Section 5: Post B

During this section many small but important events happen. Some ground-breaking news surrounding the murdered tennis player emerges. They start to unravel the facts that have to deal with the events that led up to her murder. The investigators believe that she was unconcious the whole time, while Scarpetta believes that she was awake the whole time. The evidence again goes back to the fact that she still had a blood alcohol level which suggests that she was drinking just before her death. While this argument continues, something very dramatic occurs. Marino tries to commit suicide. He does this by attempting to overdose on oxycodone. Scarpetta catches him before the damage is done, but the affects of his decision are very evident. He is questioned and denies that his intent was to kill himself. His story says that he only took two more than normal and that he had pain in his knee is why he took it. Scarpetts doesn't buy it and sends him to the EMT. Because of this incident, he is taken of the case. Unfortunately for the others on the case, he holds very important knowledge that could possibly lead to solving the case. Since he is off the case, the team is dramatically set back and needs to somehow recover from this. It is going to be hard since they are short handed, but hopefully, another break-through will come soon. 

Section 5: Post A

2 Vocabulary Words

1) Deoxygenated - remove oxygen from (pg. 226)

2) Oxyhemoglobin - a bright red substance formed by the combination of hemoglobin with oxygen, present in oxygenated blood. 

1 Significant Quote

". . . She looks down at the source of the sound. Marino's bass boat is gone, and bright orange bumpers rock against the pilings in dull thuds. 

This quote explains the mysteriousness of some of the events that occur. Previously, a stocker has been looking out of her window. Now, she actually notices a sign of the stocker. He stole Marino's boat and vanished this time. During this section, the author jumped back and forth between the normal events of the book and this scene. This technique makes this scene much more dramatic. It stretches it out and makes the reader keep reading. This quotes may not seem significant, but it is the first time that she notices someone is watching her. Because she now knows this, the events in the book are going to dramatically change. 

Section 4: Post B

To summarize the events that occurred in this section in one word, I would say essential. The events that took place during this section really brought a lot of things together. Up to this point, I was very confused with who was who and what was going on. But, with the help of this section many things fell into place. When the writer described the conversation that two people were having and only gave one of the names and at the very end of the chapter it says who was actually talking the whole time, it makes you want to go back and read the section over. Now that I actually know who is who I have received a greater understanding for the book. Because this book was a part of a series and I had not read the previous books, I felt that I was a little behind. Some of the reoccurring characters were throwing me off course. During the section, Dr. Self, who is an important character, reveals her true self to the reader. She is a very wealthy woman, who unfortunately, does not have a good relationship with her mother. She drives an extremely nice Ferrari and has money to just throw away. The reader also finds out that she has a brain tumor and is visiting a very prestige hospital. She also may hold vital information to the case involving the murder of the star tennis player. This piece of information may hold the key to unlocking the entire case and catching the murderer before they strike again.

Section 4: Post A

2 Vocabulary Words

1. Hypothalamus (pg 137) - a central area on the underside of the brain, controlling involuntary functions such as body temperature and the release of hormones

2. Excommunicate (pg 143) - to exclude a baptized Christian from taking part in Communion because of doctrine or moral behavior that is adjudged to offend against God or the Christian community




Write a sentence in which you describe one emerging theme of the book.

One emerging theme in the book would be the theme of death or sadness. To describe this theme in one sentence I would describe the death that surrounds the main character and all the people that die during the first few sections of the book.

Section 3: Post B

During this section of the book, a very important event occurs. The author cuts into the story line and breaks off into this event happening in a beach house. Although we have no idea who this woman is or this mysterious man named Will is, all we know is that this event is very important. While this woman is watching a movie, the author describes a man, standing outside her window. He is watching her and has been for many months. He knows her routine every move she is going to make. He knows this for two reasons. One, he has been stalking her outside her own house for many months, and two, because she does the same thing over and over again every night. The one key passage throughout this series of events is when she forgets the alarm is set and sets it off. Of course the cops com because her alarm went off and she tells them that she has forgotten the code because of how drunk she is. Will, who is hiding in the bushes right next to the door, hears every word she says. She tells the cops she remembered the code and that it is buttermilk. Now, the man who has been stalking her has the code to get into her house. By this section I can now predict the future events in this book. The scenes in the book where the author cuts into the action with a mysterious set of events like this, have always been vital to the rest of the plot.

