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First, go ahead and vote on the poll question in the right hand column.
Next: You should spend the rest of class time seeing how the comment forum can work.
- Post a comment about your intentions for your independent reading project. Specify both what you are choosing to read and why (which should include an explanation of your independent reading plan for the year.)
- After you post your paragraph, scroll through the comment section until you read a post that you like. Respond to that post (another paragraph). It helps to start with something like: “Dear (blank), I was interested in your comments on (blank).” Then you may want to quote something he or she said and continue the idea, or ask a specific question, or move on to a related topic. Intellectual dialogue is the key here.
Photo of Salvador Dali with rhino mustache tied with flowers. He claimed that he wore his mustache this way because it pointed toward God.
101 comments:
The book I chose for independent reading is On the Road. The Name of the Title Seemed interesting. My plan for independent reading during the year is to make sure I update my reading journals each time I find something interesting.
I have chosen the Native Son based on my theme of studying the history and progress of the African American success. In addition, to understanding the culture of writing from the view of a African American authors such as Richard Wright.
My intentions for my independent reading project are to not look at it like a project. The book I plan to read is called The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I am not entirely sure on who wrote the book but my sister told me it is about a new student’s first year experiences and how he adapted to a new environment and overcame adversity. All the independent reading I do this year, I want it to be enjoyable and not go home and say to myself “ughh I have to read that book because it was on that list”. I actually did research on the book I want to read and asked the hardest working student I know, my sister. Later on in the year I hope I don’t just put off the importance of picking a book and just pick one that’s on a short list of examples. Why should I choose from a shot list of books when I can pick any book in the world as long as it fits the criteria?
For my independent reading project I have chosen to read Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. I have chosen this book because I am very interested in the Middle Eastern culture. More specifically I would like to learn more about the treatment and rights of women in countries in the Middle East. I am not completely sure what my independent reading plan will be for the year, but I would like to continue studying the Middle Eastern culture and also stories about inspirational women.
Ricki L5 said...
For the independent reading project, I have chosen to read A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. Some of this book has been incorporated into the movie Simon Birch, where the Narrator is Jim Carrey. I am interested in seeing how the book differs from the movie. For independent reading this year, I plan to keep myself organized and update my journal regularly.
The novel I’m choosing A Lesson Before Dying I decided to choose this novel because I’m very interested in African American literature. The novel’s plot also catches my attention because I like law and seeing different situations where people are either wrongfully accused or claim to be innocent but are found to be guilty and the life lessons they learn before there death. To see the way people change when their lives are on the line and the lessons you can take from that I think are really important. As well as learning from the situations.
My Independent reading assignment will be on Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. I really don’t know much about the book but I’ve heard good things about it before so I will give it a read. My independent reading plan for the year is to understand books fully including all symbolism and hidden messages in the story without any help from the teacher. My goal is a stretch but it couldn’t hurt to try. Also, I would like to read book that I would be interested in because I can’t get into a book without liking the subject. Of course I will still read it even if I don’t like it but I want to actually like and get into the books I read this year.
Dear Andrew d5
I admire the fact that you did your research and looked for a book you were interested in, rather than picking one randomly from the list. I also admire how you sought out help from your sister. Good luck this year my fellow classmate.
The book that I intend on reading for independent reading is Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I picked this book because as I searched for a book to read I read comments saying that the book was entertaining and satirical. My plan for independent reading for the year is to pick a wide variety of book styles to see which one interests me the most and create good journal entries to explore the text more than by just reading them.
I am choosing to read A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. I chose this book more because of how the title has already caught my attention. Although Lipstick would be more girly and probably even intriguing to read, I really believe A Lesson Before Dying is a better choice. Also because my favorite book is Tuesdays With Morrie for all the lessons that he taught. I’m hoping that Ernest Gaines could do the same for this book. Does anyone have any comments?
The book that I plan to read for independent reading is Cat’s Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut. I’ve read Vonnegut’s book Breakfast of Champions for independent reading last year, and I found it both comical and entertaining. I really enjoy his style of writing and hope that Cat’s Cradle will be just as good, if not better than his other books. Regarding my independent reading plan, I’m not entirely sure about what I’m going to do. I don’t usually plan stuff ahead of time, but I’m probably just going to pick books that suit my interest.
