Final Response

Recently I've just finished my coming of age novel, Its Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. This has to be  one of my favorite books of all time. As I was re-reading this, I noticed some things that I didn't notice before. I never interpreted some aspects of the book the way I do now. Craig Gilner's way of thinking is just one of the many things I now apprehend differently.
In many parts of the book, Craig interacts with a voice in his head. The communication between them goes like a commander/general telling the solider directions. In this case one half of Craig is this depressed solider with no will to live and the other half is this encouraging voice that urges him to live. For instance, one of the conversation they've had on pg 45 goes like this:

What were you trying to do, soldier?

I was trying to eat, sir!

And what happened?

I got caught thinking about some crap, sir!

When I first read this book, I really didn't pay close attention to these parts. But now I see how this shows Craig's state of mind during depression. He was lonely, and didn't have anyone to turn to because no one understood. 

In class we discussed quotes that portrayed the protagonists philosophy. Well, one quote I think I really felt for is on pg 161, "Life's not about feeling better; it's about getting the job done." This line really stood out to me. It was said by Craig's commander/general. This quote means that in life its not even about the problems and obstacles and those bad days...its about moving forward and keep on living. That's what getting the job done is. To live a full life is a life well lived. 

Coming of Age Novel

For my coming of age book I chose to reread "Its Kind Of A Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini. This novel, in my opinion, is on its way to becoming a classic for the future generation. Ned Vizzini's voice is so relatable  to teenagers in the present time. But this story is a little different from most coming of age novels, Craig the main character battles depression and social anxiety. He deals with a lot of pressure during his teenage years and sometimes it gets too hard to handle. I think this is very empathetic towards  kids my age, we all deal with mostly the same things. 

Craig has a simple mind and a simple goal in this complex world. Being a New Yorker he knows that in order to be successful you need to work for it. So he studied day and night to pass this big exam the gets him accepted into the "right" high school; Executive Pre-Professional. And once he graduates he can go to the "right" college, have a "right" job. But something he doesn't realize  is the tremendous pressure that comes with this high school. He falls behind on his school work and soon enough everything becomes unbearable. I think we all come to a certain point in our lives where the problems pile up and theres too much going on for us to think straight. Well, this is exactly how Craig felt.

The pressure to be successful and mature is very difficult to sustain. I know this because teachers and parents expect a lot from teenagers (responsibility, honestly, integrity). But they don't realize we're still trying to grow up, trying to figure ourselves out. Yes, we may do some stupid, idiotic things along the way but this is how we know the right path for ourselves. Craig is also on that journey to finding his purpose in life, but his struggle gets even harder because he suffers from depression, which leads him to become suicidal. Many of us, too often, feel like the pressure is too much to take. Our problems and work pile up, and soon everything is just out of control. But we, just like Craig need to realize that life happens. And it will go on with or without you. When things get out of control all we can do is try our best to maintain stability.

Spring Break Post #3 (Essay?)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-charged-murder-trayvon-martin-killing/story?id=16115469#.T4sBLFEV2jN

Justice should always be served with no discrimination and no hesitation. This applies in the on going case of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman. On the night of February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla. Martin was walking back from a convenience store holding candy and a drink in his hands, Zimmerman allegedly shoots Martin in self defense. For the rest of that month, no charges were filed. And Trayvon Martin's family and friends mourned while no justice was served.
It didn't take too long for the public to react. All throughout the month of March, there were several peaceful protests and online support. Dozens of people even wore hoodies and carried skittles and a bottle of Arizona iced tea to respect this tragic young death. Finally after millions across the nation cried for justice, the FBI decided to open its own investigation on the case. Lots of people believed Zimmerman should've been arrested a while ago, he killed an innocent teenager. But evidence was still inconclusive as to weather Zimmerman was guilty or not. And witnesses said two different stories.
The reason Zimmerman was not arrested in the beginning was because evidence was unclear. Multiple witnesses confirmed that Zimmerman was in fact attacked by Martin, so he fired his gun in self defense. Also, there was no physical evidence that Zimmerman was telling the truth either. Lots of media has brought attention the notion that Zimmerman wasn't prosecuted because he killed a black/African American boy. But now publicists are saying this case had absolutely nothing to do with racism. Nonetheless, George Zimmerman was actually arrested after 3 months that is--on April 11th, 2012, he was charged with second degree murder.
I still standby my saying that justice should be served no matter what. It didn't matter that Trayvon Martin was black and the George Zimmerman was hispanic. It didn't matter if Martin had past histories of suspensions or drug charges. The only thing that mattered was the truth. An innocent life was lost, due to a careless man with a gun. And the fact that the public supported justice through this whole case is really fascinating.

