Critical Thinking Question #2: Tales of the Madman Underground

In Tales of the Madman Underground, by John Barnes, the therapy group nick-named “The Madmen Underground” is full of people with tough lives and back-stories. Even if those kids need therapy, they are often placed there automatically because of what has happened to them in the past, or because they are seen doing something that defines them as “insane” or “crazy” by teachers, but those people don’t always have the right to judge someone, especially if it isn’t the child’s fault.

I think this situation is really unfair because of the way the members of the Madmen Underground are being treated. All of those kids are there because they are thought to be “crazy” by one teacher or another. But what deems someone to be crazy? Some of the kids in the Madmen group are given the ticket to therapy because something terrible happened to their family, for example Paul, who’s mom was run over by a car, instantly earning him a ticket to the therapy classes. But while something traumatic like that is very harsh to a young child, that doesn’t automatically mean they are crazy.

Other kids have been put in the group because they were seen crying in class, which brings me to my next point. The pressure that many are feeling at home is unhealthy, and that’s what causes the kids to be stressed, or become depressed, or to have these “crying jags” at school. For example, the main character Karl has been living without a father for 3 ½ years and with a mother who creates even more work for him. Though while narrating, Karl never complains about it, I don’t think he enjoys having to mature so quickly, having to make the money and then pay the bills, and it just causes more stress in his life. I don’t think it is fair that kids like him and the other Madmen have to take on 7 odd jobs to take care of people who don’t deserve it, just because they are their “parent”. For most of the kids, their mom (or dad) are blood related to them, but again that doesn’t make them a parent. If the adult figure is not present or more of a burden than the child, I don’t believe they qualify as a parent, let alone a caring one. And most of all, I don’t think these kids should have to suffer because of their parents mistakes.

While many of the Madmen may be working multiple jobs and being the adult figure in their lives as a “defense mechanism” because they don’t have anything else to protect them, others may be doing it because they have no choice. Kind of like the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” a person’s back-story may not be a sign that they need help. I’m not saying that they don’t either. But the story is often more complicated than a simple, “they’re crazy.”            

Critical Thinking Question:Tales of the Madman Underground

          In every school there are groups. Even the people who may think they are loners are in some part of an “individual group.” As long as I have been attending school I have come into contact with social groups and statuses, whether it is kindergarten shunning or 8^th grade hierarchy. Either way, it can be hard to find where you fit into all of it. I have just started reading the book Tales of the Madman Underground, by John Barnes. (I am on page 20!) Even so, I can already start making inferences about this character and his life. From what I know, the main character, Karl, a high-schooler, lives in a house with his mom, who is not in the best condition. She takes her son’s money, comes home drunk, and over all does not seem like a supportive figure which is unexplained, but I assume has to do with the death of his father and her husband. His mom being lacking, I get the feeling that he is very independent and has most of the responsibility. He has his own stash of money, does the accounting, looks after their numerous pets and takes care of himself. With his dad dead, and his mom mentally absent, Karl has too much pressure put on him, and being such an independent kid who relies on solely himself is unhealthy.

            The theme of being an individual carries into his school life. Karl has always been in a therapy group in school, a routine he is determined to get rid of this year. His best friend since kindergarten, Paul, named the group the Madmen Underground. This is where groups start to come in. I got the feeling that where social groups were concerned, Karl and Paul were part of the Madmen Underground, even if no one was aware of them. This is how groups tend to work out, everyone considers themselves to be a part of a group, even if it is invisible to others who establish themselves over those “invisible groups.” Even the “social outcasts” tend to gravitate towards each other. What I noticed is that the title of this book is called Tales of the MADMAN Underground. Madman, not men. I think that Karl doesn’t want to be associated with that group anymore, no matter how invisible it may be to others.

            As the book progresses, I want to see how Karl fits into groups at his high-school, in his neighborhood, and at home. I wonder how his friendship with Paul is going to play out, seeing as Karl might want to ditch the Madmen Underground. I hope that his mom starts to take responsibility because it is painful to read about him being neglected, although I am sure he is used to it by now. Whatever happens, I can’t wait to get further into the book because I have a feeling it will show an interesting side of the high-school groups and cliques, and everyday life.

            

Social Awareness Project

Following The News

November 18^th, 2012            New York Times

In Alabama many beach houses were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, The western end of this Gulf Coast is a very hazardous place, being on the waterfront. Over the years, the place has suffered much damage from hurricanes and storms. But each time damage is done the area is given more money to fix it. In the whole nation, tens of billions have been spent re constructing buildings after storms or floods. This time, 30 billion dollars could be sent recovering in NY, NH and other states all from hurricane Sandy.

