So far I really have been enjoying the novel. I'm quite fond of how one of the main protagonists is a strong female role (the mother). I feel as if the archery club in this book is an example of a microcosm of the real world in that, like in A Separate peace, human aggression and savagery is shown strongly through sports. I think that Toby/ Jack in certain ways is very similar to Gene in that both of them have a dark side. Gene shows his by jouncing the tree limb and also later on by being the cause of Finny's death while Toby does so by pointing an arrow at the nuns face. While he doesn't fire the arrow, it is still very disturbing how even at a young age something in him seized him and had the nun facing death. -Ciara
I like the the time place where the novel takes place. I like how at the beginning of the book they had the truck go over the cliff. That was very interesting. While reading one part i found it sad that when Toby said that he was glad to be on the run again. I found that sad because that means that he feels very comfortable being on the run and is not saddened by it at a young age. -Aleyda
After reading the first four chapters of this novel, I have many thoughts. First off, I find the opening of the story where the truck falls of the cliff very interesting. Furthermore, I feel bad for Jack because it is clear that he feels guilt and unworthiness. For example, he rams the streets lonely after school, and when he writes to his pen pal from phoenix he writes about what he wishes his life was like, not how it actually is. I also feel that the Winchester rifle introduced in chapters three and four symbolize Jack's form of power and control. It is very interesting how we see such violent actions out of the main character this early on in the novel. - Arjuna Cabera
This book is very interesting because while you can tell it is set far back in the past, the narrator generally feels like a kid I'd talk to in my class, or just me. He feels like any teenage boy would, what really resonated with me was his confessions. This mainly because I was forced into Catholicism as a child and his actions and mannerisms struck a cord into my past. I think he’s a good example of why so many authors write from the perspective of teenage boys with baggage, they are the ones we can most directly identify with emotionally. Stevie Guevara
My prediction before reading chapter five was that Jack would find really nice and wholesome friends once arriving in West Seattle. However, he becomes friends with the two Terrys and his behavior gets worse. For example, they pelt eggs at a man's car and proceed to call him an offensive jewish name. Based on this and, Terry Silver's armband it is clear that this story is taking place during World War Two. Based on how bad these boys are behaving I predict that they will get into some serious trouble in the next few chapters. - Arjuna Cabera
Although the time period definitely influences what the boys consider “normal” the book doesn’t actually take place during WWII. Roy was stated to have seen war in previous chapters, this refers to WWII or WWI depending on his age. The book is taking place during the 1950’s which is the era of time in which the Cold War was taking place. The cultural influence on Jack’s simile whilst using the rifle causes him to see himself as a Vietnamese sniper. This simile gives us a better idea of when the story takes place, the earliest being 1955, ten years after the end of WWII. We can determine this because the Vietnam war lasted from 1955-1975.
As Elliott stated, this book takes place after WWII. Even though this is true, the amount that the war is already romanticized is a bit surprising, such as the Armband and recently made war movies that show both the "Guts and Glory" of the war. I would have thought that the world would stay too sore to make anything that would reflect the war in any light besides grim for at least another ten years, but it appears that I am wrong.
After reading the first five chapters of the book, I have come to a strong desire to keep reading! Each chapter is filled with events, and I like learning more and more about Jack and his characteristics. I feel bad for him, and it is clear that he feels unworthy and lonely. However, when he receives the gun from Roy, it seems as if he feels powerful for once. But, I do think it is strange how much of a strong desire he has for it. He always has the temptation to take it out and look at it, and refused to leave it behind when moving to Seattle. Is it just because he feels a sense of power when holding it? Or is it because he has an evil side inside of him? I think this gun foreshadows something, maybe an event involving the protection of his mother, but I don’t know exactly what it could be yet. - Nicole Castaldo
Great response Nicole. I really loved how you said Jack was lonely because I never really thought about Jack being all by himself without a real father figure. This really makes me see Jack in a whole new perspective now. I'd agree that Jack is very clingy to his rifle, like for once in his life he is in control of the situation.
