49. Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Randy has always recognized the importance of time management. What did you think of his
decision to work on the book while riding his bike?

I think it was marvelous. Time management is very important in I always look up to people who use their time wisely. It is important to know how precious every minute is in our lives.

Randy chose "Really achieving your childhood dreams" as a topic for his lecture. In what ways woud this allow him to tell the story of his life, and to enable the dreams of others?

Just by telling his quest to achieve his childhood dreams Randy is enabling others to achieve their dreams.  So often dreams seem impossible to reach.  Randy shows that anything is possible if you keep striving for your goals.


Randy decided to begin his talk in a specific way – showing his CT scans, introducing “the elephant in the room,” assuring everyone he’s not in denial, and doing push-ups. What made this effective? What were you thinking watching this for the first time via video?

 He wanted to be upfront with the his impending death.  He wanted to show everyone he was not in denial and he knew the gravity of the situation.  Also, he wanted to show them how he still was himself it could not stop him from being himself.  It also shows how scary cancer is he is dying but on the outside he looks so healthy.


Randy said he realized many of his dreams because he had terrific parents. What details from his childhood do you think led to the successes he had later in life? Are there lessons in Randy’s story for people who’ve had less-fulfilling childhoods, or absentee parents? What advice might you give to those who didn’t win “the parent lottery”?

It is clear he had loving parents who encouraged his creativity and worked hard to give him and his sister a good stable upbringing. If you didn't win the parent lottery you should use it as motivation to become all you can be and ensure your children that they will win the parent lottery.


What would you paint on your bedroom walls if you were given permission to do so? What 
other creative outlet would you like to pursue, if your parents gave the OK?

I would definitely paint my room with things to motivate me and probably put my dreams on the wall so I could see them everyday.

What’s the lesson to be learned from Randy’s attempts to get onto that “Vomit Comet”?

Never, Never, Never give up.  He had to jump through several hoops to achieve his goal but he never gave up.

I learned a lot from Randy's last lecture.  The importance of time management, not letting brick walls stop you, and working to achieve your life's ambitions before your time runs out.

48. Jasper Jones by Chris Silvey

Jasper Jones is about prejudice and fear. How people wrongly fear things they don't understand causing prejudice.

Questions:
Do you think that Charlie did the right thing in helping Jasper? Charlie did the right thing helping Jasper. Jasper would have been arrested for murder if Charlie didn't help him out no body understood Jasper. They blamed him for everything simply because he was different from the other townspeople. It was similar to how they treated Jeffrey Lu.

Which of the characters do you think is the most courageous? Jeffrey was most courageous he had to face prejudice from the members of the cricket team and also deal,with people disrespecting his family. Jasper was courageous for keeping his head up in dealing with ignorant people his whole life.

Who is the central character - Charlie or Jasper? I think Charlie is the central character the book is shown through his eyes and it talks about his views on the prejudice in the town.

47. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

I like the sardonic and humorous voice of the character even during some very tense times. Daisy finds love on the brink of war. She finds a home with her distant cousins.

The book really makes you think about what would happen if a war broke out now. How casually things change. Horror and humor. The love story is disturbing and beautiful at the same time.

Daisy is a great character. Page turner which I love didn't have a moment when I wanted to stop reading.

46. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers' Monster tells of a young men caught in a web of criminal activity. He is accused of being the look out in a robbery gone wrong. We are giving evidence that suggest that he might be guilty or not guilty but the author leaves the truth up I'm the air. Personally,I think he probably was guilty but there was just not enough evidence to convict him. A poignant moment happens when during the trial. Steve Harmon's lawyer says the most important thing they can do is try to make him appear different from the likes of the others on trial with him. Steve Harmon thinks about all the times he wanted to be just like them. Also after he is acquitted he tries to hug his attorney but she stiffens and he wonders if she sees him as a monster even though he was found not guilty.

45. Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger

1. In the first line of the novel John claims that he is “immune to emotion.” How has he changed by the end of the novel? What causes this transformation?
Meeting Marisol opens John up to feelings he tries to avoid. Loving Marisol forces him to deal with the pain his parents divorce caused him. At the end he is able to feel emotions and express himself to his parents.