For my independent reading project I have decided to read On the Road by Jack Kerouac. I have chosen this book because I have heard good things about the author. When I read the review for this book it seemed interesting and everyone was raving about it. I also read that it was a true story with an adventure and that always interests me. My independent reading plan for the year is to read books about adventure and where the journey takes the characters in the book.
For our independent reading assignment, I’m reading Sharon Osbourne Extreme Autobiography. This book ties into my plan for independent reading, because my plan is simply to be as interested as possible in the books I’m reading independently. There are so many books that we have to read for school, some we love and really enjoy and other we don’t really enjoy but are still important and worth while to read. But independent reading you get to choose the book, so my plan for independent reading is to choose books that I am really interested in and passionate about, but can still get a lot out of. I feel that Sharon Osbourne, while some may look at her as crazy and some kind of a joke, I really believe that she really has gone through a lot in her life and she seems like a very caring and genuine person. I really do think her autobiography will be enlightening to her struggles and what kind of person she truly is and will show the truth behind her family.
As a memoir/first-person narrative, I am going to read the Stephen King autobiography, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Throughout the course of this year I would like to veer more towards the horror genre, which is essentially why I want to read Stephen King’s autobiography…because he is one of the more acclaimed horror writers.
Science is the study of the mechanical works of the just about everything. It’s just those mechanical workings of everything that makes me scratch my head in curiosity, leaving me overwhelmed with questions. These why’s and how’s seem to direct me in the direction of science to read about in my independent readings. The first memoir that I found very interesting to read is Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. The concept of this mysterious Ice-Nine seems to draw me to this book. It is ice that has been discovered and found to be solid at room temperature and melts at 114.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Taking place during the arms race, it is the perfect book for me since science and weapons of mass destruction are all included in this book. For the year, I will concentrate more on science in my independent reading books more than anything else.
Dear Ashley,
I like your reason for choosing your independent reading book. I also like studying the African-American culture along with studying and reading books written by authors from many different cultural backgrounds. This allows me to learn more about different cultures and it gives me a different perspective on life.
To Diana..... I agree with your choice of reading based on we have similar ideas on why we chose our choice of books. I am very excited to learn more about the ways and culture of the African American society. They have ventured a long road of constantly struggling through every day life situation of prejudice and racism.
To the whole class,
I have respect for all your decissions and the reasoning behind. Plus to see that everyone really researched the books though many of us don't have the time is amazing! Good Job guys I can't wait to hear about all the books
For the independent reading, I choose Memoir of a Geisha because it is an interesting topic of how women in one of the Asian countries are treated and endure certain hardships. Women are ranked due to social standards and beauty. The main character came from a poor family and became a geisha due to her family’s economic issue. It shows the difference between American culture and other countries’ culture during the past. My plan for the independent reading is to explore the adventures that the character takes to get where the are and what they endure.
Wendy c.5
Dear Mark...
I noticed you are going to be reading The Invisible Man. It is an excellent book. Other inspiring a chapter of Battle Royale, it also inspired the film Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon...which, as I recall, is an awful movie regardless. Either way, you should check it out...
I liked how Mark wrote in his comment "I would like to read a book that I would be interested in because I can't get into a book without liking the subject." I feel the same way about reading, that's why my idenpendent reading plan is geared so much around my interests and making sure I choose books I will enjoy.
Danielle S.
The novel that I have chosen to read is a lesson before dying because the uprising of Grant Wiggins really catches my attention. African American literature always captures my attention which is good because I feel this novel is going to keep my reading all the way through unlike some other assigned independent reading I have done in previous years.
Dear Janelle C5
I find it fantastic that you picked a story about Sharon Osbourne for your independent read. Also I love the way you look at independent reading you "choose books that I am really interested in and passionate about". Why pick something that we wouldn't care about otherwise. If that is Sharon Osbourne for you, then all the power to you.
For my independent reading project I plan to read “Native Son” by Richard Wright. After researching and getting advice on all the books on the list given to the honors students I found that many of the people I talked to thought I should go for this book. I also find it appealing because it tells of a young man in struggle. My reading plan for this year is to read the books that I feel will be interesting to me. I don’t have a favorite genre.