I don’t see why all this money is spent putting communities back together when it will just be destroyed again. I know that storms can be extremely detrimental, but so much money goes into putting things back as they were, which sometimes increases the vulnerability of places like Alabama. A Carolina geologist said that “we’re Americans damn it. Retreat is a dirty word.” But maybe it is time to be more careful about where we build, or at least how we do it.

November 19^th, 2012            NPR News

Recently, a new round of fighting has broken out between the Israelis and Palestinians. The fighting may seem similar to other attacks, but there are a few things that make this clash different: 1) Egypt’s role has changed; 2) some of the Arab leaders have gone to Gaza showing that neighboring countries are starting to care; 3) new technology. Palestinian rockets are now designed to reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. On the other hand, Israel has built the “iron drone” missile detector to shoot down Palestinian rockets while they are still in flight; 4.) the absence of a peace process; 5) US skittishness in the Middle East. Most US troops are gone form Iraq. We are not involving ourselves with Hamas. So the conflict has to be sorted out by the parties themselves.

I think it is bad that the fighting has started up again. With new technology today, the fighting can reach a whole new level. What with the US troops pulling out, hopefully, the conflict can be resolved in the Middle East instead of it dragging on.

November 20^th, 2012            Al Jazeera English

Wal-Mart workers are striking! Many have complained that they do not receive living wages. The workers started with small work stoppages, but are now organizing a longer, more widespread protest. In a video where workers were asked why they were striking some replied; “Because I am tired of being discriminated against in the work place.” “Because I like my job but I hate the way I am being treated.” “Because I’m tired of not being treated like a human being.” “Because if I weren’t with family, I would have to chose between healthcare and food.”

Wal-Mart is one of the biggest chains in the United States. I actually had no idea that they were treating their workers so badly, but now that I know, I think it is about time that the workers go on strike. It disgusts me that Wal-Mart has so many workers and makes so much money, but they don’t have the decency to treat their workers right, or pay them a living wage. A quote from a news anchor states; “If Wal-Mart increased all their workers’ salaries by $2,500 it would be only 1% of the annual sales”. Yet they don’t even want to do that.

November 24, 2012            CNN

Movember. You’ve probably heard the term before. What you likely didn’t know was that it is about much more than about mustaches. Each November men and women (mo sistas) grow mustaches to show their support for people suffering from prostate cancer. What started out as just thirty guys trying to bring back an old fad is now a worldwide support group for cancer patients.

I first found out about Movember by watching an episode of the Office that referred to it. Intrigued, I did some research. I did not expect to find a group of people fighting cancer with mustaches. It’s great though. Everyone participating seems enthusiastic about it and it is a fun way to help people. It is important to support all cancer patients, and prostate cancer had not been supported in such a major way. But last year, 126.3 million dollars was raised worldwide from Movember and hopefully this year will bring even more, using facial hair as an advertisement against prostate cancer.

November 24, 2012            NPR News

Today the 24^th is no longer just a Saturday. It has recently been dubbed “Small business Saturday”. Today is the day you are supposed to go out, reopen your wallets and shop local. But what is different about today? What can you get that you didn’t get on Black Friday? Dave Drake an owner of a small women’s boutique called Savvy Stuff says that he and other owners of small shops can offer customers what they are not expecting but what they want. He believes that today is a fund day that people can buy unique items that no one else has. Many local business owners count on today for good business.

I am a very strong supporter of small businesses. I don’t like to shop in large chain stores if I don’t have to. However, this “small business Saturday” seems a little silly to me. All anyone wants to do anymore is shop, consume, buy, consume, and take more and more stuff home. Between “Grey Thursday”, “Black Friday”, “Small Business Saturday” and “Cyber Monday” there is barely any time to relax and think about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Final Reflection

After looking back at the five news stories that I wrote about his week, I noticed that none of them were connected at all. All of the stories varied immensely. Over one week, I read about international crisis, such as the current bombings between Israel and Palestine, and then gone on to read about local economic issues and stories, like Black Friday. Of course there was an article about the damage left by Hurricane Sandy, which we are still cleaning up from. Watching reading about and listening to the news for two weeks helped me to be more aware about current events. At the dinner table I could actually contribute facts about the renewed tensions in the Middle East and have a conversation with my mom about it.