2. Describe John’s relationship with his mother. What is odd about how she interacts with him? Can you imagine this trait in your own maternal relationship?
John's relationship with his mom is distant. She doesn't touch probably subconscious rejection of him because he looks so much like his father.

I learned about zines from this book. I never heard of them before they sound cool to make. A home mad e magazine that express your feelings in written form.

44. This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz

Diaz's stories are always engaging even if they are frustrating because of the Spanish slang. But this makes the novel more authentic. The story tells of love and how we lose it. So of course it is heavy on the cheating and it's affects. It is interesting but his stories never affect me deeply like authors do. I love his succinct writing and dialogue.

"I’m not a bad guy.... I’m like everybody else: weak, full of mistakes, but basically good." Do you agree with his self-assessment...or is he letting himself off the hook too easily? Isn't his description applicable to anyone? I think his assessment is correct we are all weak and make mistakes all the time. But we are stronger than our weaknesses. Our weaknesses should never define us and we should never use them as an excuse for our behavior.

A pattern of infidelity runs throughout the stories. Why is Yunior compulsively unfaithful to women? Consider the influences of his father and brother—are genetics destiny? Explore the idea of a deeper, metaphorical meaning of betrayal in these stories—a betrayal against the self? And why does Yunior leave a written record of his infidelities. Guys can't keep it in their pants. I don't think cheating is genetic. You always have a choice even if genes produce a proclivity to act a certain way.

43. Looking for Alaska by John Green

"I go to seek a great perhaps."

A young man who is obsessed with the last words of famous people. Goes off to boarding school seeking a more profound existence. There he meets the Cornel and Alaska two people who will impact his life for years to come. Looking for Alaska is a sad sweet story that will stay with you for a long time and make you think about how you live your life. How you deal with suffering and loss and still love the day to its fullest. I loved this book and its message will live with me for years to come

42. The Racketeer by John Grisham

What if you planned to escape prison and everything went according to plan and you ended up walking away with millions of dollars.  This good luck escapee is the subject of John Grisham's latest book.  It is a testament to Grisham's good storytelling that you still want to finish this book after it loses all plausibility.  You have a guy who committed a perfect crime and then so easily gets set up.  Too many things had to go right to pull this escape off and if you are able to block that from your mind then it is a good book.

41. Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs

This book is very much like A.J.'s other books he starts a project and we get to see the progression and its affect on his family.  In this book he aims to be the healthiest person alive.  Each chapter focuses on a different part of his body and he's efforts to improve.  It was an easy read with insight into what we need to be mindful of in our bodies.  I think it starts with awareness and being conscious on the affect of our decisions today will have on our health in the future.

40. Mirrors by Marianne K. Martin

The romance was the best part of the book and I wish there was more of it.  The book is borderline preachy.  But has a good message.  So many angles are left unexplored.  With Shayna case it like she gave us all these details but the conclusion doesn't come in detail just a summary of the conclusion.  Too much internal dialog wish it would have focused on external dialog.  Overall very readable page turner on some parts.  Good not great.

39. Dare, Truth, or Promise by Paula Boock

This book was well written.  The story enduring, compelling, and sweet.  The love between Louie and Willa is well developed.  It doesn't take the same road as other books in this genre.  I like that it has more external conflicts then internal. Even though the characters struggle internally it doesn't get overwhelming.  The ending was okay I think it took the easy way out with having an accident bring them back together but it was alright.

38. Have you seen Marie? by Sandra Cisneros

Death and loss.  The pain of moving on from a devastating loss finding comfort in helping a friend find something she has lost.  A very moving concept.  I loved the pictures in the book.  They are simple and complex portraits.  Very beautiful.  Quote: You don't get over death you just learn to travel alongside it.