Section 3: Post A

2 Vocabulary

1. Echocardiogram (138) - an instrument employing reflected ultrasonic waves to examine the structures and functioning of the heart.
2. Neurophysiologist (149) - the branch of physiology that studies how the nervous system functions


1 Significant Quote

“Through a space between the window and the shade he has watched her on and off for months, watched her pace and cry and pull out her hair.” (128 -129)

To someone who is reading this quote without having read the book so far, this quote might seem a little dull and of no importance. But really, this quote means much more. A technique that this writer uses is very interesting. She likes to give the reader a little preview about what is to come and give it in a different perspective. This quote for example, is describing the stalker that has been watching this woman for months now. He knows a very unusual amount of information about her and is a very shady character. This technique has been used throughout the book and all of them have turned our to be events that change the course of the book.

Debate Blog

Teacher and student about late assignment.
· Occur usually in a classroom
· Purpose: To receive credit for an assignment
· Does not help to arrive at a better decision usually
· Unstructured
· Makes you complete assignments on time


Court Case
Occur in a court room
Purpose: To convict someone or to receive a payment
Usually helps to arrive at a better decision
Structured
Effects decision making process because there is a judge

With Parents
· Occurs usually on the phone or in your house
· Purpose: To receive something, go somewhere, or get out of something
· Does not usually help you reach a better decision
· Unstructured
· Decisions are made less in favor of you when the debate continues

With Friends
· Occurs many places: school, home, ect. . .
· Purpose: To convince them of something or to get your way
· Can go either way with the decision
· Unstructured
· Decisions are up to you or your friend

Section 2: Post B

The second section of the book is focused on the mysterious man that enters the plot. While the employees at the morgue are experiencing a normal day, a very suspicious looking man walks into the room. He appears to have recently experienced a brutal attack by the looks of the vast amounts of scars on his arms, hands, and legs. Although he based the background check, he still gives me as the reader a very uneasy feeling. The thing that made that uneasy feeling turn into reality was when he described in detail where Scarpetta lives. According to his story, he used to work for the family that lived there. Also, this man was the one who discovered the murdered boy in the water. Even though he says that he has nothing to do with it, he is a very shady looking man. Another reason why this man could be potentially bad is that he has been to jail for possession. The story that he tells says that he was going to smoke marijuana and some random person came up from behind him and slashed him with a knife over and over. When he tells this story to the investigators they don’t quite buy it. One reason is that they never found the marijuana and the second is that he has way too many scars to have been attacked without defending. In my opinion, I think that this man has a lot more to do with the story than he appears to.

Section 1: Post B

Throughout the first section, many important details were brought to the reader’s attention. The first section of the book was setting the plot and establishing the setting. A mysterious murder has struck the world. A very famous and publicized tennis player was suddenly murdered. Along with the many other cases that are pilling up on Scarpetta’s desk, this one seems to be the most important. The killer seems to have a very well known sense of what he is doing. The contents in her stomach seem to be only partially digested which lead the detectives to believe that she was recently killed. Also, her blood alcohol level was still very high. The killer planned both of these situations out. The stress that he imposed on her caused the food in her stomach to not digest. Also, he forced her to drink with him which kept her alcohol level consistent. “‘So he forced her to drink alcohol, perhaps all afternoon, all night, and into the early morning, and she was so frightened her food didn’t digest? That’s what you’re offering us as a possible explanation?’” (pg. 14). This quote explains everything that was planned out. The killer is very smart and definitely knows what he/she is doing. Another key part to the section was the marriage that Scarpetta experienced. Although she had been seeing the guy for some time, they recently got married. This may influence her decision making and although she is a professional, it may fog her mind.

