fantasy concept whereas polymer is a scientific, material term. She combines these terms to really show how she believes in the material aspect, as well as the magic of legos. Finally, these lines create a tie-in with the rest of the article, and bring all of the different elements of her writing together. Most of the article is devoted towards the timeless tradition of building with legos, as well as the many benefits it offers in comparison to other toys. She states that it requires mental processing, and creativity to use this toy. She also says how legos are used by kids to make their inner imagination come true, and build to their hearts desire. However in the end, she kind of makes the reader take a step back and think when she states that legos are not only a material building block, but a mental building block to all the kids that use them.
As I read Ramsey's columns, I realized that they all have a particular writing style. One specific aspect of her style is her ability to use comparisons to really drive home her point. In the first article For Better Vision, Kids Need Time Outdoors, she writes the lines "The kid who used to walk home from school looking at houses and trees now rides home staring at a screen not much bigger than his hand. The teenager who used to research at the library or hang out with friends outdoors now does her studying and socializing in front of a computer in her bedroom." She very effectively uses a before and after comparison to drive home her point about the change that has occurred in today's society. In the second article she uses the line, "After watching New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick slouch off the field in his cutoff hoodie, it’s been heartening to see players like Wilson show up perfectly groomed for a post-game interview" to compare Russell Wilson's professionalism to Bill Belichick's casualness. She really uses this to drive home her point of how she believes that all football athletes should be professional and formal. Finally, in Ramsey's final article about legos she uses the line, "the magic of these polymer bricks". She compares the bricks to magic, as well as uses a contrasting comparison to really emphasize what she has to say.
Three Questions
1 Is it difficult to come up with new ideas to write about? Where do you get your inspiration?
2 How hard was it to become hired by a major outlet that would publish your columns?
3 Are you completely happy with your choice in a career in writing?
The column I chose is basically about the magical and captivating effect of legos. The column explains in brilliant detail, how young children are so attracted to the toy, and how this building block is not simply a mere toy, but a building block to life.
The quote that I think is best written is, "In the end, that's the magic of these polymer bricks whose funny name is a Danish contraction for "play well." With Legos, kids build sturdy little creations – which, in turn, build sturdy kids."
This line is the ending to the column, and demonstrates masterful syntax and diction. The first item that I really liked within the line is the last sentence. In the beginning of the sentence she states how kids build sturdy little creations with legos. In the second part of the sentence, she states how these legos build sturdy kids. Within that single sentence, she first sets up her opinion about legos, and then expresses it. She shows how she believes that legos are far superior to anything else, and are not really a toy, but a building block for life. Secondly, I really liked how she stated "the magic of these polymer bricks". She used a directly contrasting statement to really emphasize her point of legos are beyond a simple toy. Magic is an abstract, fantasy concept whereas polymer is a scientific, material term. She combines these terms to really show how she believes in the material aspect, as well as the magic of legos. Finally, these lines create a tie-in with the rest of the article, and bring all of the different elements of her writing together. Most of the article is devoted towards the timeless tradition of building with legos, as well as the many benefits it offers in comparison to other toys. She states that it requires mental processing, and creativity to use this toy. She also says how legos are used by kids to make their inner imagination come true, and build to their hearts desire. However in the end, she kind of makes the reader take a step back and think when she states that legos are not only a material building block, but a mental building block to all the kids that use them.
As I read Ramsey's columns, I realized that they all have a particular writing style. One specific aspect of her style is her ability to use comparisons to really drive home her point. In the first article For Better Vision, Kids Need Time Outdoors, she writes the lines "The kid who used to walk home from school looking at houses and trees now rides home staring at a screen not much bigger than his hand. The teenager who used to research at the library or hang out with friends outdoors now does her studying and socializing in front of a computer in her bedroom." She very effectively uses a before and after comparison to drive home her point about the change that has occurred in today's society. In the second article she uses the line, "After watching New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick slouch off the field in his cutoff hoodie, it’s been heartening to see players like Wilson show up perfectly groomed for a post-game interview" to compare Russell Wilson's professionalism to Bill Belichick's casualness. She really uses this to drive home her point of how she believes that all football athletes should be professional and formal. Finally, in Ramsey's final article about legos she uses the line, "the magic of these polymer bricks". She compares the bricks to magic, as well as uses a contrasting comparison to really emphasize what she has to say.
Three Questions
1 Is it difficult to come up with new ideas to write about? Where do you get your inspiration?
2 How hard was it to become hired by a major outlet that would publish your columns?
3 Are you completely happy with your choice in a career in writing?
A new perspective
This week, I decided to read not just for enjoyment, but for literary purpose. Most of you are probably familiar with the Harry Potter series, and may have likely read the books. The first time I read Harry Potter I remember how quickly I finished the book, as it was just so interesting. I sped through the entire series, and watched all of the movies.
It has been over a year since I last read a Harry Potter book, so I decided to do something somewhat unusual for me. I decided to re-read the book. I know, I know, seems pointless, doesn't it? But personally, I wanted to do this for two reasons. One, I really wanted to read for detail. Like I said before, the first time I read the books, I finished them as fast as I could. I was so excited about the constantly twisting plot, and the changing turn of events, that I didn't bother to take a minute and fully analyze what was going on in the story. This time around, I would like to take a moment and really read the story carefully, and be on the lookout for specific instances of symbolism, abstract correlations, and a variety of literary concepts. The second reason, is because I want to gain a new perspective on the books. It has been over a year since I last read the books, so a lot of time has passed. Perhaps I will have a new perspective on the unfurling events within the story, and find meaning in what was previously meaningless. Basically, I want to see if by reading the book a second time I will be able to enhance my opinion, as well as my knowledge of these books.