37. Fierce Overture by Gun Brooke

Fierce Overture is the story of Noelle and Helena as they both go on the road of self discovery that leads them back to each other.  The story is a page turner.  The author keeps you interested even though it has several weakness.  The misunderstanding plot line has been overused as it is overused in this story.   But the plot weakness doesn't make the reader want to stop reading.  Overall, okay but far from great.  It is what it is.

36. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson

 

Fourteen-year-old Melanin Sun just found out his mother is in love with a white women.  He's emotions are mixed.  He doesn't want his mother to be "queer."  Melanin starts to question everything his relationship with his mother, friends, and girls.  He expresses himself by writing in his notebook.
Write the names of the most important characters in the story:  Melanin Sun, EC, Raphael, Sean, Angie, and Kristen.

Was the main character in the book good or bad? Defend your decision with 
examples from the book:  Melanin Sun is neither good or bad.  He loves his mother but treats her terrible when he finds out she loves Kristen.  He's young an acts immature when presented with the information about his mom.

The notebook and the miss amphibians are unnecessary but a guess it adds depth to the characters.

35. Free for All: oddballs, geeks, and gangstas in the Public Library

 An entertaining and familiar book for anyone who ever worked in a library.  It is can be a quiet and peaceful place but it also can be crazy at times.  Borchert breaks down the highs and lows of working at this great institution.  It is definitely not for everybody.  You have to be able to deal with unruly patrons and the small crisises that break out daily.  It's not about reading and book selection its more about conflict resolution.  So many positive and negative aspects on working in the public library.  As for me I love the times at night when it is quiet and calm.  The procedures get on my nerves alot. Constantly taking bullshit from patrons and being perpetually understaffed.  I want something I look forward to every morning not sure this is it.  This book put my career plight in perspective.  Although  I love the library I don't see it as a place I want to spend the rest of my life.  I want to volunteer at the library not work there.  This book cemented this opinion.  

34. Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans

 

Danielle Evans stories focus on young women and men trying to make their way in the world.  With Virgins she shows young women dealing with the sexuality and friendship.  It was good the end goes in all kind of directions though.  Snakes is about the things we do to get what we want.  I like how she presented the story made the protagonist seem untrustworthy.  Harvest is about being a mother and the different things we do to confront that responsibility.  Someone Ought to Tell Her There's Nowhere to Go is a sad story about the affects of war and wanting a family.  The King of a Vast Empire is a story about how families deal with the pain of the past.  Jellyfish is a touching story told for the viewpoint of a daughter and father.  Where You Go, There You Are is about love and being needed.  Robert E. Lee is Dead is a touching story about friendship and the distances created between friends going in different directions.  Overall very candid and touching stories.

33. Godless by Pete Hautman

This novel explores a teenager's questioning of religion.  Jason Bock is agnostic and thinks that religion is a waste of time.  So when he gets knocked out under a water tower he wonders half-jokingly what if god was a water tower.  Jason decides to create his own religion with the ten-legged water tower as god.  He enlists his friends and an enemy to assist in the new religion.  The new religion quickly spins out of control when his friend, Shin, starts taking the religion serious.  Good novel about the questioning of religion.  Easy read.    

32. Touchy Subjects by Emma Donoghue

Great collection of short stories about subjects that are taboo or difficult to talk about.  My favorite stories in the collection were Pluck, Oops, and Team Men.  Donoghue is a good author and delves into the inner conflicts of her characters well.  Each story was engaging and kept me interested.  Pluck deals with how we fight with or conscious constantly when trying to avoid an uncomfortable conversation.  When nine times out of ten it not that big a deal.  Oops is a funny tale about perceived guilt taken to an extreme level.  Team Men is about self-discovery and inner conflict.   

31. Yummy: The Last Days of South Side Shorty

Haunting story of a boy led astray by a gang. It's sad depressing to know that this was inspired by true events. The odds were stacked against Robert "Yummy" Standifer. Daddy in jail and mother strung out on drugs. Raised by his grandmother who had her hands full looking after other grandkids I was okay with how the story was handled even though I'm not a big fan of sticking fictional characters in real situations but it worked out fine.