Section 2: Post A

2 Vocabulary Words

1. Subsequent (114) - later in time or order than something else
2. Carousing (103) - to drink and become noisy, especially in a group

1 Significant Quote

“She looks at the pink scars on the back of his hands. ‘I know your house…’ he adds. ‘I know your garden real good cause I dug the pond and poured the cement, and took care of the angel statue looking over it, kept her nice and clean.’” (110)

This quote is very important in this section of the book for many reasons. A very mysterious man walks into the morgue and reveals some very interesting facts. He talks about how deeply he knows Scarpetta. This is very odd to the reader for many reasons. The first reason is that he was the one who found the murdered young boy. This man was fishing and suspiciously found the young boy that has been in the news deep in the marsh. Also, Scarpetta has experienced many situations like this that have unfortunately ended up bad for her. She has been stalked and victimized before this and all the prior situations ended up violently. With these experiences in mind, she is very aware of the actions that he makes and the appearance that he presents. The scares all over his body give me as the reader a feeling of uneasiness about this man. He seems to know a little too much about her and has a very suspicious reason to be there. Also, later on in the section, he asks if he could volunteer there. Although he seems nice, I think that this can only end badly.

Section 1: Post A

2 Vocab Words:

1. Lividity - with buish bruised color (pg. 9)
2. Paramour - a lover, especially one in a relationship with a married person (pg. 49)

Significant Quote:

“‘So he forced her to drink alcohol, perhaps all afternoon, all night, and into the early morning, and she was so frightened her food didn’t digest? That’s what you’re offering us as a possible explanation?’” (pg. 14)

This quote explains the entire background of the case that is unfolding. This was said by Captain Poma who is the lead detective in the case. During the case, many mysteries arise including this one. The body was found with undigested food in her stomach and a still very high blood alcohol level. Although this may be true, Kay Scarpetta, who is the main character, thinks the she died many house before that. Her reasoning is explained in the quote and it very believable. This quote is both important to the reader and to the plot of the story.

Book Approval

1. Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell
2. Published in 2007
3. This book is fiction.
4. This book is 405 pages.
5. The evidence that this book is challenging was the recommendation and description of the book by the person at Barnes and Nobel. Also, I flipped through the book and the use of language was very challenging for me.
6. I chose this book for two main reasons. The first being that I wanted a mystery book. I enjoy reading mysteries because I feel like the keep me into the book and wanting to read more. Also, this book was the first recommendation by the staff at Barnes and Nobel which to me means that it must be pretty good.

The Sea Inside: Post 3

There were many different scenes where the camera technique gave me as the viewer a greater understanding of the film. One very good example of this would be when the camera zoomed up on Ramon’s hand and Julia’s hand. The significance of this shot explains the condition that Ramon is in. During this scene, Ramon is telling Julia that for him, five feet is an impossible journey. While he is saying this, there is an extreme close-up on the two hands lying next to each other, not touching. Another example of film technique would be Ramon lying on the bed and everyone looking down on him. The people that are in power or are angry at the time are always standing up and the viewer is looking down on Ramon. This gives the perspective that Roman is weak and powerless. When Julia is there she is always at the same level that he is. She is usually sitting in a chair or on his bed side so that she doesn’t seem overpowering to Ramon. Although this may seem very subtle to some viewers, if you pay attention, it is very clear what the director is trying to get across.

The Sea Inside: Post 2

The Sea Inside and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly have both similarities and differences. One major difference is Ramon’s ability so speak. This allows much faster and easier communication than blinking out every letter. With faster communication, Ramon can easily give his family and friends quick information without any misunderstandings. If he had to blink out each word like Bauby had to, information could be easily misunderstood. The main similarity between the two was that both were quadriplegics who had fully functional minds. Although Bauby actually had a syndrome, he and Ramon were “trapped” inside their bodies. Neither of them could move their arms or legs. To me, the most depressing part of all this was that they both could communicate. Although this may seem like a good thing, I think that to be able to think like a normal person but be unable to communicate would be the worst thing. These are the main similarities and differences in the two stories.

The Sea Inside: Post 1

Throughout the course of this film, I had many different reactions. I think that Ramon’s request to should one that is honored. To me, I think that if you are in that condition and have been suffering for as long as he has, you request to die should not be that surprising. People in the movie think that he should not be allowed to request for death because it’s against the law. To me, I think that this law should be changed. It is unreasonable because the people who make these laws are not in that condition. I think that the quadriplegics should make this law. They are the ones who are having to suffer because someone in the opposite case is preventing them from caring out their will. Ramon’s eventual actions just show how strongly he wanted this to happen. Having suffered for around 28 years, it was a relief for him to pass away. The friends, who were a part of his suicide, show how passionate they are about Ramon’s request. If I were put in that situation, I would do the same thing by helping out a friend if they were in the same state as Ramon.