After the first 5 chapters of This Boy's Life, I am so excited for what is yet to come, and I have many questions about the characters. First off, this story really hits home for me because I emotionally relate to Jack with the situation of his parents. I think that This Boy’s Life is going to be a great read for me because now that I’ve analyzed other 10th-grade level books, it’ll be easier for me to notice literary elements such as foreshadowing or microcosm/macrocosm, etc. For example, I could tell even from as early as chapter 2, that Roy wasn’t going to be there for long. The way he barely interacted with Jack, how he was unemployed, and how his mother never told Jack anything about Roy. This quote also concerned me. “The threats and occasional brutality with which he held her in place.” Here, Jack talks about what Roy does to his mother to keep her in her place. I’ve also noticed that Jack is mentally unstable because of the author’s use of morbid like diction. This can be seen used when Jack is hunting the squirrel, and when he’s aiming his gun at people through his window. My questions throughout the chapters are, why did Jack’s mom not seem to really care when Roy left. And why did Roy even leave in the first place? It seemed like the family was going pretty well.
After the first 5 chapters I find this book very interesting. Jacks characteristics are very interesting and so is his life. I have a good feeling this book is going to be a great one. The setting seems to be playing a huge role in the book because of all the different places he has traveled and the people he has met.
Excuse me what do you mean his characteristics? Can't you see that Jack is a greiving boy struggling to find a path through life? How disgraceful. There is nothing interesting about a boy that is as disfortunate as himself that can be seen as interestimng in the eye of a human. - Eugene
So far this book has been very eventful! Jack is constantly moving, and I feel bad for him because he seems distant and anxious. His fondness of the rifle really emphasizes a dark side of his life. He gets joy out of holding the gun and pointing it at people, and being mischievous towards other people. Jack is not struggling to understand his poverty, but he constantly asks for things he knows his mom can’t afford. It seems selfish...why does he do this? I know that he is young, but considering his conditions he does not consider his mom in many situations. I think Jack’s mom is also feeling a little out of place and stressed out, because she is trying to stay on top of her new job and she’s anxious about Jack and the gun. Something I was confused about was how Roy went from having a great relationship with Jack and his mother, wanting a family, to them running away from him the next day.-Susannah Kimsal
In Chapters 1-5 of This Boy’s Life, we get to meet the character of Jack. From the start, we can compare Jack to Holden Caulfield, as he is a young boy who has a negative aspect on the world. Some notable quotes are: “trying to get a particular sin out of it was like fishing a swamp, where you feel the tug of something that at first seems promising and then resistant and finally hopeless as you realize that you've snagged the bottom, that you have the whole planet on the other end of your line.” and “the threats and occasional brutality with which he held her in place.” This definitely shows how he feels about his parental situation and why. Along with this, the situation hits close to home as I too have parent issues. Overall, I like this book and would want to continue to read and get to know Jack better.
After reading chapters one through five I’ve found this book quite interesting. I don’t usually care for this kind of literature but the way Wolff writes “trying to get a particular sin out of it was like fishing a swamp, where you feel the tug of something that at first seems promising and then resistant and finally hopeless as you realize that you've snagged the bottom, that you have the whole planet on the other end of your line.” is luring and relatable. I like the book so far and the way he uses his words. - Cai Amuso
Chapter two specifically reminds me of "A Separate Peace" in that innocent games played by children are used as a microcosm for war and killing. Jack reminds me of Finny here because he says he had no thought of being hurt or of hurting someone else, and he actually pulled back his bow and arrow to abstain from continuing. I noticed he tends to observe people and try and find the good in them. WHen he is looking at the nun he is reminded of his own mother who is just as anxious and he can see deep down in her that she is a good person trying to help him. Also he says he felt guilty about stealing some change from his father even though his father is a terrible person. Not only does he see the good in people, but he sees the good in everything. He says he and his mother are both animal-lovers and when he killed the squirrel he felt as bad as if it were a person. I was very surprised that his mom let him take the gun with them and especially surprised that she barely put up a fight. Throughout the entire reading he closely observes people similar to Sherlock Holmes, except on a much smaller scale. He analyzes the father, the nun, Marian, the Marine Sergeant, Mrs. Taylor, Phil and more. I was also surprised that Jack did not feel more guilty about egging the Thunderbird. I wonder why he seemed to care more about killing the squirrel than egging the man's car.