Dear Will C5,
I was interested in the comments you made about the book, Cat’s Cradle. It really reassured me that the book I picked was a good choice. It’s interesting to see that you read a book by Kurt Vonnegut before and have a good background of his writing. It is nice to see that somebody else has the same interests as me. I also liked your honesty about not planning ahead of time. It’s nice to see that you will go with your interests and not just by randomly picking a book out of a list that you do not know about.
The book I chose for independent reading is A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. I chose this book because while reading a quick summary of it, I thought it would be a really good story. I’m very interested in books that teach people life lessons and have characters in it that end up being heroes for the simple things they do. I hope to read more books of this kind for independent reading in the future.
Hi Mark, It's Debbie. I’m actually commenting your post. I was going to pick The Invisible Man, like you said the title is interesting. It’s like a superman with special powers. (Yeah I believe in super heroes, don’t laugh)! I hope you enjoy reading it, I’ll be sure to ask you how much you enjoyed it.
Dear Rodney B5,
It’s awesome to find someone that is reading the same book as me. Hopefully the research you did on Cat’s Cradle is accurate, and it is indeed satirical and entertaining. I don’t want to have to read another boring book. Anyway, your plan for independent reading sounds really solid. Hopefully we can have some interesting discussions about Cat’s Cradle while doing our independent reading.
To Dorris,
I think you have a very good reading plan for this year and i hope it works out for you.
I'm going to read Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonneget because I've read his othe book Breakfast of Champions. It was fun and witty, which made it enjoyable and i asume Cat's Cradle will have a similar style. My goal for idependant reading to to raed things by others that I wouldn't find otherwise. I haven't found many others that I totaly love. Hopefuly I can with this.
Dear Will C5,
I am really interested in how Kurt Vonnegut and how his writing style is. I have not read any of his books and was hoping you could give me a small sample of his works or a recommendation. I am going to read Cat’s Cradle just like you and was just wondering what was your take on Kurt Vonnegut?
To begin this year’s independent reading, I plan on reading "Man Without a Face: the memoirs of a Spymaster" by Markus Wolf. From the quick research done this period, I have gathered that he was one of post WWII Germany’s greatest spymaster. This will lead into my theme for this year which focuses on literature centered on covert operations. Books in this genre are both challenging and exciting, and I’m looking forward to it.
I would also like to add that books on adventure suit me but I also would like to find a book of other themes and genres. Another book that suited my interest was Lipstick Jihad and Reading Lolita in Tehran.
The book i plan on reading for my independent reading project is A Lesson Before Dying. My very first reason for choosing this book is that the title caught my eyes then when i found what the book was about i grew even more interesting.I like reading books about how the society have an affect on the judical system.
The book I chose for Independent reading was A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest Gaines. I chose this book first because its title caught my attention, and also because I tend to like books that give the readers a lesson. My plan this year is to explore different topics, and hopefully find new things that interests me.
Marior.5
My intentions for my independent reading project are to find a book that sparks my liking. The book that I choice to read is memoirs of a geisha by Arthur golden. The reason that I choice to read this book is because it was recommend by a fellow classmate. My plan for independent reading for the year is to keep my journal on track and not fall behind like last year.
Marior.5
My intentions for my independent reading project are to find a book that sparks my liking. The book that I choice to read is memoirs of a geisha by Arthur golden. The reason that I choice to read this book is because it was recommend by a fellow classmate. My plan for independent reading for the year is to keep my journal on track and not fall behind like last year.
The book I chose for independent reading was Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden because it was recommended by a fellow classmate and I also watched the movie. My plan while reading this book will be to keep my journal up to date at all times and not to slack. In addition, to using post notes for interested topics that come my way.
I have chosen to read The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien because I have an interest in books that have to do with history and the Vietnam era or the any of the World Wars. It is a book that follows a soldier through his term of service in the Vietnam War and the author shows up from time to time in the story as well because he served in Alpha Company. But, it is not based on his experiences.
I’m going to read Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Like other bloggers here, I have read Breakfast of Champions, now one of my favorite books, during sophomore year. I have actually started reading it and got midway through but I never finished due to other coursework so I’ve always intended to finish it at one point or another. Hopefully, I’ll be able to enjoy it this time around and read a little deeper than the first time. My plan for the rest of the year is rather unclear but I want to read books with main characters that I can’t relate to for new experiences every time. I’m not going to torture myself if I do not like a book and I might find myself choosing a new book if I don’t find it interesting enough but I think I'll be able to manage.