Up til now, the Harry Potter series of books have been by far my favorite books of all time. I still remember the excitement I felt as I read each book for the first time in my younger days. What might be interesting to note, is that the first time that I read the series, I did not read the books in order. I believe that I started with the fourth book, and jumped around from book to book. This time around, I will be reading the series in order, starting from the Sorcerers/Philosophers Stone, and ending with the Deathly Hallows. I will be sure to keep you guys updated as I complete the process.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
I finished the book! SPOILERS
For the first time this trimester, I was able to finish my book. As you know, the book I was reading was called Quarantine, by James Phelan. For the first time in a really long time, I found a book that I really enjoyed. Just like I expected, it was full of action, and had lots of twists and turn within the plot. Let me give you a quick summary. A young boy named Jesse is visiting the US for a special teaching program hosted by the UN. During his stay, a mysterious onslaught of chemical weapon hits the United States. The population is decimated, and all those in close proximity are turned into zombies, called Chasers. Jesse must find a way to escape the zombies, and find his way to safety.
There were a variety of reasons that I liked the book, but my favorite aspect had to be the unexpected plot twists and turns. SPOILER NEXT! Sorry that I am about to spoil some of the book, but I really felt that I had to include this part to fully express the complete turn of events that occured within the text. In the beginning of the book, Jesse is hiding out in a zoo somewhere in Los Angeles. He decides to travel east in search of a safe zone to hide and find refuge. He finds this refuge in New York. Upon arriving, he decides to travel to Canada, to see if the outbreak is less severe there. When he starts traveling, military personnel descend, and "rescue" them. They start shooting and killing all of the zombies, and the refugees are relieved. However, they quickly find that there is much more than meets the eye. When a top scientists find a cure for the apocalypse, he is silenced and his cure is not allowed to be distributed. When Jesse decides to try to cure his friend, who has been infected, he is shot at and nearly killed. Furthermore, he has reason to suspect that the military was behind the entire attack. The book ends on a suspenseful note, and my heart does not stop pounding when the book ends.
As you can see, the book was very suspenseful. I would rate this book a 8.5 out of 10 and I can't wait to read the sequel.
There were a variety of reasons that I liked the book, but my favorite aspect had to be the unexpected plot twists and turns. SPOILER NEXT! Sorry that I am about to spoil some of the book, but I really felt that I had to include this part to fully express the complete turn of events that occured within the text. In the beginning of the book, Jesse is hiding out in a zoo somewhere in Los Angeles. He decides to travel east in search of a safe zone to hide and find refuge. He finds this refuge in New York. Upon arriving, he decides to travel to Canada, to see if the outbreak is less severe there. When he starts traveling, military personnel descend, and "rescue" them. They start shooting and killing all of the zombies, and the refugees are relieved. However, they quickly find that there is much more than meets the eye. When a top scientists find a cure for the apocalypse, he is silenced and his cure is not allowed to be distributed. When Jesse decides to try to cure his friend, who has been infected, he is shot at and nearly killed. Furthermore, he has reason to suspect that the military was behind the entire attack. The book ends on a suspenseful note, and my heart does not stop pounding when the book ends.
As you can see, the book was very suspenseful. I would rate this book a 8.5 out of 10 and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Monday, April 7, 2014
New Book again
I know last week I posted about reading a book on Ebay, and I still am reading it, but I decided to blog about a different book, as the book on eBay would not have provided great blogging material. The new book I started this week was called Quarantine by James Phelan. Basically, this book is a post apocalyptic novel, and is about a 16 year old boy named Jesse who is attempting to survive by himself while being hunted by "Chasers", which are basically infected zombies. I don't know much about the book yet, but I do know that the apocalypse was caused by some kind of biologial missile attack that spread a deadly virus throughout the world.
The primary reason why I chose this book was because of its genre. I really like Post Apocalyptic novels, and when I found this book in the library, I immediately checked it out. The back enticed me even further, and the idea of a horror/action fiction book seemed extremely appealing because I have only been reading non-fiction for the past couple of weeks. I wanted to take a break from non-fiction, and this book seemed to be a great release. I've been reading a lot of How to books ands more informational books, and I really want to do something different. I decided to choose a horror book because I want to read a book that is heart pounding and thrilliing. I looked at the picture, which is of a "Chaser" attacking a man, and this really brought to life the action aspect of this book, and made me want to read even more. I really hope that this book will be enjoyable, and I will be able to read it to the end.
The primary reason why I chose this book was because of its genre. I really like Post Apocalyptic novels, and when I found this book in the library, I immediately checked it out. The back enticed me even further, and the idea of a horror/action fiction book seemed extremely appealing because I have only been reading non-fiction for the past couple of weeks. I wanted to take a break from non-fiction, and this book seemed to be a great release. I've been reading a lot of How to books ands more informational books, and I really want to do something different. I decided to choose a horror book because I want to read a book that is heart pounding and thrilliing. I looked at the picture, which is of a "Chaser" attacking a man, and this really brought to life the action aspect of this book, and made me want to read even more. I really hope that this book will be enjoyable, and I will be able to read it to the end.
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