Andi’s Comments (group member since Jan 14, 2010)

Andi’s comments from the UNC Middle School Lit group.

Forgive and forget...

or

Seize the moment (because tomorrow...you might be dead)

Ok, I am kinda bummed that I wasn't immediately involved in this discussion - because I have a lot to say about this book.

First of all...LOVE IT! I'm going to go ahead and throw out there that I am a Christian and still love this book regardless of whatever "anti-Christian" crap people try to debate about in dealing with this book.

Second, the daemons were phenomenal. I really, really want one - I'm pretty sure that makes me a dork.

Ok....

So, first...about the changes in the Biblical text in this novel. No, I'm not a fan of the changes that Pullman made, HOWEVER, I think it really adds to this book. Something that it made me think about was this study that my youth pastor back home did with me and a few people from our Church. We studied different translations of the Bible and learned that the Bible was not always translated the same (or very accurately, for that matter). Who is to say that in this world, in this time period, the Bible hadn't been somehow translated and translated and translated again until it reached this skewed version. I honestly thought it was very creative on Pullman's part to add daemons into the Bible (if he was set on using/changing the text at all). While this may seem hypocritical, I try to remember that I'm reading this book for enjoyment and not as a way to study/push/uncover more about my personal faith.

I know that Lyra is right in her thinking about Dust and other things just from reading spoilers (accidentally) about the other books. I just started "The Subtle Knife" and am so excited about it! Funny enough, the entire time I read "The Golden Compass," I never once doubted Lyra. I kind of put myself in her shoes and for some reason...really felt a connection with her. I felt like she was the most open-minded, honest, free thinker in the whole book. She thought for herself...sought out new knowledge...and desperately looked for answers to the problems that she was faced with. Isn't that what we're taught to do as students?

Because of that, I would highly recommend this book to any child! I feel like following Lyra Belacqua's example on those matters and learning to form your own opinion and seek out knowledge is critical to middle schoolers (and every student). I think it could be inspirational for kids who want to try things on their own and want to learn and discover.

I can't wait to read the other 2 books!!!!!

--I think I probably have more to say...but I'll save it for later :)

Your WOLF DAEMON shows that you are solitary, ferocious, and often intimidating, but not without your sufficient loyalty and poise. People tend to misunderstand you, but you prefer your own company, anyway.

If I could choose my own - it would be a white tiger daemon. Still has some of the same characteristics of a wolf...but with added grace and beauty (I'm a HUGE white tiger fan...haha)

"The trouble with coins is, when one face is up, the other face is down." --Ender, p. 236

This was one of my favorite quotes in this novel (I have SEVERAL). It was important to the novel because not only does it relate to Peter (his brother) and Ender...being, as Valentine said, two sides of the same coin...it also shows how "two-faced" a lot of the characters in the novel were. For instance, Graff always "seemed" to be a friend to Ender but he was one of the ones who advocated pushing Ender to his breaking point on several occasions. Anderson was another who would act extremely friendly and kind while being an extremely selfish man who only did things to further his own goals...which was, ultimately, to have Ender lead the army that would end the war against the buggers. I mean, the quote just sums up so much in the book - it's great!

As far as why I found it interesting...well, besides the many thousands of ways it relates to the story...I thought it was neat because it shows the truth about human actions. Everyone has two completely different sides of them. You aren't all happy and kind all the time...sometimes, things do get messy and sometimes, you let anger get the best of you. I think it's important to realize that and this quote really helps put that whole idea into words.

I guess I should have posted my name when I posted the topic (whoops!)

If I had to choose a name for myself...it would be...

The Girl with the Musical Dreams (because not only do I play piano like Kristin...but I've been in several bands, love to sing, play guitar and drums (a little), and secretly would love to grow up and be a rock star...haha).


I'm loving these responses - keep em comin!!!

Alright - it's survival week! I know you're all excited! I thought it would be beneficial to get everyone thinking about the book before we actually discuss it on Thursday! So...here are some things to think about/post on here about:

1. All of the people on the Island have "secret names" and another name that they give out to others. If your name (given to you by your parents) is actually your "secret name," then what is your other name that you would give out? (You get to choose your own name here - so be creative!!!)

2. What was your initial impression of Karana? Did this change throughout the course of the novel?


--There will be lots more to discuss on Thursday - just wanted to get your brains going!!!


Can't wait to see your responses here!

--Andi

So, when I was in middle school, I absolutely loved this book. I can remember the first time that Jonas experienced the color red and it felt like I was experiencing it for the first time. Yes, I get that lost in my books. However, when I was in middle school (5th grade to be exact), I hated the ending. I wanted it to be more specific. I didn't really understand what had happened. I knew that there were two possibilities - 1. They died or 2. They made it Elsewhere and started a new life. Because it was left up to interpretation, I was not happy with Ms. Lowry. However, now that I have read this book again, I love the ending. I find it extremely happy and I do believe that they made it to their destination.

Lisa - I was unaware that there were sequels! Ahhhh! I must read them immediately! :)