Spring Break Post #2 (Plagiarizing)

In Mrs. Galangs post about plagiarism, what the student did wrong was basically copy and paste someone elses words. He/She could've included the text as a quotation then in order to cite the source correctly. He/She also did not acknowledge that this text was written by a different author thats not themself. If the person wanted to incorporate a piece of text from this website, he/she should've written it like so;

To begin explaining this painting, its basically a mysterious nighttime scenery. "There is the night sky filled with swirling clouds, stars ablaze with their own luminescence, and a bright crescent moon," (A Brief Understanding of the Starry Night Paintings) 

There are many ways to avoid plagiarism. One way is to always cite your source, even if you just summarized what the article/text said. Also, make sure to only rely factual evidence instead of opinion (when researching), which should obviously come from you. And its okay to include other authors voices, if you put it in as a quote. 

Spring Break Post #1 (Good Blog Posts)

One blog post I enjoyed reading was Aidan’s. He wrote about the book “Unwind” by Neal Shusterman. I liked the way he explained each of the three main characters, he started out by telling their background story then saying how they all connect. He also used quotes from the text to explain his thoughts on the characters. This probably helped him understand the point of view of each character in a better sense.
Another blog post I liked was Joyce’s. She summarized one of the many themes in “The Hunger Games” by Suzzane Collins. I thought this post was really good because she compared and contrasted Gale and Peeta. She listed reasons why Katniss would choose either one, but also why she would choose them as well. And she gave clear examples to explain her thoughts.
Some things I can improve on in my blog entries, is I can include more quotations. And I can also find a way to connect with the characters or plot more. I feel that if I find a way to know the character more, their actions will make more sense to me. So it’s a good method to use if you want to fully understand your book.

Much Ado About Nothing - Review

I really enjoyed the play "Much Ado About Nothing". It was a small production but it captured all the characteristics of the original writing. I thought it was really interesting how they changed the setting from the 1500s to the 1920s. I could tell because of the costumes and music. I liked how they played back ground music and they had lots of jazz playing, and a guy with a saxophone, that was cool too. During some of their monologues they had just a single spotlight, and I thought that added a dramatic effect. There wasn't too much going on in their set design, but that was necessary because they had lots of scenes and I understand that it would be hard to keep changing and adding in new sceneries. The costumes on the women were very 1920s and more modern looking. And they men wore mostly their military uniform because they had just gotten back from the war.
I've never read or seen Much Ado About Nothing before. But I really liked the plot. It was really interesting how there was a lot backstabbing and secrecy happening. I mean I guess they got back from the war and had nothing to do and so they just messed with eachothers lives. But in the end it all worked out. Hero and Claudio were married and Beatrice and Bennedict admitted their secret love for each other. And also, am I the only one who noticed that Don Pedro liked Beatrice? But she turned him down? That was kind of bittersweet, because she still ended up with Bennedict but I guess if I were Don Pedro, I would forever be jealous. But thats just me, and well, I didn't write the play, haha. Well thats about it, that was my review/random thoughts about Much Ado About Nothing, the play.

Romeo and Juliet: Response

Reading Romeo and Juliet is somewhat of a challenge, since there are many words I can't understand/difficult old English language. But from what I understand, there is a big scandal going on. A Montague has fallen for a Capulet, which of course is a forbidden thing in Verona. Romeo and Juliet know that they cannot love, and yet they still cannot help how they feel about each other. They've kept their love a secret because if their parents found out, they would be separated, due to the fact that the Montagues and Capulets are sworn enemies. I think this type of romance has a connection to modern times. Gay/Lesbian people are not allowed to marry in many states and countries. You can say that their love is also forbidden. But love is love, and nothing else should matter. If there are two people, no matter race, gender, sex, ethnicity, or family issues, and they love each other and would do anything for each other, I don't see a reason to hold back their love.

Romeo and Juliet: Response

My favorite character in Romeo and Juliet is Romeo Montague. Not only because he is the main character, and I'm supposed to like him, but because of his amazing qualities. Romeo is determined and has a sensitive heart. He was so heartbroken when Rosaline wouldn't be with him. But he was still determined, and he never actually gave up on her. Well, of course until Juliet Capulet. At first he was shocked she was a Capulet, but he couldn't help his feelings and he was determined to love her the way he couldn't love Rosaline. He will do whatever it takes to be with Juliet, even if it means his whole family will hate him. Romeo also has a kind and caring heart. Whereas his cousins Mercutio and Benvolio are more able to shake things off and forget, and move on. Although, Romeo is more sensitive. I personally believe Romeo and Juliet belong together because they're both young and naive. They both don't know much about the world, or love to begin with. They're just two wanderers who found each other out of misfortune.

