Persopolis by Marjane Satrapi

I found this book to be a pretty interesting, and easy read!! Because I recently read Satchel Paige, it didn't take much getting used to the graphic piece.  I found the the graphics to be simple in black and white, but imaginative.  Often the I found the pictures to be supporting the text--especially seeing the facial expressions of the characters, throughout. 

This graphic novel also serves as a memoir-- a story about Marjane's childhood living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.  Reader's really gain an insight in to her life, as drastic changes and turmoil are a part of daily life.  Marjane comes from a family of high status, that put her through French school, and her great grandfather was an exiled emperor.  Although, there high status, they were constantly on alert with these changing times.  Through these times her family tries to protect her, but Marjane's opinions and beliefs are strong, even as a child--her parents and grandmother encouraged reading about society's issues, rather than taking part in them.  This causes her to grow up quite independently, as we read into her childhood story from when she was 6-14.


One part I found particularly interesting was noticing the differences between our cultures.  For example, war and death seems to be a part of their everyday lives.  We see people in Marjane's life die or are sent to prison--in this culture, these people are often seen as martyrs  and heroes.  Also, politics alone causes great casualties--whatever regime is in power must be followed, and many people were executed for speaking against those in command.  In a final example, Marjane presents a female perspective in her time of living in Iran.  I found it interesting how important of a role the veil played in her life, and especially in their society.  Those rebellious enough to not wear the veil, were often treated with extreme cruelty.


Overall, this book presents an interesting viewpoint of a child's life in the Middle East.  Even though she came from a higher class, her life was still difficult.   I am interested to read the other books and see how the story continues in Austria, where is supposed to be heading to a new school at the end of this novel. 

Satchel Paige

I recently read Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturn and Rich Tommaso; this book is actually a graphic novel and biographical piece. I think because this book is a mixture of the two, it was important (at least for me) to have the introduction, as well as the panel discussion towards the end of the book in order to build some background knowledge to the topics and what surrounded this time period (especially segregation).   I have not read a book similar to this (at least recently), and I have to say it was fun and interesting read!

Taking on the role of: literary luminary--

(Locate five controversial or thought-provoking passages from the text, and discuss how passages support theme of story)

1.  Jennings Field, Tuckwilla, Alabama--Mr. Walker Jennings is givin' his twin sons, Wallace and William, a big send-off, and when Mr. Jennings throws a celebration you be smart to attend (p. 25).

Coloreds are not allowed down near the infield and grandstand, we sit out by the outfield grass in the shade of carpenter woods, closest I came to a baseball field since my knee quit on me.

My momma worked in the Jennings's home.  Washed them boys' clothing, cooked them their food, saw more of them little boys than she did me.

From where we at you couldn't hear Mr. Jennings's speech, but the whole town knows what it is about.  The Jennings boys are takin' the evening train to Missouri.  They have a tryout with the world champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Them twins good, I was better (p. 26).

 

        I chose this as my first passage because Mr. Jennings's seems like a powerful (white) man in Tuckwilla, where the perspective of this story comes from, through the eyes (and narrated by) of Emmet Wilson.  Emmet explains racial issues as they are happening in and throughout his life.  We read how Mr. Jennings's sons are going to be trying out for the major leagues--something African Americans were not allowed to do (including Emmet, who used to play ball, and we read about his experience playing against Satchel Paige in the beginning of the story). Everything in this portion/passage of the book explains the power and significance of the Jennings's family and where they stand in comparison mainly to the African Americans.  Everyone was to know about the twins and their potential success-- and although Emmet no longer plays ball, he knows he is better.  But unfortunately, even if Emmet didn't get injured playing, there no chance at him getting as much as a try-out with any major league team due to the color of his skin. 

 

2.  Yet despite his success, Paige cannot play in the major leagues because he is black.  Said Paige:  "All the nice statements in the world ain't gonna knock down Jim Crow." (p. 30).

         In this passage, we continue to see this underlying theme of racial segregation.  Satchel Paige has become a huge success and is the world's highest paid athlete, even known among and played AGAINST major league hitters--BUT, because of his color he is not allowed to play in the major leagues.  I think this is an important passage because although he was well known, well-liked, very successful, and has made a name for himself, nothing was 'important enough' to rid of the laws that segregated blacks and whites.  No matter how many kind things could be said about Satchel Paige (or any African American man), he could not do enough to make everyone think of blacks and whites as equals.

 

3.  There was plenty of anger in me but I hold my tongue.  What else was I to do? Cry about my rights?  Tell them I am bein' mistreated?

You do that, and you die no different than Lucas Crutchfield (p. 37).