30. 1984 by George Orwell

1.  Describe the role that O'Brien plays in Winston's life. Why do you think that initially, Winston is drawn to O'Brien? Why does he implicitly trust him, despite the enormous dangers involved?  Winston is drawn to O'Brien because O'brien represents an escape for him.  Here is someone who feels the same way I do.  Winston is projecting his feeling onto O'Brien in an attempt to gain a companion against big brother.  

2.  The Party wages continual war on sexual desires. Why? According to official dogma, why are normal sexual urges opposed to the Party’s goals, and to what use can sex be put to accomplish the Party’s purpose?   The Party suppresses sexual desires in order to be the only source of allegiance its members have.  It wants all energy directed toward Party activities.

3. The name Winston very likely comes from Winston Churchill. Why would Orwell have given his main character such a name?  A warning to the people of London and other democracy to watch their leaders and beware of how governments try to control their citizens.

1984 was a long read but some parts were very interesting.  The warnings against oppressive governments rings true over 60 years later since the books first publication.    

29. The Double Life by Shea Word

Shea Word's The Double Life starts out great but then falls flat toward the end.  I couldn't stop reading this book in the beginning but by the end I just hoped it would end.  In the beginning Word makes the characters' need for each other so palpable it jumps off the page. I wish it stayed on Dayna and Sydney's perspective. Adding their husbands' side of the story added another dimension to the story.  But it made the story lose some its fire.  Plus in the end she makes Sydney do something so stupid its unbelievable.  If you are cheating on your husband and want to be with the other person why go on a vacation trip with your husband.  You don't need to go anywhere secluded with him.  I could see if she made the character dumb throughout the book but Sydney is presented as a intelligent women.  This is a great book in the beginning, it jumps the shark in the middle, and falls completely flat at the end.

28. Animal Farm by George Orwell

The classic. I've read this very important book three times. Its message inspiring me every time. Imploring me to never be naive when a government gets out of line. Every time I read this I think about how the subject matter takes place so often after revolutions. Over and over the party taking over from an oppressive government becomes even more oppressive. Corrupted by power. This book is a constant reminder to the populace to aways stay vigilant. Never fall victim to propaganda and deception.

27. Love, Lies, and Basketball by Rita Rashad

The elements of a great story are present.  It just go too soap operish.  It was difficult too even finish this book.  The story just didn't ring true.   Too much deus ex machina.  Too much drama thrown throughout the book. Its like come on.  Kendra is a dog throughout the whole book making the same mistake over and over.   I truly believe there's a good story somewhere inside this book.

26. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

This is a nice story about the "kid lawyer."  It is interesting and very realistic.  You can actually see everything in the story happening in real life.  A story must keep you interested and Theodore Boone keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.  John Grisham is a great story teller.  Even though the book was good not sure if I want to continue reading the rest in the series.  It just seem like everyone has a series of books.  I might read the second one but if it's bad then I'm done.

25. Love at Half-Court by Rita Rashad

This book had the major elements needed to make a good story but Rashad couldn't quite put it together to make it flow. She inspires me because more stories like this need to be made maybe by me:)

24. She Say, She Say by Olivia Renee Wallace

Page turner.  The most important element a story can have is the ability to keep my attention.  Keep me wondering whats next.  She Say, She Say accomplished this.  Sure there were moments in the narrative that I didn't like but the story never lost my interest.  I wish some things where done different some characterizations done differently so that the ending did not seem plucked out of the sky so much.  Overall good read.

23. Shooter by Walter Dean Myers

Shooter is a great story told in a unconventional way through a series of interviews.  Through the interviews the picture is created of the events that led to a school shooting by the hands of a troubled young man.  The interviews center on his only friends as they tell the events that led up to the shooting.  I like the story it was interesting.  The diary at the end was a bit much wish it would have been shorter or it could have just been a suicide note.

22. What's Eating Gilbert Grape? by Peter Hedges

Q1.When People feel trapped by their circumstances, especially in their families, how do they typically respond? How should they respond? Is life fair?  They typically respond by lashing out at their love ones like Gilbert does in the book.  They should realize that life is a bitch and there is nothing you can do about it besides keep your head up and appreciate the good times.  And life is certainly not fair.

