If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm taking a philosophy course at school. This is another book that goes with. Sophie is dumb, at least to me, but makes brilliant connections. This is like learning with a plot, and should be discussed to really get it.
So far, the drama here is leaving me guessing constantly. The whole thing is either spanning across time, has multiple realities, or is filled with magic. I can't decide.
Unfortunately, my borrowed copy fell apart into 2 pieces yesterday, which surprised the crap out of me. So that was weird. Luckily though, I can still read it.
I think that all the chapters of plot have a secret philosophy meaning, and I'm slowly puzzling them out. For instance, in the last chapter, when she takes a book to the philospher's house across the lake, but the boat has drifted away when she wants to go back, means that once you have knowledge of things, you can go back to being the same person you were before you were enlightened.
So far, it has been awesome, and Dorothea needs to read this (and Ishmael too, for that matter). Thanks.
17.10.10
Ishmael
So this book was about a gorilla who teaches this man about the world be beaming thoughts into his brain, but that's not the amazing part- the amazing part is that Ishmael the gorilla was right. I think this is the one of the best books I've ever read.
Ishmael teaches that there is law on the behavior for all species, but we've been ignoring it for 1000's of year, and that is why we will die. The law is that you only take what you need to survive and only be concerned with yourself. We have been producing consuming to produce and consume, and think we are above this law.
We say, man was made to own the Earth, but what if it really isn't? What if our job is to be here to make other species become like us? I can't explain it as good as the gorilla can.
I don't care what you are reading, you NEED to read this now. As a quote on the back says, I divide all the books I've read into 2 catergories- those I read before Ishmael and those I read after.
Don't be a Taker- life like a Leaver.
Ishmael teaches that there is law on the behavior for all species, but we've been ignoring it for 1000's of year, and that is why we will die. The law is that you only take what you need to survive and only be concerned with yourself. We have been producing consuming to produce and consume, and think we are above this law.
We say, man was made to own the Earth, but what if it really isn't? What if our job is to be here to make other species become like us? I can't explain it as good as the gorilla can.
I don't care what you are reading, you NEED to read this now. As a quote on the back says, I divide all the books I've read into 2 catergories- those I read before Ishmael and those I read after.
Don't be a Taker- life like a Leaver.
10.5.10
Favorites in Alice.
Miss K wants me to write about my favorite things in this book. Yay. No really, I love doing this, only most of the time people cut me off about 10 minutes into me jabbering. It's quite annoying.
I'm going to do this in a series of categories and then explanations for each thing.
Character: I can't decide between two, so I'll do both. I really like the Griffin, mostly because of how he acts. You see, he's all like, oh shut-up Alice, no questions for you, and he's really bold with his statements and comments. Also, just like everyone out here, he's completely psycho and knows random facts, and he seems to make up words every other sentence. I do that sometimes. Just incorporate new words in if I can't think of any that really express what I'm going for. It kind of attaches me to him.
I also like the Dormouse. Is that how you spell that? Dormouse? Who knows. Anyway, this guy is one of the best because he's just funny, and he gives Alice a lot of nonsense to think about (which I appreciate, because I don't like her much, and she has to think about something for once). He tells a story about treacle that's just hilarious, going from insane one moment to incoherent the next. It just makes for a funny telling. And he hangs out with the Hatter and the Hare, who would be the next on this list.
Scene: Once again, two come to mind. When she's with the blue caterpillar, I was laughing from his questions and her dim-witted responses. I really like the humor here. Then, I like the croquet match. Why? Who cares. It's just so dumb it's perfect for Wonderland. I mean, the balls walk around, the flamingos hit those hedgehogs them with their heads (successfully less than 10% of the time), and the guards who are the gatey, archy things (I can't remember the exact term right now) pretty much leave by the time the Queen is done ordering executions. Seriously, this guy is a genius, to come up with this stuff! GO LEWIS CARROLL!
And last...
Moment of craziness: In most books, this couldn't be a category, but it pretty much sums up Wonderland here. My favorite moment was when they held the trial to see who stole the pastry things. A trial. For pastries. I mean, really? Four reasons- 1. Alice is by now closer to her normal size and about twice as big as everyone else. This pretty much makes her conspicuous and awkward, adding to the scene. 2. She knocks over the jury bow while standing and puts the poor lizard back in on his head. Of all that she could do. And she pretty much crushed the building while standing, as the room wasn't that big for a normal sized person. 3. Then, the lizard on the jury loses his pencil close to the beginning of the trial, and is just writing with his finger, which doesn't write by the way. Sigh. 4. Also, the white rabbit calls on the Hatter to be a witness, but he knows nothing and just says that he's nuts, a hatter, and innocent (even though he wasn't the one on trial).
And so, this book is awesome and good for everybody who is insane, thinks insanity is funny, thinks blabbering idiots are funny, or just like plain nonsense in the written form. Good for all of you this applies to, and please don't come to my house.
Ciao,
Carli
I'm going to do this in a series of categories and then explanations for each thing.
Character: I can't decide between two, so I'll do both. I really like the Griffin, mostly because of how he acts. You see, he's all like, oh shut-up Alice, no questions for you, and he's really bold with his statements and comments. Also, just like everyone out here, he's completely psycho and knows random facts, and he seems to make up words every other sentence. I do that sometimes. Just incorporate new words in if I can't think of any that really express what I'm going for. It kind of attaches me to him.
I also like the Dormouse. Is that how you spell that? Dormouse? Who knows. Anyway, this guy is one of the best because he's just funny, and he gives Alice a lot of nonsense to think about (which I appreciate, because I don't like her much, and she has to think about something for once). He tells a story about treacle that's just hilarious, going from insane one moment to incoherent the next. It just makes for a funny telling. And he hangs out with the Hatter and the Hare, who would be the next on this list.
Scene: Once again, two come to mind. When she's with the blue caterpillar, I was laughing from his questions and her dim-witted responses. I really like the humor here. Then, I like the croquet match. Why? Who cares. It's just so dumb it's perfect for Wonderland. I mean, the balls walk around, the flamingos hit those hedgehogs them with their heads (successfully less than 10% of the time), and the guards who are the gatey, archy things (I can't remember the exact term right now) pretty much leave by the time the Queen is done ordering executions. Seriously, this guy is a genius, to come up with this stuff! GO LEWIS CARROLL!
And last...
Moment of craziness: In most books, this couldn't be a category, but it pretty much sums up Wonderland here. My favorite moment was when they held the trial to see who stole the pastry things. A trial. For pastries. I mean, really? Four reasons- 1. Alice is by now closer to her normal size and about twice as big as everyone else. This pretty much makes her conspicuous and awkward, adding to the scene. 2. She knocks over the jury bow while standing and puts the poor lizard back in on his head. Of all that she could do. And she pretty much crushed the building while standing, as the room wasn't that big for a normal sized person. 3. Then, the lizard on the jury loses his pencil close to the beginning of the trial, and is just writing with his finger, which doesn't write by the way. Sigh. 4. Also, the white rabbit calls on the Hatter to be a witness, but he knows nothing and just says that he's nuts, a hatter, and innocent (even though he wasn't the one on trial).
And so, this book is awesome and good for everybody who is insane, thinks insanity is funny, thinks blabbering idiots are funny, or just like plain nonsense in the written form. Good for all of you this applies to, and please don't come to my house.
Ciao,
Carli
4.5.10
Alice and Her Logical Deformities
This girl has problems. She goes down a rabbit hole that somehow is big enough for her, and then she falls for what seems to be an hour. And none of that bothers her, she's just thinking about, oh what would it be like to fall through the earth, oh I'll be so brave when I get home, ohhhh. I mean really, isn't it kind of obvious that something is wrong (WHICH SHE NEVER REALLY NOTICES) if you're in freefall. And, once she falls, she's just off to explore and tries to go through a door, but she's too big, she doesn't have a key, blah blah blah, you know. She cries a huge puddle and then shrinks into it. This is where her brain shuts off or something, because she's talking to animals without a care in the world.
More proof she's not bright- she talks to every animal about her cat eating their species. Not the best thing to do, talking to your friends about their predators.
Then she completely defies the laws of physics by jumping out of the puddle, and the hall disappears for no good reason to some other magical place and bam- she sees mister 'oh I'm late,' the rabbit and goes off doing whatever he says for no good reason. And she puts up with all this. She even goes and talks to mad people (but then she's kind of mad herself), which is normally not what parents advise their kids to do. Sigh.
Still, she has spunk- she will do what she can to understand and survive, even if it means contradicting the Queen and arguing with the criminally insane (or something like that). So she's dumb, but with reasons, and bold, but willing to do whatever these creatures (and I use this word because even those who are animals have really very few animal traits) say. My favorite crazy people so far are the Dormouse, who tells some story about treacle; the Caterpillar, who's blue and filled with nonsense, and griffon and the Mock Turtle, who should have their own TV show.