Romeo and Juliet: Scene 1 Act 1

Dear my invisible cat,

Some important observations I've made so far are that the Capulets and the Montagues really despise eachother.  But the Prince of Verona is trying to bring peace among the two families (but obviously thats never going to happen). Also, I've noticed Romeo is very heartbroken because he can't have Rosalinda. He is dramatically upset.
My experience now with reading Shakespeare was quite interesting. I didn't think I'd understand much, and I was right..but I'm learning and thats whats important. If I were to give you advice on how to read Shakespeare, it would be to just think about what the context relates to in modern times, and try to connect with the text somehow. That way you'll understand it better.
So I really enjoyed reading the first scene out loud and kind of reenacting them. It was actually fun to see everyone participate, who normally wouldn't.

Thats all for now, Love Nawreen.

William Shakespeare Sonnet 29

SONNET 29

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state 

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries

And look upon myself and curse my fate, 

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, 

Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,

Desiring this man's art and that man's scope, 

With what I most enjoy contented least; 

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state, 

Like to the lark at break of day arising 

From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;

For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

I analyzed this poem with my group members, and I found this sonnet very interesting and emotional. Shakespeare's life was no walk in the park, he went through many hardships. Which of course led to his melodramatic writing style. 

My interpretation of this sonnet is, I think that its about how Shakespeare was once depressed. It could've been due to jealousy or envy as it states in line 1. Or to the fact that hes an outcast. I mean its kind of hard to tell, I've tried researching about his life, but there isn't much detail as to what brought on his emotional pain. On line 4 it really shows how he really hates his life and wishes for a different fate. And on line 6 it says how he wishes he looked or was like other men. This shows how during this depressive state he was in, he was also very insecure.

Towards the end of the sonnet Shakespeare reflects back to happier times, before his ill-state. He thinks of "her" and all their sweet memories, and then he regrets nothing. Once he realizes, he was happy with her, but now that shes gone, hes finally learning to accept that and be okay with that. Or at least thats what I think its about. 

Sonnet #1

Untitled Sonnet by Nawreen Juthi


The sickeningly sweet summer days droned on
Autumn eventually arrived with you
We became an unbreakable, blissful bond
Wandering this feeling of love we fell through

Leaves suddenly began falling, you held me
And then the cold came and the flame disappeared
It all  crept away slowly, but I could not see
These sleepless nights is what I most feared

The barren trees showed no signs of life here
You were all I needed, but now you're gone
You've left me here alone, while you're elsewhere
I was queen, but I've been kicked off my throne

I will never forget those serene nights
But I'm forced to move on to new heights

Poetry #1

Poetry Is..
Purpose
Understanding
My own world
What defines me

My expression
My escape
Away from the madness
That is our world

As I write, someone
Listens
Listens to my thoughts
My ideas and perspective

A door is opened
To my own world

Poetry is
My own world

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it fade like the evening sun?
Or linger in the air
like floating dust?
Does it recur day after day?
And are you wishing it will soon go away?
Or do you still hold hope that one day
you will
PERSEVERE?

*I have no idea what the 3rd poem is soo...

"Woman In A Chemise" Poem

Woman In A Chemise 
by Nawreen Juthi

Where are you looking
with your dead stares?
Are you remembering
the pain?
Are you bringing back
the sorrow?
Do you hear that in the distance?
The silence is unbearable
Lonely, lonely woman
You've dried your tearing eyes
Your hands are bound
Your throat is dry
Your skin so pale
You could go anywhere
Just disappear into thin air
No one would notice
No one would care
Gather your courage
Pick up your feet
And leave behind the
gloom.
The dead never come back to life
But luck for you
lonely, lonely woman
You are very much alive.

Artist: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain on October 25, 1881. He was a son of a painter, Jose Ruiz Blasco. He moved to Paris in 1900 with his  friend. He was influenced and inspired by the bohemian lifestyle of the French. From 1901-1904 Picasso had what was called his Blue Period, where he painted in mostly shades of blue and green. From 1905-1907 he had a phase he called his Rose Period. He used many cheerful shades of  orange and pink colors. He was also influenced by African culture during his African Period and he developed a likeness to shapes and patterns in his Cubism phase.