        I chose this because I think it is a powerful passage.  Emmet stands strong for his son, wanting him to continue his schooling and lessons.  Meanwhile, the Jennings's twins get on Emmet's case about how his son, Emmet, Jr. was 'trespassing' and roughed him up.  They continue badgering Emmet, saying his son should be working along his side in their cotton fields, helping.  All of these events lead up to Emmet feeling angry, naturally.  But, being segregated from the white community there was nothing for Emmet to do--I can't imagine crying about one's rights when they did not exist to them.  We continue to see throughout the book how African Americans were mistreated, especially Emmet's son further in the book.  But, I think the most powerful message in this passage is seeing Lucas Crutchfield hanging from a tree, lynched for a reason unknown to the reader.  When seen with graphics supporting the text, this portion of the book is significant in the sense that there was nothing Emmet or anyone with colored skin could do that could overpower the Jennings's--or any white man.

4.  The crowd is on their feet, cheerin'.  Not just the colored section, either (p. 79).

     I chose this passage because of the controversy that led up to this point.  We read about the Satchel Paige All-Stars vs. the Tuckwilla All-Stars, a black team (with Satchel Paige absent for the beginning of the game) versus a white one (which is run by the Jennings's twins).  Throughout the baseball game the readers witness many events through the eyes of Emmet, many of which are controversial in themselves...  Other passages and events which led me to choose the passage above, include:

[In discussion of Emmet, Jr. seeing a black team versus a white team]:

--For the first time in his life, he seein' a black man goin' head-to-head with a white man.  Not just any white man either, but one of the Jennings twins (p. 54).

...This is a huge event for the community of Tuckwilla, one that examines something never before seen to most, and we can understand who Emmet, Jr. is rooting for...and why.

[Because Satchel Paige threw what the umpire called a ball]:

--Paige smiles ear-to-ear, steps off the mound and has a few words for the ump, another first for Emmet, Jr.: seein' a black man sass a white (p. 69).

...Because of segregation, and the consequences that followed for not 'following' the Jim Crow laws, it has been known to Emmet, Jr., among other African Americans  the importance of doing what he is told, and not talking back.  Seeing Satchel Paige take this situation with humor shows his bold personality.  Satchel Paige, throughout this book shows time and time again although he was black, he took chances and stood up for himself-- and he became successful.  Everyone rooted for Satchel Paige, no matter the color of their skin.

 

--Tuckwilla dugout is on its feet kickin' up a fuss, thinkin' Paige is playin' more games, what they shoutin', I'd rather not repeat (p. 76).

 ...I chose this passage because, it relates to what was said on page 74...calling Satchel Paige a name that should not be used.  But because of the time period and how the Jennings's twins felt towards Satchel Paige and other African Americans, the readers can develop an understanding of how they were portrayed.  Because Tuckwilla was unhappy with Satchel's behaviors in the game (chatting with players--paying no mind to the Tuckwilla team, whom they are beating), he continues to disregard the other team as equals, and takes what he says to extremes.  

     In regards to all of these passages, overall, it's not just us readers who seem to be rooting for the Satchel Paige All Stars.  This African American team came out on top--showing what they are capable of, especially upon Satchel Paige's powerful entrance to the game.  People seemed to enjoy the love of the game, and it didn't matter the color of the team.  This portion of the book demonstrates the impact this game made on everyone, even if it might have been just another random game to Satchel Paige (and perhaps his teammates).  We can see how Emmet felt following the game in my final passage...

 

5.  I thought hard about them Jennings twins, how it came to be that these men lorded over us, how do men so small get so large?  Who made it so?

You live under their rulin' for so long that you soon forget who you are, what you can be.

 (p. 83).

      I think this powerful passage and how just before, we see Emmet, Jr. and how upbeat and alive he is through watching this significant game and the impact it has made on his life (not to mention everyone else!).  By watching the African American team beat the Tuckwilla team, I can imagine that it gave him a new hope, a new perspective on life, and to think of the 'impossible'.  Emmet Wilson remembers who he once was, the impact now that he can also make on his son--and we end on him making a new connection with his son, and sharing the baseball that means so much in a variety of ways.

