Catcher in the Rye #2

I'm gonna just put it out there, I have no idea how to start this post. I mean, I keep trying to start it off in an interesting way, but it just isn't working out. Maybe it's because I'm breath taken by the book "Catcher in the Rye" written by "J.D Salinger". This book is filled with so much emotion and so many thought-proking sentences/chapters and it's just so, amazing. Honestly. I mean, you truly go on a journey with Holden, he's a very interesting character. I know for sure, that I did. There is so much that Holden goes through, and in some way, shape or form you end up feeling for him.

In most stories, the character changes in a somewhat positive way, whether it's becoming a stronger person, changing the way the look at the world, the decisions they may make, or who they want to be. Though, in "Catcher in the Rye", Holden gets weaker, instead of getting stronger. I feel like he regresses back to a child-like state of mind. He tries to avoid his parents and he feels like the only person he can talk to is his 10 year-old sister.Although Holden doesn't change too much (in a positive way) throughout the story, I can understand why. He definitely goes through a lot. He's a teenager in the midst of (trying) to become an adult and cope with life. One thing that definitely has some impact on the way Holden lives is the fact that he is always feeling betrayed.Holden constantly feels betrayed, and that is a possible cause of his problems. Stradlater betrays Holden by dating his best friend, Jane, who Holden also had a crush on. When Holden returns home to see Phoebe, she is disappointed that he failed out of Pency. He thinks that she should accept him unconditionally, so he feels betrayed. All of this betrayal led Holden to think that everyone was a phony. And it's probably why he's iffy when it comes to relationships. He's afraid of betrayal and he doesn't want to have to tolerate anymore of it. The way Holden looks at the people around him, basically society, isn't really healthy. He doesn't learn to build relationships with anyone, because he is too caught up with the idea of everyone being a phony, when Holden is really the only phony. He feels that no one understands him and that everyone is a "phony". He thinks that no one is honest, and everybody wants to be something else. He feels that the only person who understands him is Phoebe. He does not have relationships with girls, or anyone because he feels that he is the only non-"phony" person in the world. Throughout the whole novel, differs from society which results in his rebellious nature. Holden does not have any friends and cannot keep relationships. This is because he finds and exaggerates any negative aspect of all the people he knows or meets. This can be seen when Holden cannot keep his relationship with his girlfriend Sally. Holden also rebels because he feels that all adults are phonies. Holden believes that these phonies are people who try to be something that they are not. Usually the mark of a phony is the desire for material goods. This is because people usually want these possessions in order to impress others and become something they are not. This is why Holden can only connect with his younger sister Phoebe. On the other hand his older brother D.B. is a living example of a phony. This is because D.B. was a writer, who became a playwright in order to become more common with the public.

Although Holden doesn't change too much (in a positive way) throughout the story, I can understand why. He definitely goes through a lot. He's a teenager in the midst of (trying) to become an adult and cope with life. One thing that definitely has some impact on the way Holden lives is the fact that he is always feeling betrayed. Holden constantly feels betrayed, and that is a possible cause of his problems. Early in the novel, Mr. Spencer betrays him. He was one of the few teachers at Pency that Holden liked. Spencer broke the news of Holden's expulsion, and Holden felt betrayed. Stradlater betrays Holden by dating his best friend, Jane, whom Holden also had a crush on. When Holden returns home to see Phoebe, she is disappointed in him that he failed out of Pency. He thinks that she should accept him unconditionally, so he feels betrayed. All of this betrayal led Holden to think that everyone was a phony. And it's probably why he's iffy when it comes to relationships. He's afraid of betrayal and he doesn't want to have to tolerate anymore of it.

When I thought about what J.D. SAlinger was trying to say about childhood and adulthood, I really couldn't think of one strong, well thought-out answer. I guess my answer to this question would be the ways of society are set, and no one can change them. In the end of the book, when Holden hears the "Catcher in the Rye" song being sung by a little boy, he decides that he wants to be the person that keeps children from falling off a cliff. That cliff symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood, and he wants to keep them as innocent children, not phony adults. In some ways, I feel like this is good, everyone should be allowed to possess innocence, but on the other hand, everyone must grow up. The world wouldn't function the same if everyone was all about innocence. It may make the world more forgiving and relaxing, yeah it would, but things wouldn't get done, and it would be unhealthy for society. Another thing that J.D. Salinger is trying to say is that we must deal with the ways of our society in order not to exclude ourselves from it. Holden can't/has a hard time dealing with the ways of his society, and it makes him exclude himself from society. *****SPOILER ALERT*****

As we all know, Holden ends up in a mental hospital at the end of the story. He was retelling a flashback that led up to him in this mental hospital. This only proves that he has a hard time dealing with society. *****SPOILER ALERT ENDS***** People are sent to mental hospitals when society thinks that they cannot handle being around other people and/or functioning normally.

