Blog Post Number Five: Just Ella

This Week I have begun reading Just Ella by the well known author Margaret Peterson Haddix.  Originally, I thought I would continue my reading of The Host, but I decided I would rather read this title instead. 

The setting of my new novel Just Ella takes place a long time ago, when monarchs still ruled most of the world.  The location is in a kingdom where Ella, the main character, is soon to become a princess.  So far in this book, most of the events take place inside the castle where we discover that this isn't a very happy home.  From the quote on page 11 Ella examines her surroundings.  She notices, "Sunlight streamed in through the one high, narrow window, doing its best to brighten the dark room.  I hadn't known this, having stepped foot in a castle only once before I came to stay for good, but castles are dim, gloomy places, full of shadows even at noon on the brightest day."

In the above line we learn that Ella isn't very happy with the setting she is currently in.  I believe that eventually Ella will be tired of where she is and venture somewhere new.  The way the author creates visuals is so powerful, that it even makes me want Ella to go somewhere else, so that I don't need to be stuck in this grey castle anymore either.

Blog Post Number 4: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Throughout this week I finished the second novel I am currently reading, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  One of the things I noticed while reading, is that the main character, Charlie, has good and bad qualities, and although he is a very genuine being, there are definitely things that Charlie needed to work on. 

First of all, Charlie was a very accepting person.  He didn't mind hanging out with outcasts like most freshmen do, and didn't judge others based on their opinions and emotions.  For example, when he learns about his good friend Patrick's sexual orientation, he isn't fazed at all.  Charlie accepts Patrick for who he his, always being their for Patrick when he needs him.  Another admirable thing about Charlie, is that he loves his family, not afraid to admit his love in front of others.  This may seem like a very simple task, but in reality a lot of people in high school do not show that they love their parents, and go against what parents want them to do. 

However, something Charlie doesn't do well of is that he never voices his own opinion, and not telling secrets that really need to be told.  For example, when his sister's boyfriend hits her, he promises to not tell their parents.  He obviously should have told her parents though, because that was a serious issue and wasn't okay.  The boy needed to be punished for what he did, and Charlie got in the way of that.  Another way he doesn't voice his opinion is by not telling Mary Elizabeth that he really isn't interested in dating her.  If he would have been honest about his feelings in the beginning, than in turn, nobody would have gotten hurt from that situation. 

This relates to my life well because I also have good and bad traits.  One of these good traits is that I do like to voice my opinion and let others know when I am uncomfortable in any sort of situation.  However, one of my bad traits is that I have a hard time being kind to people, when they aren't so kind to me.  I believe I really need to start working on being able to be cordial with people that I don't particularly like, and not let their rudeness get to me. 

Blog Post Number 3: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

While I'm reading The Host I'm also reading the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  I am almost halfway through and have developed a symbol that I believe clearly represents each character in the book. 

For Charlie, (The main character) I have decided a symbol that best represents him is a clear, glass vase.  I chose this item because it broken easily, just like Charlie.  He is extremely fragile and it only takes the littlest thing to upset him.  Also, in general, something clear represents purity, and Charlie seems to be very innocent, not wanting to hurt anyone.  All he wants is for everyone to be happy, causing no harm. 

For Sam, I have chosen a rock as her symbol.  I picked this because she is a very accepting person of Charlie and like a rock, which can not talk, she listens to Charlie and allows him to voice his opinion and his true emotions, which normally he isn't able to do. 

For Patrick, I believe his symbol is a bullet because he is so outgoing and loud.  He brings energy to every situation and is not befuddled by what people think.  He doesn't change for anyone and just does what he feels is right.  He's on his own path just like a bullet is when it shoots out of a gun. 

And finally, I think Charlie's sister represents a lamb.  A lamb symbolizes the epitome of forgiveness which is when you forgive whoever, whenever, whatever.  This isn't always a good thing though.  For example, when her boyfriend punches her in the face she lets it go, which was by no means the right thing to do.  She should have broken up with him and moved on with her life, but like a lamb she forgave and put up with him.