I love this book so far and am especially interested by the formatting and style used by the author. I enjoy that he leaves many of the problems and events open ended so we can connect the dots. The main character seems to often skim over his dialogue without quoting it and I find that especially strange for a book based on the events of his life, though this does give the character a sense of depth. I am also noticing the depth and uniqueness displayed in his relationships with others that he maneuvers especially well for an eleven year old. There are many points in this story so far that I have found suprising to say the least, and a couple which I find vulgur, such as his stoicism in killing animals, his obedience when being yelled at by Taylor Silver when he wear a nazi arm band when it mentions that his father was Jewish, and especially his friendgroups comments on Annette. HIs relationships with authority figures seem to be rather submissive in comparison to his thoughts and actions when they are not around, and the cunning he uses when they are around to dissect situations make me think he is an exceptionally smart boy who just lacks schooling and discipline. This narrative is especially intriguing and I cannot wait to see how he develops, and how his diction shifts in the time to come.
I love this book so far and am especially interested by the formatting and style used by the author. I enjoy that he leaves many of the problems and events open ended so we can connect the dots. The main character seems to often skim over his dialogue without quoting it and I find that especially strange for a book based on the events of his life, though this does give the character a sense of depth. I am also noticing the depth and uniqueness displayed in his relationships with others that he maneuvers especially well for an eleven year old. There are many points in this story so far that I have found suprising to say the least, and a couple which I find vulgur, such as his stoicism in killing animals, his obedience when being yelled at by Taylor Silver when he wear a nazi arm band when it mentions that his father was Jewish, and especially his friend groups comments on Annette. HIs relationships with authority figures seem to be rather submissive in comparison to his thoughts and actions when they are not around, and the cunning he uses when they are around to dissect situations make me think he is an exceptionally smart boy who just lacks schooling and discipline. This narrative is especially intriguing and I cannot wait to see how he develops, and how his diction shifts in the time to come. - Ryan Witz
After reading chapters 1-5 I think chapter 5 has to be my favorite just from a kid or comedic stand point since these boys are throwing eggs at a man driving a very nice Thunderbird and they say some sort of cuss with no regrets or repercussions so far. I also think its disturbing that they seem to idleize Nazi Germany as well as smoking, sagging your pants and putting wax in your hair, and I understand this may be somewhat due to the time period but if I were a kid back then I don't think I would be wearing Nazi arm bands and looking at guns in a pawnshop. Just to throw out a kind of prediction, I would like to see some sort of action with the boys getting caught vandalizing things or just actions that these kids enjoy just to see if they are clever enough to escape and what their reactions would be to getting in trouble. As of now I like the book and I would love to actually enjoy a book instead of being forced to read a boring story so I am looking forward to how the story unfolds with Jack, his mother, and his friends.
i agree with you its funny how the kids are rebels and they do not care about getting caught doing all of those things.I think all these actions they are doing is foreshadowing that the boys are going to get caught soon
The author has a unique style of writing. I have noticed that he enjoys leaving the reader questioning what has happened in some chapters. For example, in chapter 6, the chapter ends with us unaware of what happened to Rosemary after her night out with Gil. She returns home crying, and I, nor Jack, knows what the cause was of this. This scene gave me a closer look on how much Jack actually adores his mother. He put his arms around her tightly and rocked her to sleep which shows that Jack and his mother clearly rely on one another. On another note, I find it crazy how wild Jack, Silver and Taylor are since they are only 11 years old. When I was 11, I’d never even thought about breaking things in school, especially a window, and I’m sure most of the other kids my age didn’t either. I find it strange, and a little off that they would do such a thing at that young of an age.
