Paper Towns by John Green

In the book, Paper Towns by John Green, Quentin starts out as a well behaved senior student. One day, in the middle of the night, Margo, and old friend, appears at his window begging him to drive her around for some errands. Quentin debating whether it was a joke or not, he finally refuses. Margo pleads him one more time and he agrees. However, 2 teens driving around at midnight isn’t a good idea though. As they both travel throughout there town, Margo makes sure that every single “friend” of hers gets a personal treat. While the both break into SeaWorld there friendship strengthens. However, Q does not know Margo is planning a getaway by herself.

In the beginning Quentin didn’t really seem as a bad kid, but as Margo begins their friendship again after many years, Quentin’s true self begins to appear. Quentin has never told anyone he likes her. He didn’t want to tell her because they had been very close friends in their childhood and now they were no more than classmates. Margo took out this side of Quentin no one had ever seen. Margo even says herself: “But that night you turned out to be real.” She’s realizes who Quentin really is. Quentin drives her around, helping her make final stops to her “friends”.  This shows that everyone has a different personality. It is only revealed around those they are comfortable around.

The author wants to show the reader how someone can change. Yes it takes time for someone to change, but it happens. Throughout the story he shows how Quentin changes. At first Quentin was someone who did not believe in interacting with others. He didn’t want to attend prom, he didn’t want to talk to anyone other than his friends. Ben, his best friend was like a mentor to him. How? Ben always tried to make Quentin act more alive. When Quentin tells his friends he was not going to prom, Ben’s response is: “Bro, it’s our senior prom. It’s my last best chance to be some honeybunny’s fondest high school memory.” Ben was the leading cause for Quentin to be more interactive. He finally was tired of joking around, so he actually went and did something extreme.

Theres No Place Like Home

In New Orleans, the St. Bernard Project is Proving There's No Place Like Home



In New Orleans, the St. Bernard Project is Proving There's No Place Like Home, both Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney did not except so much disaster Hurricane Katrina had left behind. When they realized how many homes and communities were destroyed, they decided they would try to help everyone little by little until everyone had in some way been helped. They established St. Bernard Project (SBP), an organization that would help all the communities that had been torn down by Hurricane Katrina. Even though many other places had been affected, the pair decided to name the organization after one of the hardest hit areas: the St. Bernard Parish area. The St. Bernard Parish area had been labeled an uninhabitable location. The SBP later collaborated with Toyota.  The non-profit organization has grown in the past years. More and more volunteers have contributed to the growing cause. Even though it has been years since the hurricane, many people will have that happiness of being able to return to their old homes. I think that these 2 people are beyond amazing for doing so much for others, shows how much people are willing to help others. 


Both Zack and Liz wanted to help people. Even after they both realized how much work it was going to be, they decided it was best to do it anyways. Here are some statistics about the SBP:  “So far, the SBP has mobilized 36,000 dedicated volunteers and built more than 400 homes for residents of New Orleans.” The SBP organization has help over hundreds of residents of New Orleans to have their homes again. Homes that were once wrecked are now rebuilt for those who lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina. The organization has helped so many emotionally. Here is another person who has benefited emotionally by her house being rebuilt: “One of those people was Me'shelle Williams, who told Rosenburg, "Katrina took my childhood away. By rebuilding my home, [SBP has] given back my childhood.” She moved back into her home a full five years after Katrina.” Williams’s home was rebuilt; all her memories in that house came back. Her “childhood” was taken from her by Katrina. Williams was able to go to the house she had spent time in. The author wanted to demonstrate how much the organization had helped those affected by Katrina. She also used so many examples and the power of SBP to the residents of New Orleans. 


My personal response was that the SBP is truly amazing. It is helping so many people go home. So many people were devastated to know that their homes were destroyed. Memoires were lost, family members left, homes were destroyed. If organizations had not come together to help those who had suffered, then New Orleans could still have been in ruins. Yes, it took years, but it helped many people return to their towns and staying there. Many people would be able to return to their original homes. To everyone who was helped by these organizations, they have a personal reason to bet thankful. Me'shelle Williams herself was thankful for her house being rebuilt. She was able to return to where she had spent her childhood in; one more person being reunited with her home. 

