Janelle’s Comments (group member since Apr 10, 2013)

Janelle’s comments from the Miles' AP Lang group.

Janelle wrote: "What is your favorite book of all time?

What 5 books would you put on your favorite books of all time?

Who misses fiction?"

1.) My favorite book of all time is..hmmm...I'm not sure, there are so many!!!! The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

2.) Top 5: The Sparrow, Anne of Green Gables series, The Golden Compass, Beloved, Slaughterhouse 5

3.) I DO!!!!! That's why I'm reading The Shadow of the Wind. Already the first 5 pages are so beautiful. :)

What is your favorite book of all time?

What 5 books would you put on your favorite books of all time?

Who misses fiction?

I am re-reading the Harry Potter series, and it might be the last time for a few years. I usually read it every year, but I'm finding I need to move on. :)

Any series suggestions?

:)

-MM

I do think reading increases empathy. Let me tell you why I think this.

First, one of my best friends, Melissa, tells me I'm the most empathetic person she knows. She says I'm empathetic to a fault, and I agree sometimes! It's true that I can absolutely feel what others feel, and because I read so much, I think I can really understand even if I have never been through that particular situation myself.

As a result, people TELL ME STUFF all the time without me even asking. This is a burden and a blessing. It's a burden because then I have to feel that pain with them, but it's a blessing because these people have trusted me, sometimes just me, with this information, and I might be able to help them heal. It's also a blessing because people tell me good stuff too, so I get to partake in that joy. It can be emotionally exhausting, though.

I read widely and thoroughly. I take it all in. I allow it all to be, even if I don't agree with it. Who am I to judge another person's existence? Really.

Enjoy all,

MM

Hi everyone,

Read this link: http://www.theguardian.com/books/book...

Do you think reading really increases empathy? Why or why not? What personal experiences have you had to back this up? What other evidence can you think of to back this up?

Have fun!

Mrs. Miles

Maddy wrote: "I'm reading Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. I like this book because things happen that are very unexpected. It conveys the theme of suffering, and you never know what is going to happen to the main..."

Hey Maddy-

Have you gotten to the part where the Creature speaks for himself yet? Also, pay particular attention to all the different names the Creature is called throughout the novel. The background behind this story is amazing. Mary Shelley wrote this after betting with a bunch of friends about who could tell the creepiest story while she was on vacation. ENJOY!!!!!! -MM

I just finished "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn. The suspense was so strong, I have to be honest and say that I did skip to the end to find out WHO THE HECK did it! After reading the end, I immediately felt guilty and dutifully went back to where I left off and continued reading. It didn't ruin the experience at all; however, I did regret skipping ahead because not 2 pages later did I get some answers. This book has beautiful prose and very human characters. One of which is so human, you hardly like him/her. If you pick this up, you will ENJOY it. -MM

Go for about 100 words for this response. :)