I usually listen to the news in the morning on a daily basis, but I am half asleep anyway. Watching the news is a totally different experience. When I was watching the news about the Wal-Mart strikes, I was actually very touched. Although it is sometimes easier for me to obtain information when I am reading, watching a story has a very powerful effect. I want to continue watching the news at night if I ever have time, because I like being aware of all the issues and general being of everything around me.

Daily List

Poverty- people sleeping on the streets, without food, richer neighborhoods having better schools and better foods sometimes.

Race- poorer neighborhoods tend to be filled with more people of color… ?

Gender- job pay, teacher roles (more male as you get into the higher grades?)

Favoritism- people picked for no reason other than they appeal to someone more than others, they become the best in someone’s eyes from then on out.

Education- not everyone can afford to go to college when they should have the opportunity.

Immigration issues- if children are born here from illegal parents, they have a right to get as good of a life and education as anyone else. Is it right for people to come here illegally anyway?

            The first item on my list is poverty. I put it there because while, fortunately, I don’t experience it, I do see people suffering from poverty every day in the U.S. It is mostly visible to us on the streets, of course we all see people begging for money near stores, and homeless people sleeping on the subway, and that’s what most people think of when they hear the word poverty. In fact, there are many different types, levels and degrees of poverty. In fact, often the most egregious types of poverty are invisible.

Poverty doesn’t only mean seeing a homeless person. It doesn’t only mean seeing a beggar, or watching someone pay with food stamps. Poverty in our country is often hidden. It is about opportunity. In wealthy neighborhoods, you might find better schools than in poorer areas. This is because property taxes are funding our schools in New York, along with other things. Richer neighborhoods have more expensive houses leading to higher taxes that can fund public schools more adequately. In affluent areas, parents are also more likely to supplement their local public schools through fundraisers and bake sales. In poor areas, parents don’t have time or money to do this. Furthermore, a lot of funding for public schools comes from the lottery, and a lot of people who play the lottery are poorer people. People often call this the “poor tax.” I find this immensely unfair, because a lot of money that is put into the lottery from people who don’t necessarily have enough to begin with, and all that money is going into the schools instead of their meals. Granted, the schools with their children are being funded too, but not enough anyway.

Poverty may mean that the neighborhood you live in has more fast food restaurants than richer neighborhoods. Studies have shown that McDonalds targets poorer neighborhoods. This makes sense because if you can get a $1 happy meal and you don’t have that much money for dinner, you are not going to worry about what is the healthier meal, chances are you will end up buying the Big Mac. Unfortunately because of this, if you live in one of these neighborhoods and can’t afford a healthier meal, you have a higher chance of gaining weight.

           

There are many causes of poverty in this county, more than I can go into here. But one of the many reasons that poverty is still at large is because not enough people notice it. Or, maybe they see it but choose not to notice it. Either way, poverty shouldn’t be invisible because it happens right before us everyday.

I chose to interview my mom for this part of the project. And not just because “she is my mom, and I love her.” (Though I do love her very much.) I chose her because I do believe that she changes the world everyday, inside the house and out. When I interviewed her, she was in the middle of cooking. I admire her for what she does at her job, and as a mom. My 6-year old sister, who is helping my mom cook (or rather, taste) tries to help interviewing as well.

Me: So, mom, what do you do for your job?

Deena: I’m an… advisor, a technical advisor for microfinance.

Soha: You help people with their work, right?

Deena: Yup. Ooh Soha we need to take that pie out of the oven!

Me: Do you mind talking a little more about what that entails?

Deena: Okay, I work in economic development. So I work in developing countries supporting micro-finance, which is giving very small loans to poor people to help them start businesses.

Soha: (Soha’s first grade class just finished a unit on the park.) Do park people help change the world everyday?

Deena: Yes, they are very important…

Me: What places in particular do you visit?

Deena: I work mostly in the Middle East and Africa. Poor countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Me: What is it like working in those countries?

Deena: It’s fascinating. And humbling. Its amazing to see how other people live, learn about their culture, eat their foods see their architecture, but its also very difficult, Because people are very poor, and the people that I visit often live in abstract poverty and sometimes in war zones. Do you want some bean salad?

Soha: Yes!

Me: What made you want to take this job?

Deena: Ever since I was a teenager I wanted to work in the Peace Core. It was a program to send young people to volunteer in developing countries all over the world. And though I was never a part of it, I always admired it. So I went to school, and studied international affairs, worked abroad in China as a teacher to see how that felt, and that’s when I decided that I needed to go back to Grad School to study economic development.