Well, I have about 10 pages left, so I'll go finish and see if I can acquire Through the Looking Glass, the sequel, tomarrow.
Ciao,
Carli
More proof she's not bright- she talks to every animal about her cat eating their species. Not the best thing to do, talking to your friends about their predators.
Then she completely defies the laws of physics by jumping out of the puddle, and the hall disappears for no good reason to some other magical place and bam- she sees mister 'oh I'm late,' the rabbit and goes off doing whatever he says for no good reason. And she puts up with all this. She even goes and talks to mad people (but then she's kind of mad herself), which is normally not what parents advise their kids to do. Sigh.
Still, she has spunk- she will do what she can to understand and survive, even if it means contradicting the Queen and arguing with the criminally insane (or something like that). So she's dumb, but with reasons, and bold, but willing to do whatever these creatures (and I use this word because even those who are animals have really very few animal traits) say. My favorite crazy people so far are the Dormouse, who tells some story about treacle; the Caterpillar, who's blue and filled with nonsense, and griffon and the Mock Turtle, who should have their own TV show.
Well, I have about 10 pages left, so I'll go finish and see if I can acquire Through the Looking Glass, the sequel, tomarrow.
Ciao,
Carli
28.4.10
New New New Book!
It is Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass in one book together. They actually go together aparently as a series, which is so cool. I haven't started it yet, but it will be so awesome. It saw the Alice in Wonderland movie, but Miss K told me that it was more of a combo of the two books than anything. It was really good though and I'm glad I went and saw it. Maybe after reading them both I can see which aspects of the movie came from which book.
Well that's it till I start reading.
Ciao,
Carli
Well that's it till I start reading.
Ciao,
Carli
Quote the Second
"The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts." - Oliver Wendell Holmes
Quote time! (Again....) Here we go.
This guy, Mr. Holmes (but not Sherlock) is saying that what really defines a book isn't what the characters think, say, and do, but in fact what thought, idea, or motion their whole story makes you recall and realize the truth of it. It is what the underlying subject is, the real reason for a book's writing, and just what exactly it means. (Sorry this paragraph isn't as long as the last time I did a quote, this is just so much easier to explain. I think.)
The quote really does have meaning to my book, instead of just some random thing I try to twist to make it seem like it does. This book- the whole thing- is all about why the world of their past (our present) is worth living in, and the world in their time is not. It is saying that paradise isn't worth living in without color, without individuality, without choice. They can't see color, they don't know it, but once Jonas sees it, he knows that his old life was boring without it. They can't feel things, they have no emotions, no real anger, happiness, sadness, not even love. They don't love one another, but how can't you! They have unloved families who don't use the word. That is just pathetic- you need love to have a life. They don't choose what they do for a living, which isn't that bad, but they also have the government choose who you marry! That is what I mean- they wouldn't even be married if they weren't told to without love again.
The book is only saying, with every page, that their world isn't worth living in without love, choice, and color. It is saying that we need love, and that we are lucky to have what we do- the power to choose, to love, to be your own person, even if we don't live in paradise.
Ciao,
Carli
Quote time! (Again....) Here we go.
This guy, Mr. Holmes (but not Sherlock) is saying that what really defines a book isn't what the characters think, say, and do, but in fact what thought, idea, or motion their whole story makes you recall and realize the truth of it. It is what the underlying subject is, the real reason for a book's writing, and just what exactly it means. (Sorry this paragraph isn't as long as the last time I did a quote, this is just so much easier to explain. I think.)
The quote really does have meaning to my book, instead of just some random thing I try to twist to make it seem like it does. This book- the whole thing- is all about why the world of their past (our present) is worth living in, and the world in their time is not. It is saying that paradise isn't worth living in without color, without individuality, without choice. They can't see color, they don't know it, but once Jonas sees it, he knows that his old life was boring without it. They can't feel things, they have no emotions, no real anger, happiness, sadness, not even love. They don't love one another, but how can't you! They have unloved families who don't use the word. That is just pathetic- you need love to have a life. They don't choose what they do for a living, which isn't that bad, but they also have the government choose who you marry! That is what I mean- they wouldn't even be married if they weren't told to without love again.
The book is only saying, with every page, that their world isn't worth living in without love, choice, and color. It is saying that we need love, and that we are lucky to have what we do- the power to choose, to love, to be your own person, even if we don't live in paradise.
Ciao,
Carli
Sameness
I didn't realize it until now, but this world has no color, no feeling, and no point. These people have nothing beautiful to look at.
The Giver tells Jonas that no one but them sees color because of the goverment's efforts to make everyone the same. What would it be like without color? We use it to catergorize, to recognize, and to see beauty in things. Without that, our world is more boring and pointless than pretty much anything. No color. That means that anything painted, paints, all that stuff, was wasted and unneeded. That completely wipes out the field of the arts, without color. Not a good decision on their part.
And they don't feel things like we do. They might think they do, but really they are just thinking about the concept of an emotion, not really feeling it. That's what kills this world to me. I wouldn't be my own person (which is kind of what they're going for in this book), and I can't live without that. I don't want to be the same as everyone else, no matter how many problems it'll solve. When they get emotions at the end (or after the end) of this book, they are going to freak out and panic, seeing colors, feeling things for real, and being their own persons. They've never felt that, and it will surprise the living daylights out of them.
That's probably why the government has to choose and approve of who you marry, and why people don't mind that the old and some younger babies are killed.
Without all of this, there's no point to being there at all, even if it is paradise. Otherwise, this would have been an excellant way to live. They choose the job that you'll love and be best at, and they care for you your whole live, treating you fairly till you are gone.
These people are nutjobs, but I like them.
All in all, this book was amazing and totally worth reading, just to see that we don't need paradise, because it comes with lots of ifs and onlys.
Ciao,
Carli
The Giver tells Jonas that no one but them sees color because of the goverment's efforts to make everyone the same. What would it be like without color? We use it to catergorize, to recognize, and to see beauty in things. Without that, our world is more boring and pointless than pretty much anything. No color. That means that anything painted, paints, all that stuff, was wasted and unneeded. That completely wipes out the field of the arts, without color. Not a good decision on their part.
And they don't feel things like we do. They might think they do, but really they are just thinking about the concept of an emotion, not really feeling it. That's what kills this world to me. I wouldn't be my own person (which is kind of what they're going for in this book), and I can't live without that. I don't want to be the same as everyone else, no matter how many problems it'll solve. When they get emotions at the end (or after the end) of this book, they are going to freak out and panic, seeing colors, feeling things for real, and being their own persons. They've never felt that, and it will surprise the living daylights out of them.
That's probably why the government has to choose and approve of who you marry, and why people don't mind that the old and some younger babies are killed.
Without all of this, there's no point to being there at all, even if it is paradise. Otherwise, this would have been an excellant way to live. They choose the job that you'll love and be best at, and they care for you your whole live, treating you fairly till you are gone.
These people are nutjobs, but I like them.
All in all, this book was amazing and totally worth reading, just to see that we don't need paradise, because it comes with lots of ifs and onlys.
Ciao,
Carli
26.4.10
New Society Of Peace
That is what I'm calling the world in which The Giver takes place. So far it really is like a mini paradise where everyone is safe, cared for and about, and fed. They all have jobs, families, and friends, not to mention everyone has perfect manners and such. It really is what the world would be like if it was perfect.
However, there's a whole bunch of things that make me uneasy. Like how they share their dreams every morning and their feelings every night. It's like they have no secrets, no private matters. And then there is a job called 'birth mother' where all they do is have three kids and then do labor. What kind of job is that?
Then, they 'release' people. I'm not sure what exactly this is, but it seems to be similar to dying. They do it to the old, the really sick, underweight babies, and people who break to many laws. And believe me, there's a lot of laws around this place.
However, they are really classy too. Everyone has schooling in everything, but also in all kinds of manners for any known slight you could do. All the kids born in one year are put together (there's always 50) as a class and have community service for four years at all the different available jobs from age 8 to age 12. This is just cool because they all learn to work and be well rounded people in general.
They live in communities where they all know each other and can transfer to another if they really want to or don't like the people there. So I like it, but it's weird. Tah-dah.
Ciao,
Carli
However, there's a whole bunch of things that make me uneasy. Like how they share their dreams every morning and their feelings every night. It's like they have no secrets, no private matters. And then there is a job called 'birth mother' where all they do is have three kids and then do labor. What kind of job is that?
Then, they 'release' people. I'm not sure what exactly this is, but it seems to be similar to dying. They do it to the old, the really sick, underweight babies, and people who break to many laws. And believe me, there's a lot of laws around this place.
