Miles' AP Lang discussion

Go for about 100 words for this response. :)

I am currently reading John Steinbeck's "The Moon Is Down". I wouldn't necessarily say I like this book, it just seems like another war movie my dad watches online. But it's an okay book.It is basically about war (obviously) with many characters that are introduced. Characters such as the mayor, lieutenants, etc. The setting of the book is in a cabin in a camp where they are protected from the war. They just have discussions between each other from what I have read so far. There is one guy who killed 6 men named Cornell or something and he is feared by the other people in the camp. Because he killed 6 men, it is harder for people to trust him in the camp.

I'm reading "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas right now. One reason why i like this book is the format it's told in. The author explains in an early prologue that following book is a story gathered from his research. This gives way to some sidenotes from the author, which can be really amusing to see. I also like the style that this book takes where it's an old classic, but it doesn't seem archaic.

I am currently reading Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and I could say I am enjoying it, but it is more interesting than enjoyable. The concepts of the book are outstanding, and still fresh even though it was written in 1932. I highly reccomend everyone to read it at least once.

I am currently reading "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. I enjoy this book because it adds an interesting twist to the original "Pride and Prejudice". Having already read the original, I found this version to be hilarious. There are five daughters who are some serious zombies fighters. Despite being a dangerous five, they are still vulnerable to the affections of men. I have to admit that this book does have some slow moments, but I just have to finish reading first. My favorite character is Elizabeth Bennet, because she actually fights back(feminism!?). Read it if you have time!

I am currently reading The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn as well as Insurgent by Veronica Roth, the second book of the Divergent series. In regards to The Scarlet Letter, I am thoroughly enjoying the difference in literature that it presents. Instead of something that is more easy-to-read, the book makes me have to read and re-read passages just to grasp the intensity of the plot. Along with that, every page in The Scarlet Letter is extremely dense. Not only with diction, but the amount of symbolism in every line is absolutely absurd. It's a hard read at first, but you get used to the diction after a while!

Concerning Insurgent by Veronica Roth, the Divergent series is an up-and-coming series that needs to be read by everyone! A combination of action, adventure and betrayal, this book is a fun-book that keeps the pages turning.

I'm reading "The Old Man and the Sea". I haven't gotten far enough into the book to say if I'd recommend it or not, but what I like about it is the author's characterization. Ernest Hemingway does a great job describing aspects of the characters, through dialogue, narration, and even straight-forward description. Despite the fact that I haven't read much, the book is well-written and easy to comprehend. If figurative language is used, they're things such as metaphor or simile--things that are easy to follow.

I am currently reading 50 shades of grey and sticky fingers. 50 shades of grey is so interesting to me because of the content. Its very sketchy but at the same time, intriguing. The love affair hasn't even started where im at and I love the antipatication. Sticky fingers is from the early 2000's. I really enjoy this book for a odd reason, the lingo. Its hilarious to hear what we all talked like back then and what the lingo was. You wouldnt think in ten years there would be such a huge change of "cool words" or common sayings but its huge! I enjoy it because it gives a realistic view of teens and how they think/ feel about sex and reltionships.

I'm reading If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone. And I currently enjoy it because it's not a dry here's how you get success book. But rather a autobiography of Cutrone's life that focuses on her failures and strengths. The book reads like a lecture which is one of the few things I don't enjoy about it. As a result of this however, the book offers a large amount of quotes and interesting information. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind lecture style books about fashion and success.

The book I am currently reading is The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick. Actually I am just about finished with it, but it is short and sweet. It is more of a memoir of a woman in her 50's some decades after the Holocaust. It is very interesting and everyone should read it if they want to gain some insight on the emotions that people still felt after this terrible event. The Shawl itself represents something that is a source of warmth, love, and comfort from any of the struggles that each of the three characters; whether it be jealousy, grief, or loneliness. Anyone could enjoy this book for the emotion and information that it incorporates within the text.

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 character, Victor Frankenstein. It is sad at times because of the horrible things that happen to Victor Frankenstein and his family.

Well as of right now I'm reading the Man who was Thursday, by G.K. Chesterton. I choose this book because of the title, it felt odd to me and caught my interest. Its about a man named Syme who is a poet who joins an organization of anarchists as a secret agent. The leaders are given code names based on the days of the week which is where "Thursday" comes in. Its pretty interesting but I feel as though the story is going no where fast.

I am currently reading "Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen. The novel really connects to the topic of gender that we are talking about in class at the moment. I really like this book because it has a very strong female lead. The main character, Catherine, is a heroine that speaks for herself. She knows that she is a minority as a woman, but she strives to get her voice out. Her devious ways keep me interested and engaged in the book. I feel like I am a part of Catherine's life. The writing style of Jane Austen is very interesting, she is a closed writer through her characters and humor, and I absolutely love it.

I am currently reading a biograaphy of Steve Jobs written by Walter Isaacson. Although it is quite a lengthy book, it is worth the time. Reading a biography about Jobs really give the reader insight as to how much dedication and sacrifice he gave in order to create one of the biggest companies of electronics in the world. The book also forces the reader to think and it educates them because of all the computer terminology that is used throught the book. i highly recommend this book to people because it opens up the life of a very private man that affected the entire country with his technological innovations.