Although I will admit, I didn't jump for joy to read this book each day, but I really did enjoy reading it. It changed the way I look at the word phonies for sure. Everything about this book fell together so well, it was just a really great experience. (:

- Keiame Lee Chong

Catcher in the Rye

For a child, becoming older is so exciting. Children, tweens, teens, all desire becoming older. It has such an impact on the way our life works. I can say for myself that most of the time, I mingle with kids my age, instead of reaching out to all ages. One of the first things commonly said when you meet someone is "How old are you?". Adults, (seem to) look at things differently though. I mean, when's the last time you've seen your parents meet someone and they ask how old that person is. It's not usual for my parents. On top of that, my mother has told me never to ask an adult how old they are, because it's rude. I feel like age is so important in the beautifully written "Cather in the Rye". Along with age, comes becoming a more responsible and mature person. But I think that the time when you do become an adult, is different for everyone. Right now, is a time to be free, and immature though, you have to know yourself when it's time to stop.

The story begins with seventeen-year-old Holden Caulfield jumping right in. He's got a lot of attitude, speaks his mind and he doesn't seem like a "typical" character. That's something I like about him. The fact that the beginning of this story wasn't cliche. There's nothing worse than a cliche story. He starts talking about "this madman stuff" that happened to him "around last Christmas." His story begins on a December Saturday at Pencey Prep School in Pennsylvania, where he's just been kicked out for failing all his classes except English. Turns out, this has happened to Holden in the past numerous times.

In my opinion Mr.Spencer is one of the characters that influences Holden the most, and even though he isn't an active part of Holden's life, I feel like he left a good mark on Holden. We are introduced to Mr.Spencer in the middle of Chapter 2. He's old and wrinkly, and everything about his room seems to bother Holden. But Mr.Spencer seems to really care about Holden, and Holden seems to feel the same. I mean, Mr.Spencer is the only teacher that he goes back to see, despite the fact that he hates Mr.Spencers room, he's old and "annyoing", and "he talks too much". I really love the conversation that they have, though, it was so much stronger than a "Goodby, Farewell, Adios" type of thing. Mr.Spencer asks Holden

"Do you feel absolutely no concern for your future, boy?" (and Holden replies)

"Oh, I feel some concern for my future. Sure I do. Sure."

(Mr.Spencer) "You will. You will, boy, when it's too late."

I don't know why that stood out to me so much. It just, seems so, I don't know important. It seems like he cares. He's telling him in secrecy, that Holden needs to be more concerned and interested in his future. Another part of the conversation that I really love is:

"I'd like to see you put some sense into that head of yours' boy. I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to help you if I can."

"Look sir, don't worry about me," I said. "I mean it. I'll be alright. I'm just going through a phase right now. Everybody goes through phases and all, don't they?"

This quote stand out too, because it shows that he knows that this is not an adulty manner. He knows that he has to change, or at least knows that he's going through a phase. He's becoming of age. He's becoming of age, but slowly, you've got a lot to learn before you can "become of age" and end up as an adult.

Holden has internal conflicts. And I think that's mostly because he's struggling to find himself. He got kicked out of his school, his brother Allie died, and his other brother D.B. is (unlike him) very successful. These things most likely factor into why he can't find himself. It's his surroundings that keeps him from finding himself. He believes that there is no one that's good for him and he considers almost every person he sees a "phony". I don't think that he has problems with the way he looks, but I feel like he is trying to prove something to someone by drinking and smoking, etc. All in all, his problems aren't that severe. I mean, doesn't everyone have some problems?

In my opinion, this story is amazingly crafted and very well written, and everything seems to fall into "place" at the right time. So far, this book has been interesting, as I can only remember one time thinking to myself that I was bored. I can't wait to continue the journey with Holden.

-Keiame Lee-Chong 813

William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Meets Film

What's so spectacular about Romeo and Juliet? It's been "shown" in so many different forms/ways. The form that struck me the most, is the film by Bahz Luhrman. It's has a modern "look" but somehow was able to stick with the original Shakespeare "language" and still be amazing. Even while reading the actual script, I think about this film. This film has even helped me understand what's going on in each act of the book. If you haven't seen this film, I recommend you do! Especially, if you're a big Shakespeare fan!