However, they are really classy too. Everyone has schooling in everything, but also in all kinds of manners for any known slight you could do. All the kids born in one year are put together (there's always 50) as a class and have community service for four years at all the different available jobs from age 8 to age 12. This is just cool because they all learn to work and be well rounded people in general.
They live in communities where they all know each other and can transfer to another if they really want to or don't like the people there. So I like it, but it's weird. Tah-dah.
Ciao,
Carli
22.4.10
Daemons
That's spelled incorrectly, but I can't get the ae thing to work on this thing. Oh well.
Daemons are, in Lyra's world (Will is from ours), a part of people with it's own will that has the form of an animal. They can shapeshift till you're an adult, but then they settle into one form. They also can't leave you or be very far away from you with out immense pain (this is not true for witches). They are in all beings from every world, and are just visable in this one. They are kind of like your third part, body, mind and soul- they would be the soul. Most of the time they have names given to them by their human. Lyra's is called Pantalaimon, but most of them have more common names like Roger or Tom.
Will gets one that he can see after they leave the world of the dead, since Daemons cannot go there and And Lyra's and His soul are left behind. Upon coming back, he shows up in cat form with out a name.
What would I name my Daemon if I had one? Hmmmm. Something unusual for sure, but what? Oh wait, how about Flynn, or maybe Artylivra. And once he settled (they are always the opposite gender of the person), he could be a falcon or a big, pointy-eared cat of some sort.
Totally awesome.
Having your soul walk around with you would be awesome, because you'd you know what you were really like. This is one part of the book that would be fun to really exist (as all the other parts are life-threatening).
Ciao,
Carli
Daemons are, in Lyra's world (Will is from ours), a part of people with it's own will that has the form of an animal. They can shapeshift till you're an adult, but then they settle into one form. They also can't leave you or be very far away from you with out immense pain (this is not true for witches). They are in all beings from every world, and are just visable in this one. They are kind of like your third part, body, mind and soul- they would be the soul. Most of the time they have names given to them by their human. Lyra's is called Pantalaimon, but most of them have more common names like Roger or Tom.
Will gets one that he can see after they leave the world of the dead, since Daemons cannot go there and And Lyra's and His soul are left behind. Upon coming back, he shows up in cat form with out a name.
What would I name my Daemon if I had one? Hmmmm. Something unusual for sure, but what? Oh wait, how about Flynn, or maybe Artylivra. And once he settled (they are always the opposite gender of the person), he could be a falcon or a big, pointy-eared cat of some sort.
Totally awesome.
Having your soul walk around with you would be awesome, because you'd you know what you were really like. This is one part of the book that would be fun to really exist (as all the other parts are life-threatening).
Ciao,
Carli
The Greater Good.
If, to save all life that ever existed, you had the choice to take out the enemy's leader, but it would mean sacrificing yourself, would you do so? That is the point of this post, because it would be the hardest (and maybe last) decision you could ever make. On one side, you have you, who will probably die anyway and the world dies. On the other, the world lives but evil and you die.
It would be the most unselfish thing to do so, but I'm not sure I could. I am selfish, very much so, and I don't think I have the will and goodness to do something like that. However, I probably would if death was the other option too, if the world would be gone. For me, I can't help knowing that it would feel amazing to know you died to save the world and be known forever as the one who died for us.
In the book though, they couldn't choose two more unlikely characters to do this. Mrs. Coulter, who's never done an act of kindness or worth her whole life, choosing to go out in glory. Lord Asriel is less of a surprise, but still amazing that he supports his cause more than anything, even himself. Also amazing is that they did it for Lyra, their daughter, even though they've never lived with or known or really saw her. If they had, the story would have changed enough not to have the same plot, characters, or meaning. They are both truely worthy of being parents in the end though.
Ciao,
Carli
It would be the most unselfish thing to do so, but I'm not sure I could. I am selfish, very much so, and I don't think I have the will and goodness to do something like that. However, I probably would if death was the other option too, if the world would be gone. For me, I can't help knowing that it would feel amazing to know you died to save the world and be known forever as the one who died for us.
In the book though, they couldn't choose two more unlikely characters to do this. Mrs. Coulter, who's never done an act of kindness or worth her whole life, choosing to go out in glory. Lord Asriel is less of a surprise, but still amazing that he supports his cause more than anything, even himself. Also amazing is that they did it for Lyra, their daughter, even though they've never lived with or known or really saw her. If they had, the story would have changed enough not to have the same plot, characters, or meaning. They are both truely worthy of being parents in the end though.
Ciao,
Carli
20.4.10
The Concept of Other Worlds. The End.
The end, because I'm not really sure how to explain this. I guess it will go something like this: I'll get all philosophical and you'll end up scratching you head and frowning by the time I'm done. Oh well, here we go.
Basically in this book there are countless numbers of worlds with different people, landscapes, and stories happening on each one. None of them are really aware that the others exist accept for those who travel freely between them, namely Will and Lyra.
However, these worlds are all coexisting in the same place at the same time, like all right on top of each other. This creates a sort of quantum physics thing because according to science, this really just can't be possible. One piece of matter can't be in the same place as another piece of matter, yet that's what it looks like. A kind of paradox really, where one statement contradicts another but both are true.
Then, all of these worlds appear to be Earth, not just random planets you poof to when going between worlds. Each seems to be an alternate reality of where we live that developed differently than others, causing other creatures, plants, and anomalies to exist. They all are versions that came about in their own way and are now as they are.
Anyway, if you are still reading this, it's just a physics nightmare with no good reason to happen. Thus this book is a mess of sci-fi gone out of control. But that's too bad, because paradoxes are what make books fun and I love reading about them. Hmph.
Ciao,
Carli
Basically in this book there are countless numbers of worlds with different people, landscapes, and stories happening on each one. None of them are really aware that the others exist accept for those who travel freely between them, namely Will and Lyra.
However, these worlds are all coexisting in the same place at the same time, like all right on top of each other. This creates a sort of quantum physics thing because according to science, this really just can't be possible. One piece of matter can't be in the same place as another piece of matter, yet that's what it looks like. A kind of paradox really, where one statement contradicts another but both are true.
Then, all of these worlds appear to be Earth, not just random planets you poof to when going between worlds. Each seems to be an alternate reality of where we live that developed differently than others, causing other creatures, plants, and anomalies to exist. They all are versions that came about in their own way and are now as they are.
Anyway, if you are still reading this, it's just a physics nightmare with no good reason to happen. Thus this book is a mess of sci-fi gone out of control. But that's too bad, because paradoxes are what make books fun and I love reading about them. Hmph.
Ciao,
Carli
19.4.10
The World of the Dead (A Version of It At Least)
They used the subtle knife to get here, and now, it's really starting to look like the Greeks version, only more boring and worst.
First, your 'death' has been with you this whole time, and will eventually lead you to this place. that has to be the creeepiest thing ever, but also quite peaceful really. Creepy, because it's your death and it's standing there next to you, waiting for you to die so it can take you away. Not a pretty mental image. But the book says they're like shadow people, only nice, gentle, and with voices. It says you can see them, but only if you don't mind having death around and accept that it happens, no big deal (which very few people bother thinking like, so apparently we don't see them much). Other wise they'll stay out of sight, just watching and caring for you. Major shivers there, you know?
Then, you take a boat piloted by a creepy old guy to the dead side, where you stand around for eternity and are bored out of your minds, just like the Greek myths say. They need to copyright those or something; everyone is using their ideas in books and stuff! Seriously!
And to top that off, there are harpies running around tormenting and yelling at people, hurting them, and just plain terrifying them. I mean really, let's bring some originality in here, yeah? And they don't have to freak them all out, just being there would be fine, thank you.
Oh well, I'll go read some more Greek myths and get back to you later.
Ciao,
Carli
First, your 'death' has been with you this whole time, and will eventually lead you to this place. that has to be the creeepiest thing ever, but also quite peaceful really. Creepy, because it's your death and it's standing there next to you, waiting for you to die so it can take you away. Not a pretty mental image. But the book says they're like shadow people, only nice, gentle, and with voices. It says you can see them, but only if you don't mind having death around and accept that it happens, no big deal (which very few people bother thinking like, so apparently we don't see them much). Other wise they'll stay out of sight, just watching and caring for you. Major shivers there, you know?
Then, you take a boat piloted by a creepy old guy to the dead side, where you stand around for eternity and are bored out of your minds, just like the Greek myths say. They need to copyright those or something; everyone is using their ideas in books and stuff! Seriously!
And to top that off, there are harpies running around tormenting and yelling at people, hurting them, and just plain terrifying them. I mean really, let's bring some originality in here, yeah? And they don't have to freak them all out, just being there would be fine, thank you.
Oh well, I'll go read some more Greek myths and get back to you later.