This painting is called "Woman in a Chemise." Picasso did many paintings in various shades of blue and grey to express melancholy. During his time in Barcelona, he befriended fellow artist Carlos Casegmas. They shared a flat/apartment together. They both lived in deep poverty. But in 1901, Casegmas committed suicide. In mourning, Picasso was devastated and his paintings reflected his somberness. This became famously known as his Blue Period.

I chose this painting in particular because I have always liked his Blue Period pieces over every other artworks he has done. This painting is so lonely looking, yet it strikes me as 'whimsical' because the lines aren't exact, and straight, and precise. And the background looks messy and unclear, which gives off a dreary vibe. It also appears that the woman is fading in with the background or vanishing into thin air. I can connect this piece of artwork to others from Picasso. Most paintings from his Blue Period reflected loneliness. Also, something I've noticed in all of his paintings during the Blue Period, none of his subjects were directly facing ahead. They either had their eyes low and averted or is staring into the beyond. I thought that was an interesting thing that was similar about many of his paintings.


(Famous Artists;Picasso by Antony Mason pg 6-13)

Maximum Ride by James Patterson

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time. 
The author, James Patterson, does a great and creative job describing the events of these kids' lives. The book is pretty fast paced, but incredibly descriptive. For instance, "There was no time to think. Jeb has trained us not to think--just to act. I launched myself at an Eraser, spinning and planting a hard, roundhouse kick in his barrel chest. His breath went oof, and the odor just awful, like raw sewage left out in the hot sun." Here there is  a lot of action to write down, and he does a great job with it because you can actually visualize and sense whats happening at that moment.
This book is told from third person, but its also told in different point of views. Normally, this would confuse me, but James Patterson moves the story along so fluently, you're already expecting the different point of views. 
All in all, I'm not too far into the book, but I will keep reading, this book is extremely addicting! 

The Scorch Trials (Spoilers!)

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner is the second installment of the Maze Runner series. It definitely did not disappoint, it was just as action packed as the first. This time though, they are put through even harder obstacles  and other crazy mind-altering variables. This book also focuses more on their character and positions in the groups. Especially for these three characters; Thomas, Newt, and Minho.
The boys were all labeled by WICKED based on their standpoint in this whole 'experiment.'
Thomas was labeled 'to be killed by Group B'. I definitely thought that was odd. I mean, I guess I can't be too sure that that won't happen, because WICKED already has each stage of the trials set. But Thomas is ultimately the main character, so I don't believe he will die anytime soon. (Still a possibility, though.)
Newt was labeled 'the glue'. I absolutely agree with that. I think he is the person that keeps everything in order and makes sure everyone's good and willing. He is a compassionate leader with a heavy heart. And even through all the tough and terrible times the Gladers  have been through, Newt has made sure everyone stuck together, and no one betrayed one another.
Minho was labeled 'the leader'. Now, I was a little shocked at first. I'd always expected Newt to become the leader, since Alby was no longer with them. But I guess I can see Minho as a leader, he was a Keeper for the Runners. And he is a great strategist and a fighter. Although, sometimes he takes his power too far.
So this is just my perception on the characters as of now. Although WICKED sees them a little differently, this is the way I predict their characteristics will play out.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a very complex, puzzle-like book. The main character, Thomas wakes up in this bizarre place called the Glade, and he remembers absolutely nothing. All he knows is his name, but he's not alone, he's welcomed by several other boys who live out their days in the Glade. None of them know why they are where they are, or how. This book reminds me vaguely of  Lord of the Flies by William Golding; setting-wise and character-wise.

One reason this novel reminds me of Lord of the Flies is because they are both based in an unknown location. And the setting really affects the characters greatly for both books. Everyone needed to get themselves together and stay civil, while still trying to find a way out of the place they were in. The boys from the Glade [in The Maze Runner] and the boys from the island [in Lord of the Flies] both govern themselves and quickly get busy on the task at hand; escaping the place that they're in.

Another reason these two books are alike is because some of the characters share the same traits. One example is Ralph from Lord of the Flies, who acts most like a leader and is very determined in maintaining order. Which obviously reminds me of Newt from The Maze Runner, who says the same exact things as well. Also, another example is Jack [LOTF], who was always challenging Ralph and his power. He reminds me of Gally [TMR], who is always causing trouble, because he believes he knows best. 

As you can see, in many ways, The Maze Runner and Lord of the Flies are very similar.