Links

Astorino

http://itisyouchoice.blogspot.com/
http://fictionsmyaddiction.blogspot.com

Callahagn
http://www.mybestfriendsaremybooks.blogspot.com/

The Great Gatsby

Wow! That’s the first thing I would like to say about the Great Gatsby by  F. Scott Fitzgerald . The fact that we saw the movie too, made me love it even more. I think the reason why so many students liked the book was because how much time our teachers spent in explaining it. We learn about not only the characters and plot, but the inside details in the setting and the hidden symbols.

            To be honest, I loved this book because it wasn’t about war or about different cultures. For example, freshman year, we read The Good Earth. That was probably the book I disliked the most. But seriously, I think if your teacher had a passion for the novel, than the class discussion would be so much better.

            I remember when I first started reading The Great Gatsby. I instantly fell in love with it. Not only was it short, but it was amazing. It had drama, romance, and action. It truly was a tragedy. Jay tried with all his power and money to get Daisy back, but at the end, all that didn’t matter. He couldn’t accept that although Daisy loved and loves him, she still loved Tom as well. Not only was the book amazing, I love how dramatic the movie was! It was way better than the older version. This makes sense because obviously technology has improved since then. It was pretty cool that the teachers made it a senior class trip. I enjoyed that very much.  

                       

Readers' Choice

            Throughout my high school years, I have always enjoyed English classes, although I’m not a very good writer. Some of the books were awesome, while others were just dead awful. When I actually started to understand Shakespeare, I realized how much I loved it and still wish we spoke like he did. Then came the class Readers’ Choice. I still recall the first day. I laugh because I remembered my teaching stating, “You do have to read in this class, that is why it’s called Readers’ Choice”. All the juniors transferred out after they heard that. 

            Many students have mix emotions about the class, some better than others. I for one enjoyed it very much. The best thing about it is that you get to pick your own books. No more boring novels. Even when we had to pick a book out of our comfort zone, I still enjoyed it. Students complain about the assignments given but it sure beats taking quizzes and tests every couple of weeks. It was a very liberal class. What I mean by this is that the students had many choices. They didn’t have to pick just one genre; you had a range. Like I mentioned before, the assignments could be a boost on your grade, since they are worth a test grade, or a killer. In all honesty though, it wasn’t hard. Just do it and don’t complain. But I understand because we are seniors and school is almost over. I understand why there were assignments and other assessments. Without them, it couldn’t have been a class. Grades can’t just be on book talks or class discussions.  

           

            Overall, it was an awesome class! A little effort and you’ll have no problems. It was a great way to end the year although our class choice read Every Man by Philip Roth is a little depressing. Our class is hilarious and our teacher is amazing. Last English class as a senior, which is a little sad but still a great experience.

The Experience of Reading on a Nook

            I had use an E-reader before Readers’ Choice, but probably only once during the summer. When I started using it more, I realized how much more I liked it. Compared to a book, I’m kind of neutral. The Nook is easier to hold, especially compared to when reading a thick book like 11/22/63 by Stephen King. The reader does not have the hassle of going to Barnes and Nobles to purchase the book; they have the convenience of buying it right when they want it. (One thing I must confess is how much I love going to Barnes and Nobles and spending hours looking through books.) I also noticed that by reading on the Nook, I tend to enjoy the book more. In other words, I don’t notice how much more I have left until I finish the book. Yes, on an E-reader it gives a percentage or the pages left, but it’s not the same when the person physically sees how much more they have until the end.
             What I do miss though is not having the actual book to add to my bookshelf. You’re probably thinking this is weird, but it’s true. Over a certain period of time, I like to review or count how many books I’ve read since the last time I checked. On the nook, you do have a mini library but it isn’t the same.

  

            Earlier on, I mentioned how I’m in the middle on whether I had to pick between the Nook and an actual book. I still don’t know; it depends. When I travel, I always bring my nook because it is easier to carry. Also, when I’m on the beach or something, I don’t have to worry about the pages getting wrinkled or bent. One of the things I love most is how I can change the front whenever I want to. In the past, I would constantly hear my mom complaining on how she wanted to purchase a book but the front was way too small. I can totally relate because when the same problem would happen, I would get upset. It’s annoying reading small front and getting dizzy or losing track on what you were reading. Another thing I enjoy is how in an E-reader, I can highlight and add notes. If you’re like me, you don’t like writing on books, especially if it was expensive or is a classic.
             So I guess you can say I’m truly an in the middle. It’s kind of cheating, I know. Although I love technology, I hope that in the future we still have the choice between purchasing a book and buying it on the E-reader. What do you think? Please, leave any comment down below.