Reading Response #3 : A New Dawn

Even though my last response was on this same book (A New Dawn), every chapter is written by a different author, which makes each chapter interesting and unique in their own way. The chapter I just finished is by K.A Nuzum. Nuzum does a great job by capturing the readers attention and making them want more. More similes that are compared to real life things, more mystery, more wondering, more Twilight.  Nuzum provides the reader, or in this case myself, with information making you want to believe what you're reading. Information like how Edward is a monster or how Meyer's werewolves aren't the traditional ones you usually here about.

Nuzum includes little details backing up her thoughts. When you first read it, you don't think about it as much as you do after reading about how the fact is true. For example, Nuzum brings up how instead of the werewolves in Twilight being compelled to kill humans, they are compelled to protect them. When reading this, I read it like I already knew this. I've realized that the werewolves of course aren't the type of werewolves that pop in your mind when you hear the word werewolves, but Meyer creates her characters differently than what most people would expect.  Nuzum compares Meyer in this chapter in a very great way. "She has given them the ability to exist in mythic time as monsters and to reclaim their humanity in historic time". I agree with her on this statement. Meyer does something in her books many authors don't do. She does exactly what she wants to do, the way she wants to. I think Meyer doesn't believe in following the rules. If there were a book about how werewolves act around humans, Meyer wouldn't make her werewolves be similar to that, which is why I enjoyed her series. She is different.

Overall, I've liked reading this chapter because of the certain attributes that Nuzum has brought to my attention. When reading this section, I really felt like she was talking to me, the reader. So far, this is my favorite chapter yet!

A New Dawn Nonfiction Response #2

       I'm currently reading, A New Dawn, a book  created by a series of different authors writing their thoughts about The Twilight Saga. As me being me, once I read Twilight, I couldn't stop. Each and every author brings up something new to my attention. The smallest details that I never noticed slowly become true.
     In the first chapter I read by Susan Vaught, Vaught wrote about how one of the main characters, Edward Cullen, fits 6/7 of the criteria for being a ssociopath. When reading this, I slowly retraced all of these moments and examples she wrote about of how Edward could possibly be a sociopath. After reading this section, I wasn't upset at all because after all, I'm not a big fan of Edward which is why when I read the blurb, picked this book up. This book really attracted me the most because of the blurb: Is Edward a romantic or a (really hot) sociopath? Why does Alice care so much about celebrating Bella's birthday? Who would you rather date: the guy who thirsts for your blood or the guy who drinks out of the toilet? And after reading this blurb I tried to make my own answers for these questions. After I tried, I realized there isn't much of an right or wrong answer for any of these questions. It really just depends on your thoughts and opinions about each character. As soon as I read more, I starting leaning towards and believing everything this book brought to my attention. Small scenes that happen in the book Twilight. When reading books we don't make assumptions like "Edward could possibly be a sociopath," but when we read books like this, the details form a puzzle of how these things can be true.
      This book brings these details that when we read we should be doing. When reading, we never think about these small details. These small details are what usually matter most. Fan girls of the Twilight Saga Series get into this crazy world of Team Edward or Team Jacob, and like myself, read every book at least 3 times. The thing is, we love the series so much and know so much about these characters, but it seems that we really don't know enough to realize details like these.

Nonfiction Reading Response #1

Nonfiction Reading Response

After reading the article "Have Phoebe Prince's Bullies Suffered Enough?" by Jessica Bennett, I've learned how far bullying could sometimes go. Phoebe Price was a 15-year-old girl who hung herself in January 2010. After learning how she hung herself, my heart opened up to her. I can't imagine how her parents and siblings must of felt. If I were them, I would be devastated. "What appear to be the worst of their crimes involved repeated taunts of "whore" and "Irish slut" (Phoebe had immigrated from Ireland); threats to "beat Phoebe up"; and, on the day of her death, a crumpled soda can tossed toward her from the window of a moving car, which left Phoebe in tears (Bennett 1). According to the article "Have Phoebe Prince's Bullies Suffered Enough?,when Phoebe got home that afternoon, she texted a friend: "I can’t do it anymore." At 4:30 p.m., her sister found her body, hanging from the scarf she'd given her for Christmas. (Bennett 1)

I think author wants her readers to think about how serious bullying can really be. Whether it's physical bullying, cyber bullying , or emotional bullying, it's hurtful. Phoebe has suffered the bullying since her freshman year in South Hadley, her high school. According to "Have Phoebe Prince's Bullies Suffered Enough? (Bennett 1), students Ashley Longe and Sharon Velasquez engaged in what then-DA Scheibel described as a "nearly three-month campaign" of verbal assault and physical threats against Phoebe. 