Romeo and Juliet is story about two young lovers. They experience "love at first sight". I for one don't believe in "love at first sight", however, I do know that there are many people that do. Either way, this book is a great example of deep, strong and true love.

The book, does not interest me as much as the film does. I mean, that's obvious. But there are reasons. And I'm going to explain them.

The Look:

"design a classical contemporary world" --- "the year would be impossible to place"--- The story is brought together by the "look". It's a world that you can't put your finger on. You can't say this is present day. Or this looks like the 1900's. And if you can, then Catherine Martin didn't do her job well. "Classical contemporary"- an ancient-modern time. a time that is modern, yet still pertains to the past. I feel like this is the "look" of the film.

The Language:

"collaged signs, symbols and imagery from the twentieth century to clarify for contemporary audiences who was who and how this world worked"--- The film was so "amazing" because it had a modern look but a classic feel-if that even makes sense- the language was original; kept the same. So even though the look was more modern, the language stuck true to it's Shakespeare roots! (:

Those are the two reasons I enjoyed this movie more than reading the book.

Just Another Sarah Dessen Book

I honestly wasn't thrilled about having to write a blog-post tonight, and not because I hate blogging- but because I've gotten used to having to write a post on something specific. Meaning, I had to actually think of something to write about. I could sit here for hours, just trying to figure out what to write about. In fact, this is my 4th time changing the topic of my post. Sad, isn't it? And I really just stared stupidly at my screen trying to think of what to say next. So anyway, I decided to make this post on my view of how love is always incorporated into and shown in different ways in Sarah Dessen's books.

I am currently reading the book Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. I'm not that far into it, (page 115) but so far, this story revolves around a girl named Annabel who last summer apparently lost everything; her friends, her sisters and her life... the picture perfect life; a loving family, beautiful appearance, but on the inside it is a different story. Her two ex-best friends hate her. Clarke, hates Annabel but stays to herself. Sophie though, calls her something new each time she see's her. "Slut." "Whore.". Just one word. But so powerful. Words that have brought her down. So much, that she eats lunch alone. In silence. But only a couple of feet away from Owen. The guy that's judge each time he takes another step into the future. But then, when Annabel- Wait, no. I can't spoil it for you. Read it yourself. (:

Cliche. I know. But, it's just another Sarah Dessen book. And even though, all of her books all have to do with love, her books all have more depth. For example, this story is about music. Music and Love. Somehow, finding love is always incorporated into the story. In this story, the guy she meets has an obsession for music. Something, that she never cared too much about. It's the one thing that stands out in this story. Music, is seriously one of my inspirations. And some of the things said in this book, have left me breathless. They're so true. Here's one of them:

"I mean, when you think about it," he continued, "music is the greater uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common" I nodded, not sure what to say to this.

Maybe it's just me, but I think that this is so true. It has so much meaning, so much depth. But, anyway, as I was saying, love is always incorporated into her stories. In "Lock and Key" love is weaved into this book. Standing up for yourself, and love.

I think Dessen does this on purpose. I think she's trying to get a point across. Love comes in all different shapes and forms. Different things can spread love around the world. Whether it's music or standing up for yourself.

Remarkable, Amazing Blogs.

Before I start, I want to say that, I believe that everyone has an amazing blog. But, I picked out 3 that really stood out to me.

1. Amanda's Stunning Post "If No One Stops Me" really stood out to me. There are multiple reasons why, but the main reasons I picked this post are:

1. She gives a brief re-tell of the book. Her re-tell is perfect. It's short and on the point. Not long at all, and it gives you a good idea of what the post is going to be based on.

2. She has very well structured paragraphs and she stays on topic.

3. She included a hotline, so she wasn't just telling you "This isn't good, you shouldn't do it", she was actually helping you make a move, to actually do something.

4. She connected to herself, and a song. In the very beginning of the post she explained how she felt a about a certain part of the book. She included a connection she made to a song called "Leave Before the Lights Come on". She even included a link. Another place where she doesn't just tell about how good this song is or how it reminds her of this story, she actually tells you to go listen to it yourself.

5. I've read this book and loved it, so it was easy for me to relate. I had a very deep connection to this paragraph. "This was so confusing. Honestly, if I knew anyone was considering suicide I'd stop them. I don't care who it is, I would try to save their life, wouldn't you? Even the person I hate the most I would try to stop her/him from dying- from taking their own life. Maybe thats all some people need, just another person telling them not to do it, not to end their life. To know their needed or wanted may just be enough." I had the same reaction when I read that part in the book. It was a shocking. Heartbreaking. Disappointing. I mean, a guidance counselor is the person that you should be able to go to if you don't have a someone at home that can help you.