2. What do Gilbert and his sisters do after their mother dies?  They burn down the house with her inside because they know because of her size people will make fun of her and they don't want that.

3. What made the story work?  The book was an easy read.  Very interesting, funny, and unexpected.  It dealt with issues facing those who fill trapped by their family or place in society.

21. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The story was definitely not hard to follow.  I did feel a little goofy at various parts.  Totally unrealistic but a good read.

1. Discuss the narrative techniques that Christie uses to create and maintain suspense throughout the novel.  One technique she used that I liked a lot is she got into the head of the characters and allowed us to hear what they were thinking.  I liked that very much.  Also, it's not just a long narrative she has little pauses in the narrative so that the reader can catch their breath.  The foreshadowing of Blore on the train I've seen that technique in other stories.  I call them little nuggets that keep the reader interested.

2. Discuss the role of the poem “Ten Little Indians” in And Then There Were None. Why does the murderer choose to follow the poem so closely? What effect does this have on the characters?   I think the "Ten Little Indians" just added a little flavor to Judge Wargrave's brand of murderous justice.  It made the character more weary and afraid.

3. Do you think that Wargrave acts justly? Why or why not?  I'm a believer in two wrongs don't make a right.  I think its good that Wargrave didn't take out his murderous lust on innocent people. But acting as an self-imposed executor is going to far.  On the other hand, I think society definitely didn't lose any Mother Teresa's with the killing of this bunch.  So to sum it up in the words of Chris Rock:  It's not right but I understand.  

20. Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

1.  Before the meteor strikes the moon, what are the biggest concerns in Miranda’s life? How do they change in the months that follow?  Miranda concerns are mostly high school teenager related.  The pressures of growing up dealing with homework, test, and friends.  Also her relationship with her dad and his new pregnant wife.  In the months that follow her biggest concerns are the basics: food, heat, water, and safety.  


2.  After Mrs. Nesbitt dies, Miranda goes through her kitchen cabinets and says doing so makes her “feel like a cannibal?” (p. 240) Why does she feel this way?   Mrs. Nesbit is dead probably not even cold yet and Miranda starts rummaging through Mrs. Nesbit house. I know life is about survival now but I thought she could at least tell her family say a prayer (even though she's not religious.)  I need a moment of silence at least.



3.  After the meteor strikes the moon, services such as telephone, Internet, and television stop, and Miranda writes in her journal that “Civilization had ended.” (p. 21) Do you think people are too dependent on electronic gadgets? Would you feel as Miranda does if you could no longer use 

the gadgets many people have come to depend on in their daily lives? How would you handle this situation?  Hell yeah!!!! I know I am.  When the electricity goes out for some reason I am completely at a loss.  You get so use to these gadgets that you feel attached to them.  I remember being without a microwave for a period of time.  I about lost my mind.  I think we as a people should have gadget free days just for a change of pace.  

4. How does Miranda feel about Megan’s religious convictions? (pp. 68–69) How does this affect their friendship? Do you think Megan’s faith is a good one?  Miranda thinks Megan is cuckoo and I would have to agree.  Faith shouldn't mean losing your common sense or your will to live.  They disagree on Megan's religious zeal and their relationship is ruined.

19. 145th Street Stories by Walter Dean Myers

What is especially odd about Big Joe’s funeral?  Why did he plan to have one?
Big Joe's funeral is odd because he is still alive.  He wanted to have a funeral while he was still alive in order to hear all the good things people had to say about him.  People never get their roses while they can still smell them.

What is The baddest dog in Harlem short story about?
The baddest dog in harlem shows how cops/outsiders perceptions of the ghetto affect how they act.  It shows the ramifications of those actions.  The killing of a innocent victim.  Sometimes external factors that people have no control over change the way people see a certain situation.

