To me this chapter is very interesting. It heavily contrasts with the starting of the novel early on when Jack talked about how him and his mother would look down upon other houses while they themselves were lower on the socioeconomic scale. I think this is an excellent example of irony, so meticulously illustrated to the point where while reading I was perplexed and questioned what I previously knew despite the fact that the mother got a new job. So far I am pleased with the novel. Originally I was scared because I put myself out of my own comfort zone while selecting it but so far it has paid itself off. -Ciara
The end of chapter five had me shocked and wondering. When he said he had only heard his father say that word. I started thinking. What if his father had some sort of connection to Silver. My thought about Silver is that him and Toby together aren't a good mach because when they are together, they would go up to the roof and throw things at people and they would also steal things. I wonder where this friendship might go soon. -Aleyda
I think it is very interesting that the only adult that sees through his BS is the one he hates the most. Additionally, I wonder when his rifle will make a return since he was so insistent on bringing it with him. Stevie Guevara
his chapter further shows the books setting and time period influencing the characters actions. The Korean war has caused Silver and Taylor’s father to be absent, which most likely is one cause for their vandalism and rebellious behavior. Further infuence caused by setting is the near Nazi worship the three boys hold. The boys idolize a Luger, a German pistol used during WWII. Much worse than a German pistol, the boys idolize and pretend to obey Silver while he wears a Nazi armband. These acts of pretend violence, fascism, and German idolization make me very concerned for how Jack will turn out.
In the previous chapter we see Tobias being a daring child who is influenced and looks up to Roy before he leaves. Now we see Tobias being influenced by Silver, a fascist kid (who is influenced by Hitler, of course). The similarity between these kids is that they all It seems as though that the book is heading towards a trend of following dark paths with the absence of proper authority. I believe that the reason why the Moms don't count as proper authority is because the boys have a natural hatred towards girls, seeing them as obnoxious. This is probably wrong, but so far it is the only reason I can come up with for this. Anyone else have an opinion?
This may be possible, but I believe that the mothers of the boys are not proper authority figures because they don't have the ability to. All of the mothers seem to be dealing with their own internal struggles that may be inhibiting their ability to teach and discipline their children.
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
I think its interesting that Jack enjoys watching mock naval battles instead of going off and causes mischief. Also, its very surprising that Jack is taking well to Gil basically hitting on his mom but the nice thing is that he gets to talk to Judd (a dark skinned man). They are both nice people and end up taking Jack's mom to dinner. I hope later on in the story we get more Gil and Judd just because they seemed really laid back and Gil seems to be becoming a father-like figure to Jack. I am also a bit confused about why Jack's mom came home crying after being out to dinner and says "what about the Raleigh". Moving on to chapter 7, Marian, Kathy, and Jack’s mom decided to rent a house together but they cant afford much so they rent a pretty ramshackled house in West Seattle. Soon after they learn the house was scheduled to be demolished and Kathy gives birth to a boy Will. The whole situation with the house is a bit of a twist for me because I don’t understand why Jack’s mom would buy this house if she knew it was going to be destroyed or did she not care to hear everything about the house and quickly and prematurely signed the contract or even just wasn’t told about the demolition. For a while they talk about how Jack’s mom was treated as a child which in my mind isn't fair nor right, but the one thing that really disturbed was why he made his little girl, his daughter smoke cigarettes just to keep her from eating. Later on the boys talk about how on Halloween they broke school cafe windows and they were never suspected of doing it. Then they put poop in bags and light them on fire at peoples door steps in an attempt to get them to step on it. They also steal from people in their neighborhood. To end the chapter Marian and Kathy try to get Jack’s mom to consider marrying someone and they make a list of suitors but one of the suitors, Dwight (old man, hand painted ties, mechanic, two tone shoes, kind, and short, was one of the girls favorite picks for Jack’s mom. Jack doesn't seem to think his mom will follow through and become jointed with Dwight. I am interested on Jack’s mom choices and how everybody will react to them.
