Post 2: What is a book?

To me, a book is a place. A place that takes you back in time, springs you forward, or simply keeps you grounded in reality. Whether it is bound with a spine, folded into a 3 dimensional shape, or read from the screen of a technological devise, it is a book. Regardless of its outward appearance, and book or unbook like qualities, it is the message inside that makes it a novel. To be a book it must have a collection of words that work together to form a story of sorts, or at least be a multitude of concise statements. Although my interpretation of what defines a book is loose, I’m not to say a bowl of alphabet soup should be classified as a book just because of its letters. But I am also not to say that a story read from a screen is not a book because it lacks the “look, feel and smell” as Nancy Jo Sales does, when it is still, very obviously, a book. Those who classify pieces as a book based off its physicality are confusing their personal reading preferences, with the question they are addressing. The question being what makes a book a book, it is illogical to argue that because a book is copied onto a screen it is no longer a book, when the place it takes you is the same. I agree with Victor LaValle’s statement that, “It’s not the book, but the idea of the book.” There is nothing “magical” about a book, but instead about the place it takes you. The message encompassed within a novel is more important than the form it comes in itself, which makes the discussion of tangible books vs. eBooks strictly on one of preference.  A book is like a time machine, so regardless of the form you are reading it in, allow yourself to travel to a new place.

Why I read

Reading is an activity enjoyed by some, hated by others, and done by all. Whether you choose to read for pure pleasure, or are forced to for the sake of your English grade, everyone has their reasons for reading. It has become a priority in our education system that children learn to read as soon as possible. Besides the fact that it is necessary for means of communication, some people view it as a vital activity that must be practiced routinely. Although this may be true, there is something to be said for the growing numbers of children who have come to despise reading due to the pressure of parents and teachers. I was among those children. Still today you wouldn't find me tucked in the corner of a library with my nose in a book, but I have come to be okay with reading, and even at times enjoy it. When given the option to read something that interests me, it alleviated the pressure, and allowed me to simply read on my own terms.

My primary purpose for reading is for educational purposes, and for the knowledge that can be gained from it. By this I do not mean reading solely for school, nor do I mean picking up a math textbook on the weekends for fun, but rather reading books that mean something to my life, and to our society. Maintaining a strong interest in history and politics, I am drawn to primarily non-fiction books. Through reading from this genre of literature I am able to learn more about history, as well as get the opportunity to see things from a new perspective.

Attempted assasination on President Reagan

What provokes planed assassinations on US Presidents? Is it a disagreement with his/her platform? Or is it simply to take out the one in power? That we don't know. So far, 4 United States Presidents have been assassinated, and one has survived an attempt.

Abraham Lincoln (the 16th President), James A. Garfield (the 20th President), William McKinley (the 25th President) and John F. Kennedy (the 35th President), have all been assassinated in office, while Ronald Reagan came very close to being among them. 

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was open fired on by John Hinckley Jr. while exiting the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. A total of six shots were fired, one of them hitting President Reagan just below his left arm coming with in inches of his heart. Luckily, Reagan survived the attempt and on April 11 was released from the hospital to return to his Presidential duties. Reagan bounced back from this incident, leading our country into some of the best years it has seen. 

Click here to link to article

Krista Ramsey

Krista- The very poor case for arming teachers

• http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/02/22/krista-the-very-poor-case-for-arming-teachers/5744065/

In this entry, Krista discusses the controversial issue of arming school teachers for protection against school shootings. This however brings upon many new risks and responsibilities, causing many citizens to go against the proposal. 

A powerful and well constructed line from her column is, "But sending weapons into schools – the vast majority of which have not been and will not be the scene of violence – is the most unwise of solutions." This line takes a clear stand on the issue, persuading the audience of her own beliefs. She makes her point by first addressing her opposing side, then by backing it up with information to support her claim, and lastly by taking a side. By writing her sentence in the opposite order of how we would normally state a claim. She is able to draw readers in and catch there attention, without immediately turning them away to not read on by bluntly stating her opinion at the beginning. Hyphens are used in this sentence to separate her closely related thoughts. 