Ciao,
Carli
The Official Soundtrack!
Ok, we have to name several songs that would be good for a soundtrack for our books (mine being The Amber Spyglass), so here goes nothing:
Hmmmmm...
Angel, Sarah McLachlan- This song is appropriate because in this book, Will starts out with angels for guardians and relies on them to take care of him. That is the whole point of this song, that an angel may care for you.
Born For This, Paramore- This song works because Lyra is the girl in a prophecy of the witches who will make the decision that will doom or preserve man-kind. Thus "born for this".
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Green Day- In this song, we talk about being alone and on your own, with no one to care for or help you. When Lyra and Will go to the world of the dead, they are alone till they get out, with only dead souls for company.
Carry On Wayward Son, Kansas- Will's dad dies just before this book starts, but he gave him directions to keep doing the right thing and control and use the subtle knife, and this song is telling a boy to do what he has to to get things done.
Holiday, Green Day- This song, unlike the title, is actually about rebelling from the leaders and government, which is what Lord Asriel is doing against the Authority, or God.
How to Save a Life, The Fray- Just that- how to save a life. Lyra thinks they should cut a way out of the World of the Dead to free the ghosts so they can go back to the worlds they once lived in, to give them another life.
It's Not My Time, 3 Doors Down- Everyone in the World of the Dead says they must die to cross to the other side, but she refuses to do so, saying that her life isn't over and that it isn't her time.
Know Your Enemy, Green Day- The children are very confused to who's with them or against them, as the angels help, but the Authority hunts, Mrs. Coulter is an agent of the Church, but now spying for them, and Lord Asriel is Lyra's dad who has people spying on her.
Story of My Life, Bon Jovi- This really is a story of all their lives, showing them grow and change every day, letting them think and plot for their own good.
We Weren't Born to Follow, Bon Jovi- Will refuses to go to Lord Asriel, no matter what the spies say, for he has a mission and won't do what anyone else wants him to.
100 Years, Five for Fighting- For most of the book, they are with the dead, talking to them, seeing them, the whole thing, and they realize just how short their lives are, just how easy it is for them to die and that there is no way to avoid it.
Well, those are the songs on my new soundtrack for this book, and they are some of my favorites too. Enjoy and try to listen to them!
Ciao,
Carli
Hmmmmm...
Angel, Sarah McLachlan- This song is appropriate because in this book, Will starts out with angels for guardians and relies on them to take care of him. That is the whole point of this song, that an angel may care for you.
Born For This, Paramore- This song works because Lyra is the girl in a prophecy of the witches who will make the decision that will doom or preserve man-kind. Thus "born for this".
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Green Day- In this song, we talk about being alone and on your own, with no one to care for or help you. When Lyra and Will go to the world of the dead, they are alone till they get out, with only dead souls for company.
Carry On Wayward Son, Kansas- Will's dad dies just before this book starts, but he gave him directions to keep doing the right thing and control and use the subtle knife, and this song is telling a boy to do what he has to to get things done.
Holiday, Green Day- This song, unlike the title, is actually about rebelling from the leaders and government, which is what Lord Asriel is doing against the Authority, or God.
How to Save a Life, The Fray- Just that- how to save a life. Lyra thinks they should cut a way out of the World of the Dead to free the ghosts so they can go back to the worlds they once lived in, to give them another life.
It's Not My Time, 3 Doors Down- Everyone in the World of the Dead says they must die to cross to the other side, but she refuses to do so, saying that her life isn't over and that it isn't her time.
Know Your Enemy, Green Day- The children are very confused to who's with them or against them, as the angels help, but the Authority hunts, Mrs. Coulter is an agent of the Church, but now spying for them, and Lord Asriel is Lyra's dad who has people spying on her.
Story of My Life, Bon Jovi- This really is a story of all their lives, showing them grow and change every day, letting them think and plot for their own good.
We Weren't Born to Follow, Bon Jovi- Will refuses to go to Lord Asriel, no matter what the spies say, for he has a mission and won't do what anyone else wants him to.
100 Years, Five for Fighting- For most of the book, they are with the dead, talking to them, seeing them, the whole thing, and they realize just how short their lives are, just how easy it is for them to die and that there is no way to avoid it.
Well, those are the songs on my new soundtrack for this book, and they are some of my favorites too. Enjoy and try to listen to them!
Ciao,
Carli
18.4.10
Dr. Mary Malone
OMG, I nearly forgot the last main character- Mary!
She has stumbled in to a different world where creatures called mulefa are the intelligent race. Sofar she has been wlecomes into their society and learns many things, especially about Dust. Dust is like the substance that makes us smart and mature and is not able to be seen through our eyes. Mary, however, develops a glass that lets her see Dust, and gives us the name of the story, the Amber Spyglass.
I really like the mulefa; they have an entire new language that Mary learns and a society at least as modern as ours. There's one major difference though- they have four legs in a diamond shape in stead of square, like our animals, and they have just trunks like elephats to manuvre things, even if they do so with extreme dexterity. They use wheels made of seed pods to move faster by putting one if the front leg and one in the back, and then pushing, steering, and balancing with the other two.
I find this most interesting because I'll never see something like this, but it is possible that somewhere they exist on another planet somewhere. I also love how authors can come up with whole other worlds and beings and make them sound real. This is what I admire most in books and love to read about the subject the most. If I could do this as well as some of these people, I would do it tooand make it my job and way of living.
Also, it shows that we could have evolved in so many different ways really, and this is just how it happened. We might have been diamond, trunked people, or some other form no one has thought of yet. And for all you people who are like, but we didn't evolve like that, so stop speculating and do some real work, too bad. This isn't to be real life, here and now or whatever, this is for seeing more theoretically on why we evolved like this, and how it all workd\ed out to be like this. So ha.
Mary is only character who I think is like me, you know, wanting to know everything, but taking forever to real know what is happening. Also she's very determined to find anwsers, and not give up on everything she does just because other people don't believe in what she's doing and trying to discourage her. Or rather, in this case, kill her.
Kill because of the stupid Magisterium, who are always in everyone's business and telling people what to do. Really kind of like every other religion in the world, only they make you believe or kill you. Sigh, sigh, more sighing. Their latest projects include making all the worlds believe what they do, killing Lyra to stop her from encountering temptation, and killing Mary, who they believe is the one bringing temptation to Lyra. And of course, Getting the subtle knife so they can complete objective #1. However, they don't remember to watch out for Asriel's forces, giant bears (Iorek), and a knife that lets people travel between worlds (duh).
Well, later, ciao, whatever,
Carli
She has stumbled in to a different world where creatures called mulefa are the intelligent race. Sofar she has been wlecomes into their society and learns many things, especially about Dust. Dust is like the substance that makes us smart and mature and is not able to be seen through our eyes. Mary, however, develops a glass that lets her see Dust, and gives us the name of the story, the Amber Spyglass.
I really like the mulefa; they have an entire new language that Mary learns and a society at least as modern as ours. There's one major difference though- they have four legs in a diamond shape in stead of square, like our animals, and they have just trunks like elephats to manuvre things, even if they do so with extreme dexterity. They use wheels made of seed pods to move faster by putting one if the front leg and one in the back, and then pushing, steering, and balancing with the other two.
I find this most interesting because I'll never see something like this, but it is possible that somewhere they exist on another planet somewhere. I also love how authors can come up with whole other worlds and beings and make them sound real. This is what I admire most in books and love to read about the subject the most. If I could do this as well as some of these people, I would do it tooand make it my job and way of living.
Also, it shows that we could have evolved in so many different ways really, and this is just how it happened. We might have been diamond, trunked people, or some other form no one has thought of yet. And for all you people who are like, but we didn't evolve like that, so stop speculating and do some real work, too bad. This isn't to be real life, here and now or whatever, this is for seeing more theoretically on why we evolved like this, and how it all workd\ed out to be like this. So ha.
Mary is only character who I think is like me, you know, wanting to know everything, but taking forever to real know what is happening. Also she's very determined to find anwsers, and not give up on everything she does just because other people don't believe in what she's doing and trying to discourage her. Or rather, in this case, kill her.
Kill because of the stupid Magisterium, who are always in everyone's business and telling people what to do. Really kind of like every other religion in the world, only they make you believe or kill you. Sigh, sigh, more sighing. Their latest projects include making all the worlds believe what they do, killing Lyra to stop her from encountering temptation, and killing Mary, who they believe is the one bringing temptation to Lyra. And of course, Getting the subtle knife so they can complete objective #1. However, they don't remember to watch out for Asriel's forces, giant bears (Iorek), and a knife that lets people travel between worlds (duh).
Well, later, ciao, whatever,
Carli
New Book!