Despite the fact that I have been liking this book, it’s frustrating to read because the author leaves many cliffhangers. He didn’t tell us what happened with Roy in the previous chapters, and now he ended chapter six by not telling us why Jack’s mom was crying after going out with Gil. Aside from that, Jack’s character has really developed in the past few chapters. He has become more caring towards his mom, yet more mischievous at the same time. I still don’t understand why he puts his mom in uncomfortable situations regarding money though, like when he brought up how she won’t buy him a bike. But, he has learned from that and starts comforting her and making sure he is home before her so she doesn’t have to worry about him. Jack also starts going out with his friends more and rebelling the rules, like breaking windows, and crashing peoples cars down the hill. I think it is interesting that the author decided to develop Jack in this contrasting way. What I understand more now after reading more is that Rosemary is traumatized from her childhood after her father was very harsh on her, beating her every night after dinner. I think that this made her into a very cautious and sensitive person because she would never want to punish Jack in that way at all.
Chapter 6 was very interesting. I would have to agree with Susannah that there is way too much information that the reader is getting held back from. The mystery of why Roy left Jacks’s mother is still unknown. And now at the end of chapter 6, the reader is left to assume that Gil is the reason that Jack’s mother is crying. Is there something about Jack’s mom that we don’t know. She seems to have problems with all the men that she encounters. Is it her causing these problems, or is it the men?
In these chapters, there seems to be a lack of responsibility on many parts, but especially the parental and adult parties. The mother still believes her ill-mannered 11-year-old to be her little angel and the supervision it seems all of these boys lack only seems to be feeding the problem. When confronted by Marian, the denial Jack’s mother displays is so irresponsible for a mother it is genuinely hard to fathom. Another instance of her irresponsibility is when she brought her child to the apartment of two men she had just met, with little vocalized hesitancy. Going through her history we do get insight as to the reason she has a hard time reprimanding Jack, but he is growing into, in his own words, a “transparent little klepto”. Jack’s mother seems to be a very kind and gentle woman, but an irresponsible and ill-mannered mother. I also see great potential in Jack in the academic sense, but his lack of self control and constant tomfoolery make his future seem glum. His friends, the nazi and crybaby, are quite obvious outcasts and he doesn’t seem to be learning the social contract or how to be an upstanding citizen. His consistency in wrongdoing from window breaking to shoplifting is concerning and does not give me hope for his young adult life. His awareness of his own delinquency makes his future all the more dim, because he has not yet shown any signs of accountability with almost no urge to change as a person. - Ryan Witz
The author keeps beginning new story lines or plot points such as Gil and Judd, and Roy, and "Daddy". Though the tangents that Wolff creates in his writing can be quite a distraction I actually feel like they help with Jack's character. The new plot points like the stealing and breaking things are not expanded upon, but are introduced in the first place. THe author realizes that this is in fact written from the point of view of a child and all of these sides stories and details that barely have anything to do with the story help show how Jack thinks. This also makes me feel more connected to the character because many people our age, including myself, tend to tell stories that are full of tangents with extra details that are not important to the story. I did think the way he talked and acted when his mom got home from, the date with Gil made him seem more mature than most 11 year olds would be. I wonder why Jack is so mature in some situations like this one, but also so immature like when they were breaking windows.
As I keep reading, Jack seems to be very opinionated. For example he was judging Gil and Judd as soon as they met. This is always the best thing as you can get the wrong impression of someone but I think Jack is just trying to protect his mother from getting hurt. I wonder what caused Jack to all of a sudden act out with his friends. It's obvious he feels a bit guilty for doing what he did. But my question is why did he do it. Was it peer pressure of just the need to do something out if the ordinary. - Alva Crisostomo
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.
This chapter makes we feel sceptical about the two men approaching and talking to Jack and his mother. Why would they approach them? Why invite them over? When Jack and his mother go to there house I was interested on why he offered Jack the new bike and said he would by it brand new for him. I feel that Jack is very easy going in this chapter and did not care to go into the man's house. I feel time and place affects this chapter because Jack and his mother are struggling so maybe following this man was there was seeking help.