Hug a Hoodie... (Informal/Nonfiction Writing Post #1)

Hug a Hoodie: What the U.K. Teaches Us About Making a Sweatshirt a Symbol

A hoodie is not supposed to determine who you are or what you are doing. But, apparently in the U.K. it does determine who you are, well at least socially. In the article, “Hug a Hoodie: What the U.K. Teaches Us About Making a Sweatshirt a Symbol” it talks about how people judge others by what they are wearing. In the U.K it is not normal for a teen to be wearing a hoodie, unless he/she is rebellious. These stereotypes were what caused some of the outbreaks against Zimmerman. Trayvon Martin lost his life because he looked “suspicious”. Zimmerman was obviously profiling Trayvon. The responses to his death were outstanding and important. They demonstrated what people could do, and how far they would go to show it. The Hoodie March in NYC a couple of days ago was also a big event in memory of Trayvon’s death, and mimicking what Trayvon was wearing the day he died.

The author of the article wants to share his idea that profiling is very dangerous and can be mortal. Zimmerman had watched Trayvon and had made a quick recall that he was up to no good because he had a hoodie on. How did Zimmerman know he had something unsafe inside his pockets? What if Trayvon was cold and needed to put his hand in his pocket? A radio speaker Geraldo Rivera said on the radio:

  “I am urging the parents of black and Latino youngsters, particularly, to not let their young children go out wearing hoodies,” Rivera said on his show Friday. “I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin’s death as George Zimmerman was.”

Rivera had a negative feedback. But, why wouldn’t he? In other words he is presuming that Trayvon had caused his on death, because he had been wearing a hoodie that night. It is also pretty racist if a certain race is not allowed to wear certain clothing because it could get them killed. River deserved to be reprimanded by his son and half the nation. Trayvon was not murdered or assault by his movements, it was purely out of some kind of racism, in my opinion.

Trayvon’s death made a big commotion. But the commotion had a purpose. Trayvon had died and his killer was still around. Florida was to doing anything, the only support Trayvon’s parents were was form the general public.  This is a good example of how the nation has supported others. The part that amazes me the most is the power of the country, there have been rallies, petitions, hoodie marches and social media has also been used to raise awareness of violence and bias against African Americans. When there is an injustice, and many realize that there must be is a national outcry, like Emmett Till’s case. Justice will come when the time is right. Everything takes its time and patience and Trayvon’s parents will get the justice they need.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Narrative Response #1- Option C & D)

In the book The Fault in our Stars by John Green, Hazel Grace, the main character, has been battling cancer for most of her life. As the story goes along, her thoughts change completely. Hazel’s point of view on life and living changes completely, all thanks to Augustus Waters. The author suggests that there can have hope and happiness, all someone would need is effort and a small try.

Being a cancer survivor for Hazel Grace has been difficult. Hazel was depressed and spent most of her time alone. Hazel would spend time alone, in her bed, she rarely left the house and she always thought about death. She had many complications on the inside and outside of her body. Hazel must consume steroid-like drugs to slow the cancer cells growth. She also carries an oxygen tank around with her. She needs the oxygen and her cannula tube; it is what keeps her breathing. She also must walk slowly to keep her from having any shortness of breath. Hazel is depressed about everything. She feels her life and her being alive has affected her parents to much. However, Hazel’s parents suggest her to a group, the support group, which is made for patients with medical problems. She resists at first, but then makes a deal with her mom and attends.

My response to Hazel’s actions is disappointing to me. Instead of giving another opportunity to her life, she is only doing what she can; she spends her time watching reruns of America’s Next Top Model. She needs to go out and be alive. No matter how far she goes, she must explore outside her home. It could save stress from thinking about when she will die and how she will die. She has to change her mind; she has to learn that even if she is not healthy physically, she can be happy emotionally. In the end it could help her get past each day. However, Hazel has her own reason to feel upset, the Cancer has taken over her life, and it’s affected everyone round her as well. Helping Hazel make it through everyday with someone like a friend would be ideal for Hazel. All Hazel has to do is go for it. No waiting around for someone to come, she has to go and find that special person who she can connect to.  

As Patrick, the leader of the Support Group asks its member to tell the others their Name, Age and Diagnosis. Hazel has been through this procedure a 100 times, so she knows what to say. However, Hazel sees a new member, Augustus Waters.  When Augustus is asked about his fears, he replies:

“I’m on a Rollercoaster that only goes up, my friend.”