Alright, I just started reading The Amber Spyglass and it is so good! Ok, I admit it, I'm on like page 200 because I read it the whole time I was in the car this weekend. Anyway, the book is the 3rd in the His Dark Materials trilogy and I've read the first two and they were excellant, and I'm hoping that this one is just as good.
In this book, there are so many characters it's ridiculous, so I'll just name a few (and yes, this is a few no matter how long this list looks):
Lyra Silvertongue- One of the two main characters, she's just a little girl around age 12 who was said in a witch's prophecy to be a modern Eve whose decision in the face of temptation would decide the fate of the world. She also is the only person who can easily read an alethiometer, which is a magic compass that answers questions by pointing to diffferent symbols on its surface.
Will Perry- The other main character, he's a boy around the same age as Lyra who is completely unremarkable other than being the current wielder of the subtle knife, which has the power to cut through to other worlds. His father recently died after Will met him for the first time. He's missing two finger on his hand and is one of Lyra's best friends.
Mrs. Coulter- Lyra's mom who has been on the enemy's side until recently and is still hated by her daughter. She's very cunning and easily manipulates people with good looks and her voice. Was once part of the Magisterium, which is the church trying to kill them all.
Lord Asriel- Lyra's dad, he's not really into caring about her. At all. He is however, the head of the forces rebeling against the Authority, or pretty much basically God, who is really the first and most powerful of the angels. Never married Mrs. Coulter, but hates and mistrusts her even though she is now a spy for his side.
Iorek Byrnison- He's king of the amored bears (and therefore one himself) and Lyra's best friend in this world (there are multiple in this book). He helps repair the subtle knife after Mrs. Coulter makes Will break it. Unbeatable in a fight.
The Gallivespians- a race of tiny beings who are aligned with Lord Asriel, two are currently staying with the children to watch them for him. Their leader is one of his closest confidents. They ride large dragonflies around and have deadly spurs on their heels.
This book is starting out excellant, and it look like it'll be even better than Wuthering Heights, if only by a little, since fantasy and sci-fi are my favorite genres and this is a combo of both. Well, off to read more. Bye!
Ciao,
Carli
In this book, there are so many characters it's ridiculous, so I'll just name a few (and yes, this is a few no matter how long this list looks):
Lyra Silvertongue- One of the two main characters, she's just a little girl around age 12 who was said in a witch's prophecy to be a modern Eve whose decision in the face of temptation would decide the fate of the world. She also is the only person who can easily read an alethiometer, which is a magic compass that answers questions by pointing to diffferent symbols on its surface.
Will Perry- The other main character, he's a boy around the same age as Lyra who is completely unremarkable other than being the current wielder of the subtle knife, which has the power to cut through to other worlds. His father recently died after Will met him for the first time. He's missing two finger on his hand and is one of Lyra's best friends.
Mrs. Coulter- Lyra's mom who has been on the enemy's side until recently and is still hated by her daughter. She's very cunning and easily manipulates people with good looks and her voice. Was once part of the Magisterium, which is the church trying to kill them all.
Lord Asriel- Lyra's dad, he's not really into caring about her. At all. He is however, the head of the forces rebeling against the Authority, or pretty much basically God, who is really the first and most powerful of the angels. Never married Mrs. Coulter, but hates and mistrusts her even though she is now a spy for his side.
Iorek Byrnison- He's king of the amored bears (and therefore one himself) and Lyra's best friend in this world (there are multiple in this book). He helps repair the subtle knife after Mrs. Coulter makes Will break it. Unbeatable in a fight.
The Gallivespians- a race of tiny beings who are aligned with Lord Asriel, two are currently staying with the children to watch them for him. Their leader is one of his closest confidents. They ride large dragonflies around and have deadly spurs on their heels.
This book is starting out excellant, and it look like it'll be even better than Wuthering Heights, if only by a little, since fantasy and sci-fi are my favorite genres and this is a combo of both. Well, off to read more. Bye!
Ciao,
Carli
15.4.10
The Cathys- Stories of Hate, Love, and Inherited Unluckiness
These people are cursed or something. Actually, Catherine is cursed by Heathcliff, but you know what I mean. They must have some gene or something (even if that's scientifically impossible) that makes these people so unlucky. And all of them have the same thing. Catherine and her mother both die in childbirth, Catherine and CJ both have messed up love lives in which Heathcliff is invovled, and Catherine and her (again) both had their husbands die long after their own deaths, so they would be seperated even longer. This should be looked into by scientists, inherited unluckiness, a major killer of love everywhere. But I really doubt it ever will be, so let's move on.
Heathcliff messes up everything for these people, even if he would have once loved them. He cursed Catherine, locked up CJ, basically caused Catherine's death, and made CJ's husband die through abuse. Not looking so good man. He has nothing for him other than his love for Cathy, but he kind of ruined that by cursing her and not being her husband, which is never good if you love someone.
But in the end, they both get what they want, so they aren't completely messed up. Cathy is with all her family and the two men she loves (but one more than the other). CJ has married someone who will care and love her, she has lands , titles, and Heathcliff is dead (a good thing for her). It all works out, but hurts them all to get there. It really wasn't either of their faults either. I think I've pin-pointed two suspects. Mr. Earnshaw (Catherine's dad) and of course, Heathcliff.
Her dad because he brought Heathcliff home, and cared for and spoiled him. This is the root of the problem before you can't help but blame the person he brought home- Heathcliff. Then he just takes the cake as number one evil of all time. Ruining all their lives (the one thing you should avoid if you want to be popular) wasn't good, all his fault, and of course, he doesn't care about any of them but Cathy. Sigh X1,000,000,000. See, even I'm downed by him.
The biggest surprise though is who CJ eventually is 'happily ever after' with. She marries Hareton, of all people, to show him how to read, write, and love, and I think they are an excellant match for each other- stubborn, smart, and in love with the other.
The end.
(Yes I know, you're so happy, dah, duh-dah, duh-dah. Sure, whatever, go home till later. Bye)
Heathcliff messes up everything for these people, even if he would have once loved them. He cursed Catherine, locked up CJ, basically caused Catherine's death, and made CJ's husband die through abuse. Not looking so good man. He has nothing for him other than his love for Cathy, but he kind of ruined that by cursing her and not being her husband, which is never good if you love someone.
But in the end, they both get what they want, so they aren't completely messed up. Cathy is with all her family and the two men she loves (but one more than the other). CJ has married someone who will care and love her, she has lands , titles, and Heathcliff is dead (a good thing for her). It all works out, but hurts them all to get there. It really wasn't either of their faults either. I think I've pin-pointed two suspects. Mr. Earnshaw (Catherine's dad) and of course, Heathcliff.
Her dad because he brought Heathcliff home, and cared for and spoiled him. This is the root of the problem before you can't help but blame the person he brought home- Heathcliff. Then he just takes the cake as number one evil of all time. Ruining all their lives (the one thing you should avoid if you want to be popular) wasn't good, all his fault, and of course, he doesn't care about any of them but Cathy. Sigh X1,000,000,000. See, even I'm downed by him.
The biggest surprise though is who CJ eventually is 'happily ever after' with. She marries Hareton, of all people, to show him how to read, write, and love, and I think they are an excellant match for each other- stubborn, smart, and in love with the other.
The end.
(Yes I know, you're so happy, dah, duh-dah, duh-dah. Sure, whatever, go home till later. Bye)
And What About Nelly Dean?
Well, she's the narrator. Her job is to take care of any and all kids in this book, including Catherine, Heathcliff, Hindley, Hareton, CJ, Linton, everybody. She's very calm and unbiased, telling Cathy's story as it is, and caring for all the characters because she raised them. At this point she has to be quite old, at least 50 or 60.
I like her a lot. She is one of the few sane people in this book who isn't always trying to kill someone and she has a straight-forward way of looking at things. It makes the story much more enjoyable because she knows these people really well, having raised them. She is easily my favorite of the minor characters and I hope all this insanity works out for her without too many of her charges dying (even though that's pretty much impossible with the way things are going).
I like her a lot. She is one of the few sane people in this book who isn't always trying to kill someone and she has a straight-forward way of looking at things. It makes the story much more enjoyable because she knows these people really well, having raised them. She is easily my favorite of the minor characters and I hope all this insanity works out for her without too many of her charges dying (even though that's pretty much impossible with the way things are going).
Pictures and Stuff
Alright, this has very little to do with my book, but I just figured out how to put pictures in this blog. So now I'm going to show you all the pictures I would have added if I had known about this before. Alright, maybe just one.
Just When You Think Things Can't Get Worse...
They do. Big surprise, yeah? Linton is dead, Edgar is dead, CJ is grieving, and Heathcliff of course could care less about them all. You know, the usual terrible things that happen to them all. Blah, blah blah, blah blah, whatever.