I'm not surprised how boisterous Jack, Silver and Taylor are but vandalising school property is crazy! I’ve noticed a difference with how Jack acts with his friends and strangers verus how he acts with his mother. I’ve also noticed how much Jack cares for his mother. The way he comforts her by holding her tightly in his arms and rocks her to sleep, after she comes home crying is so wholesome and shows us how they are each other's support. -Cai Amuso
I have a bad feeling about Dwight. I can’t exactly pinpoint what is off about him, but there seems to be a strangeness within him. Even though he had just met Rosemary and Jack, he still invited them to Thanksgiving, and it just seems too soon. Also, when Rosemary won the turkey shoot, Dwight appeared to have gotten jealous of her. Usually you are supposed to feel happy towards your significant other when they accomplish something, not full of envy. It looks like a bad sign to me. -Nicole Castaldo
There was once a time where the same situation happened to me that happened to Jack in chapter 9. In this chapter, Jack vandalized the bathroom by using his comb to scratch obscenity on the bathroom walls. When this happened, the principal demanded to know the names of who had done this serious incident, and insisted on giving up on it until he found out. When I was in fourth grade, the same thing happened in my classroom. One naughty student had written something inappropriate on the white board, and my teacher made us sit in silence until that kid fessed up. In my case, the student actually did confess to the class, but after a little while. Whereas Jack, had insisted that he would never do such a thing when he got accused by the vice principal, and eventually got away with it. -Nicole Castaldo
Jack has a strong desire to leave Chinook, but who could blame him? He is getting completely used and torn apart by Dwight, and in this chapter he got betrayed by Skipper. He was so disappointed when Skipper told him that he was bringing someone else to Mexico only because he wants to get out of that town so badly. I can’t imagine how Jack feels after seeing him get hurt over and over again while living in this unhealthy household. He needs to tell his mother about all of these incidents that has been involving the two of them. She needs to realize that Dwight is the complete opposite man a woman should want. How does she not see any bad signs? -Nicole Castaldo
After reading the first few chapters, i've come to realize how much pressure is being put on Jack and how this whole situation of him moving to a different state may affect him. As of right now Dwight seems to be not so interesting to me. I feel bad more what Rosemary and Jack are going through. They are struggling. He just seems off and maybe he'll turn out to be different as I continue to read more.
It genuinely bothers me how Dwight treats the people in his life. In chapter 17, the mold on the chestnuts and beaver really symbolize how much time has gone by in Jack’s life with Dwight. It’s just sad to see that Jack spent his time and hard work only to come to a waste. Dwight has made Jack’s life a living hell and I feel sorry for him. I think Jack should have just went to Paris with his uncle, even though he would have had to change his last name. In my opinion, he would have lived a better life, free from abuse. Also, I am confused about Arthur and Jack’s relationship. Earlier they got into a fight, and now they have kissed?
I truly feel sorry for Jack, working hard and wasting his youth with a man who constantly beats him down saddens me. Jack should have gone to Paris even if it meant changing his last name. I think it would've saved him some suffering. - Cai Amuso
Jack’s insecurities really stand out in this chapter. For example, when he mentions how the only girl he loved was Rhea Clark, he thinks that she would find his love laughable and insulting. When Jack asks Rhea to dance and she accepts his offer, he only thinks she’s doing it because this was a “new girl’s mistake” and she didn’t know any better. His insecurities were caused by the lack of care he received from his home. Dwight puts him down each day, clearly creating Jack to have low self-confidence.
I feel for Jack and can relate to what he is feeling. This is all due to Dwight's constant verbal abuse which resulted in Jack's low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Why hasn't Rosemary noticed yet? I hope Jack gets better soon. -Cai Amuso
I Am interested in the boys behavior throughout this chapter. The boys throwing eggs at the thunderbird at the stop light shows there childness and eagerness throughout the chapter. I relate to what I am reading because it shows the kids having fun and misbehaving and it feels relatable. I feel time plays a big role in this chapter because living with a single mother in a new town shows lots of opportunities to misbehave. Especially since jack is rejected from many schools. This makes me feel worried for jack as his is continuously pushed down the wrong path.