For my independent reading project, I chose to read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I heard the book is supposed to be interesting. The book is written in first person narrative, but follows the lives of 4 different people, so I get to see their different perspectives. I want to read about the lives of immigrants, so I can further understand the hardships my parents and others have had to go through. If I end up enjoying this book, I might read more of her works.
The book that I’ve decided to read for my independent reading project is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. The reason why I chose this book was to learn about the Japanese culture and if women were valued in that century especially when their a geisha.
The book I chose for independent reading is Annie’s Baby: The Diary of Anonymous a Pregnant Teenager by Beatrice Sparks (Editor). The reason why I chose this is because it seems to be very interesting and it get me curious how life’s going to be for her once she kept the baby at a very young age. To me, I feel like I’m going to enjoy reading this book. Not only that but this book can be related to many young teenagers now a day.
Annie’s Baby: The Diary of Anonymous a Pregnant Teenager is about a 14 years old girl who found out that she was pregnant and didn’t know what she wanted to do. She didn’t know if she should keep it or give the newborn up for an abortion. At the end she decided to keep it instead but she doesn’t know if she can raise the little person herself. When she found out that she was pregnant by her boyfriend she started to disappear on him. She has no one to talk to or anything and the only thing that she can think of was her diary. Her diary is where she expresses her deepest feelings and fears.
As a writer, I’ve always wanted to read the work of Jack Kerouac. He’s an influential and famous beat poet of the 1950’s Beat generation. Last year, I caught only a glimpse of the work of the beat poets and I wanted to know more, so I would like to start with On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
I would also like to read Howl by Allen Ginsburg because it falls under the category and topic study of beat poets but also the influence of drugs in literature which is something I’m interested in and would like to continue reading on.
I’m really excited to be doing some independent reading this year. It is one of my favorite parts of English class because for once I get to read something that interests me; not something a teacher has told me I have to read. I chose to read On the Road by Jack Kerouac because it seems to be a novel that will keep me fascinated and intrigue me. I’m really looking forward to starting this interesting activity.
I’m going to begin my independent reading list with A Thousand Splendid Suns. I really like the author and his writing style. Not only was the Kite Runner a powerful book, but it was informative as well. This is why I chose to continue with this author.
I have chosen to read On the Road by Jack Kerouac because I like reading books that are set during war or postwar. I like to read about the experiences and changes people go through because of war. I like to read about everything but I have chosen my theme to be war and politics.
My plan for an independent reading project is to learn more about different cultures, preferably Asian culture because I am planning on reading Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I saw the movie and I heard from people who have read the book that they left many important things out that happened in the book. My sister gave it to me about a year ago but I never had the chance to pick it up and read it, now that I have a chance I am going to take advantage of it.
The book that I chose to read is the Cat’s Cradle. I have collected a bit of information about this book thanks to previous posts and I found that this book is quite interesting. It contains many topics that interest me such as chemistry and politics. I have heard that this book has caught the interest of many readers and have decided to read it as well. I plan to have a schedule towards finishing this book (and hopefully as well as my other books). I hope that this book won’t get too boring and will keep up with my interest level.
For my independent reading assignment I want to read The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. The book is about a subject that I find very important in my everyday life, politics. As someone who intends to vote in the next election I want to better know my possible candidates. The reasoning for choosing this book is that I want to learn about what it is really like to be involved with politics and how it affects people through the course of their life. Some day I wish to become actively involved in politics as an activist and/or representative of some kind.
Dear Casie S P5
I'm glad you chose to read Twilight, it is a favorite book of mine. I think it fits your peronallity well and i really think your going to enjoy it. Im glad you trust your friends opinions. I think you might enjoy On the Road by Jack Kerouac so i recommend that for a future independent read.
For my first independent reading book, I’m going to read Reading Lolita in Teheran by Azar Nafisi. Over the summer, I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Kahled Hosseini (the author of Kite Runner), which included many details about the lives of contemporary women in Afghanistan and how their roles and the way they are treated have changed over time. It was an extremely touching book, and I read it in about a day.