Me: What was attractive to you about that type of work?

Deena: Helping people. Doing something for work that means something. Trying to make a difference in the world for those who are less fortunate.

Me: What do you like most about your job?

Deena: I like the people, all the different people. Actually one thing I like the most, I like the least. I love the travel aspect, even though it means I’m away from you.

Me: You say you like the people a lot. Do you still have contact with some of them?

Deena: Yeah I’ve actually made a lot of friends from all over the world that I visit sometimes when I’m working.

Me: Do you know people who now have businesses thanks to you?

Deena: You mean have I seen the result of my work? I’ve actually been involved in writing up laws that allow poor people access to finance to support their businesses.

Me: That must be very satisfying to know that you’re doing good for the world!

Deena: I feel very lucky that I have a job that I like, that I believe in, and it takes me to parts of the world that I would not normally see.

Me: Thanks, mom.

Reading Response

The comic books that I have read are usually about superheroes, or talking animals. However, the comic book or graphic novel, Persepolis is different. Using pictures and black and white drawings, the author tells a story of a young girl living in Iran, right at the time of the Islamic Revolution. The country is still recovering from the war with Iraq as well a brutal and protracted war between two neighboring countries, that left over 1 million Iranians dead.

            In this memoir, Marjane, the daughter of two revolutionaries is convinced she wants to be a prophet. Over the course of this story, she realizes that she wants to be a part of the demonstrations as well. She loses some of her interest in being a prophet and explores the revolution more and more as she is fed up with how her family and her are being treated, and some of the changes that are being forced upon them. For example, when she was in school just after the Islamic Revolution, the girls and boys were separated in schools and the girls were made to wear covering veils. Many were against that. They thought their children should have freedom, but they were overruled.

            The way that the Iranian soldiers treat the citizens is more than unfair. One thing mentioned in the book that I found outrageous was the child soldiers. Not only were they recruiting children to put in the front line, they handed out “golden keys” in school. The boys were told “if they went to war and were lucky enough to die, this key would get them into heaven.” This is so unjust and terrible! They are basically setting up these children to think that war isn’t a bad thing, and it will be fun to serve at the front lines because “In Paradise there will be plenty of food, women, houses, and riches.” They are trading a meaningless plastic painted key for an actual person’s son. It is horrendous.

            What was sad about reading this story was that I am the same age as Marjane. And while I can’t compare my self to what she was going through, I know what it is like to be a kid. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to hide in the basement every time I heard a siren. Or to be worried at school about your parents, and if they were safe, or at another demonstration. This story is compelling and heartbreaking, and also one of the freshest memoirs I have read because of the graphic presentation.

Social Awareness Essay

          The comic books that I have read are usually about superheroes, or talking animals. However, the comic book or graphic novel, Persepolis is different. Using pictures and black and white drawings, the author tells a story of a young girl living in Iran, right at the time of the Islamic Revolution. The country is still recovering from the war with Iraq as well a brutal and protracted war between two neighboring countries, that left over 1 million Iranians dead.

            In this memoir, Marjane, the daughter of two revolutionaries is convinced she wants to be a prophet. Over the course of this story, she realizes that she wants to be a part of the demonstrations as well. She looses some of her interest in being a prophet and explores the revolution more and more as she is fed up with how her family and her are being treated, and some of the changes that are being forced upon them. For example, when she was in school just after the Islamic Revolution, the girls and boys were separated in schools and the girls were made to wear covering veils. Many were against that. They thought their children should have freedom, but they were overruled.

            The way that the Iranian soldiers treat the citizens is more than unfair. One thing mentioned in the book that I found outrageous was the child soldiers. Not only were they recruiting children to put in the front line, they handed out “golden keys” in school. The boys were told “if they went to war and were lucky enough to die, this key would get them into heaven.” This is so unjust and terrible! They are basically setting up these children to think that war isn’t a bad thing, and it will be fun to serve at the front lines because “In Paradise there will be plenty of food, women, houses, and riches.” They are trading a meaningless plastic painted key for an actual person’s son. It is horrendous.

            What was sad about reading this story was that I am the same age as Marjane. And while I can’t compare my self to what she was going through, I know what it is like to be a kid. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to hide in the basement every time I heard a siren. Or to be worried at school about your parents, and if they were safe, or at another demonstration. This story is compelling and heartbreaking, and also one of the freshest memoirs I have read because of the graphic presentation.