 

Overall, it wasn't easy to choose only five passages because this text surrounds a controversial topic throughout.  However, I think these demonstrate a good understanding of how racial segregation impacted the character's lives--and how we can imagine life must have been for them in this time period.  Although we lead different lives today, racism still tends to play a role in our lives and I think this book could lead many people to realize how African Americans were treated regardless of their success and willpower.  Many people stood up for what they could, and we, the readers, can develop a deeper understanding of what is really important.  I hope you have the time to check out this book :)

 

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

I recently finished Monster by Walter Dean Myers! I have to say it took me a bit to get used to the format of the book, in addition to the amount of characters-- I found myself going back in the book to make sure I was connecting characters appropriately. However, I feel by the author putting Steve Harmon's story through a movie script, it helped me, the reader, better understand the plot and significant details, more so when reading about his trial. Reading Steve's journals and various pictures, I think really developed his personality. Being a multicultural text, I felt these entries not only gave his insight, feelings, and reactions; it allowed me to make connections to the story which I wasn't sure would exist. For example, I think I, and most anyone can relate to questioning and/or discovering oneself (among other issues) which Steve is forced to face. In reading this book--I think this book could be a great read for many teens and young adults, especially if they relate to Steve and his surrounding's culture(s). I found myself debating the trial, and what I thought of Steve's insight and side of his story. His reaction to being called a 'monster' in court (p. 21), displayed some sensitivity when we see his notebook filled with 'monster', over and over. I think by his attorney stating, "You have to believe in yourself if we're going to convince a jury that you're innocent" (p.24), I found myself wanting him to be innocent. Through his story, we read about his experiences leading to a jury decision that will change his life forever. It was interesting to think of what Steve's future would be like in both scenarios-- either in jail for a good part of his life, or home finishing school and living his life how it is meant to be lived (and not trying to act like a tough guy). I found this story to be a powerful read as Steve is innocent until proven guilty. The anticipation of collecting 'clues' randomly throughout and waiting for the verdict really interested me- I wanted my prediction of him being innocent to become his reality. No spoiling the ending for you readers interested in the book! :) Check it out!

Book vs. Movie?

I have never been one to really compare books to movies, but after reading The Hunger Games I have to admit I'm a little bit curious to go see the movie :)  I think the book will be pretty hard to beat, though!  What do you guys think?!

The Hunger Games...hungry for more.

Before reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I heard a lot of comments that people REALLY enjoyed this book.  When I initially began reading, I was curious what all the hype was about-- I didn't get it, and had never really read or seemed to enjoy a futuristic/sci-fi book before.  I thought it seemed too unrealistic-- the hunger games, how a nation used to be like us has now transformed into Panem.  I wanted to know why we weren't 'us' anymore.  Why was North America in ruins???  I think that the ache not knowing what happened within this huge time gap altered my thinking and made it difficult to understand and dig deeper into this book. 

I am thankful the author did a great job at being descriptive, and even sometimes repetitive. However, because this is a world unlike our own, I did find myself going back and searching for other answers I may have missed, re-reading to discover clues.  After a while of reading some chapters, and understanding this world-- I became hooked!  My thoughts exploded still...How does the Capitol of Panem run these 12 surrounding districts so unjust and unfair, cruel, and without debate.  It is the job of 12-18 year olds to fight in the annual hunger games.  As a form of entertainment--killing and violence and looking out for yourselves.  How has a society come to this?  How has this Capitol become so powerful and advanced, yet (most of) these surrounding districts have next to nothing.


Katniss (our main character) and Peeta, are the two from District 12 who will be participating in the hunger games.  I found this to be an interesting relationship and one that I tended to think about often.  The readers learn of this relationship and how Katniss seems 'in debt' to Peeta; how he has helped her without question in the past.  When the two are sent to the Capitol, from the beginning they are together and distant at the same time... I had been curious about this relationship right from the get-go. I thought on p. 71 of the book it initially describes a moment that I debated in my head... "It's not fair to present us as a team and then lock us into the arena to kill each other".   None of the other tributes were acting as a team.  Yet, the 'staff' setting up District 12 contestants seemed to have doing all together. Throughout the preparation for the games and especially after the games begin-- I couldn't figure out Peeta.  Because of Katniss' questioning and debating, it made me question and debate him, too. I wanted to trust him; to trust in thinking that he really did just want to be with her, like her, enjoy her company.  But moments in Katniss' mind describe opposite-- especially because if Katniss did get far enough along and not killed, it would be down to the wire of them fighting against each other.

I was so eager and curious.  About the future, the games, what would happen between Katniss and Peeta.  I kept finidng myself making predictions and revising or changing them.  Would Katniss win?  I was glad that Katniss' hunting friend from home had a plan to help out her family in case something did happen to her.  But I wanted her to win--to fight back.  I think it was important for Peeta to tell Katniss that she has been a fighter all along.

WELL I can't give away everything that happens! BUT, I promise this is a great read, it's powerful.  It shows the strength that one can have, how you can set your mind in ways that may be unimaginable.  I think we can learn a lot about our culture too; how lucky we are to have the freedom that we possess.  