Most important, CJ and the Linton estates (because I can't remember their real name right now, we'll call them that) are in chaos. Because Linton married her, he got control of the lands when CJ's father died. But now that he's dead too, Heathcliff gets everything, including the power to boss her around and such.
CJ is so unhappy she has stopped coming out of her room, and now that she is again everything annoys and displeases her. She's in a I-hate-the-world mood, and she should be. I would be. Heck, most of us except you weird optimist people would be. Husband dead, dad dead, lands gone, freedom gone, Heathcliff being himself, and Nelly away. Nothing to lose and at the bottom of the food chain, I would be busting heads at this point. But as this is a romantic 1800s novel where girls are weak, she can't do that. But she can be downright mean, evil, cruel, all that stuff without feeling bad about it. Good for her, hope things get better for you.
Heathcliff is even taking away her home, just because he wants to put some extra moolah in his pocket. He's renting it out to people and keeping Nelly there, so now CJ doesn't even have someone to talk to. Poor thing.
Ciao for now,
Carli
Most important, CJ and the Linton estates (because I can't remember their real name right now, we'll call them that) are in chaos. Because Linton married her, he got control of the lands when CJ's father died. But now that he's dead too, Heathcliff gets everything, including the power to boss her around and such.
CJ is so unhappy she has stopped coming out of her room, and now that she is again everything annoys and displeases her. She's in a I-hate-the-world mood, and she should be. I would be. Heck, most of us except you weird optimist people would be. Husband dead, dad dead, lands gone, freedom gone, Heathcliff being himself, and Nelly away. Nothing to lose and at the bottom of the food chain, I would be busting heads at this point. But as this is a romantic 1800s novel where girls are weak, she can't do that. But she can be downright mean, evil, cruel, all that stuff without feeling bad about it. Good for her, hope things get better for you.
Heathcliff is even taking away her home, just because he wants to put some extra moolah in his pocket. He's renting it out to people and keeping Nelly there, so now CJ doesn't even have someone to talk to. Poor thing.
Ciao for now,
Carli
Those Crazy Kids! (Or Something Like That)
Cathy Jr.- That is what I will be calling Catherine's daughter, or maybe just CJ for short. And that is final.
CJ has to be completely crazy to even think about liking Linton- I mean, their dads are worst enemies, he's going to die any day now, and they're COUSINS. I thought there was a law about that or something. These people are going to come down with all sorts of diseases at this rate. Anyway (Wow, it feels like I use this word all the time when I'm blogging. Oh, well.), CJ is an interesting piece of work. She likes Linton, which is bad, but she also loves her father, which is good, but I don't think she loves him as much as she thinks she does, because she can go against his word so easily. She seems to be doing the same thing that Catherine did, liking the wrong guy, being fussy and upset, the works. But I think she may have better luck than her mom because the book is nearly over and we don't have enough space left for another tragedy.
Linton. Wow. Now here is one sad little kid. He's hitting on an older girl who's also his cousin, his mom just died, and Heathcliff, aka Dad, is treating him like dirt and a whole bunch of other things I can't say on this blog without Miss K yelling at me. This guy must be the most miserable person to ever live. On top of life difficulties, he also is the weakest poor little darling and won't make it another year in this world. He coughs, sneezes, and cries his way through life. No good at all. Not that I'm sympathizing with him (much). He may be sad, but he is a total jerk to CJ and everyone and that isn't right, being that she loves him. Sigh. I seem to do this a lot too.
OH MY GOSH!!! I just read that Linton (or more accurately Heathcliff) is locking CJ up until she marries Linton! That is so pathetic I just cannot believe he did that! If she's going to marry him, it should be of her own will. And, to make it even more despicable, they're keeping him from her dying father (Edgar) and he's going to die without seeing her again! Oh no wait, they let her go. She made it in time and got to hear his last words.
Well, this is dramtic, so I'll stop blogging now and get back to this later.
Ciao,
Carli
CJ has to be completely crazy to even think about liking Linton- I mean, their dads are worst enemies, he's going to die any day now, and they're COUSINS. I thought there was a law about that or something. These people are going to come down with all sorts of diseases at this rate. Anyway (Wow, it feels like I use this word all the time when I'm blogging. Oh, well.), CJ is an interesting piece of work. She likes Linton, which is bad, but she also loves her father, which is good, but I don't think she loves him as much as she thinks she does, because she can go against his word so easily. She seems to be doing the same thing that Catherine did, liking the wrong guy, being fussy and upset, the works. But I think she may have better luck than her mom because the book is nearly over and we don't have enough space left for another tragedy.
Linton. Wow. Now here is one sad little kid. He's hitting on an older girl who's also his cousin, his mom just died, and Heathcliff, aka Dad, is treating him like dirt and a whole bunch of other things I can't say on this blog without Miss K yelling at me. This guy must be the most miserable person to ever live. On top of life difficulties, he also is the weakest poor little darling and won't make it another year in this world. He coughs, sneezes, and cries his way through life. No good at all. Not that I'm sympathizing with him (much). He may be sad, but he is a total jerk to CJ and everyone and that isn't right, being that she loves him. Sigh. I seem to do this a lot too.
OH MY GOSH!!! I just read that Linton (or more accurately Heathcliff) is locking CJ up until she marries Linton! That is so pathetic I just cannot believe he did that! If she's going to marry him, it should be of her own will. And, to make it even more despicable, they're keeping him from her dying father (Edgar) and he's going to die without seeing her again! Oh no wait, they let her go. She made it in time and got to hear his last words.
Well, this is dramtic, so I'll stop blogging now and get back to this later.
Ciao,
Carli
14.4.10
Death, Insanity, and Unhappiness For All
Ok, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad! Oh, and pathetic of course.
Cathy is now dead. Great, that always makes a love story better when the girl dies.
Anyway, Heathcliff freaked out and practically went insane. But he did get to say that famous quote (which is what I heard about this book that made me want to read it), "I cannot live without my love! I cannot live without my life!" That is just one of the most moving things I've ever read. I mean, it's like he's saying that because he had nothing, and then he had love, he saw the difference and couldn't be happy without it. He is like advertising love as something we all need to live! That is just a great message to put in a book, to say we should care and support and love. I love it!
Now that that's out of the way, Heathcliff is worse then ever, hating the world and stricken with grief. It is kind of sad, but shows just how much he really loved Cathy. That is so awesome, that the darkest soul, Heathcliff, can love. Evilness can't stop it, it just is. Nice work, love.
And because everyone reading this is dying (yay for plays on words!!) to know, Cathy died (oh that's just so funny) in childbirth having Edgar's brand-new out-of-the-box daughter. Just like mom. This, of course happened right after the night when Heathcliff and she officially decided they LOVED each other. That just has to be the world's worst luck, you know?
And then, to top it all off, they named the baby Catherine too! They may just call her Cathy, but that's like condemning her to have a terrible love life too. I bet you she will. Edgar has to be really, really unhappy cause she was his wife and he loved her (even if she didn't particularly love him), so he must be a total wreck too. Nelly just kind of skims this over, so I have to assume some things here too.
I'll tell you all when all their lives get worse.
Ciao for now,
Carli
Cathy is now dead. Great, that always makes a love story better when the girl dies.
Anyway, Heathcliff freaked out and practically went insane. But he did get to say that famous quote (which is what I heard about this book that made me want to read it), "I cannot live without my love! I cannot live without my life!" That is just one of the most moving things I've ever read. I mean, it's like he's saying that because he had nothing, and then he had love, he saw the difference and couldn't be happy without it. He is like advertising love as something we all need to live! That is just a great message to put in a book, to say we should care and support and love. I love it!
Now that that's out of the way, Heathcliff is worse then ever, hating the world and stricken with grief. It is kind of sad, but shows just how much he really loved Cathy. That is so awesome, that the darkest soul, Heathcliff, can love. Evilness can't stop it, it just is. Nice work, love.
And because everyone reading this is dying (yay for plays on words!!) to know, Cathy died (oh that's just so funny) in childbirth having Edgar's brand-new out-of-the-box daughter. Just like mom. This, of course happened right after the night when Heathcliff and she officially decided they LOVED each other. That just has to be the world's worst luck, you know?
And then, to top it all off, they named the baby Catherine too! They may just call her Cathy, but that's like condemning her to have a terrible love life too. I bet you she will. Edgar has to be really, really unhappy cause she was his wife and he loved her (even if she didn't particularly love him), so he must be a total wreck too. Nelly just kind of skims this over, so I have to assume some things here too.
I'll tell you all when all their lives get worse.
Ciao for now,
Carli
13.4.10
Hindley
Ok, I know he isn't really a main character, but he deserves word or two about him. I'll keep this short.