Augustus, or Gus, has always fought against Cancer. He won the battle but lost the war. He was unable to fight against Cancer. The Cancer had taken over his body; he had a little time left. Hazel was there with him always. The same line he said during the Support Group Meeting was one of the last words he said to Isaac and Hazel. I think it doesn’t matter whether he survived or not, but the fact that he used his time well and did the best he could to stay happy will he lived was extraordinary and courageous. 

A Brave and Startling Truth

A Brave and Startling Truth (Poem Post #2) 

We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life.

If we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls.

Love costs all we are and will ever be.

Yet it is only love which sets us free.

A Brave and Startling Truth.

It is possible and imperative that we discover

A brave and startling truth.

When we come to it

We, this people, on this wayward, floating body

Created on this earth, of this earth

Have the power to fashion for this earth

A climate where every man and every woman

Can live freely without sanctimonious piety

And without crippling fear

When we come to it

We must confess that we are the possible

We are the miraculous, the true wonders of this world

That is when, and only when

We come to it. 

Maya Angelou

In A Brave and Startling Truth, Maya Angelou expalisn how everyone face hard challenges. Everyone has that day where they just don't want to do anything. But, there are also times when people are let down, or are unhappy because of someone being aggressive towards them. No one is strong enough, there will be one time when someone will be fed up. There is always a boiling point for people, for everyone, even the thoughtful people, there is always a melting point. 

Maya A.'s poem treats racism as a hard topic. The poem also gives good examples of people waiting for change. Her examples are precise to those being discriminated for being of a certain ethnicity. 

     

In the poem, Maya Angelou gives a really powerful message at the end of her play. She wants to help those who are not strong enough to stand on their two feet. She wants to give encouragement to those who need it to move on. A intriguing part of the poem was when:  

When we come to it

We, this people, on this wayward, floating body

Created on this earth, of this earth

Have the power to fashion for this earth

A climate where every man and every woman

Can live freely without sanctimonious piety

And without crippling fear

Maya wants to compare her feelings to nature, how we can control our feelings by interacting with someone/something else. She wants to say we are all humans, and we are all meant to be there, no matter the color of your skin or eye. The world is walked on by millions of people and some who everyday pretty much lie and hurt each other to get satisfaction.

 The poem also gives good examples of people waiting for change. Her examples are precise to those being discriminated for being of a certain ethnicity. Many people have suffered mistreatment by others who treat them as a  minority. The Black Community should not be pressured into changing because of their skin color. Maya Angelou awaits one day that every woman and man that have walked on earth, can live together and can live in harmony, with out judging each other. In the real world, some would rebel and live free, while others would hide and isolate themselves to avoid being mistreated. In my opinion the best thing to do was to live like everyone else. If they judged you, let them judge.

As I Grew Older

As I Grew Older (Poetry Post #1)

It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun--
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.
Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun! 

Langston Hughes 

Everyone has bad days right? Sometimes people or changes stay longer than expected. Langston Hughes is explaining how he feels while he is growing up. He explains how he cannot see the light; something is holding him back from seeing brighter days. His dream were broken and crushed, but if he fights then he can accomplish his dreams. If someone helps his dream, then the others will be able to set their dream and move forward with it. Langston had given up hope for his dreams, but after he saw that there was still a chance to shine, he took his chance to make his dream come true. Breaking free and shattering the wall that stood in his way was what Langston Hughes was beginning to recognize, and the reality that he was growing up to and the hard phases that were to come.

Some people are wrapped around in lies and fake smiles. Langston’s life changed while he started to grow up. He was mature, and was capable of taking senses of what was happening around him. He noticed he wasn’t able to do things that everyone else could, he realized he was being treated differently, but why? He was treated differently because of his race. He was a black child; but he was still a human being. But, to the opposing race, being of the black skin color was a crime. In the poem, when Langston says:

I am black. I lie down in the shadow.

His dreams and aspirations were drowned by other. He is black, which means he no longer can accomplish his aspiration, because if he does, he will get hate or a negative response from trying. The light that once shined so bright was now no more than a small, faded, dying light, waiting for its moment to be able to help once again.

            Breaking free and shattering the wall that stood in his way was what Langston Hughes was beginning to recognize the reality he was growing up too and the hard phases that were to come. Many people have hard and tough situations that they go through now. Some people learn to live and cope with it, while others learn to be mature and do something about it. For example, a child loses a parent while they are growing up; they learn to be without that parent, in some cases both parents, but they learn to live with it. They learn to be strong and to take care of themselves. Their mind has grown faster than their body and age. Langston Hughes’ mind grew faster than his own body.