Final Section Summary

Summary

In the final section of this book, Dave learns the fate of many things in his life. The first one being that he doesn’t make the cut for the Real World. Although he has a great interview and shares many of his deep stories with the interviewer, he is not chosen. He may view this decision as a bad one, but for the overall well being of Toph and the connection with his family, it was a good outcome. The second event that Dave learns about fate in is his magazine Might. He and his crew try to pull off a stunt that could either make or break his magazine. Their plan is to fake the death of a celebrity so that they have the final interview with him. This way their magazine will get a lot of publicity and be seen in the news. For Dave and his crew, this is a fabulous idea that ends up blowing up in their face. As soon as they make their first copy, someone in the media gets a hold of it and immediately calls Might magazine for more information. Words gets around to his family and to others who are associated with him and they are forced to back down from their plan. The celebrity is Adam Rich and unfortunately he does not come out very well in the public’s eye. They view him as someone who as just tried to get his name in the media again. When things are all straightened out, Might magazine is no more.

Part 5: Summary

Summary

In the fifth section of this book, Mr. Eggers interviews for a spot on MTV’s The Real Word. The majority of the section is revolved around the interview that he has with a person from MTV. The woman asks many questions, trying to get a look at what he is like. The questions consist of everything involving his parents to his childhood. As the reader, I get a look at some of the things that he has not described yet. When he goes into the interview, he has mixed reactions. He thinks to himself, what if I actually make it? To him, he believes that he can be the tragic person of the group. Because of his hardships, he thinks that he’ll make a good candidate for the show. The stories that he tells to the interviewer are all based around how hard his life was for him. He tells stories about his parents dying and taking care of his brother. Unfortunately he does not make the cut for the show. The interviewer lets him now how close he was to making it, but a man named Judd beat him to it.

Personal Reaction

My personal reaction to this section is a good one. I think that this interview was a way for Mr. Eggers to tell the reader some details about his life that he couldn’t find a way to fit into the story otherwise. The interview gives some key facts about his life that let the reader piece some things together not only about him but the other characters in the book as well. When he actually decides to go to the interview, he believes that this is kind of a joke. A bunch of people that he works with were talking about it at work at he decides to go in and give it a try. For me, I think this is fate. Although he doesn’t make the show, he gets the opportunity to share his story. For him, getting to share his story is the most important thing to him. That is why he chose to interview for the show. He wanted to share his story of hardships with the American viewers. I don’t think that he would have made a good person on the show because he really isn’t that unique. He stories are not that interesting to most viewers. Some people on that show are very unique and have stories that you can’t help but listen to.

Section 4: Part 2

Summary

In the fourth section of the book, Dave Eggers shows a little more of her emotional and personal life. He describes what it is like for him to have to leave his little brother home with a babysitter. He is constantly worrying about the things that could happen to him. While this is going on, he has to have a social life as well. Although he never actually goes back to check on Toph, he always debates it. Also in this section, he and a girlfriend of his get robbed while sitting on the beach. Six Mexican kids took their clothes and supposedly stole his dad’s wallet that he uses. They called the police and filed a report. Later that night when he got home, Toph was ok and his wallet was sitting on the dresser where he had left it before he went out that night.

Section 4: Part 2

Section 4: Part 1

1) “No, I tell her, little Jason isn’t dead, he’s fine now, pulled out of his coma a week ago. And naturally I took away Toph’s gun privileges, and of course beat him within an inch of life, so zealously that something snapped in his leg somewhere , a tendon maybe, and he fell to the floor, squealing like a pig, couldn’t get up, had to be taken to the emergency room” (Dave Eggers, 138 A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius).

To me this quote is something that reflects his desperate need for attention. Of course, none of this is true, but he tells these stories to women to get there attention. He wants to make the women feel bad for him and show sympathy for his situation. This quote is one of the confusing parts of the book because some of his stories that he tells could be realistic. Although this one is a little far fetched, sometimes it’s hard to tell if he’s kidding or not.