So, my theme for the year is going to be the changing roles of women in society ranging from nineteenth century British literature to present day countries around the world. Lolita was recommended to me by a former English teacher as another great read about women in the Middle East, and I am curious to see how Nafisi’s accounts compare and contrast with Hosseini’s. Though they are about two different countries (Afghanistan and Iran) the ideals in that area of the world are similar, so I would like to see how they tie in with each other.
Dear Jessica S:
I read Memoirs of a Geisha for independent reading last year, and I enjoyed the book a lot. Golden uses great details to describe the events in the book vividly. The book has a strong cultural feel to it. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the author’s choice of characters. However, I don’t recommend seeing the movie after you’re done with the book.
For my independent reading assignment, I plan on reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I chose this book because I have read Breakfast for Champions, which was also written by the same author. I enjoyed reading Breakfast for Champion, so I had intended to read his other works. Now I have the perfect opportunity to read his other works. According to the reviews online, Cat’s Cradle is considered to be one of Kurt Vonnegut’s masterpieces. I was also recommended this book by a fellow classmate who had read this book. My plan for independent reading this year is currently very uncertain. I hope to find various topics I am not accustomed to reading, so that I can learn about new experiences. At the same time, I also wish to find an interest in reading new topics.
I decided to read Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut for my independent reading. It’s a story that brings us back to the world war II , that cover amazing stories when the Hiroshima was drop in Japan. The reason that I chose to read that specific story is to see the impact of that bomb in Japan. Mostly, I am hoping to find some amazing stories.
The book that I chose for my independent reading is Rat Bastards by John “Red” Shea. The book is based in South Boston and goes into great detail about the Irish mob. The book references some of the most influential gangsters of all time, including Whitey Bulger. I hope to continue reading on different mobs and gangs that originated in Boston or other cities throughout the year.
I am going to read the book The Memoirs of a Geisha. Because it’s about the lives of the geishas in Japan, a country I’m very interested in. And in my mind, geishas are always the ones who are beautiful and mysterious. Especially in this book, I will have the opportunity to investigate a Japanese geisha’s life. At last, I’m pretty sure that this book will satisfy my aspiration for Japan!!
I decided to read the memoir Running with Scissors. From reading the reviews and summary of the book it seems funny and satirical. It’s about a boy growing up with a troubled family who ends up at a mental institution. I enjoy reading books about people who go through problems and have troubled lives, I find them interesting.
I’m reading Native Son, the book is about a black man how kills a white women. I found it very interesting to see what was going to happen to him because this took place in the 30’s. I also found it interesting because it seems like there are going to be a lot of twists in this book. My plan for the independent reading during the year is to read book that I can connect with such as book that have to do with normal people like myself, or people dealing with problems that I can associate with!
The book I have selected is Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden. I actually picked this book because I think it is an interesting story. I would like to know a little bit more about the Asian culture and I think that this book will give me an idea of how this culture is. I really find this story interesting and that is the main reason why I picked it. My plan for my independent reading for this year is to have an organized and updated journal for my book and to really find the meaning of the story.
I am reading the novel Native Son by: Richard Wright. This book is about an African American male living in the 30’s. He accidentally kills a white woman and he doesn’t know why he killed her. In this book, he attempts to determine why he did it and looks into the deeper meaning of murder. I don’t really know what I plan on reading throughout the year; I just know that I enjoy stories that take place in times where equality was an issue. I am looking forward to reading independently because I have the chance to read books that I know I will enjoy and not just because I have to.
Dear Ricki L5,
I was going to choose A Prayer for Owen Meany for the same reasons that you did. I love the movie Simon Birch, and I would like to see how it contrasts with the book. On Mr. G’s recommendation, I am going to read it over Christmas break (because a lot of events in the book take place around Christmastime) and see if I can tie it into my theme. Even if I just read it for myself, it’ll be fun. Let me know how it was.
Hey Will C,
Glad to see you reading Vonnegut again. Cat's Cradle doesn't have quite the same narration as Breakfast of Champions but the diction and satirical style of Kurt Vonnegut is still the same. I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy it.
