Lisa’s Comments (group member since Jan 16, 2014)

Lisa’s comments from the Rams Readers Spring 2014 group.

A graduate student recommended this book to me a year ago. I read it over the summer. It took me a while to get into the book and feel connected to any characters. I expressed this to the student and was told "to stay with it, it will develop into a powerful and moving story." I am glad that I did! I am glad that Jenna asked us to reflect on the themes present in this story. I totally agree with Tricia, Humanity and Dehumanization is a strong theme. The dehumanization of the Jews and Humanity represented through Hans and Liesel. I also see Cowardice vs. Bravery as a theme. Hans Junior accuses his father of being a coward for not supporting Hitler. Ironically, it requires much more courage not to follow Hitler. Hans demonstrates bravery when he gives the dying Jew a piece of bread. Liesel and Rudy show bravery by also giving bread to a group of Jews later. Liesel shows bravery again when she latches onto Mas as he is being sent to Dachau. I think another theme is Abandonment. Liesel feels abandoned by her mother and by the death of her brother. Then we have the idea of Survivor's Guilt as a theme. Michael Holtzapfel survives the Battle of Stallingrad, but cannot hand his guilt over surviving when his brother Robert died and he commits suicide. Hans is struggling with Survivor's Guilt because his friend Erik volunteered Hans for a written assignment on the same day that the rest of the regiment went into battle. Erik is killed in battle and Hans feels the guilt. Of course Words and Propaganda are a central theme in our story. Liesel realizes that words are very powerful. Reading brings Liesel joy during a horrible time in history. She loves reading Max's words. I love how Liesel ends her own book, "I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."

I agree with you gals! I really like this book, yet at the same time, I have so many concerns about adoloscents reading it. Jenna, you make a strong point regarding the permanence of suicide. Sometimes I think teens think it is a just quick fix, and that they can come back when the hurt passes. Excellent point about this being a revenge mission taken on by Hannah! It really is true, and makes the reader think about her true motive. The book broke my heart on so many levels. Perhaps because my daughters had a friend commit suicide in high school and it really touched home. They are still grieving and it was over 4 years ago. They honor him each year on his birthday. I too enjoyed the mystique of the book, it was a page turner, yet very, very, very dark.

I don't know of any boys that have read this one, but you never know, as V points out!!! Laughing out loud at the comment about the need to "wash" the pants. I never thought of that. So excited that V bought the next 3 in the sequel. I have not read them. You will have to let us know what you think and how you like them. I look forward to hearing about them from you!!!

I too love Jenna's comment "And you thank God you aren't her."

Consider these questions after you read My Sister's Keeper.
1. What are the different types of ethical problems that Anna, as the "designer baby", presents in this story? Did your opinion about conflicts in bioethics like stem cell research change after reading this novel?
2. How do you feel about the way the Justice System was represented in the story? What is your opinion of the trial outcome?
3. What is your opinion of Sara? What would you have done in her shoes? Do you believe Sara resents the "health" of her other children? did you criticize Sara, empathize with her, or both?
4. There is a powerful conversation between Zanne and Sara. Zanne tells Sara "No one has to be a martyr 24/7." She mistakenly hears the word "mother for "martyr". When Zanne corrects her, she asks, "Is there a difference?" What insights does this give the reader to her state of mind? What do you think about her feeling there is no difference between motherhood and martyrhood?

This is one of the most emotionally charged books I have read in a very long time. Even though little Anna is not actually ill, she has undergone so many surgeries, transfusions and shots before she is even 13 years old. This is so that Kate can continue her fight against leukemia. This novel presents a truly ethical question. How do you all feel about the fact that Anna was conceived to a bone marrow donor for Kate. This novel really makes the reader consider what is means to be a good sister, a good parent, and basically a "good" person!

Sadly, in this day and age this happens to many girls and this book might be a help. My eldest daughter suffers from depression and trust me, it is extremely difficult and does impact the entire family. This is a real issue for teenagers today (whether a rape is involved or not). She is now a junior in college and doing well, yet her father and I worry about her every single day. We try to keep a "watch" on her, with hovering. Do you think I should suggest this as a read for her?

I had no idea this book was a movie!!!
Is it worth renting? Should I watch it?