Hindley is Cathy's brother, and he abolutely hates Heathcliff with all his heart. He beats him up and abuses him as kids, makes him a servant after he returns from college, and refuses to let him hang out with Catherine in the same breath. He also married a girl while away and came back with her to the surprise of everyone. She had a kid with him but she died in childbirth. Hindley was heartbroken and never really was all that fond of his son, Hareton (who really isn't nice at all and has followed in Heathcliff's footsteps, being quite the nasty boy. He once tried to hang puppies). After that he became a terrible alcoholic, drank like crazy every day for the rest of his life, and started trying to kill Heathcliff when he came back. He failed (duh) and Heathcliff in turn beat him up until he was almost dead. But he didn't die then, and instead waited six months to do so in his sleep at an old, old, old, old age.
Drunk, of course. Sigh.
Anyway, I really never liked him because he was so cruel to Heathcliff (whom I still feel bad for, even if he is nasty) and never treated his son right, what with being drunk the whole time. Oh, well. That's about it on the subject of Hindley. Thanks for reading.
Ciao for now,
Carli
Hindley is Cathy's brother, and he abolutely hates Heathcliff with all his heart. He beats him up and abuses him as kids, makes him a servant after he returns from college, and refuses to let him hang out with Catherine in the same breath. He also married a girl while away and came back with her to the surprise of everyone. She had a kid with him but she died in childbirth. Hindley was heartbroken and never really was all that fond of his son, Hareton (who really isn't nice at all and has followed in Heathcliff's footsteps, being quite the nasty boy. He once tried to hang puppies). After that he became a terrible alcoholic, drank like crazy every day for the rest of his life, and started trying to kill Heathcliff when he came back. He failed (duh) and Heathcliff in turn beat him up until he was almost dead. But he didn't die then, and instead waited six months to do so in his sleep at an old, old, old, old age.
Drunk, of course. Sigh.
Anyway, I really never liked him because he was so cruel to Heathcliff (whom I still feel bad for, even if he is nasty) and never treated his son right, what with being drunk the whole time. Oh, well. That's about it on the subject of Hindley. Thanks for reading.
Ciao for now,
Carli
12.4.10
This Quote I Have to Write About
Listen to this:
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary compentencies that daily live requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." -C.S. Lewis
This quote is what I'm supposed to write about, so here we go.
When Lewis said this, I believe that he meant that literature is not just stories written to describe the world we live in, but made to show us new wonders and views that we would not have otherwise seen. If something is written saying that a new government should be formed, or a law be made, that plan, that idea, is added to the world and may be used later to help form and regulate the world. When fiction is written, it is not just making up something, but actually creating a part of the world where that happens, where some ideas from that world come to ours. It's like when a classic is written, and everyone in school reads and knows it, seeing why those people do those things and remember them. Memories are powerful, and they can bring those otherworld thoughts into this one to change and reformat our lives. When he mentions our lives as deserts, I think he means that our lives are so ordinary and expected without surprises, that it is like a desert, barren and boring to be in. When you read of other worlds, it brings new things and change to the ordinary, like irrigating and nourishing our lives so that we like living in them. Then, once the new is accepted, it's added to the desert and we need to add more interest again.
This works with my book specifically for two reasons: the characters in the book experience it, and the book has that effect on the world. The characters, especially Cathy and Hindley, see this desert example through Heathcliff's arrival. Their lives were peacefully boring beforehand, but then Heathcliff changed their lives. Cathy's liffe would be calm, less drama, less mischief, and probably would have been a better, if bored, person. Hindley wouldn't have been so bad, so mean, and most often less drunk. Heathcliff put all those bad things in him. They both got good things from him too though. Cathy never would have experienced what love really was without him and Hindley never would have been sent away (for constantly trying to beat up Heathcliff) and found his wife on his travels.
In our world, you probably couldn't find one college graduate or student that hasn't read it. It is the standard for high-school and a major classic, one of the best known ever. It influences this world by showing your love is always your defining trait, and without it we have nothing. As Heathcliff said, "I cannot live without my love! I cannot live without my life!". It also is a huge booster and encouragement to be nice. Why? Because everyone in this book is either crazy, dead, cruel, or just stupid. Their faults are all you can see at first until you look deeper. The same happens in real life. People see why they should avoid you first and reasons to like you later. This is like a shout out to avoid those faults so you don't have all these troubles.
Sorry for everyone who hated that because I rambled on so much.
I couldn't help it.
Ciao for now,
Carli
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary compentencies that daily live requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." -C.S. Lewis
This quote is what I'm supposed to write about, so here we go.
When Lewis said this, I believe that he meant that literature is not just stories written to describe the world we live in, but made to show us new wonders and views that we would not have otherwise seen. If something is written saying that a new government should be formed, or a law be made, that plan, that idea, is added to the world and may be used later to help form and regulate the world. When fiction is written, it is not just making up something, but actually creating a part of the world where that happens, where some ideas from that world come to ours. It's like when a classic is written, and everyone in school reads and knows it, seeing why those people do those things and remember them. Memories are powerful, and they can bring those otherworld thoughts into this one to change and reformat our lives. When he mentions our lives as deserts, I think he means that our lives are so ordinary and expected without surprises, that it is like a desert, barren and boring to be in. When you read of other worlds, it brings new things and change to the ordinary, like irrigating and nourishing our lives so that we like living in them. Then, once the new is accepted, it's added to the desert and we need to add more interest again.
This works with my book specifically for two reasons: the characters in the book experience it, and the book has that effect on the world. The characters, especially Cathy and Hindley, see this desert example through Heathcliff's arrival. Their lives were peacefully boring beforehand, but then Heathcliff changed their lives. Cathy's liffe would be calm, less drama, less mischief, and probably would have been a better, if bored, person. Hindley wouldn't have been so bad, so mean, and most often less drunk. Heathcliff put all those bad things in him. They both got good things from him too though. Cathy never would have experienced what love really was without him and Hindley never would have been sent away (for constantly trying to beat up Heathcliff) and found his wife on his travels.
In our world, you probably couldn't find one college graduate or student that hasn't read it. It is the standard for high-school and a major classic, one of the best known ever. It influences this world by showing your love is always your defining trait, and without it we have nothing. As Heathcliff said, "I cannot live without my love! I cannot live without my life!". It also is a huge booster and encouragement to be nice. Why? Because everyone in this book is either crazy, dead, cruel, or just stupid. Their faults are all you can see at first until you look deeper. The same happens in real life. People see why they should avoid you first and reasons to like you later. This is like a shout out to avoid those faults so you don't have all these troubles.
Sorry for everyone who hated that because I rambled on so much.
I couldn't help it.
Ciao for now,
Carli
11.4.10
Cathy + Heathcliff
Ok Miss K,
I think that Cathy does love him, does care for him, but it is more of an unconscious thing for her. She might have married edgar Linton, but that was only for titles and money, and because Heathcliff, at the time, was still 'unrespectable' and thus not worthy to be with her. She loves him on an inner level and missed him the whole time he was off refining himself. Then, when he was back, she tried to dissuade Isabella from falling in love with him, saying that he was evil, terrible and not worth loving, but this was all in her selfish character, still loving him and wanting him for herself.
This is also kind of how she supports him, subconsciously wanting to have him seen as a good person, and doing her best to believe in him. She tries to make Edgar see him in a good light, and makes him let Heathcliff be a welcome guest in the house. She kind of has good intentions, but mostly good for herself. Heathcliff is given little recognition as a person, just something she likes and desires, almost like an idea she loves instead of he himself.
Heathcliff, on the other hand, has been brooding for years on how much he loves her and how he can get her back. He goes about it a different way though, not thinking how to defend her, but to eliminate those she's with and gain control over them. He's also very revengeful, trying to get back on everyone he thinks has wronged him. He loves her and only her, even if he tries to marry Isabella to try to control Edgar and influence him to do as he wishes. He has a muxh darker premise to him though, like he thinks badness and cruelity are the only ways to live his life. I am especially unease about his teaching of Hareton to swear and hang puppies off a chair. He was insulting and threatening everyone who comes to the door. Nelly Dean got it out of him that Heathcliff taught it to him, and that's when it becomes obvious that Heathcliff really is not good person, if not a bad one.
However, he knows he loves Cathy, and that's pretty much his only redeeming quality. It's the same thing with her. That's the only good trait she has (other than maybe beauty, but I don't count that) and it seems to be the reasoning behind the book to why it became a classic. All they have is love, but it is enough to give them a story and a purpose worth reading about. I think this may be the core reason to the book. After I finish reading I'll think about it some more.
Well, that's all I have on their love for now.
Ciao,
Carli9.4.10
Time to think about this...