2) “He is not dead. He will live. Everything is normal. Normal, normal, normal. Good. Good. Normal. Normal. Fine” (Dave Eggers, 164 A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius).

In this quote, he is trying to convince himself that he brother has not been killed by the babysitter. Whenever he goes out he has these images and has to continue to convince himself that his brother has not been hurt. Although nothing ever happens, he always imagines that something is going to. I think that this is only foreshadowing to what is going to happen eventually. One day he is going to come home to exactly what he imagined.

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY REFLECTION

I have many reactions on this unique memoir. As a person who is very “book ADD,” I found this book a little bit hard to follow at times. Towards the beginning of the book it was hard to tell whether he was dreaming or not. Some of the times he would be actually recalling a memory that he had once had, and other times he would be dreaming of something that he wishes he could do. Also, the “hidden message” that I felt like I was suppose to get, didn’t really hit me like I thought that it would. Sometimes I felt like there is something I should be getting out of this chapter and it never came. Although I really enjoyed the overall message, I really wanted to understand what he was trying to get across to me as the reader. During some parts of the book I was really interested and wanted to continue reading, while other parts I really wanted to stop. I think that some of this has to do with none of us have any idea what he is going through. The tiniest imperfections or the slightest memories may jump out at him because of the time that he has on his hands. Being stuck in a bed for the rest of your life, you might start remembering some details you never thought possible. After I finished reading this book, I felt extremely privileged to be capable to even talk or walk. As cheesy as it sounds I really began to appreciate the big and the little things happening in my life. It doesn’t matter whether it’s waking up in the morning and brushing my teeth, or eating that delicious hamburger, I really have begun to think that I could be like Jean-Dominique Bauby and be stuck in a bed for as long as I live.

Section 3: Part 2

So far in this book I have many reactions. To me, it really feels like he stresses the not-so important aspects of his life so far. Maybe these little details are important to him and stick out in his mind, but so far the events that have been focused on the most are very small in comparison to some of the events happening. I think that the books strengths are the ability to keep the reader reading. Some people like to call this a “page turner.” While I read, the weakness that I have been noticing is that the author likes to jump around a lot. Whether that is back in time are in a day dream, there is a lot of jumping. In my case I have never experienced anything this dramatic. I have a huge amount of respect for Dave Eggers because of the courage he must have had during these times. He has been fully capable of taking care of his little brother while managing his own busy life as well. I can barely manage my school life with my sports life. It just amazes me how he does this. So far I cannot really predict anything at the moment. With all the jumping around in the middle of the page, it is really hard to catch any foreshadowing. I do think that this is a technique that he uses to keep you reading. I am really enjoying this book so far and look forward to continuing.

Section 3: Part 1

Summary

In the third section of this book, the author describes what it was like to live alone with his brother. Together they had to overcome many obstacles, such as cooking, getting Toph to school on time, and for him, having a social life. He and Toph finally got settled down in a very small condo/apartment. They learn the very basic parts of living alone. They have to take care of themselves, and Dave (the author) must learn to balance Toph's needs with his wants. When its a Friday night and he wants to go out drinking, sometimes Toph comes first. Every now and then, friends and family come to visit and participate in the cleaning.
In this section, two fears of his are brought into focus. Whenever he goes out for his social life, Toph is always left with a babysitter. Although he has had numerous babysitters for Toph, every time he worries that something is going to happen to Toph. He gets himself worked up over nothing and always debates whether or not he should turn around and go back. Although he never turns around, he always visions very descriptive images of what is going to happen to Toph. He convinces himself that this will happen anytime he leaves the house. The second fear that is shown in this section is his fear that the child protection agency will come and take Toph away from him. Whenever he thinks about this, he always goes on a “cleaning frenzy.” During this phase, he makes many trips throughout the house picking up anything and everything that’s on the floor. This section of the book reflects his fears as well as his newly acquired “parenthood.”