Ramsey's writing style is professional and includes voice, while incorporating elevated diction and syntax.  She uses varied sent ace structure, placing telegraphic sentences following medium ones. This draws the readers attention to certain lines and topics of importance, as well as keeps the readers interested. Several rhetorical questions are found in this column and help to support her argument. "Does an armed teacher leave his class to respond elsewhere? Will she make the correct split-second call in a situation that would be daunting to the most experienced police officer?" Voice in this piece is presented as interruptions, surrounded by hyphens. "You are clearly about to be lobbied – probably heavily – to vote to give the Protecting Our Students and Teachers plan a six-month trial." 

Questions to ask Ramsey:

1) Do you believe laws will be passed forcing school teachers to be armed? 

2) What topics that you do column writings on are you most interested in? 

3) When writing columns, do you often incorporate your opinions on the topic as you did in this column? 

Important lines

Safe Haven

The most memorable of important line from the pages I have read over the last couple of days was " The last time he'd seen that, he reflected, was when Carly had been alive." This is important because one of the main characters in the novel had just been introduced, Alex. Alex owned the only shop around town where you could find everything, and Katie would be making trips there requently. Alex has a young daughter named Kristen, and a son named Josh. We also found out in that line that he his wife, Carly, has passed away. This line stood out to me becuase it begins the development of Alex and Katie's relationship. It shows that Katie stood out to him, and the way she was with his children reminded him of his wife. For just meeting Katie, he seems to see something in her that he has been unable to find since the passing of Carly. Kristen was immediatly attatched to Katie, and loved talking and being around her. She looked up to Katie, and might end up being the daughter Katie never had.

Katie, Alex, Josh, and Kristen

Setting and Imagery of Safe Haven

Safe Haven by: Nicholas Sparks

Southport, North Carolina

Safe Haven takes place in Southport, North Carolina. Southport is a small costal town on the banks of the Cape Fear River. Its stunning views, breezy air, and small town feel make Southport a perfect get-away. It is the perfect place for the setting of this book as Katie tries to escape from her difficult past and start a new life in a place she can call her "safe haven". The towns calm and welcoming feel contrasts with the dark and fearful life she previously experienced.

 "It was late April, the temperature hovering just around perfect, and blue skies stretched to the horizon. Beyond her, the intercostal was calm despite the breeze and seemed to mirror the color of the sky. A dozen seagulls perched on the railing, waiting to dark beneath the tables if someone dropped a scrap of food."

The imagery found in the book paints a vivid picture of what the town of Southport is like, and makes the reader feel as if they have been there themselves. Through the descriptions you are not only able to envision the scenic environment of the town, but feel the serenity.

The way Southport is described reminds me of a vacation spot in Florida that I have been going to ever since I was young. Palm Beach is a small privet island off Florida separated by the intercostal waterway. secluded from all the tourist, it has the residential feel that Southport is described as having. It has always been our getaway, like Southport is now Katie's.

Summary book/ Romeo and Juliet

The Lucky One:

Beth finally is beginning to open up to Logan and become comfortable spending time with him outside of his job. She is letting all of her fears go and giving him a chance. Nana knew all along the interest Beth secretly had for Logan and pleased to see Beth no longer living in denial of it. Beth is also not worrying so much about Ben and being with other men because she is realizing how Logan just in these few short months he has been around has been more of a father figure to Ben than he has ever had in his life. Even though Ben still sees his father, Clayton, Beth knows he is not the the role model that Ben needs. Beth and Logan have gone out together on a few dates now and are growing very close to one another. Clayton has whitened them together and his rage is growing. He will do anything to make sure he has Beth exactly where he wants her.

Romeo and Juliet:

The language used in Shakespeare's writing has concerned me ever since we began this unit. However, as we go through each of the scenes and break apart what is happening, it helps me to understand the text. I am beginning to get better at translating what is being said in the script into modern day terms, but still struggle with it at times.

I am enjoying reading Romeo and Juliet because it is such a well known story that I have heard a lot about, but never really knew what happened in it. Some of the famous quotes from the script I am recognizing as we read through it. For example during the balcony scene, Juliet lines to Romeo asking why he must be a Montague, I have heard many times before, but had no idea what they meant. It is interesting for me to finally get to read this story that is so heavily referred to in society today. I also enjoy being able to compare the language that they used to talk about things in back then, with how we talk today. Reading a modern day book is so much different than reading Shakespeare's work.