Book Worms discussion

For this journal post and response, please do the following:
1. Remember that you need to use 3 vocabulary words in this journal post. Please bold.

2. Initially, write the title of the book with link and the number of pages covered for this journal: i.e. pages 1-45.

3. In 100 words, answer the first part of the journal prompt using the sentence stems under “Writing Comments/Questions.” (Paragraph 1) You need to use a different sentence stem than the one you used in Journal #1.

4. In 100 words, answer the second part of the journal prompt using the sentence stems under “Writing Observations about your Reading Process.” (Paragraph 2) You need to use a different sentence stem than the one you used in Journal #1.

5. In 100 words, define the following and then analyze in relation to your text. (Paragraph 3)
Allusion (CRS: 266)
Special Effects (CRS: 267)

6. In 4 to 5 sentences, respond to another group member’s posting.

Prey
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83...
170-504

I felt a tad bit confused when the author started to talk about the technology in the book. I had to stop and look on the internet a few times on what he was talking about. I love the way Crichton keeps the reader entertained, I also love the way he keeps it a mystery on what the big picture is in the story and lets the story develop at its own pace.

I figured out that the wife in the story was intentionally throwing her husband of the trail for his own safety. I first thought she was actually having an affair behind his back but then realized that she was not, but rather she was ivolved in some deep conspiracy. The time went by quickly because I got really into the story, kind of like when you lose track of time when you are watching a good movie, it felt the same way.

allusion is a pointed and meaningful reference to something outside the text and special effects contibute to the tone of the tone. In prey the author makes many allusions to real life, and how now science and technology has taken on a life of its own. I think the author believes that somehow, someway, technology is going to take over mankind. The author does not use many special effects, but does use the repition effect with a few words. The word most often repeted is A.I. or Artificial Intelegence, this is probablt to support the effect of that the world is going to succumb to technology

I am the frist post so i have no to respond to =D

The Serial Killers Club
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42...
135-283
I like the way the story is progressing. Now that the serial killers club membership is dwindling its amusing to see how the remaining members react with one another. Its strange to see how the FBI is abetting the killings in order to capture one person. I seriously doubt this would really happen but it makes for an interesting twist to the main character's motives. Its also strange to witness the visceral nature of the main character's killing method; he just shows up to another killers' house and pretty much improvises the whole thing. I would have thought that it takes more planning to kill a professional killer, but in the book's case I'm proved wrong.

The time went quickly because of the book's narrative method. Its much easier to listen and mentally interact with a book that speaks in a modern and casual tone, as opposed to something by Dickens or Shakespeare. Sometimes a succinct method of speaking is much more engaging than long and elaborate prose. It also helps that the book is so entertaining. The added urgency that the FBI imposes in the story gives meaning to some of the main character's killing improvisation, but its apparent that it may just be his nature as well. The constant references to 'the Kentucky Killer' tells me that something big is going to happen with this character at the end.

Allusion is a pointed and meaningful reference to something outside the text, which helps illuminate the subject. So far it doesnt seem like there is much allusion to major topics, or perhaps they were small and I've missed them while reading. I suppose it would be worth it to go back and see if there's anything I missed; In a book like this allusion enhances the humor. Special effects refers to four things: understatement, hyperbole, alliteration and repetition for effect. The book definitely uses hyperbole, especially in the case of the other serial killer's descriptions. It also uses understatement to a smaller extent for the same purposes. I believe it uses repetition for effect but I'm pretty sure there's only one example of this, and there were no examples of alliteration so far.

Joseph,

I know exactly what you mean about being confused, I have the same problem in Crichton's novels. Its a little distracting having to look things up but in the end I find I enjoy the book that much more. From what you've written about the book it sounds interesting. I may have to add it to the list of books I plan on reading.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel
http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/8...
Pages 17-48

I was surprised when Mr. Norrell called out the other magicians the way he did. After pestering him about his ability to perform magic, the council insisted that he perform some sort of act to prove his credentials. After reminding the other magicians that none of them could perform any magic, Mr. Norrell accepted the challenge and PROPOUNDED a counter deal: his magic for the reputation of all the rest of the magicians: if Mr. Norrell pulls off some sort of magical feat to SCAFFOLD his claim to be a magician then the other magician would retire from studying magic for the rest of their lives. Predictably, all but Mr. Segundus agree. True to his word, Mr. Norrell brought to life the statues at the largest church in England! Now one of the only two magicians in England, Mr. Norrell set out with the help of his crafty servant, Mr. Childermass, to infiltrate the high society of England and bring magic up to a position of poor in modern England.

I first thought that Mr. Norrell must be some kind of evil wizard planning to take over the world and force us all to eat over cooked hamburgers. Yet, the more and more of this book I read, the more I realize that Mr. Norrell is not a bad man, he is just misunderstood (something that I, and probably everyone, can relate to.) He is very passionate about something that is not very popular and even considered abnormal (once again something I can relate to.) Mr. Norrell Simply wants to shared his passion with the rest of the world and be respected for it.

An allusion is defined as a passing or casual reference or an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication. For example: an allusion to Shakespeare in a contemporary novel. An allusion is a type of literary special effect. Other special effects include: ironies, similes, understatements, metaphors, analogies, farces, flashbacks, puns, and many others. There are several allusions in my novel. There is a scene where the magicians’ society learns that they can no longer practice magic. Clarke then ALLUDES to what most gentlemen of that age and socioeconomic class usually spend their days doing as opposed to what they will now be doing. Most gentlemen spend the majority of their time studying magic. These gentlemen will now spend their days pestering their wives as they no longer know what to make of themselves. Clarke, of course, implies this in many fewer words than I.

Diego: Your book sounds great! I love it when an author can really grab your attention (and your time.) It really does help to maintain one’s mental involvement in a story. I can’t even remember how many times I have “zoned out” to wake up twenty pages past what I can remember.

Joseph wrote: "Prey
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83...
170-504

I felt a tad bit confused when the author started to talk about the technology in the book. I had to stop and look on the internet a..."

Joe, even if you are first you need to come back later and respond to another's post. Also, you need to include vocab for full credit.

Diego wrote: "The Serial Killers Club
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42...
135-283
I like the way the story is progressing. Now that the serial killers club membership is dwindling ..."

Excellent job, Diego.

John wrote: "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel
http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/8...
Pages 17-48

I was surprised when Mr. Norrell called out the other magicians the way he ..."

Very complete post, John.