Hi Shuyi. I read the book memoirs of a geisha. I thought this book was very beautiful and inspiring I think that you will really enjoy this book especially if you want to learn more about the Japanese culture.
For my independent reading book I chose Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I’m interested in leaning about the Japanese culture; in fact in the future I would want to read books that introduce ideas from different cultures. I believe I want to study International Relations in the future, so any book that is related to other religions and backgrounds interests me. I want to learn about the living conditions in other countries and how their government affects their communities and beliefs.
Dear Casie S P5
I was going to read the Twilight by Stephanie Meyer as well. I heard it was a good book. My friend who read it really loves it and is planning to get the second book of it. Hope you enjoy reading it.
Dear Will C5,
It is interesting to find another person who has read the same book as I have. Breakfast for Champions was definitely a great book. What a coincidence that we plan on reading Cat's Cradle. Perhaps we can share our thoughts while we read later.
Dear Kathy l. 6
I think your independent reading is a good choice! I like the fact that the books relate to the result of many teenagers nowadays. I hope you enjoy it!
Dear Kathy l. 6
I like how you wrote the first paragraph about why you chose the book and then the second paragraph consisted of a summary of the book. That helped us understand a little bit more about yourself and the book.
Dear Kathy l. 6, I’m sure that you will enjoy your independent book about the pregnant teenager. It does seem interesting, but I don’t think I will read it because I will probably find it as more of a girl book.
For my independent reading, I plan to begin with Memoirs of a Geisha. I have seen the movie before and I got really engaged into the movie so I have always been curious on how the story is actually written in the novel. I always enjoyed learning about foreign cultures and Japan can be my first step. I might even want to touch upon other Asian cultures or even beyond that. I’m unsure whether this is the right topic for me because I haven’t read much memoirs, but it’s definitely worth a try. I’m always just looking for something inspirational so I hope it works out because I don’t have a back up plan yet.
Dear Christina H6...
That book sounds really good... i like how it follows four different people.. is sound like the book Life Is Funny... which was AMAZING! and i like books that talk about different peoples views on things or when they talk about their own lives.
Kathy L6 that book sounds good too... I like books thats are like that.. because its something that people can relate to. Maybe I will read that next time.
Dear Christina h.
I remember hearing about Joy Luck Club. It was one of our options for independent reading before... but i didn't get to read it. It sounds interesting though, especially when you said that it "follows the lives of 4 different people." There must be a lot going around in the book.
For my independent reading project, I plan to read Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. I had read one of his books last year, Big Sur, which I found out is apparently a sort of sequel to On the Road. I found his stream-of-consciousness writing to be completely absorbing and interesting, and somewhat poetic. I find the Beat Generation to be alluring as well, which adds to my interest in the storyline. I think it would be quite intruiging to find the differences between our present generation and the generation of the 50’s. I have actually had this book in my pile of books to read for such a long time and I am excited to get to finally read it.
Emily R 6,
Running With Scissors was such a great book. It’s disturbing, yet satirical and very humorous. I actually read it all within a day. If you are interested in the stories of people with troubled pasts, you should probably enjoy it a lot.
Hey Emily T,
This summer I read All Souls by Michal Patrick Macdonald. Its plot is really similar to your independent reading choice. I really enjoyed the novel; I really recommend it to you if you enjoy topics such as this. It takes place in the same place as your independent reading book, so there should be many similarities. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. You should read it!
assignment I would like to read On the Road by Jack Kerouac because it is out of the ordinary and it brings the beat generation to the fore-front. The other reason I chose this book is because it talks about Jazz, poetry and actual first hand drug experiences. My final reason is Kerouac is an overall great author and wrote this on amphetamines so it must be interesting .
I would like to study Kerouac and the beat generation because it was one the repercussions of WWII. I want to learn about the other America in the 50’s including the change of music and art but I think my focus will about about drugs in literature as well, to tell you the truth I have no idea what I want to make as my focus because it all sounds so interesting , but I do like Ginsberg's work and I was also thinking of the book Howl because it has to do with the same issue I am studying.
The book I’m reading for independent study is Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut because it is supposed to be a satire of the arms race. This actually seems like a reflection of today’s society. I have never read a book about people creating weapons and it won’t be so cliché as books about teenagers growing up. When I was reading the descriptions of the book, it has positive reviews.