The charter is introduced with them now living in a boarding house. He also introduced the people that lived around him or in other apartments. He also talks about how one of his friends is big on being a Nazi because he has an armband,he looked at people with Jewish sounding names and screamed at them in pig german. So i want to see if he turns out to be like his friends
So far I really have been enjoying the novel. I'm quite fond of how one of the main protagonists is a strong female role (the mother). I feel as if the archery club in this book is an example of a microcosm of the real world in that, like in A Separate peace, human aggression and savagery is shown strongly through sports. I think that Toby/ Jack in certain ways is very similar to Gene in that both of them have a dark side. Gene shows his by jouncing the tree limb and also later on by being the cause of Finny's death while Toby does so by pointing an arrow at the nuns face. While he doesn't fire the arrow, it is still very disturbing how even at a young age something in him seized him and had the nun facing death. -Ciara
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the the time place where the novel takes place. I like how at the beginning of the book they had the truck go over the cliff. That was very interesting. While reading one part i found it sad that when Toby said that he was glad to be on the run again. I found that sad because that means that he feels very comfortable being on the run and is not saddened by it at a young age. -Aleyda
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first four chapters of this novel, I have many thoughts. First off, I find the opening of the story where the truck falls of the cliff very interesting. Furthermore, I feel bad for Jack because it is clear that he feels guilt and unworthiness. For example, he rams the streets lonely after school, and when he writes to his pen pal from phoenix he writes about what he wishes his life was like, not how it actually is. I also feel that the Winchester rifle introduced in chapters three and four symbolize Jack's form of power and control. It is very interesting how we see such violent actions out of the main character this early on in the novel. - Arjuna Cabera
ReplyDeleteroams instead of rams- Arjuna
ReplyDeleteThis book is very interesting because while you can tell it is set far back in the past, the narrator generally feels like a kid I'd talk to in my class, or just me. He feels like any teenage boy would, what really resonated with me was his confessions. This mainly because I was forced into Catholicism as a child and his actions and mannerisms struck a cord into my past. I think he’s a good example of why so many authors write from the perspective of teenage boys with baggage, they are the ones we can most directly identify with emotionally.
ReplyDeleteStevie Guevara
My prediction before reading chapter five was that Jack would find really nice and wholesome friends once arriving in West Seattle. However, he becomes friends with the two Terrys and his behavior gets worse. For example, they pelt eggs at a man's car and proceed to call him an offensive jewish name. Based on this and, Terry Silver's armband it is clear that this story is taking place during World War Two. Based on how bad these boys are behaving I predict that they will get into some serious trouble in the next few chapters. - Arjuna Cabera
ReplyDeleteAlthough the time period definitely influences what the boys consider “normal” the book doesn’t actually take place during WWII. Roy was stated to have seen war in previous chapters, this refers to WWII or WWI depending on his age. The book is taking place during the 1950’s which is the era of time in which the Cold War was taking place. The cultural influence on Jack’s simile whilst using the rifle causes him to see himself as a Vietnamese sniper. This simile gives us a better idea of when the story takes place, the earliest being 1955, ten years after the end of WWII. We can determine this because the Vietnam war lasted from 1955-1975.
DeleteAs Elliott stated, this book takes place after WWII. Even though this is true, the amount that the war is already romanticized is a bit surprising, such as the Armband and recently made war movies that show both the "Guts and Glory" of the war. I would have thought that the world would stay too sore to make anything that would reflect the war in any light besides grim for at least another ten years, but it appears that I am wrong.
Delete^ Post made by Alex Rothenberg
DeleteAfter reading the first five chapters of the book, I have come to a strong desire to keep reading! Each chapter is filled with events, and I like learning more and more about Jack and his characteristics. I feel bad for him, and it is clear that he feels unworthy and lonely. However, when he receives the gun from Roy, it seems as if he feels powerful for once. But, I do think it is strange how much of a strong desire he has for it. He always has the temptation to take it out and look at it, and refused to leave it behind when moving to Seattle. Is it just because he feels a sense of power when holding it? Or is it because he has an evil side inside of him? I think this gun foreshadows something, maybe an event involving the protection of his mother, but I don’t know exactly what it could be yet. - Nicole Castaldo
ReplyDeleteGreat response Nicole. I really loved how you said Jack was lonely because I never really thought about Jack being all by himself without a real father figure. This really makes me see Jack in a whole new perspective now.