Biography on Author

Dave Eggers grew up close to Chicago and went to school at the University of Illinois. In 1998, he founded McSweeney's. McSweeney’s is an independent publishing house in San Francisco that puts out the quarterly literary journals. In 2002, Eggers opened up a facility called 826 Valencia which is a writing lab for young people in the Mission District of San Francisco. Along with the openings of these facilities he also teaches writing to high school students and runs a summer publishing camp. With the help of his workshop students at his high school, Eggers edits a collection of fiction, essays, and journalism called The Best American Nonrequired Reading. He is also the co-editor of the Voice of Witness series of oral histories. He normally writes about art and music for magazines, including Frieze, Blind Spot, Parkett, and Spin He also designs work that has been featured in many magazines, including Print and Eye, Area: 100 Graphic Designers, and Reinventing the Wheel. In 2003, his designs for his company McSweeney's were featured in the National Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and in the California Design Biennial. Along with these great achievements, he has received numerous awards. Some of them are, National Magazine Award for Fiction finalist in 2004 for “The Only Meaning of the Oil-Wet Water", Independent Book Award in 2003 for “You Shall Know Our Velocity!”, Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2001 for “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.” This is only a fraction of the many accomplishments that Dave Eggers has experienced is his lifetime.

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/authorpages/eggers/eggers.html

Section 2: 10 Loaded Words, Summary, and Reaction

10 Loaded Words: (+ positive reaction, - negative readtion)


Unblessed pg. 50 (-) This had a negative reaction because the word unblessed gives readers the impression that whoever is unblessed is either unwanted or hated.
Orphan pg. 61 (-) This had a negative reaction because to me, orphan is a harsh word. Although it could be replaced be other words much worse I still believe it has a negative reaction due to the context.
Tie-Dye People pg. 63 (-) To me, this has a negative reaction. It sounds like a stereotype instead of the word hippie. It sounds like he is referring to them as different people.
Spectacular pg. 67 (+) To me, this is a word that has more power to it than cool, or fun. This word is loaded because it has more “weight” then other words.
Ridiculous Beauty pg. 67 (+) When I read these words, I immediately wrote it down as a loaded word. It really gives the reader a positive reaction. More so than something like pretty, or good looking.
Dashing Doubt pg 68 (+) In the context that these words are in, it describes taking away the doubt that people have. People read these words and, like it says, do not doubt what the writer is trying to say.
Flawless pg. 68 (+) This word describes the perfection of their talent. If something is flawless, nothing can go wrong, which to me as the reader means it is loaded.
Perfect F***ing Machine pg. 68 (+) Although this has a swear word in it, I think that adds to how loaded the word is. It describes what he wishes to be like, and there could be so many other ways to describe it, but none would have this much effect.
Professional pg. 69 (+) To me, a professional is someone who has mastered what they do. The be able to call yourself a professional, it takes time, and a lot of effort.
Senior Citizen pg. 69 (-) If I were old enough to classify in this category, I would truly dislike it, for the reason that it’s like being separated from the rest of society. This is why I think that this is a loaded word with a negative reaction.



Section 2 Summary

In section 2, not many important things happened in the few pages that were included in this part. He and Toph spent most of the section in the car, on the way to the beach. They tried to go to a nude beach but it would have cost them 10 dollars each. They eventually made their way to a regular beach. They showcase their athletic ability to eachother, and think of themselves as "professoinals." During this ride, he and Toph play games and sing, although they both don't know most of the words.

Reaction

In this section, I think the events that occured were a set up for the sections to come. Becuase of the uneventful happenings is why I believe it is a set up section. As of what I think of the book, right now it's kinda boring but from what I have heard from others that have read this book, I am sure that it will only get better. (hopefully)