What's in the Water?

Hurricane Sandy left many devastated. In Gowanus, the canal famous for its color and stench flooded into the streets. The water was sent tearing town the sidewalks and into many homes, such as the basements of Tony Locane and Rob McKenna. During the recovery process, many found their furniture or objects that were soaked in the Gowanus water covered in gunk, or smelling foully. Tony Locane even found his legs covered in “a greasy, oily slick” when he went down to rescue his equipment from the surging water. This recent discovery has left new Yorkers wondering- what actually is in the Gowanus? And should we be concerned?

I have lived fairly near to the Gowanus for several years, but have never thought about what might be in that canal. Despite the many times I have walked over it and been horrified by the odor, or repulsed by the color, I have never looked into it. But when the water actually started overflowing into people’s homes, some research was done. The Gowanus Canal was carved out of a marsh-like area. And some of that consistency is still present at the bottom. Over time, coal yards, chemical plants and other heavy industries have been built on the edge of the water. I have noticed that when walking over the Gowanus Canal if it is raining, there is a particularly strong smell, and I have always wondered why. I was disgusted to find out that when it is raining, the local sewage system can overflow easily, and dump the raw sewage into the canal.

After learning that the water that traveled up Bond and Nevins Street might be contaminated with sewage, toxic materials or oil picked up from the sidewalks, people felt a little less comfortable. Unfortunately there wasn’t much to do, except follow the Environmental officials instructions: get the water out of your house as soon as possible and then clean with bleach. (Remember to wear goggles and gloves!) Even so, the buildings and warehouses that the water reached were filled with a putrid smell, or the faint odor of gasoline for days.

            I have always known that the Gowanus was not the cleanest of places, but this disaster surely shone light on the subject. I now know more than I ever wanted to about the Gowanus Canal. As horrific as it was, this article made me want to look into the history of the canal in depth, and see exactly how it became this way. If there were a way to non-pollute the water, I would help in any way that I could. Until then, I will just try to do my part to not contribute to pollution.  People say that this type of flooding will happen again, and there is discussion about how to deal with it. The community is a tight one, however, and most people have decided to stay put. What we need to do is make some modifications to people’s homes to try and prevent flooding the next time it happens, because Hurricane Sandy was not a one-time thing. “I think we need to have an honest discussion about how we’re going to go forward, but I’m not going anywhere.” – Michael King, resident and architect on 2^nd street.

Drummer Boy at Shiloh revised

Imagine destruction. Chaos. Rubble and smoke. You can hear the screams of your fellow combatants and the whinnies of their lonely horses as they thud their hooves in distress. Losing everything you love, everything you ever loved. Imagine everything you know that is real about your life creating security for you, and then having it stripped away, leaving you shivering and exposed. Without your uniform, you are bare. You are just the child you were when you stepped into this war with nowhere else to go. Maybe you expected excitement and a place you could blend in with, to forget the hunger you were running from. Or perhaps you wanted the pleasure of hearing blaring trumpets when you came home. What you didn’t think about was that you might not come home. This is war.

Fortunately, I don’t have any personal experience with war, (, however I often think that I am engaged in never-ending combat battles with my younger sister not included).  Even so, I don’t believe war is right for anyoneever the right answer to a conflict. A quote by Voltaire says that “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.” To me, this quote is very powerful. It speaks about the boys who are some too young to know any better, that are being celebrated to kill others. Because its alright if its for our country, right? During a war, no matter the color of the uniform, whoever wears it is just a boy , marching into battle, young and naïve, not knowing what he his getting himself into.

Before the battle, Joby, the 14-year-old drummer boy from “The Drummer Boy at Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury is found crying after he couldn’t sleep. He ran away to join the army in the first place, but I think he is starting to get cold feet, realizing that his “romantic dreams of battle” are maybe not what he was looking for. “’Well,’ said the voice quietly, “Here’s a soldier crying before the fight. Good. Get it over. Won’t be time once it all starts.’” (Page 51)  I think that what here the general is saying here is that, everyone gets nervous before a battle, but most many soldiers only realize that they shouldn’t have signed up, or are having second thoughts the very moment the fight is starting. When you get onto the field, there is no turning back, and it will be no use crying, because it won’t get you anywhere. If you are going to be upset, it is better to get it over with before the fight.

