“4th Quarter Outside Reading Book Review”

Flyboys by James Bradley. Macmillan Publishers, 2003. Genre: Historical Nonfiction

Flyboys is “A True Story of Courage” (cover). It tells a story of WWII “flyboys,” who are sent to destroy Chichi Jima, a small island, full of Japenese communication towers. The “Flyboys” are shot down by the Japenese and taken as POW’s. George H.W. Bush was one of these “flyboys” who was found by a U.S. submarine and saved. The other POW’s were brutally beaten, and at one part were eaten. It is an intense story, that gives the reader knowledge and praise to these “flyboys” and their families.

“James Bradley has once again given us the human face of a war we thought we knew, and in doing so has forced us not only to rethink our history but, far more important, to re-feel it. Flyboys is a triumph of careful listening, of far-flung reportage, and, most of all, of thoroughgoing empathy.” - Hampton Sides, Author of Ghost Soldiers

Flyboys provides the reader with details about World War II, specifically events that occurred in Chichi Jima. It fills the reader’s mind with details and leaves the reader with questions about the war: Was this a war worth fighting? Were both sides equally prepared and equipped to fight? What was the mindset of the Japanese, and how does one get this mindset to begin with? This book reminds me of the suicide bombers from Afghanistan that ran passenger planes into the Twin Towers of New York City. There is a section of this book that talks about the Japanese surrendering. They would come out into the open where the American military units were stationed. They had guns but didn’t aim them at the American fighters, instead they yelled and danced around, waiting for Americans to shoot them. They did eventually get shot. In their minds, it was the end for them with no hopes of winning this war. I think the 911 suicide offenders were acting in the same way.

The author Bradley writes in a style that shows Americans having a lack of feeling and emotion while in combat. Men at war have a job to do, they push all their feelings aside to do their job. A quote from the book shows this, as Bradley talks about one of the Americans shot down and missing: “When someone was gone… they were just gone.. There were no questions, no discussions, and no speculation”(211). I think Bradley wrote in this manner to show why his book was so important. Americans needed to know what happened to these men, it was time to bring emotions and feelings back for these men who remained gone. Bradley owed the story to the missing mens’ families.

I have read very little from the genre of historical fiction. I find some of the reading long. Yet, James Bradley keeps the reader interested for the most part by adding interesting stories and events throughout this book. I learned facts about WWII that I didn’t know before. It makes me feel angry toward the Japanese and how they treated our soldiers, but I also felt angry about our men being at war with them too. I was interested to learn about what George H.W. Bush did before being president. He had quite a military background, and it proved adventurous and sorrowful for him too.

“The Glories of Vision”

