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.