In the text, Ray Bradbury mentions that the soldiers are unable to sleep for they are restless for tomorrow’s battle. I think many of the soldiers are restless because tomorrow they change from scared and wide-eyed little boys, to men who kill. That is a scary thought for (if not everybody,) many (if not everybody) T, thhisat this battle might change everything that they believed in before, and everything that they are as a human being. “Beyond the thirty-three familiar shadows forty thousand men, exhausted by nervous expectation and unable to sleep for romantic dreams of battle yet unfought.” (Page 49) These boys don’t didn’t know what they are signingsigned up for. They all believed that what they are were about to plunge headlong into would be their big triumph.

The general knows that these boys aren’t necessarily ready to fight in war, and I think he tries to be understanding. Maybe once, years ago, he himself was in this situation, rushing into battle young and carefree. Now I imagine he has aged a bit, if not in years but then in experience, and that has left him with images and memories of the battlefield that will never leave his brainmind. Now it is his turn to train these “soldiers” who don’t know what is in store for them. “These lads, fresh out of the milk shed, don’t know what I know; and I can’t tell them- men actually die in war. So each is his own army. I gotta make one army out of them.” (Page 52-53)

Although war sometimes seems to be inevitable inI our world, I believe it should always be a last resort. It is never worth the cost of the lives of many innocent people like Joby. Even though times have changed, sadly the use of children child soldiers in war is sadly still pretty common around the world. What many boys like Joby didn’t realize was that even if they did managed to survive whichever war they were involved in, it still wouldn’t be over. They would be plagued for years after by images and memories from their time on the battlefield. I only hope, for their sakes, that those boys managed to feel as important to the war as Joby does by the end of th

Response on Its Kind of a Funny Story, by Ned Vizzini

In the book It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, the protagonist Craig is a depressed high school student. He has gotten into one of the top schools, but he soon finds that the pressure of all his schoolwork and his daily life are causing him to stop eating, and is more than overwhelmed. I feel very empathetic towards Craig. I’m not trying to compare myself to what he is going through in any way, but I do know how it feels to come home some days, late from after school activities and laden down with assignments and tasks. It feels like no godly power in the world could make me finish everything by tomorrow. And then you remember how you still have dance class. I don’t think it is right that anyone should be going through that without any help and pushed past his or her endurance level to the point of depression.  During the book, I’ve noticed that Craig is struggling with himself over what the right thing to do is.

I am not very far into the book, yet I am impressed with how Vizzini can pack so much back story and emotion into the first couple of pages. I already felt as if I could connect with Craig at some points in the early pages. For example, take the first sentence of the book. It is very powerful and brings a lot to mind when you read it, especially as it is the first thing you know about this book. When you open this book, maybe with high expectations, maybe with none, perhaps you are ready to be amazed, or you just wanted an entertaining read and know nothing about this book or author. In any case, you open the front cover and read: “It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself.” It’s a strong choice by the author for many reasons. It immediately makes the reader compelled to turn the page, or feel shocked and slightly pushed away. I am impressed by this choice and I couldn’t wait to move on in this book to see what other surprises were waiting in the writing.

When he speaks with doctor Minerva, his shrink, it’s interesting that he even talks with her, because a lot of people may be forced to go and see a psychiatrist but it seems like Craig opens up to her quite quickly, sharing his life and how he feels about the world. I genuinely believe that Craig knows what is best for him, but there is a struggle between him wanting to get help and take his medicine, and to just hang out with his “friend” Aaron, not focus on work, and let his depression take over.  In some flashbacks during the story, it shows Craig when he just got assigned his medicine, and everything seems so much better. But then his biggest mistake was to stop taking the medicine. He thought that he would be fine without it, and even though he has the best intentions in his mind set, Craig just couldn’t function without the medication.

Everyone has internal struggles all the time. Maybe it is deciding what food to get for lunch. You know you should eat the healthy packed lunch you brought with you, but that pizza just looks so good! Or maybe it is a bit deeper than that. Whatever the conflict is, we know that Craig isn’t the only one struggling with himself. I just hope that everyone can have the courage to ask or help themselves like Craig manages to do later on. 

The Drummer Boy at Shiloh

Fortunately, I don’t have any personal experience with war, however I often think that I am engaged in never-ending combat with my younger sister. Even so, I don’t believe war is right for anyone. A quote by Voltaire says that “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.” To me, this quote is very powerful. It speaks about the boys who are some too young to know any better, that are being celebrated to kill others. Because it's alright if its for our country, right? During a war, no matter the color of the uniform, who wears it is just a boy, marching into battle young and naïve, not knowing what he his getting himself into.

