The Struggle of a Portly Dominican Teenager

So far, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, has been one of the best books I've read all year. Contrary to Hamlet, I can actually understand what is going on in story which is something I always like. From the first paragraph of the book I knew that it would be an interesting read. There's something about the way the author writes that makes the book unique. He gives the characters voice and develops them into complex people who are relatable. The non-linear story line also provides the readers with an experience that helps them better analyze why the each character is unique. The author makes Lola's mom out to be a terrible person in the sections focusing on Lola. I'm now on the portion focused on Oscars mom and I think it is about to explain why she became so twisted and mean. The final thing I like about the book is the language used. This goes back to how well the author gives the writing voice but also deals with the words. Some of the language is graphic and may even cause some people to avoid the book. But I actually enjoy it. The language is indicative of a family who is constantly fighting and of a nerd who is bullied. The author doesn't attempt to treat the audience as children. This maturity towards the readers helps the book be a richer, more realistic reading experience.

A Clockwork Orange Review

Reading A Clockwork Orange is not a normal experience. For starters, many people may not feel comfortable reading about all the violence and rape that's described in the book. However, these graphic events are crucial to the themes and message of the story. Secondly, the language used in the book can be very frustrating. The language is usually clear from the context, but their were times when I had no idea what was going on in the story. Watching the film adaptation may help with clarity, but the book should not be replaced by the movie. But overall, the book was a fantastic read. The beginning is fast paced and was able to keep me hooked. The way that the author made Alex, the protagonist, come to life through his dialogue is incredible. The entire book sounds like it was written by dark, violent teenager, not by a middle-aged English author. The middle portion of the book does slow down, but only to allow for deeper characterization and input from the narrator. The ending satisfies readers with action and events similar to the beginning. A Clockwork Orange is also able to deal with themes relevant to the dystopian society it is set in. Themes such as how it is unthinkable to make someone live a life where they are only allowed to perform good acts or evil acts. This idea of removing someone's choice is major to the story and helps make the conclusion satisfying. A Clockwork Orange can keep readers interested from beginning to end, all while making them question the ideas and principles of society.

+ = 

Make Up Blog #8. 9 Most Beautiful Words

Words that I find beautiful are usually ones that remind me of things that make me happy. These words are often reminiscent of things in my childhood that I liked. Some words don't remind me of specific events or feelings, they just make me happy when I hear them.

Pumpkin- Pumpkin reminds me of autumn, which reminds of Halloween. And Halloween was my favorite holiday as a kid. It also reminds me of pumpkin pie which is the best thing ever invented.

Aquatic- There’s something about the way aquatic is spelled that I like.  Aquatic also makes me think of aquariums, the ocean, and narwhals, all of which are awesome. 

Orange- Both the color and the fruit.  Something about the word makes me feel happy inside. It also helps prevent scurvy which is great if you’re a pirate in the seventeenth century. 

December- December is beautiful for many reasons. It reminds me of Christmas, my birthday, and snow. 

Geo Prizm- The most beautiful sequence of words ever created. A Geo Prizm is the pinnacle of driving machines. It comes standard with a steering wheel AND windows. No other car on the road today can match its intensity or speed. Plus it’s spelled with a z.

Windmills- Windmills combine two of everybody’s favorite things: wind and mills. Windmills make me think of the Netherlands and Iceland, two places I want to travel to one day.  

Buffet- Preferably the all you can eat kind. If you don’t feel like you’re about to die after going to a buffet, then you’re doing it wrong.  Buffets are also great for inducing long naps. Buffet=Nap=Happy 

Sofa- When I heard the word sofa I think of sleeping, and laziness. Two things which I especially enjoy. 

June- June means it's summer, and summer means I don't have to be in schools for two months.

Banning Books

I could not agree with Sarah Timme, the woman who thinks that "The Most Dangerous Game" should be banned for its violence, any more. After reading "The Most Dangerous Game" in the beginning of the year I immediately proceeded to buy a small island and starting hunting ship wrecked sailors. I can't help it. I'm a super impressionable teenager who can't think for myself or tell the difference between reality and fiction. No but really, that lady is an idiot. Stories like these make me so angry at censorship and how parents raise their kids. Coddling your children and pretending that violence doesn't exist in the real world will only end up with a person who can't deal with actual dilemma's. As far is censorship is concerned, I don't believe that any book should be censored. If you don't want to read a book that's profane or graphic, just don't read it.  Censoring books in schools is different though. I don't think high schoolers reading about violence will make them kill people, but a line should be drawn on what is appropriate. Books like Fifty Shades of Grey, that are purely commercial and very graphic should not be allowed. However, books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which has language indicative of the deep south in the Antebellum period, should be allowed since they are of literary merit. I read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn last year and I  rarely  think about seceding from the Union or how the south will rise again. I also believe that you could ask us to read anything. That doesn't mean you should go out of your way to pick literature that's profane and unnecessarily graphic, but you should be able to have more leniency then a sophomore English teacher would. Frankly, I usually enjoy books that are more graphic and mature since they're often more exciting to read. But if want to replace Hamlet with Where the Wild Things Are that would be fine too.

A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange is possibly one of the most bizarre books I have ever read. Having already seen the movie I thought I was prepared for what the book had to offer. However, after reading the first few pages it was clear that the book was different then anything I could have imagined. From the first paragraph alone it's clear that this book is unique. The language used is slang, invented by the author, called Nadsat. It's a mix of Slavic, Russian, and some words just made up by the author. The constant use of this slang makes the story unnecessarily confusing. Trying to figure out specifically what each character is doing and saying can be difficult times. Context clues help, but only to a certain extent. Other then the sometimes aggravating diction, the book is fantastic. Anthony Burgess was able to create a book that is both literary and exciting to read. I'm only a few chapters into the book and there has yet to be dull moment. I'am also starting to notice ways that the book is different from the movie. In the introduction to the book the author explains how he hated that everyone assumes the film and book version of A Clockwork Orange are the same way. I tend to like watching the film adaptations of novels first, and then read the book itself. This allows me to understand what is happening in the book better while being able to see what didn't make to the movies.