I can understand how much Phoebe was hurt. She was torn apart. Everyone has those horrible days, but she had them everyday for a while. If something is wrong, let someone know. A parent, teacher, friend, or sibling. I think the author wants us readers to truly understand how serious bullying is. Bullying can be taken to a whole other level. Bullying is wrong, hurtful, mean, and even selfish in a way. Selfish because words or hurting someone could lead to making them make choices such as commenting suicide. I think more schools should have stricter rules about bullying. 

This article has changed my view towards bullying. I learned the severity of bullying and how easily it can change someones life. This article has made me  appreciate that I have people I can tell anything to and a safe-friendly school. This reminds me of when I read an article about a girl who committed suicide in 2012. After I read about that I was very sad. Many people commit suicide because of bullying. I think bullying should be stopped. It just takes one person at a time.

Work Cited

Bennett, Jessica. "Have Phoebe Prince's Bullies Suffered Enough?" The Daily Beast. Newsweek/Daily Beast, 06 May 2011. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.

Reading Response #10, Choosing our Own Focus

I'm currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My focus I choose was how Aibileen's owner, Mrs. Leefolt  decided that Aibileen was no longer allowed to use the same bathroom as her family. I chose this focus because I think Aibileen should've said something. I think if Minny, her friend was in her spot, she would've said something. Aibileen always stays quiet, and I wish in certain situations, she didn't.

Mrs. Leefolt came up with this idea from Mrs. Hilly, another lady from the Benefit that the ladies did. She convinced her to make a separate bathrrom for Aibileen to have when she had to use the restroom. She did this because Mrs. Hilly put in her mind that sharing ANY bathroom in the house with a black person was disgusting. I think that in a way this is unfair to Aibileen because Mrs. Leefolt doesn't even use the guest room bathroom. Aibileen always cleans the bathroom after anyone uses it, so whats the point?Mrs. Hilly told Mrs. Leefolt that black people carry diseases and that a white person could easily catch it. Mrs. Hilly said she wants a law requiring white people to build outside bathrooms that their black employees must use.

In conclusion, I think that its unfair the way some white ladies treat their slaves. Especially how Mrs. Leefolt actually did it.  One lady at the Leefolt house, Skeeter said " "Maybe we ought to just build you a bathroom outside, Hilly" Skeeter asked Aibileen that day, "what do you think about them going to make you a bathroom?" Aibileen never got to answer but I think she should have. Skeeter would of listened to everything she would've said. I think Mrs. Leefolt should pay Aibileen a little more respect. Aibileen does everything for her. Cleans, cooks, watches her daughter. What more could she ask for?

Critical Thinking Question #2, Reading Response #9

SOCIAL ISSUE QUESTION: Is this story fair? Why/why not?

BOOK: Girls against Girls by Bonnie Burton.

I recently finish Girls against Girls by Bonnie Burton. I strongly agree with everything in this book. The author explains everything that does really happen to us girls.  I do think this story is fair. The author gives a reasoning to everything she states. For example, if Burton states her idea about something, she will give a few reasons of why the person does what they do. The author gives tips and how to react to certain problems. Not only do I think this book is, but it's also very helpful. It's a good source and "turn to book," especially if you need help or have a question about something. 


Another example is when Burton has a topic on Verbal Abuse. She talks about the topic in general. Then how it works and why the person does it, why it sucks, ad what to do. She even gives real peoples advice/quotes. The story is very fair and has many interesting facts. I think its good for girls themselves to read books like these because many issues/problems that come up in the book, happen in everyday life.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. My opinion is that this book is fair. In the book, there is real scientific theories about why we act the way we do, our war tactics, steps to take things when they get out of hand, and advice on how to band together.This book really highlights things that girls should truly understand. These are all of the reasons why this book is very helpful and fair. Make sure you check this book out!