Before the battle, Joby, the 14-year-old drummer boy from “The Drummer Boy at Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury is found crying after he couldn’t sleep. He ran away to join the army in the first place, but I think he is starting to get cold feet, realizing that his “romantic dreams of battle” are maybe not what he was looking for. “ ’Well,’ said the voice quietly, “Here’s a soldier crying before the fight. Good. Get it over. Won’t be time once it all starts.’” (Page 51) I think that here the general is saying, everyone gets nervous before a battle, but most soldiers only realize that they shouldn’t have signed up, or are having second thoughts the very moment the fight is starting. When you get onto the field, there is no turning back, and it will be no use crying, because it won’t get you anywhere. If you are going to be upset, it is better to get it over with before the fight.

In the text, Ray Bradbury mentions that the soldiers are unable to sleep for they are restless for tomorrow’s battle. I think many of the soldiers are restless because tomorrow they change from scared and wide-eyed little boys, to men who kill. That is a scary thought for (if not everybody,) many, that this battle might change everything that they believed in before, and everything that they are as a human being. “Beyond the thirty-three familiar shadows forty thousand men, exhausted by nervous expectation and unable to sleep for romantic dreams of battle yet unfought.” (Page 49) These boys don’t know what they are signing up for. They all believe that what they are about to plunge headlong into will be their “Golden Days.”

The general knows that these boys aren’t necessarily ready, and I think he tries to be understanding. Maybe once, years ago, he was in this situation, rushing into battle young and carefree. Now I imagine he has aged a bit, if not in years but in experience that has left him with images that will never leave his brain. Now it is his turn to sort of train these “soldiers” who don’t know what is in store for them. “These lads, fresh out of the milk shed, don’t know what I know; and I can’t tell them- men actually die in war. So each is his own army. I gotta make one army out of them.” (Page 52-53)

Although war sometimes seems to be inevitable in our world, I believe it should always be a last resort. It is never worth the cost of lives of many innocent people like Joby. Even though times have changed, sadly the use of children in war is still pretty common around the world. I don’t support this, but I hope that everyone can have the hope and importance that Joby felt by the end of the story. 

I Am Number Four

            In the book, I am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore, the main character, John (or at least that is his current name) is one of the nine remaining people of the planet Lorien. They are being hunted down by rival aliens, the Madagoriens. One by one, they are being found and killed by them, the only rule in this bloodthirsty hunt is that hey must be killed in order of their numbers. After numbers One, Two, and Three are killed, it is time for John to really start hiding. He is number four. You see, only nine people, or rather aliens, managed to escape from Lorien to Earth, along with their Cepans or mentors, when the planet was invaded and taken over by Madagoriens. Now these evil aliens plan to take over Earth as well, but in order to do so, they must destroy the remaining Lorien that live on Earth. Now that there are no longer any people in front of him in line, John has to be extra careful where he steps. Being found means certain death. So he moves to Ohio, changes his name to John Smith, the most common name he can think of, and tries to blend in like so many other times in his life.

            There were a lot of themes in this book, but the one I chose to focus on was self to character connection. One thing that I loved about this book was that it made me feel a lot of compassion for John, and all the other characters, because I could connect to the emotions they were feeling throughout the story. For example, I was genuinely scared when the Madagorians started hunting John down. I mean, imagine if you were number four in a line of people being murdered one by one, and the one link, the one thing that kept you from being next, was gone!!! Another point in the story when I felt very connected to him was when John and Henri, his Cepan, are leaving Florida where they were temporarily living. They have just gotten out of site of their old house and John thinks to himself:

“It’s not that I'm necessarily sad to leave Florida, but I'm tired of running. I’m tired of dreaming up a new name every six months. Tired of new houses, new schools. I wonder if it’ll ever be possible for us to stop.”

I really felt his struggle here. I know that I would not be happy if every few months I had to tie up my old life, throw it away, and leave, like it was nothing more than garbage. People and places that had served me well while I needed it, but then had to be left behind as I grew out of it. I think that John just wants to settle down, and make a friend or two. Of course, he has made friends before, but not ones that he knew were going to be with him for a while. Not ones that he didn’t have to worry about lying to or how close to get to when he knew he would be leaving soon. On every first day of school for John, Henri reminds him to be careful, stay inconspicuous, and not make many connections. And so far, that has been ok for John, until he fell in love. People from Lorien have been blessed (or cursed) with the ability to “love completely. Without jealousy or insecurity or fear. Without pettiness. Without anger.” When they fall in love, it is usually for life. I can’t imagine what it would be like to leave the love of my life without even explaining. Throughout the book, I was praying John wouldn’t have to leave, just for this reason.