What observation does the narrator make about life on 145th street?  
He shows how life can be happy, fun, and beautiful at times but reality hits.  As in the fun with Big Joe's play funeral vs. the woman who experiences domestic violence comes to Big Joe later to ask for help.  It shows how the good times and bad times of life are interconnected.  The roller-coaster of life.

I liked the stories.  They were interesting and realistic.

18. The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

1.  After reading Kaui Hart Hemmings' The Descendants:  what was the main theme that you took away from it?  Forgiveness, the importance of family, and dealing with loss.  

2.  What was your favorite instance/scene in the novel vs. in the film?  Did your favorite scene change from book to movie?  No, my favorite scene is the same in both the novel and the film.  It is when Matt says goodbye to his wife telling her that she was his pain and joy.  Very touching scene.  

3.  Was a pivotal piece/scene left out of the movie that you wish had been included?  I think The Descendants movie portrayed the book pretty accurate.  The only big difference is Sid telling Julia about the affair instead of Brian.  Sid had a bigger role in the book but the exclusion in the movie is not a big deal.

17. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didon

1.  Consider the four sentences in italics that begin chapter one.  What did you think when you read them for the first time?  What do you think now?  When I first read those first sentences about how life changes so fast; my first thought was those statements are so true.  Life changes so fast that before you know it you are somewhere you never expected to be. You get so use to going through the motions that you forget how delicate life is until you get a reminder.

 2.  In particular, address "The question of self-pity."  Does Didion pity herself?  In what ways     

does she indulge that impulse, and in what ways does she deny it?  She allows her self to dwell on  the loss of her husband instead of moving on.  She thinks if she doesn't do things like throw out his shoes he still will be around.  She denies this by dealing with husband death by not falling apart.

16. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

1.  The first week after her daughter's birth goes surprisingly well for Victoria.  What makes Victoria feel unable to care for her child after that week ends? And what allows her to ultimately rejoin her family?    The baby needs more than Victoria feels she can give which makes Victoria feel inadequate.  She feels that she has to get away from the baby.  So she leaves the baby crying and she feels terrible.  Victoria never feels capable of being able to give love and receive love.  She realizes that she is capable and her past mistakes don't have to define her future.  

2.  The novel touches on many themes (love, family, forgiveness, second chances).  Which do you think is the most important?  And what did you think was ultimately the book's lesson?  All of the books themes are important.  I believe love is the most important because it is the basis for all the other themes.  Love is key in being in a family, forgiving, and getting second chances.  Love breaks all barriers.  The book's lesson is to believe in yourself and don't let your past define you.  Once realizes she doesn't have to live by what has happened in the past she can move on and learn to love her family.

3.  Based on your reading of the novel, what are your impressions of the foster-care system in America?  What could be improved?  The foster-care system has cracks in it and some kids like Victoria fall through it.  Some people abuse the system only seeing the kids as a paycheck.  The system is flawed mostly for kids who get a certain age and are lost in the system. More effort could be focused on helping these kids be more successful when they become adults.  

4.  Victoria and Elizabeth both struggle with the idea of being part of a family.  What does it mean to you to be part of a family.  What defines family?  Being a part of a family is like having an enormous support system that helps each other through life's ups and downs.  Family doesn't have to be blood-related they just have to love and support each other.

5.  What potential do Elizabeth, Renata, and Grant see in Victoria that she has a hard time seeing in herself? Because of the years she spent feeling unwanted and unloveable she think she doesn't deserve to be loved or to be a part of a family.  Elizabeth, Grant, and Renata try to show Victoria that she is wanted and is accepted into their family.  Victoria thinks she will mess up anyone she tries to love.  But they believe that she is capable of being anything she wants to be.

15. Defending Jacob by William Landay

1.  How would you have handled this situation if you were Andy?  Would you make the same choices he made?  Where would you differ the most?  Clearly, Jacob had some issues.  I understand the he wanted to defend his son but when it became obvious that Jacob committed murder Andy should have told the truth.  In telling the truth he might have been able to get Jacob the help he needed.  I don't have any children but if I did I hope I would always do the right thing. I know some parents would cover up for their children and even help them bury the body so to speak.  I would have turned Jacob over to the police and hope that he could get some kind of insanity plea.  So he could live in mental institution because he had severe mental problems.