To me this chapter is very interesting. It heavily contrasts with the starting of the novel early on when Jack talked about how him and his mother would look down upon other houses while they themselves were lower on the socioeconomic scale. I think this is an excellent example of irony, so meticulously illustrated to the point where while reading I was perplexed and questioned what I previously knew despite the fact that the mother got a new job. So far I am pleased with the novel. Originally I was scared because I put myself out of my own comfort zone while selecting it but so far it has paid itself off. -Ciara
ReplyDeleteThe end of chapter five had me shocked and wondering. When he said he had only heard his father say that word. I started thinking. What if his father had some sort of connection to Silver. My thought about Silver is that him and Toby together aren't a good mach because when they are together, they would go up to the roof and throw things at people and they would also steal things. I wonder where this friendship might go soon. -Aleyda
ReplyDeletei agree with you i was also shocked and confused when he said he only heard his father say that word
DeleteI think it is very interesting that the only adult that sees through his BS is the one he hates the most. Additionally, I wonder when his rifle will make a return since he was so insistent on bringing it with him.
ReplyDeleteStevie Guevara
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehis chapter further shows the books setting and time period influencing the characters actions. The Korean war has caused Silver and Taylor’s father to be absent, which most likely is one cause for their vandalism and rebellious behavior. Further infuence caused by setting is the near Nazi worship the three boys hold. The boys idolize a Luger, a German pistol used during WWII. Much worse than a German pistol, the boys idolize and pretend to obey Silver while he wears a Nazi armband. These acts of pretend violence, fascism, and German idolization make me very concerned for how Jack will turn out.
ReplyDeleteIn the previous chapter we see Tobias being a daring child who is influenced and looks up to Roy before he leaves. Now we see Tobias being influenced by Silver, a fascist kid (who is influenced by Hitler, of course). The similarity between these kids is that they all It seems as though that the book is heading towards a trend of following dark paths with the absence of proper authority. I believe that the reason why the Moms don't count as proper authority is because the boys have a natural hatred towards girls, seeing them as obnoxious. This is probably wrong, but so far it is the only reason I can come up with for this. Anyone else have an opinion?
ReplyDeleteThis may be possible, but I believe that the mothers of the boys are not proper authority figures because they don't have the ability to. All of the mothers seem to be dealing with their own internal struggles that may be inhibiting their ability to teach and discipline their children.
DeleteI agree, in fact, all the mothers appear to be struggling with the absence of their husbands.
DeleteMy 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
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting that Jack enjoys watching mock naval battles instead of going off and causes mischief. Also, its very surprising that Jack is taking well to Gil basically hitting on his mom but the nice thing is that he gets to talk to Judd (a dark skinned man). They are both nice people and end up taking Jack's mom to dinner. I hope later on in the story we get more Gil and Judd just because they seemed really laid back and Gil seems to be becoming a father-like figure to Jack. I am also a bit confused about why Jack's mom came home crying after being out to dinner and says "what about the Raleigh". Moving on to chapter 7, Marian, Kathy, and Jack’s mom decided to rent a house together but they cant afford much so they rent a pretty ramshackled house in West Seattle. Soon after they learn the house was scheduled to be demolished and Kathy gives birth to a boy Will. The whole situation with the house is a bit of a twist for me because I don’t understand why Jack’s mom would buy this house if she knew it was going to be destroyed or did she not care to hear everything about the house and quickly and prematurely signed the contract or even just wasn’t told about the demolition. For a while they talk about how Jack’s mom was treated as a child which in my mind isn't fair nor right, but the one thing that really disturbed was why he made his little girl, his daughter smoke cigarettes just to keep her from eating. Later on the boys talk about how on Halloween they broke school cafe windows and they were never suspected of doing it. Then they put poop in bags and light them on fire at peoples door steps in an attempt to get them to step on it. They also steal from people in their neighborhood. To end the chapter Marian and Kathy try to get Jack’s mom to consider marrying someone and they make a list of suitors but one of the suitors, Dwight (old man, hand painted ties, mechanic, two tone shoes, kind, and short, was one of the girls favorite picks for Jack’s mom. Jack doesn't seem to think his mom will follow through and become jointed with Dwight. I am interested on Jack’s mom choices and how everybody will react to them.
ReplyDelete-Jason Kerwar (sorry I forgot to put my name and was finding blogs out of place/order.)