Now, I want to know more.  There are still questions I have unanswered! I would definitely continue reading the trilogy-- and plan on it in the near future!

Crankkk

I finished reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins the other day.  Overall, I think that it was a powerful book, through examining Kristina/Bree's transformation of good girl, to bff's with the monster.  

I think Crank can be a good book to read (at an appropriate time with parental awareness) for teens, possibly as a precautionary measure.  However, it makes me wonder if that age group would really understand what Kristina was going through (without having a connection to her actions)-- there is so much happening in her life.  It definitely takes a mature audience to read this text.  

At times, I felt anxious and didn't want to know what was going to happen.  I would be angry with Kristina's decisions.  I would close the book and return to it later, sometimes hoping the situation would change if I walked away for a while.  I wanted to hope that she would really turn it around and kick the monster, for good.  I felt sorry for her.


Through Kristina/Bree's challenges and transformation, we end the 'story'; I still don't know how to react.  This struggle that she has been through, we really see how easy it can be for a drug to literally change a person's life.  Turn into another being.  Do things one normally wouldn't do.  With all this time she was in trouble, and felt she couldn't talk to her parents.  What if she did?  How would it have affected her situation?  Kristina/Bree was out of control and would do anything she had to stay high.  
In the sense  she felt she couldn't talk to her parents, I know this is something I could connect to, and I'm sure others as teens did, too.  I always felt as if I couldn't really talk to them, or couldn't help me, or especially in Kristina's case, receiving a GUFN (grounded until further notice).


With everything that happens throughout these stories, it is hard not to feel for and/or with Kristina/Bree.  This book was written as a powerful read and may or may not recommend it to others, depending on the reader.
My favorite thing about this book was the set-up of the text during each 'chapter'.  It put meaning behind the writing,  and made for interesting connections.  I also enjoyed re-reading the passages, but through different patterns, attempting to discover new meanings and ways of interpreting her words. 

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

I recently began reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins, and am really enjoying it. I have to admit it took a bit getting used to, between the format of the book and the some of the language used, throughout.  However, the fact that it is based (loosely) from true events makes the book that much more desirable.  It seems to have a raw perspective, and grabs my attention and wants me to keep reading.

Crank is a powerful read, and shows Kristina (a high school junior) transform into Bree-- a nice young quiet girl, turned rebellious and carefree.  Crank, in the book, is known as the drug, meth, a.k.a. the monster.  Between Kristina vacationing to see her long-lost father, meeting a boy--Adam, a.k.a. Buddy, using drugs and experimenting sexually , Kristina has transformed into Bree.  

It seems that Kristina has attempted to try and come back, hardly recognizing herself after sleeping 20 straight hours after being high on crank.   We see Kristina's struggle, briefly, to want to fight back.  The monster comes back, and Bree is again.  Everyone surrounding Bree during this 'vacation' is using and abusing crank--Adam (her crush and supplier), and more importantly-- her own father. 


Bree has been in Alberquerque, and now three weeks later heading home to her mother's in Reno. But not after a long night abusing crank, and 'allowing' Adam to draw a small heart tattoo on her thigh.  Is this love that her and Adam have created, real?  Is he using her?  How long can this last before she realizes it's no good.  How is crank really affecting her?
I have left off reading on the chapter-- 'I Still Wasn't Down When We Landed'; I can't wait to continue reading.


This book clearly contains some topics that may not be suitable for all readers, although it is a teen book.  Drugs and sexuality are common themes throughout the book, so far.  I think when dealing with these topics, the author has no choice but to be so blunt and real in her writing.  However, I think if Hopkins had not written Crank in such a reality, no one may take it seriously.  This book examines how an innocent teen girl can easily transform into a user,  before she even realizes it herself.

While this book can be a difficult read in a variety of ways, I can see how it would be a great book for many teens to relate to.  We often wonder how teens dealing with drugs (and the like..)  can be helped or how it could have been prevented.  And although I haven't finished reading close to half of the book, I can see how there is much potential to show teens that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Even the fact that Kristina's father is constantly using, can put drugs into perspective for teens.  Who wants to be mid-age, alone, without much, trying to save your own job and life, while abusing drugs?


So far, I think this book possesses a powerful message.  I am finding myself thinking of Kristina/Bree's situation and hoping once she is back home she will have the opportunity to clean up.  How will things change for her once she is back in Reno with her mom and step dad? Will she return to Albuquerque, in hopes to reunite with Adam?

Time to keep on reading...