2.  Before and during the trial, how would you have handled the situation if you were Laurie? Do you feel she made strong choices as a mother and a wife?  I would have broken completely down.  It would have been hard to know that your child is crazy violent.  You try your best to raise a responsible child and then it all falls apart.

3.  Is Andy a good father? Why or why not?  He loves his son that is clear.  I think deep down he knew his some committed the murder but he was so focused on defending him he refused to see the truth. I think part of being a good parent is always supporting your child but also calling them on it when they do things that are not right.

4.  Do you believe Jacob is guilty?  Hell yeah!!! In the beginning and the middle there are small doubts but at the end its apparent Jacob is guilty.

5.  Is Jacob a product of his upbringing?  Do you think he is a violent person because his environment makes him violent, or do you think he has violent inclinations from birth?  I think people are like a gumbo a variety of factors make they who they will become.  Biological elements are a huge part and we have no control over these.  Skin color, height, inclinations to be violent, kind, shy, talkative.  We have no control over these things.  Then throw these natural proclivities in with our surrounding environment which sometimes we have little control over also you have a recipe for a human being.   I believe you always have a choice in what you will become.  But negative biological and environmental inclinations are often insurmountable obstacles.   Also we must never use our situation as an excuse.  We must always push ourselves to be responsible human beings even if everything in our bodies seems to go against the society we find ourselves in.

14. The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

1.  What are the main themes in the story?
Choices...how important they are and how the wrong choice can lead to other wrong choices until you end up in a place you never expected.

2.  Do you think having "positive" role models as a child serves as a deterrent to a life of crime? Is what constitutes a "positive" role model the same for everyone or does it vary?  If everyone around you is doing right you are going to want to do right.  Positive role models give children an example of how they should be in this world where there is always someone trying to influence them.  A role model should lead by example with actions not with words.   Positive role models influence others to lead a life that is productive, crime free, and hopeful.

3. Oprah Winfrey has said that "when you hear this story, it's going to turn the way you think about free will and fate upside down."  So, which is it... freedom or determinism?  If determinism, what kind of determinism-God, cosmic fate, environment, biology, psychology?  Or if freedom, to what degree are we free to choose and create our own destiny?  I think who we become is like a gumbo with several different ingredients.  Throw in biology, environment, and a dash of free will and you make a person.  I believe our biological make up is a start to who we will become.  Things we have no control of like height, skin color, "beauty" according to society standards, disposition. These qualities influence our behavior.  Then mix in environment.  Those around us who serve as an example to who we should be and how we should act. Those who create a haven in a dark situation.  Or those who make a mansion feel like living in hell.  Environmental factors weigh heavily on us.  Making us more likely to act one way or another.  But free will is not totally absolved in the situation.  After all the environmental and biological influences are placed on us we still have to make the choice about how we should act and react to our situations.

13. The Untelling by Tayari Jones

I already made a review for this book answered some discussion questions and somehow it got deleted.  I'm not about to go through that again.  So I'm going right off my head.  The book was good even though it is my least favorite out of the the three books I've read by Ms. Tayari Jones. I think about dealing with life when it goes somewhere unexpected and the importance of family.   Her books are so easy to read they keep you entertained.  You shouldn't hold on to secrets and telling them will help you go forth.  

12. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

Sad sweet. The story of a father's failures. As he tries to be a good parent to one child he mistreats the other. The father is a complete prick. How he treats his daughter Dana is despicable. The sad part of the story is even though it is a work of fiction things like this happen everyday. I like the layers in Tayari's works. The interconnections the thread she weaves. What I learned: a little honesty goes a long way. Make connections in my work. What I've noticed about the two novels I read from her is she uses different point of views. Also, she uses historical references. I want to consider using these methods in my works.