Ok, so now that I finished reading chapter 7, I'm thinking that Heathcliff really isn't the best person out there, what with being stubborn and having the most pride in the world. I mean, he doesn't go and talk to Cathy just because he wants to prove he didn't care that she changed and is better with manners than him. She's wearing beautiful dresses and he's dirty and in rags, with dark skin and ridiculed by all the people around him. He seems really depressed, but at least he tried to mend what he did by trying to talk with her and act dignified (which failed miserably after he threw wine in the Linton boy's face and was sent to be locked away).
Hindley's really cruel to him too, hitting and ordering him about. He's my least favorite character, even more so than Lockwood. He's kind of like a dictator, like Hitler or Hugo Chavez, ordering everyone around, telling them what they'll get and do. And his wife doesn't help that out either. She's the one who reminded Hindley how much he hated Heathcliff.
Heathcliff. Now there's a weird name. I like it, I guess, but why, even if it was the name of a dead guy (or maybe in spite of being a dead guy's name) would you name someone Heathcliff. It sounds like the name of graveyard or something. And he only has the one name, no last name or anything. He'd be Mr. Heathcliff or Heathcliff Heathcliff or something, which is just funny. He should have taken the name Earnshaw, which is better than nothing.
I like Cathy the most. She may be cruel and selfish, but I like her because of her spirit and love and support of Heathcliff. She is strong too, not giving in to what Hindley wants and not crying or complaining when the dog chomps on her ankle (which is never pleasant). But she can be wimpy too. Listening to everything Mrs. Linton says and becoming a nice, polite lady disappointed me, but I suppose it was necessary to keep the story moving. Otherwise, Heathcliff wouldn't be so mad at Hindley and vow to get revenge and be so miserable.
Miss K., you were right, after I got through Lockwood's narrating, the language wasn't Old English, just a little old fashoned but still really familiar to how I would talk. Lockwood wasn't Old Englishy either, just used a whole mess of pointless words that really confused me. Thanks.
Well, I need to go finish reading my 100 pages, so bye.
Ciao for now,
Carli
Hindley's really cruel to him too, hitting and ordering him about. He's my least favorite character, even more so than Lockwood. He's kind of like a dictator, like Hitler or Hugo Chavez, ordering everyone around, telling them what they'll get and do. And his wife doesn't help that out either. She's the one who reminded Hindley how much he hated Heathcliff.
Heathcliff. Now there's a weird name. I like it, I guess, but why, even if it was the name of a dead guy (or maybe in spite of being a dead guy's name) would you name someone Heathcliff. It sounds like the name of graveyard or something. And he only has the one name, no last name or anything. He'd be Mr. Heathcliff or Heathcliff Heathcliff or something, which is just funny. He should have taken the name Earnshaw, which is better than nothing.
I like Cathy the most. She may be cruel and selfish, but I like her because of her spirit and love and support of Heathcliff. She is strong too, not giving in to what Hindley wants and not crying or complaining when the dog chomps on her ankle (which is never pleasant). But she can be wimpy too. Listening to everything Mrs. Linton says and becoming a nice, polite lady disappointed me, but I suppose it was necessary to keep the story moving. Otherwise, Heathcliff wouldn't be so mad at Hindley and vow to get revenge and be so miserable.
Miss K., you were right, after I got through Lockwood's narrating, the language wasn't Old English, just a little old fashoned but still really familiar to how I would talk. Lockwood wasn't Old Englishy either, just used a whole mess of pointless words that really confused me. Thanks.
Well, I need to go finish reading my 100 pages, so bye.
Ciao for now,
Carli
8.4.10
First Impressions.
So, I am now just finished with the first 5 chapters, which take up about 60 pages. So far I've decided that Mr. Lockwood, who starts out telling (or rather writing) the story, is completely dimwitted with a huge vocabulary, which is all he has going for him. He has mistaken dead rabbits for cats and everyone of importance at Wuthering Heights (which is the title of the book because that's where it's taking place, at this estate) has been called an incorrect member of Heathcliff's family. In some respect he's like Forest Gump, being simple-minded and the like.
Not only is Lockwood dumb, but he is also conceited, saying he's better looking than Mr. Earnshaw and going on to say that he's not conceited, which is always a sure sign that you are. Sigh.
Anyway, Heathcliff is quite the character, being gruff and insulting everyone in the house. I really liked how he goes and starts sobbing, begging Catherine to come back, which is still before you know who she is, so it shows that gruffness doesn't stop him from loving someone. It's nice to know that anybody can love if they want to.
After Nelly Dean (or rather Mrs. Dean) starts telling the story in chapter 5, the language gets much more managable. With Lockwood, I had to wirte down a word on every page, but I got through a whole chapter by Mrs. Dean without a hard or confusing word. It was very nice. The story she told in that chapter though, was much sadder, what with Heathcliff arriving as the poor gypsy boy and Catherine's brother being a total jerk to him (which is not unlike how I treat Megan, my sister) was entertaining, but more downbeat. The end of chapter 6 though, when their father died, was miserable, and the only part I didn't enjoy reading.
My favorite part so far would either be when Lockwood was attacked by the dogs for taking a lantern, or maybe the tales of Catherine's tricks and cruelness. That was really funny, but Lockwood really deserved to be mauled, which was hilarious and the only part he wrote that was really good.
All in all, it's really good, and I'm going to go read some more now.
Not only is Lockwood dumb, but he is also conceited, saying he's better looking than Mr. Earnshaw and going on to say that he's not conceited, which is always a sure sign that you are. Sigh.
Anyway, Heathcliff is quite the character, being gruff and insulting everyone in the house. I really liked how he goes and starts sobbing, begging Catherine to come back, which is still before you know who she is, so it shows that gruffness doesn't stop him from loving someone. It's nice to know that anybody can love if they want to.
After Nelly Dean (or rather Mrs. Dean) starts telling the story in chapter 5, the language gets much more managable. With Lockwood, I had to wirte down a word on every page, but I got through a whole chapter by Mrs. Dean without a hard or confusing word. It was very nice. The story she told in that chapter though, was much sadder, what with Heathcliff arriving as the poor gypsy boy and Catherine's brother being a total jerk to him (which is not unlike how I treat Megan, my sister) was entertaining, but more downbeat. The end of chapter 6 though, when their father died, was miserable, and the only part I didn't enjoy reading.
My favorite part so far would either be when Lockwood was attacked by the dogs for taking a lantern, or maybe the tales of Catherine's tricks and cruelness. That was really funny, but Lockwood really deserved to be mauled, which was hilarious and the only part he wrote that was really good.
All in all, it's really good, and I'm going to go read some more now.
7.4.10
Wuthering Heights
Hi, this is my first real posting on Wuthering Heights. I am really excited about it because I've heard so much about it from my friends and from literary references.
I chose this book because I have hated hearing references to this book in some of the other books I've read that I just don't understand, and it will be nice to finally 'get' what they're talking about. Also, the little I know about the characters was fascinating and Cathy sounds awesome, if perhaps selfish. I was reading the intro when I was startled to hear that it was told from two perspectives, which I hadn't expected. It sounds like a challenging read, too, which is nice because some books are just too easy to be interesting.
Speaking of challenge, this book will probably challenge me a lot, but with a dictionary I should be able to understand all the words. I'm more worried about how older English writingis spoken and I think most of what the cahracters say will be decipherable. I'm going to ask my mom and dad to help me out with that. Maybe I could find out more about what Old English is supposed to mean!! Off the internet of course.
Ciao for now,
Carli
I chose this book because I have hated hearing references to this book in some of the other books I've read that I just don't understand, and it will be nice to finally 'get' what they're talking about. Also, the little I know about the characters was fascinating and Cathy sounds awesome, if perhaps selfish. I was reading the intro when I was startled to hear that it was told from two perspectives, which I hadn't expected. It sounds like a challenging read, too, which is nice because some books are just too easy to be interesting.
Speaking of challenge, this book will probably challenge me a lot, but with a dictionary I should be able to understand all the words. I'm more worried about how older English writingis spoken and I think most of what the cahracters say will be decipherable. I'm going to ask my mom and dad to help me out with that. Maybe I could find out more about what Old English is supposed to mean!! Off the internet of course.
Ciao for now,
Carli
6.4.10
To Start by Introducing Me
Hi everybody!! This is my new book blog that I'm officially doing for English.
The first book I will be doing is Wuthering Heights. I hope to get at least 6 books done before May 10th, so that will be my goal.
I'm going to post on everyone's blogs in Miss K's classes, so keep an eye out for me (especially Dorothea and Miranda you guys)!
In the meantime, good luck to you all and thanks for reading! ;)
Ciao for now!
The first book I will be doing is Wuthering Heights. I hope to get at least 6 books done before May 10th, so that will be my goal.
I'm going to post on everyone's blogs in Miss K's classes, so keep an eye out for me (especially Dorothea and Miranda you guys)!
In the meantime, good luck to you all and thanks for reading! ;)
Ciao for now!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