Critical Thinking Question- Reading Response #8

Girls Against Girls by Bonnie Burton

Critical Thinking Question- How does this book help you to think about social issues you care about or causes you are committed to?

         I’m reading Girls Against Girls by Bonnie Burton. This book discusses many issues I am aware about. One problem that comes across in the book is gossip. Gossip is an important issue I feel strongly about. Everyone some point in life comes across gossip. Sometimes you might not even know its considered gossip. For example, ‘I don’t like her shirt.’ This to you might just be a comment or opinion, but is also really considered gossip. You have to be careful about what you say. That's where ‘think before you speak’ comes in. I think this book highlights gossip really well. Gossip is something that sometimes just comes out of our big mouths.

         I personally love that we are doing a reading response on a question/s we come across everyday. On page 36, the author states “Gossiping always seems like fun---- when it sabot other people.” I agree with this because us girls sometimes don't know how to keep our mouths shut. Gossiping for all girls in general becomes a habit. Girls in general like to bond, and the way we do it most of the time, is by talking.

         This book doesn't only explain gossiping as an issue. It also included scenarios that really happen and I can definitely relate to most of them. It included subjects such as gossiping, bullying (cyber and verbal), dumping (a best friend for another), and many other topics teens or any people can relate to. Us girls should stick together and not go against each other.

Social Awareness Writing Project

  Song Inspiration- Selena Gomez & The Scene - Who Says

The song "Who Says" by Selena Gomez & The Scene is such an inspirational song. Each lyric is so powerful and meaningful. I believe the message/problem that Selena Gomez was trying to bring across was to always love yourself the way that you are. In the song, Gomez sings about how she would never want to be anybody else, and how she loves herself as is.  She is basically saying everyone is beautiful in their own way.

"I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.
I’m no beauty queen
I’m just beautiful me
You’ve got every right
To a beautiful life
C'mon"

This song is really amazing especially how it can boost up your self-esteem. When Selena says 'I’m no beauty queen, I’m just beautiful me' this makes me think that she has a lot of confidence. When listening to this song you're confidence can really increase. In this song, I feel like Selena is going into every girl's life and each lyric is a part of their lives and how they feel. This song makes me feel that you should always love yourself, no matter what.

Original POEM

My poem is about stopping bullying. Bullying is very known issue, here in the U.S.A. Bullying includes cyber bullying, Physlcal bullying and even emotional bullying. It is important for all students to understand that bullying does not have to be a normal part of childhood. All forms of bullying are harmful to the bully, the victim, and to witnesses.

Impact on Victims: Children who are bullied are at risk of the following:

◦                                         Anxiety

◦                                         Loneliness

◦                                         Low self-esteem

◦                                         Poor social self-competence

◦                                         Depression

◦                                         Psychosomatic symptoms

◦                                         Social withdrawal

◦                                         Physical health complaints

◦                                         Running away from home

◦                                         Alcohol and drug use

◦                                         Suicide

◦                                         Poor academic performance

Bullying is a very important social awareness issue that needs to be stopped. If you are getting bullied or know someone who is, you should always let a parent, teacher, or even friend know.

Sources-

 http://www.caction.org/CAN-Research/Reports/2011/bullying%20%20texans%20care%20for%20children.pdf

·    Gossiping

·    Fake Friendships

·    Racism

·    Bullying

·    Pollution

·    Poverty

·    Cheating

·    Lying

·    Disrespect

·    Secret-telling

·    Dishonesty

Issue Chosen:

As a teenager myself, I hear gossip going around all the time. One issue many teenagers come across everyday is gossip. Who started it? Who is it about? Why they started it? Gossiping is wrong and can be very hurtful. Don't ever make up stuff that isn’t true. Even if you know its true, don't talk behind peoples backs. Especially your own friends. Gossiping is bad and most of the time can be unforgettable and unforgivable.  False rumors and gossip can ruin some ones school year. Even if you were joking, joking like that deserves a serious consequence.

Gossiping is also done online, which in some cases is considered cyber bullying. Don't make fun of someone, if you don't want them doing it to you. Bullying isn’t a joke. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes before you make up something. When people tell you something that's personal, it’s meant to stay between you and the person.

Source-

http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/rumors/article5.html