Everyone, great comments and dialogue. I didn't like the use of the term "retarded" either. I kept thinking that there was no way I would have ever survived that trip on foot! Good idea to compare the value of the dollar in the story verses now! Good math lesson. I felt so sorry for the Mother. I do believe that she loved her children, just had such mental problems that she was a lost soul and did not know what to do. As a Mother myself, that was heartbreaking for me. How about that Grandmother! She is a hoot isn't she!!!!

Jenna, wonderful response. I really appreciate your connection to today's classrooms. I am so glad that you see the value in this book. I love it too.
Anyone, think they might ever use it as a read-aloud?

Hi Readers!
When responding and reflecting on Son by Lois Lowry, please use the following questions to guide your discussion:
1. Claire is inexperienced with feelings. Why is she so confused when she begins to have a "yearning" for her product? How does this feeling frighten her? Explain how Claire's "yearning" sets her free.
2. Discuss Claire's reaction when she learns that she is a failure as a Birthmother. Do you think she feels that she failed herself or her community?
3. What does the nurturer see in Thirty-Six that others can't see? Explain Gabe's gift. Jonas gave Gabe life by taking him Elsewhere. Debate the possibility that Jonas saw something "special" in the infant Gabe.
4. Power may corrupt, but it can also heal. How does Trademaster use his power to corrupt? Jonas needs for Gabe to understand the difference between a unique power and a gift. Why does Jonas feel that having a gift is burdensome? Discuss why Gabe is uncomfortable with his special gift. He uses his gift of veering to destroy evil Debate whether he will eve use his gift again.

I LOVE this book! I used to read it aloud every year when I taught elementary school (to my 4th and 5th graders). I could never help myself; I always cried. And, most of the students (boys and girls) cried too. It is a powerful story of love and devotion. Glad that you all enjoyed it. It is a great read aloud!

Jenna, I love how you described the book as requiring a suspension of reality! Well-said!!! This is not my favorite genre; however, it tends to be extremely popular with adolescents. This book was really ahead of its time, if you think about. Look at the popularity of Hunger Games and Divergent! I can't wait for you to read Son!

Jenna, I think your thoughts on the ending are right on target!!

That's right Jenna! Yes, it does seem yuk, doesn't it. I just try to imagine being in the presence of a dying man, and being able to save his life. I cannot really even begin to know what that situation would be like. I know that high schoolers typically say "yuk" too! haha.

After you have completed To Kill A Mockingbird, consider the following questions when responding:
1. Who is your favorite character and why?
2. How do you feel that Atticus managed his role as a single parent?
3. How does the trial change the town? Did the trial change you? How?
4. In the last few lines of the novel Scout says, "he was real nice. . ." and Atticus replies, "most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." Do you agree that most people in the novel are nice once you see them? How is Atticus able to see the good side of people despite all he has experienced? Can you?

Hi Fellow Readers,
I truly enjoyed your responses to The Grapes of Wrath. My daughters did read this in a high school AP class. It is depressing, yet, a realistic vision of what life was like for these people. I am surprised that none of you have yet commented on the ending of the novel!
Your thoughts on this very controversial ending? I look forward to reading what you think!

Jaime and Tricia, I really enjoyed reading your thoughtful responses to the Gatsby discussion questions! Well done! Jaime, you are much more sympathetic toward Daisy than I am! I found her to be too shallow and selfish. I really wanted to strangle her in the city when she denied Gatsby! I love how you said that "the idea of Gatsby is great."

Please read through all of these discussion questions before you begin responding. I hope you enjoy reading The Great Gatsby!!!

1. Whom do you think the characters in The Great Gatsby represent (Gatsby, Daisy, Nick, Jordan George, Myrtle, Tom). Which characters seem the most real to you Who, if any do you find most sympathetic? Most important, in what way do the events of the novel affect Nick Carraway? How, or to what degree, does he change?
2. Is jay Gatsby great? What is the meaning of the title? Is Fitzgerald's title sincere, or ironic?
3. Why do you think Daisy sobs into the "thick folds" of Gatsby's beautiful shirts?
4. When Gatsby confronts Tom in new York, did Daisy's ultimate choice surprise you? Is it consistent with her character?
5. Do you think Gatsby represents the American Dream? What do you think Fitzgerald is saying about the American Dream in the 1920's?

Excellent observations Jenna!