Life is the most brilliant thing ever

It can flash by in the blink of an eye

Take it for granted, and you might never

See life’s best memories, before you die

You may think some people are hideous

Isn’t there a law, hard like a boulder

It is quite simple for someone to guess

The eye is in that of the beholder

Knowledge and wisdom are pretty great

But without eyes to see it would be bad

What is thinking when you can’t see your date

With eyes you can see beauty and be glad

God’s perfect gift is the art of seeing

This art is only taken by aging

An Old Man, a Young Man and the Seaizzle

Friendship is for keeps, but at times it may be tested. In The Old Man and the Sea, the friendship between Santiago and Manolin grew as the story progressed. Overtime the friendship was rewarding, as Manolin believed in the old man, and the old man endured to successfully capture a marlin. Now the friendship between Santiago and Manolin becomes more complex, as it is put to the test in the sequel. These two friends must work together in their fishing business on a daily basis. Their friendship will undoubtedly be challenged in various ways, but it will also prove unbreakable and necessary.
To begin with, the two characters have a working relationship and are both feeling the demands of the business. In this sequel to The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago and Manolin begin a fishing business. They decide to fish together after the Old Man’s sole fishing for the marlin, “Now we must fish together” (125). Because they have found a rare type of fish that has the finest tasting meat on it, their business is exploding. This unique fish, named by Santiago as the seaizzle is in high demand by the wealthy living near the coast. Word has spread rapidly about this delicious fish and restaurants are now paying top dollar for it. Unfortunately, the hours spent fishing is increasing. Anxious to make the business successful, Santiago and Manolin must work together to keep the business running by catching fish. They are both devoted to the cause. Santiago has the experience, Manolin has the strength.
Unfortunately, in the sequel, a hurricane has damaged their fishing boat. This is a newer boat that is needed to catch the seaizzles. They must take time off from fishing to repair the boat, and this is stressful when they should be catching fish. They are getting impatient with one another. Santiago is becoming pessimistic about making the repairs. They start giving each other orders on how to fix the boat. A big argument occurs, and Manolin leaves the room where repairs are being done. Santiago is left pondering the incident. He realized how foolish the argument was and wishes the now complex friendship was as it used to be, peaceful and compassionate. He thinks the thoughts he spoke to Manolin from their earlier days: “I know you did not leave me because you doubted (me)” (10). In the meantime, Manolin returns feeling the same way. The two characters realize how naïve they were to think a business was more important than their friendship. They both decide to fish for the pleasure of catching an occasional seaizzle and to make just enough to have food and shelter. As in the first book, the friendship is more important than being overindulgent. “But it is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars” (75).
Lastly, the reader is left with hope in An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Seaizzle. Santiago is in poor health. His body has been weathered by all the hard years of work on the rough, eerie sea. “His hands had the deep creased scars from handling heavy fish on the cords” (10). Not feeling apathetic, Manolin realizes he must take the burden of the work. As Manolin goes out to fish one day, he finds it hard to be without Santiago. Yet, he knows he must do the hard labor now and continues to hope for Santiago’s good health to return. For isn’t this what a true friend would do? In the end, the hope pays off, Santiago’s health improves, and their survival continues.
In conclusion, the friendship between Santiago and Manolin is sincere but at times disjointed. Over time, the friendship is challenged and ultimately becomes stronger for the two characters. Through a business, a hurricane, and sickness, Santiago and Manolin recognize the bond they have as friends. This bond of friendship is at times tested, but a friendship that in the end grows stronger. In An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Seaizzle, Santiago and Manolin come to terms with their envious and outgoing desire to own a fishing business. This desire was only that, a curious thought that should have been left alone.

3rd quarter outside reading book review

Marley and Me by John Grogan. Harper, 2005. Genre: Non-fiction (memoir)

Marley and Me is a story based on the author, John Grogan’s life and the day to day adventures he has with his dog Marley. Marley is a yellow lab who lives with John and his wife Jenny and their three kids in Florida, and later Pennsylvania. Marley and John are inseparable and both take turns being the protagonist in this story. The conflict begins as Marley behaves mischievously. As he gets older, the conflict shifts to one of grief, as John and his family deal with the death of their dog, Marley.
“Marley’s tale is really the story of a family in the making, with all the happiness and hurts that go with it.”-South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The author writes this story using humor, but he also writes in a serious voice too. John Grogan talks about events that happened when Marley was making a movie. One story he tells is about a teenage actress in the movie who shrieks loudly during a seen as she sees Marley appear, she cries: “Oh my god, his thing is out.” (pg. 157). On the other hand, the author also shows serious events. At the end of the book when Marley is suffering, the owners, John and Jenny need to decide whether to put Marley to sleep or to put him through surgery.
The book Marley and Me reminds me of the book, Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver. In this book, a boy is adopted by a wolf cub when his dad is killed by a bear. This attachment between the boy and the wolf reminds me of the attachment between Marley and John.
“I was able to entertain our friends by yelling, incoming and watching him crash to the floor all four limbs splayed.”(pg. 95-6) This quote reminded me of my dogs. John Grogan’s writing reminds me of the times I have with my two dogs, Ginger and Chewbacca. He also makes me think of my old dog, Riley who passed away two years ago. It is amazing how attached to a dog you can get. They can drive you crazy sometimes, but as they lie next to you warming your feet, you can’t help to love them. This book Marley and Me definitely points out the bond between a man and his loyal dog!

In my story, I am trying to show that stories aren't always as expected. I think suprising the reader works well in my piece (it goes from a gleeful story about a dog to a murder mystery). I think that i kind of rushed the ending so its lacking essential details. To answer this question would be beneficial; How can i make my ending more convincing and interesting?

The Lumberjack Only Chops Once

We met on the fourth of July, five years ago. She was young at the time, and I fell in love with her big brown eyes and long lashes. Her black, silk-like fur put me in a daze from first sight. Her name was Samantha, Sammy for short. After a few years, I had taught her basic tricks, like sit, lie down, speak, roll over, and paw (which was a handshake). She also knew some more complicated tricks, like retrieving (balls, the morning newspaper, and a soda can), jumping over a stick, jumping into the lake off of a dock for distance, and many more.

After she had deftly retrieved a soda can, Sammy had started becoming extremely active. She would wag her tail vigorously, and leave a bruise on me if her tail hit me. She ran circles around the house, and when I let her outside she would do the same thing. At first I thought she was breaking the soda cans and drinking them, thus getting caffeine in her system. I thought this until one day after circling the house she bolted into the woods in my backyard. She had done this before, and when I called her she usually came back, but this time she didn’t.