2. Zarrin's Inspiring Posts.

Zarrin always keeps me on the edge of my seat. She has a great and strong voice in her writing. You can tell she really puts thought and effort into her work. She always exceeds the "3 paragraph standard land" and her paragraphs still always have meaning. Her posts are thought provoking, because she often adds deep meaningful questions and uses a "rich" vocabulary. She includes her favorite moments from the book. She also added a number for cutting. (1-800-dontcut)

3. Last but not least, One Post that I really loved a lot by Gigi.

This is a really old post but I love it a lot. I mean first off, this post stands out because of the bright colors Gigi used in this post. I also really loved the title for this post, and I thought it was really meaningful. Her second paragraph, had tons of meaning because I felt it explained her story with the book. Her third paragraph was also really good because she added who she thought this would be a good book for, which not many people do, and now I have an urge to add that in one of my posts.

I stay in the woods

Where I'm excepted

And loved.

Where I'm wanted for me,

The person I truly am.

I stay in the woods

Where I'm respected

And cared for.

Where the pain I have

Can go away

I stay in the woods

Where I can smile and laugh,

after all I've been through.

You've just got to remember

It's okay to be different.

You can join me in the woods.

You're welcome to stay.

Chloe VS Gretchen

In the beginning of the story, Happyface is in madly in love with Chloe. He loves everything about her; her hair, her eyes, her smile, the way she laughs. EVERYTHING. Everything would've been ideal and great, if Happyface didn't have to move to Crest Falls. But most importantly, it would have been great if Chloe didn't reject Happyface and they lived happily ever after, but then the story would be cliche and boring. Instead, Happyface is dragged into his 2 bedroom apartment that he lives in with his mom. At first, he hates Crest Falls. He hates the people and the neighborhood. Worst of all, he hates his life. I'm sure everyone can relate to this. Hating life. Sometimes, you just do. It's almost naturally. He hates everything until, he goes to school. And spots a girl named Gretchen. He thinks that she is so pretty. She has a lot of features that Chloe has, which is a plus for him. She's like the Chloe that mighit except him.

Chloe was only featured in the book for like 15 pages. I, or any other reader, would not be able to learn much about Chloe, other than the fact that Happyface hates her. I'm not sure if everyone is like this, but whenever the main character hates someone, I hate that person too. Chloe seemed pretty average, to me. According to Happyface, she was the world.

After moving to Crest Falls, Happyface was depressed. That is, until he saw Gretchen on the bus. She was "beautiful, sitting in the light and reading her book." At first, she seemed like all of the others, ignored.

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Sometimes, The Cover Means A Lot.

I'm tried something new. Yesterday, to be exact. I went to our classroom library to check out a new book. It's always a challenge for me to find a book that I will actually enjoy reading. I usually go for Sarah Dessen - or "girly" books. However, this time I chose a book that I assumed I wouldn't love but would be able to "get by" with. This booked is called "Happyface". Happyface was written by Stephen Emond. It is supposed to be the journal of "Happyface"(the main character) and it feels like one. Mostly because there are pictures, and are documented as if there entries.

Before, I say anything else, I want to say that I find it strange that "Happyface" doesn't have a name. He's just called Happyface. Happyface is about a boy that is cool, in the present. But, in the past, he was a loser; "a resident of Lonelyland". This book takes you from when he didn't fit in to now, when everyone wants to be like him. So far, the only characters that have been introduced are Everett, (his older brother) his dad, and his mother. Everett, is "usually cool" but sometimes a "jerk". Everett always starts fights with "Happyface" and "usually" wins. "Happyface" believes that his dad wants him to be more like Everett. Chloe, is the last character that was brought up in the story. Even though, Chloe is his best friend, "Happyface" is in love with her. She's a "goddess" to her, but is too nervous to tell her.

The cover is what stood out to me. It's actually what caught my eye. Even though, I haven't been reading this book for long, I think that the cover of this book is very relevant to the story. In most cases, the cover is relevant. But what I liked about this cover is that, it wasn't right out there-you couldn't just figure it out by looking at it. Even though, in the picture shown above there is a happy face, there is a Book Cover that comes off and reveals a sad face. I think that this was done to show that beneath the smiles and happiness, "Happyface" is sad.