Right now I am Reading Dreams from my father by Barrack Obama. I do not know very much about the presidents life and even though I am conservative i believe that it is good to know the character of our nations leader. The idea of compromise is what this nations government needs at the moment. With all of the controversial moments happening we need to focus on being a more united nation and work together to form the country that our founding fathers wanted.

I'm almost finished with Yann Martel's "Life of Pi." This book is such an uplifting and motivating novel a little boy is is so strong and incredibly sure about himself. Pi is the son of a zookeeper who spends his young life enjoying animals as well as exploring many different cultures, including Christianity, Hindu, and Islam. After his boat is wrecked in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded in a life boat with the frightening company of a Bengal Tiger. Pi uses his knowledge of animals and his faith to carry him through and survive 227 days at sea. An amazing story for EVERYONE to read!!!

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

I am almost done reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. I am really enjoying this book for the second time. The voice of Mark Twain captures the reader throughout the whole book. Tom's character is naughty but charming and as I read on I remember why I fell in love with the book the first time. It is defiantly a page turner because it always leaves you wondering what mischievous act Tom will do next! I encourage anyone to read this book! You will not regret it!

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 am currently reading This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. So far I would definitely recommend this book and definitely more of the works by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This Side of Paradise is about a boy named Amory Blaine and his life throughout college and his experiences. It tells his stories about Princeton, and also about his love life and experiences. In the novel there are multiple poems and letters that I found interesting. Also, in the novel it goes into detail about the process of finding love and how young women were given parties with selected men who would be matches for them to possibly marry. Which I also found interesting. :)

I'm currently reading Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. I'm only about 50 pages in out of 300 but it has been a really good book so far. It is a super simple read, almost too simple, and it leaves a lot up to the reader's imagination. The oversimplification really captivated me because he uses it to describe really tragic things which, in a way, he creates even more drama. Vonnegut’s style reminds me a lot of George Orwell in that he doesn't need a lot of words to make a huge impact. Super good book and I’m excited to keep reading, plus it has pictures (double bonus).

I am currently reading A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway. I wouldn't necessarily day that I enjoy the book, but rather that I am content with it. It is not a book I would choose to read on my free time, but it is a book recommended to me by my mom; who has visited the Hemingway house, but does not read. She chose this book for me because I tend to lean towards romance novels. In this particular novel there is some romance encorporated into the devestation of the war, which is what keeps me interested. I like the way Hemingway uses simple dialogue with good description to make his work simpler to read.

I am currently reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. It was a very prominent novel when it came out and has survived for a reason. The author is a very good writer but the values of that time are very prominent in the book and can sometimes be annoying. Other than that it is can be very suspenseful as well as heatwarming. Knowing the background of the author also makes the book more enjoyable. Harriet Stowe who was an abolitionist and Uncle Tom's Cabin is a prime example of the tension faced in those times.

I am currently reading Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosiland Wiseman. This is the book that the movie Mean Girls was based on. Surprisingly, the book is actually in an essay-like format; an informational text on the world of the teenage girl and the complex political games they play. If you're looking for an interesting, informational book, read this. If not, don't read it. I enjoy it, but I'm a rather factual person. I like the way Wiseman uses elaborate metaphors and such to expand her points. It's interesting and I can connect what I read to everyday life.

I currently am reading the Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. I like reading this book because it sparks your imagination a little bit. They book is filled with jealousy, romance, violence and terror. It makes the book really interesting to read. The author brings out the characters deepest fears and sympathies throughout the book which I really enjoy. However, at first I didn’t enjoy reading this book because of how dark some of the characters were, but after reading it for a little while I am really enjoying it.

I am reading The Sun also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. I don't like the book at all. The book is boring. However, It is getting interesting as I am progressing toward the ending. I don't like the way Earnest wrote the book because sometimes its hard to understand who is talking or making statements. One of the reason i am reading this book is that it has a lot of imagery, and description of setting.

Janelle wrote: "Go for about 100 words for this response. :)"

I am currently reading The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. This book is a very intriguing book as it takes place in the Paris opera theater in the 1800's. It is about a young woman named Christine and her two lovers, Raoul and the phantom of the opera, in a desperate and dangerous love triangle. If the phantom does not get his way he will wreak havoc on the entire opera house. The Phantom has to have Christine get the lead rolls and other extraneous nuisances to the theater. It is a very feminist book. The two men over power her with their love in a way and it is interesting to see how she handles and deals with them throughout the novel.

I am currently reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Although I have just begun reading it, Golding starts the book with an interesting and hopeless introduction. Furthermore, Golding symbolizes each main character as a form of government, alluding to marxism and democracy. I like how the book catches my attention right from the start.

To be honest I don't like reading, but I do read a lot. I like to read books about romance, fantasy, comedy, Ect...... I really love the book that I'm reading right now. (Geek Magnet) I can related with Kj the main character in the book. We also read to learn and discovered new things.reading is like drawing a picture in our heads. It's like watching tv but without the tv. Replacing the picture with words. Reading can be fun too specially when you can relate to the book. It give you the motivations to read more. Wonder what's going to happen next. Before reading this book i have no idea that i can relate so much to the book. It makes me think of reading more fun. From now on i'm really looking forward to read more books like this.