This year, I planning on reading books that are out of the ordinary.
After reevaluating my options, I have decided to read Cat's Cradle for my independent reading project. The book corresponds to my change in topic. Since our topic will likely last the whole year, I realized I might want to stick with a topic that has always interested me, which is science fiction. The summary of the novel seems very fascinating, and I hope it will be worth it. Also, I plan to update my reader's journal regularly and take notes on the novel to get a thorough understanding of the story.
The novel I choose for my independent reading is A Thousand Splendid Suns. The author's previous novel The Kite Runner was well written and conjured emotions of sympathy and sadness. Also the book A Thousand Splendid Suns has been lying on my bedroom floor for almost a year now since the time my older brother finished reading it and since then my brother has referenced this novel on many occasions so I thought it would be helpful to finally understand him by reading this book. As for future books for my independent reading, I want to find books about sexuality but most of the ones I found are filled with sex, drugs, and stereotypes.
A Lesson Before Dying is the book I choose to read for my independent reading. It is written by Ernest Gaines. The title is the first thing that captures my attention. After reading a summary of the book, I feel that it is just the right book for me. Through its captivating and interesting story, I will be able to have a higher appreciation of the importance of being responsible. With the story, I will be able to see the injustice that is in our society more clearly. I believe that this is the book that can help me in the future; it will bring to me lessons I’ve never learned and which I will appreciate.
I love reading books that can help me in gaining new appreciations.
Hi Ping I6,
I completely agree with your explanation as to why you chose the book A Lesson Before Dying. I too felt the same way when reading the short summary of it. Learning how to appreciate the different opportunities life gives us is very important, and I also love reading books that show us or teach us how to do that.
To Linda Y 6,
I love to read books that are not ordinary. Cat's Cradle should be a great book. It was one of the books I had want to read. I like it because it shows us that "human stupidity and indifference with mankind's technological capacity for mass destruction" is more than wrong.
Ping L,
I agree how you should read books that allows you to learn something. I had a hard time choosing between Cat's Cradle or A Lesson Before Dying. The book seemed interesting and the title caught my eye when I was looking through the list of books. I think I'm going to read A Lesson Before Dying on the side.
Dear Emily L 6,
I'm actually planning to read Memoirs of a Geisha for this project too. I've never seen the movie and was wondering if it's worth seeing. I enjoy reading about foriegn country also, so I hope I'll learn many things about Japan through this book.
Dear Emily L 6 ,
i chose to read Memoirs of a Geisha as well for the independednt reading. I haven't seen the movie, but i too want to find out how the story is written. Foreign contries and cultures really interest me as well so I'm looking forward to reading this and other books to learn about other cultures. I hope you anjoy the book and maybe we can talk about it as we read it.
Gook Luck!
I chose Ithaka by Adele Geras as my first book to read for the independent reading project this year. I've heard so much about this book and I really think I will enjoy it. Infact, that is what I plan to do this year. I plan on enjoying every book I read that I choose. This year I want to WANT to read the book. I want to run home after school to read. I want to be passionate about reading. I also hope to read books that involve the greek culture and history. Anything greek, really, will interest me. Those are my independent reading plans for the year.
Dear Elina R 6,
I’m reading the Memoirs of a geisha too. And same here, I always think that foreign countries and cultures are interesting and worth learning (especially with Japan here!). And I believe, no matter many obstacles are in our way to achieve foreign learning, we will definitely enjoy the process if we really love it. So let’s stick with the book and enjoy every scene of it.
My intentions for the independent reading projects this year is to enjoy my choice of books. I am very excited that we can choose our own book to read and that it is not against my will. I will be reading books that I can analyze and use symbols to figure out what the deeper meanings are. The first book that I am choosing is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I was recommended to read this book by one of my friends who had read it. I choose this because I trust my friend’s opinions and it is a romance book and I enjoy reading them. If anyone has any suggestions on book that you would believe that I would enjoy please let me know.
Dear Kathy P 5
As soon as I am finished with Twilight I will let you know if I enjoyed it.
Dear Katie
I am looking forwards to reading Twilight thank you for recommending it to me.
Dear Emily R 6
I hope you enjoy reading
Running With Scissors. I heard it's a very good book and very humorous.
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