11. There is No Dog by Meg Rosoff

What if God were a teenage boy whose main priority involved seducing his beautiful creations. It actually would make a lot of sense to the pessimist individuals out there. There is no creature alive more indifferent to the feelings of others then some teenage boys. Bob became God of Earth because his mother won it for him in a poker game. He then willfully neglects it as he searches the world for ladies he can have sex with. This is a very quirky novel that deals with a lot of heavy subject matter. What touches me the most is when Bob's pet Eck is sentenced to death because Bob mom dealt him away in a poker game. Eck asks the questions every person asks. Why are we born? Why was I created? Book started slow but got more interesting as it went along. 3.5 0ut of 5.

10. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

Heart and Soul is a book filled with brilliant illustrations from acclaimed artist Kadir Nelson. His artwork is amazing as it always is in his other works. The story was very informative although I didn't care for the narrative style Nelson presented in. It is presented as a woman telling a story I would have liked it was told strictly as a history. 3.2 out of 5.

9. Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman

Phineas Gage's horrible accident lead to a greater understanding of the brain. How it works and controls specific functions in our life. An iron bar went through his head knocking out part of his frontal lobe. His personality changed after the incident. He became indecisive, irritable, and short with people. He was unable to do his former job as a foreman. The book was insightful and showed how much are brains affect our emotional life. 3 out of 5.

8. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

The Lucky One is a sweet story about a man who went through war and believe he survived because of a picture that gave him luck. The picture is of a beautiful women. After he survives several close calls he goes on a journey to find this lady who has brought him luck. It is a very sweet story. Easy to read very engaging. The ending is expected and cheesy but overall it is a good read. 3.9 out of 5.

7. I Can't Think Straight by Shamim Sarif

The book would have been better if it didn't try to hard. It spreads itself thin trying to get everyone's point of view. I wish it would focus on Leyla and Tala's relationship instead of breaking off to focus on Tala's sisters. Its like what is the focus of the story. The main story is intriguing but its get buried in all the other narratives. 2.9 out of 5.

6. Landing by Emma Donoghue

Sweet and tender story about beginning love. Landing grabs your heart from the beginning. A sweet love story that reached into my soul. You cheer for their love even though they have to overcome distance to be together. Emma Donoghue's writing completely wraps you up in its voice. It does drag at some points but I think that's me instead of the writing. 4.5 out of 5.

5. The Client by John Grisham

John Grisham is a great story teller he knows how to keep the reader interested. The plot is so weak. The plot didn't make sense. Mark should have told the truth early on and got the deal. Around the end it just felt like a big waste of time. 2 out of 5.

4. The Litigators by John Grisham

Great story about what makes tort law good and what makes some people hate it. It's great when it bring justice to a victim of corporate mistakes. Mass tort is bad when lawyers are just looking for a payday. I love Grisham's character development. He gives you all sides of the situation makes you feel connected to the them. You get to see all aspects. His books almost always keep you hooked. Some books seem like work to get to the final page. Grisham's books flow easily. 4 out of 5.

3. The Associate by John Grisham

Great story idea but it falls short at the end. It's like the novel loses steam all of a sudden. It is left open which was probably by design. The book still is very engaging. It keeps the readers interest from beginning to end. Character development is great but the ending makes the development seem pointless. Good could have been better. 3.3 out of 5.

2. Bear, Otter, and the Kid by TJ Klune

Have to give it a 2.9 out of 5 but it could have been much higher. The story is great in the beginning. Klune develops the characters masterfully. Then around the middle of the book it all goes to hell. It gets overdramatic and drags. It becomes predictable and characters seem to appear only to prolong the story. It is a good story until he f's it up. What I've learned: Don't let the story drag. Don't be overdramatic. Start strong and finish strong.

1. The Caretaker's Daughter by Gabrielle Goldsby

2 out of 5 stars. The Caretaker's Daughter is filled with drama from beginning to end. It is entertaining in some parts but mostly it is too long. Lots of material could have been left on cutting room floor. It was okay no where near great. The book got predictible with everything coming to head in one room. What I learned: Don't be predictable. Don't put unnecessary stuff in book.