Section 1 Page by Page Summary and Reaction

1. The boy has been in the bathroom for 15 minutes.
2. His mom has been in that same chair, not getting up, for weeks, spitting up green fluid into a bucket.
3. His mom can talk. The doctors took out her stomach 6 months ago.
4. (Flashback) The removal of the cancerous stomach and how it was done.
5. She has a nosebleed. The cancer prevents the blood from clotting.
6. Describes the family’s house/decorations.
7. There is a fish tank in the fireplace. The fathers says, “Hey, hey!” all the time. Describes more of the living room.
8. The house gets little sun; the family is together for Christmas.
9. They watch American Gladiators with suspense.
10. The mom stays awake all evening. All the fish in the tank are dead.
11. Her nose begins to bleed again, which is dangerous.
12. (Flashback) Father is kneeling. (Present) They are still trying to get the blood to stop.
13. The kids promise never to bring mom back to the hospital.
14. He has visions of killing people. Her nose it still bleeding.
15. The mom is known around the town for her kindness to kids.
16. She is a tough person; he remembers the picture by the T.V.
17. The nosebleed continues once again.
18. Toph, his little brother, is hungry, the bleeding continues and her nose is turning purple.
19. He calls the nurse; she says to put ice on it. He does what she says.
20. (Flashback) Dad is kneeling, now he is spitting up blood.
21. Beth, his sister, comes home from her workout. She says that she has tried to use ice before.
22. (Flashback) Father is telling the kids that their mom is going to die. (Present) Her nose is still bleeding.
23. Toph is still hungry; they debate on taking mom to the hospital.
24. He and his sister talk about whether or not their mom is ready to die and how long it will take.
25. Many things go through his head: who to call if she dies, he says lots of “f” bombs.
26. He is arguing with himself about what he should do with his mom.
27. Beth argues with her mom if they should go to the hospital or not.
28. Everyone starts arguing about whether they should take her in or not.
29. (Flashback) His father is falling. His mom is running to him. (Present) They decide to take mom to the hospital.
30. He gets Toph ready and attempts to carry mom to the car.
31. They finally get her in the car.
32. They are off to the hospital.
33. (Flashback) His father’s funeral. Many guest come to the house.
34. Friends and family come to their home.
35. Les, an old friend of their fathers, tells stories about their dad.
36. (Flashback) Their dad is smoking in the emergency room during his stay there. (Present) They sleep at the hospital with their mom.
37. (Flashback) He and his girlfriend get together.
38. (Flashback) He and his girlfriend are in a closet together. (Present) He and his sister forget that it’s their mom’s birthday.
39. They debate on what to get her for her birthday.
40. Mom has had many bad wigs; she finally has real hair now.
41. (Flashback) His father denies his last rights by the priest. (Present) They promise their mom that they will get her out of there no matter what.
42. He has visions of when/if they sneak their mom out and who will come and what is going to happen.
43. More visions of what will happen to them in the future.
44. Even more visions of the future. His mother stirs in the bed and he says happy birthday. She is still asleep.
45. Toph wakes up, he sits and waits for his mom to wake up.


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So far in this book, many things have stuck me as "odd." He keeps having these flashbacks in the middle of the page. They usually go back to when he dad was alive. To me these are just something in the book that confuse me even more. Other than that I have reall enjoyed this book so far. He seems to be the kind of person that is very family orrientated. Because of the "jumping around" I can't really predict what will happen next in the book, which to me is a good thing. The language used in this book just tells me how serious he is about what happened in his life. To me it is not distracting but a feature that adds to the book.

This I Believe Assignment

1. A link to the essay

http://thisibelieve.org/dsp_ShowEssay.php?topessays=3&uid=12278

2. Author

Betsy Woods

3. Title

The Best Way to Learn is to Teach

4. One sentence of what the belief is

She believes in the power of teaching and the effects that it can have. on her and the students she teaches.

5. 2 examples from the story that showed their belief

1. It’s a wonderful truth that of all relationships, the one between teacher and the student is truly symbiotic.

2. On a daily basis, I learn as much from my students as I try to impart to them, and this is why I continue to teach. My motivations are selfish, and so be it. It’s still a tandem ride, this learning and teaching, and on any given day I find myself leading and following, following and leading.

6. 1 favorite passage

When you are put in charge of 25 students for 50 minutes a day, you feel compelled to give them the best you can, to prepare for their onslaught of questions, and to relate their lives to your lesson.

The thing that I am most anxious about during my first year at Edina High School is meeting new friends. Although venturing about of my “normal” friend group is extremely hard, I think that high school is all about new experiences anyways. New friends mean new experiences that you might not get the chance to do with other friends. Some may share different interests with you than others. To me, high school is all about the friendships that are created.


One goal for my sophomore year is to enjoy the year as much as possible. This includes getting good grades, making new friends, going to dances, and just experiencing our very few years of high school that we have. Getting good grades takes the pressure away that bad grades can bring, making new friends opens up many new opportunities, and going to dances is just another part of what high school is about.

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