DeleteDespite the fact that I have been liking this book, it’s frustrating to read because the author leaves many cliffhangers. He didn’t tell us what happened with Roy in the previous chapters, and now he ended chapter six by not telling us why Jack’s mom was crying after going out with Gil. Aside from that, Jack’s character has really developed in the past few chapters. He has become more caring towards his mom, yet more mischievous at the same time. I still don’t understand why he puts his mom in uncomfortable situations regarding money though, like when he brought up how she won’t buy him a bike. But, he has learned from that and starts comforting her and making sure he is home before her so she doesn’t have to worry about him. Jack also starts going out with his friends more and rebelling the rules, like breaking windows, and crashing peoples cars down the hill. I think it is interesting that the author decided to develop Jack in this contrasting way. What I understand more now after reading more is that Rosemary is traumatized from her childhood after her father was very harsh on her, beating her every night after dinner. I think that this made her into a very cautious and sensitive person because she would never want to punish Jack in that way at all.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChapter 6 was very interesting. I would have to agree with Susannah that there is way too much information that the reader is getting held back from. The mystery of why Roy left Jacks’s mother is still unknown. And now at the end of chapter 6, the reader is left to assume that Gil is the reason that Jack’s mother is crying. Is there something about Jack’s mom that we don’t know. She seems to have problems with all the men that she encounters. Is it her causing these problems, or is it the men?
ReplyDeleteIn these chapters, there seems to be a lack of responsibility on many parts, but especially the parental and adult parties. The mother still believes her ill-mannered 11-year-old to be her little angel and the supervision it seems all of these boys lack only seems to be feeding the problem. When confronted by Marian, the denial Jack’s mother displays is so irresponsible for a mother it is genuinely hard to fathom. Another instance of her irresponsibility is when she brought her child to the apartment of two men she had just met, with little vocalized hesitancy. Going through her history we do get insight as to the reason she has a hard time reprimanding Jack, but he is growing into, in his own words, a “transparent little klepto”. Jack’s mother seems to be a very kind and gentle woman, but an irresponsible and ill-mannered mother. I also see great potential in Jack in the academic sense, but his lack of self control and constant tomfoolery make his future seem glum. His friends, the nazi and crybaby, are quite obvious outcasts and he doesn’t seem to be learning the social contract or how to be an upstanding citizen. His consistency in wrongdoing from window breaking to shoplifting is concerning and does not give me hope for his young adult life. His awareness of his own delinquency makes his future all the more dim, because he has not yet shown any signs of accountability with almost no urge to change as a person. - Ryan Witz
ReplyDeleteThe author keeps beginning new story lines or plot points such as Gil and Judd, and Roy, and "Daddy". Though the tangents that Wolff creates in his writing can be quite a distraction I actually feel like they help with Jack's character. The new plot points like the stealing and breaking things are not expanded upon, but are introduced in the first place. THe author realizes that this is in fact written from the point of view of a child and all of these sides stories and details that barely have anything to do with the story help show how Jack thinks. This also makes me feel more connected to the character because many people our age, including myself, tend to tell stories that are full of tangents with extra details that are not important to the story. I did think the way he talked and acted when his mom got home from, the date with Gil made him seem more mature than most 11 year olds would be. I wonder why Jack is so mature in some situations like this one, but also so immature like when they were breaking windows.
ReplyDeleteAs I keep reading, Jack seems to be very opinionated. For example he was judging Gil and Judd as soon as they met. This is always the best thing as you can get the wrong impression of someone but I think Jack is just trying to protect his mother from getting hurt. I wonder what caused Jack to all of a sudden act out with his friends. It's obvious he feels a bit guilty for doing what he did. But my question is why did he do it. Was it peer pressure of just the need to do something out if the ordinary. - Alva Crisostomo
ReplyDeleteJack is overprotective and he shows it when hes trying to protect his mother from getting hurt.
ReplyDeleteI agree with jefferson because he is looking out for his mother
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.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter makes we feel sceptical about the two men approaching and talking to Jack and his mother. Why would they approach them? Why invite them over? When Jack and his mother go to there house I was interested on why he offered Jack the new bike and said he would by it brand new for him. I feel that Jack is very easy going in this chapter and did not care to go into the man's house. I feel time and place affects this chapter because Jack and his mother are struggling so maybe following this man was there was seeking help.
ReplyDelete