            Over all, I couldn’t put this book down, for many reasons. The characters were really relatable, and the book was very interesting. Not just good, because I was addicted! I can’t wait to read the sequel! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure/ Sci-fi book with a good romantic twist. 

Response on Hunger

http://justreadthisbook.blogspot.com/

            My second response is to Adele’s review of the book Hunger, by Michael Grant. I read this book a couple years ago, and found it a REALLY captivating and good book. (I LOVE science fiction!) J A point that she made that I found very interesting was that Zil and Hunter used to be friends. (At this point in the story, Zil is trying to kill hunter for having special powers.) When all the grown-ups are wiped from their town, it is hard to control all the kids. People turn against each other very quickly, as groups are made and leaders start to emerge. These two kids, used to be good friends, but their differences separated them, even causing an attempted murder to arise. And when chaos like this starts to happen, there seems like nothing can stop it, but what the kids really need is a leader. And that is what Sam starts to become for them. This is something that Adele mentioned as well, but it is funny how these young kids (none of them over 15) put all their trust into this one boy who seems like he knows what he is doing. But I suppose in the desperate times, they are willing to do anything. 

Response on From Baghdad, With Love

http://readerconstitution.blogspot.com/2012/09/from-baghdad-with-love-by-jay-kopelmen.html

            I am responding to Henry’s post on the book From Baghdad, With Love. I also read this book over the summer. I thought it was amazing and very powerful. Personally, I am really not a big non-fiction reader. In fact, I try to stay away from that genre. So when I saw the summer reading list, I was, to say the least, a little upset. But after looking over the list, I decided to read this book. And I loved it. It is a really touching story about a soldier in Iraq who discovers this tiny, tough, and full of energy puppy. He and his men spend the rest of the book trying to get this puppy out of Fallujah. Like Henry, I found it inspiring that these tough soldiers who spend everyday witnessing deaths, (and worst of all creating deaths) and then come back to this campsite and play with a little puppy! The fact that this man even bothers to spend time with the little bundle of energy amazes me! 

I think that Lava, the puppy, brings them a little joy just when they need it. You would think that after many chewed on boots and peed on sleeping bags, they would kick out Lava. But they keep caring for him. It is sweet, it really is. Adding on to what Henry wrote, I think the army doesn’t allow pets in their camps because they don’t want soldiers to get too attached to anything. In a warzone like one that they are in, you never know when anyone (or thing) around you is going to die, so if one soldier gets too attached to a puppy and then the puppy dies, his heart might break. The author talks about how scary it is to just go to the port-a-pots in the middle of the night! But in a way, I think this makes the men even more insistent on keeping this puppy safe, and getting him home. 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime: Christopher and his father

            Over the summer I read the book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon. The book itself is written in a sort of matter of fact tone, from the perspective of a 15-year old autistic boy.

It was a really intense read, with the main character, Christopher, and the characters surrounding him filled with lots of pain. His dad was particularly a contributor to the pain that Christopher feels without knowing it. At some points in the book he is blunt with his son, and not as gentle as he could be. I feel that the stress of raising an autistic child is getting to him, and you can see that he is burdened with different concerns every night. In some ways, I feel sorry for Christopher’s father, but it is hard to feel compassionate for him when he is yelling at his son.

“Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away. I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.”

― Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

I think that Christopher spends a lot of time trying to categorize and organize his life into smaller, maybe more manageable pieces. But, like it is stated in the quote, you could never work out the rules, no matter how much time and energy you put into trying. But Christopher tries, and sometimes in the book I feel that his father doesn’t understand the importance of this routine to Christopher. His father gets fed up with all the lists and timetables and rules, even though they make his son feel safer.

Christopher and his father have a complicated relationship. For the most part, his dad is patient. He really does try his best to put up with some of his son’s antics and understand him. In the book, the author mentions that Christopher’s father was the more levelheaded of the two parents. As for Christopher, he is used to his dad taking care of him, and even thought they don’t always get along, I think he likes it that way. There is a routine that he and his dad have settled into, very delicately balanced and precarious, but a routine nonetheless.