Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Kite Runner Chapters 14-17

We've talked a bit about whether or not Amir has shown growth. Based on this reading (chapters 14-17), comment on Amir's growth (or lack thereof). You must use at least one quote to support your arguement.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Kite Runner Prompt Chapters 11-13


Again, this prompt is homework for my English class, but anyone may comment. “I cringed a little at the position of power that I’d been granted, and all because I had won at the genetic lottery that had determined my sex” (148-149).What does this quote tell you about Amir? Is he showing growth? Also refer to pages 178-180. What does Amir realize about why he is okay with Soraya's past? Use specific quotes and examples to support your response.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Kite Runner



While this post is specifically for my English class, all are welcome to respond. What is your opinion of Amir? Substantiate with examples and quotes from the reading.

Friday, October 17, 2008

A Thousand Splendid Suns


My English class is starting to read Kite Runner so I will not talk about that book now, instead, I will talk about Khaled Hosseini's more recent book, A Thousand Splendid Suns. This novel covers three decades of life in Afghanistan through the eyes of Mariam and Laila. Brought together through their marriages to Rasheed, a cruel and brutal older man, they eventually become friends and allies. In a country where women have no rights and are completely dependent on their fathers and husbands, where beatings are common and acceptable, these women still find ways to persevere. Hosseini gives the reader an understanding of the hardships and abuse suffered by Afghan women through the day to day lives of Mariam and Laila. That they carry on and even dare to hope for a better future is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book. Have you read it? If so, what did you think?

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Saga Complete


Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight Saga, was released on August 2nd, and I bought my copy shortly thereafter. I've talked to some fans who were less thrilled with it than I am and though I understand some of their feelings, I also have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I won't go into detail for those of you who have yet to read it and I know there are many of you out there based on the number of you who have been by asking for the first book, as well as those that I have seen walking around with their own copies. However, if you care to comment in detail, please begin with "spoiler alert" so that those who haven't yet read all the books are forewarned.

Yes, the library does have a complete set of the Twilight books although they are not all currently on the shelves. Last spring the library's copy of Twilight was stolen so the set was incomplete. I bought a new copy of Twilight this weekend and hadn't even finished processing it when someone came by and asked if it was available. I quickly slapped a barcode on it and sent it on its way. It's great to see kids so excited about a book series again. It's not to the level of Harry Potter but it's the closest thing I've seen in a while.

For those who haven't heard much about the books and want to know more, visit Stephanie Meyer's website at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html. The movie is scheduled for release in November and I always recommend reading the book first, so check it out.

For those of you who have read Breaking Dawn, what did you think? Were you satisfied with the ending? Without giving anything away, I have to say, I never saw the resolution with Jacob coming the way it did, but it works for me. It all works for me. What do you think?