DeleteI'd agree that Jack is very clingy to his rifle, like for once in his life he is in control of the situation.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAfter the first 5 chapters of This Boy's Life, I am so excited for what is yet to come, and I have many questions about the characters. First off, this story really hits home for me because I emotionally relate to Jack with the situation of his parents. I think that This Boy’s Life is going to be a great read for me because now that I’ve analyzed other 10th-grade level books, it’ll be easier for me to notice literary elements such as foreshadowing or microcosm/macrocosm, etc. For example, I could tell even from as early as chapter 2, that Roy wasn’t going to be there for long. The way he barely interacted with Jack, how he was unemployed, and how his mother never told Jack anything about Roy. This quote also concerned me. “The threats and occasional brutality with which he held her in place.” Here, Jack talks about what Roy does to his mother to keep her in her place. I’ve also noticed that Jack is mentally unstable because of the author’s use of morbid like diction. This can be seen used when Jack is hunting the squirrel, and when he’s aiming his gun at people through his window. My questions throughout the chapters are, why did Jack’s mom not seem to really care when Roy left. And why did Roy even leave in the first place? It seemed like the family was going pretty well.
ReplyDeleteAfter the first 5 chapters I find this book very interesting. Jacks characteristics are very interesting and so is his life. I have a good feeling this book is going to be a great one. The setting seems to be playing a huge role in the book because of all the different places he has traveled and the people he has met.
ReplyDelete- Thomas Love
DeleteExcuse me what do you mean his characteristics? Can't you see that Jack is a greiving boy struggling to find a path through life? How disgraceful. There is nothing interesting about a boy that is as disfortunate as himself that can be seen as interestimng in the eye of a human. - Eugene
Deletelol did I ask
DeleteSo far this book has been very eventful! Jack is constantly moving, and I feel bad for him because he seems distant and anxious. His fondness of the rifle really emphasizes a dark side of his life. He gets joy out of holding the gun and pointing it at people, and being mischievous towards other people. Jack is not struggling to understand his poverty, but he constantly asks for things he knows his mom can’t afford. It seems selfish...why does he do this? I know that he is young, but considering his conditions he does not consider his mom in many situations. I think Jack’s mom is also feeling a little out of place and stressed out, because she is trying to stay on top of her new job and she’s anxious about Jack and the gun. Something I was confused about was how Roy went from having a great relationship with Jack and his mother, wanting a family, to them running away from him the next day.-Susannah Kimsal
ReplyDeleteIn Chapters 1-5 of This Boy’s Life, we get to meet the character of Jack. From the start, we can compare Jack to Holden Caulfield, as he is a young boy who has a negative aspect on the world. Some notable quotes are: “trying to get a particular sin out of it was like fishing a swamp, where you feel the tug of something that at first seems promising and then resistant and finally hopeless as you realize that you've snagged the bottom, that you have the whole planet on the other end of your line.” and “the threats and occasional brutality with which he held her in place.” This definitely shows how he feels about his parental situation and why. Along with this, the situation hits close to home as I too have parent issues. Overall, I like this book and would want to continue to read and get to know Jack better.
ReplyDelete- Frankie Feola
DeleteAfter reading chapters one through five I’ve found this book quite interesting. I don’t usually care for this kind of literature but the way Wolff writes “trying to get a particular sin out of it was like fishing a swamp, where you feel the tug of something that at first seems promising and then resistant and finally hopeless as you realize that you've snagged the bottom, that you have the whole planet on the other end of your line.” is luring and relatable. I like the book so far and the way he uses his words. - Cai Amuso
ReplyDeleteChapter two specifically reminds me of "A Separate Peace" in that innocent games played by children are used as a microcosm for war and killing. Jack reminds me of Finny here because he says he had no thought of being hurt or of hurting someone else, and he actually pulled back his bow and arrow to abstain from continuing. I noticed he tends to observe people and try and find the good in them. WHen he is looking at the nun he is reminded of his own mother who is just as anxious and he can see deep down in her that she is a good person trying to help him. Also he says he felt guilty about stealing some change from his father even though his father is a terrible person. Not only does he see the good in people, but he sees the good in everything. He says he and his mother are both animal-lovers and when he killed the squirrel he felt as bad as if it were a person. I was very surprised that his mom let him take the gun with them and especially surprised that she barely put up a fight. Throughout the entire reading he closely observes people similar to Sherlock Holmes, except on a much smaller scale. He analyzes the father, the nun, Marian, the Marine Sergeant, Mrs. Taylor, Phil and more. I was also surprised that Jack did not feel more guilty about egging the Thunderbird. I wonder why he seemed to care more about killing the squirrel than egging the man's car.
ReplyDelete-Daniel (the blog would not show my name)
DeleteI love this book so far and am especially interested by the formatting and style used by the author. I enjoy that he leaves many of the problems and events open ended so we can connect the dots. The main character seems to often skim over his dialogue without quoting it and I find that especially strange for a book based on the events of his life, though this does give the character a sense of depth. I am also noticing the depth and uniqueness displayed in his relationships with others that he maneuvers especially well for an eleven year old. There are many points in this story so far that I have found suprising to say the least, and a couple which I find vulgur, such as his stoicism in killing animals, his obedience when being yelled at by Taylor Silver when he wear a nazi arm band when it mentions that his father was Jewish, and especially his friendgroups comments on Annette. HIs relationships with authority figures seem to be rather submissive in comparison to his thoughts and actions when they are not around, and the cunning he uses when they are around to dissect situations make me think he is an exceptionally smart boy who just lacks schooling and discipline. This narrative is especially intriguing and I cannot wait to see how he develops, and how his diction shifts in the time to come.
ReplyDeleteI love this book so far and am especially interested by the formatting and style used by the author. I enjoy that he leaves many of the problems and events open ended so we can connect the dots. The main character seems to often skim over his dialogue without quoting it and I find that especially strange for a book based on the events of his life, though this does give the character a sense of depth. I am also noticing the depth and uniqueness displayed in his relationships with others that he maneuvers especially well for an eleven year old. There are many points in this story so far that I have found suprising to say the least, and a couple which I find vulgur, such as his stoicism in killing animals, his obedience when being yelled at by Taylor Silver when he wear a nazi arm band when it mentions that his father was Jewish, and especially his friend groups comments on Annette. HIs relationships with authority figures seem to be rather submissive in comparison to his thoughts and actions when they are not around, and the cunning he uses when they are around to dissect situations make me think he is an exceptionally smart boy who just lacks schooling and discipline. This narrative is especially intriguing and I cannot wait to see how he develops, and how his diction shifts in the time to come. - Ryan Witz
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapters 1-5 I think chapter 5 has to be my favorite just from a kid or comedic stand point since these boys are throwing eggs at a man driving a very nice Thunderbird and they say some sort of cuss with no regrets or repercussions so far. I also think its disturbing that they seem to idleize Nazi Germany as well as smoking, sagging your pants and putting wax in your hair, and I understand this may be somewhat due to the time period but if I were a kid back then I don't think I would be wearing Nazi arm bands and looking at guns in a pawnshop. Just to throw out a kind of prediction, I would like to see some sort of action with the boys getting caught vandalizing things or just actions that these kids enjoy just to see if they are clever enough to escape and what their reactions would be to getting in trouble. As of now I like the book and I would love to actually enjoy a book instead of being forced to read a boring story so I am looking forward to how the story unfolds with Jack, his mother, and his friends.
ReplyDelete- Jason Kerwar
i agree with you its funny how the kids are rebels and they do not care about getting caught doing all of those things.I think all these actions they are doing is foreshadowing that the boys are going to get caught soon
DeleteThe author has a unique style of writing. I have noticed that he enjoys leaving the reader questioning what has happened in some chapters. For example, in chapter 6, the chapter ends with us unaware of what happened to Rosemary after her night out with Gil. She returns home crying, and I, nor Jack, knows what the cause was of this. This scene gave me a closer look on how much Jack actually adores his mother. He put his arms around her tightly and rocked her to sleep which shows that Jack and his mother clearly rely on one another. On another note, I find it crazy how wild Jack, Silver and Taylor are since they are only 11 years old. When I was 11, I’d never even thought about breaking things in school, especially a window, and I’m sure most of the other kids my age didn’t either. I find it strange, and a little off that they would do such a thing at that young of an age.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised how boisterous Jack, Silver and Taylor are but vandalising school property is crazy! I’ve noticed a difference with how Jack acts with his friends and strangers verus how he acts with his mother. I’ve also noticed how much Jack cares for his mother. The way he comforts her by holding her tightly in his arms and rocks her to sleep, after she comes home crying is so wholesome and shows us how they are each other's support. -Cai Amuso
ReplyDeleteI have a bad feeling about Dwight. I can’t exactly pinpoint what is off about him, but there seems to be a strangeness within him. Even though he had just met Rosemary and Jack, he still invited them to Thanksgiving, and it just seems too soon. Also, when Rosemary won the turkey shoot, Dwight appeared to have gotten jealous of her. Usually you are supposed to feel happy towards your significant other when they accomplish something, not full of envy. It looks like a bad sign to me. -Nicole Castaldo
ReplyDeleteThere was once a time where the same situation happened to me that happened to Jack in chapter 9. In this chapter, Jack vandalized the bathroom by using his comb to scratch obscenity on the bathroom walls. When this happened, the principal demanded to know the names of who had done this serious incident, and insisted on giving up on it until he found out. When I was in fourth grade, the same thing happened in my classroom. One naughty student had written something inappropriate on the white board, and my teacher made us sit in silence until that kid fessed up. In my case, the student actually did confess to the class, but after a little while. Whereas Jack, had insisted that he would never do such a thing when he got accused by the vice principal, and eventually got away with it. -Nicole Castaldo
ReplyDeleteJack has a strong desire to leave Chinook, but who could blame him? He is getting completely used and torn apart by Dwight, and in this chapter he got betrayed by Skipper. He was so disappointed when Skipper told him that he was bringing someone else to Mexico only because he wants to get out of that town so badly. I can’t imagine how Jack feels after seeing him get hurt over and over again while living in this unhealthy household. He needs to tell his mother about all of these incidents that has been involving the two of them. She needs to realize that Dwight is the complete opposite man a woman should want. How does she not see any bad signs? -Nicole Castaldo
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first few chapters, i've come to realize how much pressure is being put on Jack and how this whole situation of him moving to a different state may affect him. As of right now Dwight seems to be not so interesting to me. I feel bad more what Rosemary and Jack are going through. They are struggling. He just seems off and maybe he'll turn out to be different as I continue to read more.
ReplyDelete-Alva Crisostomo
DeleteIt genuinely bothers me how Dwight treats the people in his life. In chapter 17, the mold on the chestnuts and beaver really symbolize how much time has gone by in Jack’s life with Dwight. It’s just sad to see that Jack spent his time and hard work only to come to a waste. Dwight has made Jack’s life a living hell and I feel sorry for him. I think Jack should have just went to Paris with his uncle, even though he would have had to change his last name. In my opinion, he would have lived a better life, free from abuse. Also, I am confused about Arthur and Jack’s relationship. Earlier they got into a fight, and now they have kissed?
ReplyDeleteI truly feel sorry for Jack, working hard and wasting his youth with a man who constantly beats him down saddens me. Jack should have gone to Paris even if it meant changing his last name. I think it would've saved him some suffering. - Cai Amuso
ReplyDeletei agree
ReplyDeleteJack’s insecurities really stand out in this chapter. For example, when he mentions how the only girl he loved was Rhea Clark, he thinks that she would find his love laughable and insulting. When Jack asks Rhea to dance and she accepts his offer, he only thinks she’s doing it because this was a “new girl’s mistake” and she didn’t know any better. His insecurities were caused by the lack of care he received from his home. Dwight puts him down each day, clearly creating Jack to have low self-confidence.
ReplyDeleteI feel for Jack and can relate to what he is feeling. This is all due to Dwight's constant verbal abuse which resulted in Jack's low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Why hasn't Rosemary noticed yet? I hope Jack gets better soon. -Cai Amuso
ReplyDeleteI Am interested in the boys behavior throughout this chapter. The boys throwing eggs at the thunderbird at the stop light shows there childness and eagerness throughout the chapter. I relate to what I am reading because it shows the kids having fun and misbehaving and it feels relatable. I feel time plays a big role in this chapter because living with a single mother in a new town shows lots of opportunities to misbehave. Especially since jack is rejected from many schools. This makes me feel worried for jack as his is continuously pushed down the wrong path.
ReplyDeleteThe charter is introduced with them now living in a boarding house. He also introduced the people that lived around him or in other apartments. He also talks about how one of his friends is big on being a Nazi because he has an armband,he looked at people with Jewish sounding names and screamed at them in pig german. So i want to see if he turns out to be like his friends
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