I chased her, or rather followed the sound of rustling leaves and broken twigs that I thought was her. I shouted continually in a guttural tone trying to subjugate her, “SAMMY COME! “ My poor neighbors had to listen to these screams, because the eddies were extremely harsh that day. Still, she didn’t come. I headed towards the woods. As I walked through the brush, I could see where her matted down trail meandered to make a labyrinth. Suddenly, I saw her behind an old oak tree. She was sniffing in a covert knot hole in the tree. As I peered around the tree, I saw what she was rubbing her nose against. It was tattered pieces of a mailman’s carrying bag. I pulled out what was left of the bag and shuddered.

The bag was covered with blood. Also in the bag was a letter addressed to me. I panicked and tried to scream, but nothing came out. I was in shock and a bit leery. I grabbed Samantha by the collar and forced her home, as I took the evidence with me. I immediately ran inside to call the cops. An officer on duty answered with a stern voice: “Officer Nuttelman, can I assist you?” I didn’t know what to say at first, I was thwarted. Then I answered, “Yes, I, I…I…found a ripped, blood soaked mailman’s bag in the woods behind my house.”

“Continue, with the story sir.”

“There’s also a letter addressed to me.”

“Did you open the letter sir?”

“Not yet, it’s stained with blood.”

“Don’t open it, we’ll send an officer over who’s trained with this type of case.”

“Ok, I’ll be waiting.”

I waited for what seemed like forever with Sammy at my side. She sensed my fear, as she was trembling with me. The trained officer finally arrived with rubber gloves, a chemical kit, and his normal police gear. He took the letter and opened it carefully. Inside was a letter that was dated 5 years ago before my grandmother had died. It read: Dear Grandson, I know you are an honorable person. I am writing to you to tell you about a shady character in town. He works in the lumberyard with Grandpa. He is known to steal and be violent. Rumor has it, he uses his ax for more than cutting down trees. Please be careful when you are out taking Sammy for her diurnal walks. Good tidings. Love, Grandma. P.S. Don’t tell anyone about this letter. I might be putting you in danger telling you all this.

The officer’s mouth hung open as he read this letter. The officer told that case was analogous to a case that occurred about 5 years ago. The date was the same day marked on the letter. The case involved an old man who was murdered with an identified sharp object near a lumber yard. The killer was never found. Apparently, the old man was on his way to the post office to get a stamp to mail a letter. I pondered this a minute and then said, “Oh my gosh, that was the letter we have here written by my grandmother.” The policeman then told me a mailman was also slain with an identified object around the same time. I thought out loud, “This must be the mailman who owns this mailbag.” He apparently was trying to deliver this letter to me. My Grandmother was the last to die. She was also a victim to this shady killer.

The officer radioed his partner and several other crews. They raced to the lumberyard and circled the grounds. The officer had a sketch and matched the shady killer to the sketch. He was handcuffed and brought to the station. Looking back on this all now, I am glad he is sitting in a dirty, creepy, effluvia jail cell for life with no chance of emancipation. The death penalty wouldn’t allow the malefactor to suffer enough! As for Sammy, she still barks at every mailman that crosses her path, but she has a sympathetic tone to her bark. As for me, I’m glad the case is solved and the harsh winds haven’t blown anymore bloody mailbags into the woods!

"2nd Quarter Book Review"

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. First Hyperion Paperbacks edition, 2006. Genre: Fantasy/mythology
Rick Riordan’s first novel of the Olympians series features a 12 year old, Percy Jackson. He is on a quest from the Greek gods, which include Zeus, Poseidon, Ares, etc. He is Poseidon’s son and has to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to stop, what Percy calls World War III. He has to fend off monsters (Medusa, the furies, etc.) And stop a war to save the world.
"One need not be an expert in Greek mythology to enjoy Percy’s journey. The narrator’s voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship and loyalty."-- Kirkus, starred review
This book reminds me of another book that I have read, called Fablehaven. Both of them are fantasy and have mythical creatures like centaurs and satyrs. In both stories the main characters have to save something. In The Lightning Thief, Percy has to save the world from a massive war. In Fablehaven, Kendra has to save the magical preserve from a witch and her demon. This also reminds me of The Contender, because both of the main characters need to work hard to reach their goal. Alfred’s is to become a contender, while Percy’s is to clear his father’s name.
“There he was, waiting for us, in his black leather duster and his sunglasses, an aluminum baseball bat propped on his shoulder. His motorcycle rumbled beside him, its headlight turning the sand red.” (321)
This book has made me a lot more interested in Greek mythology. It even got me to believe that he gods could in fact be living today. I like how Rick Riordan said that Geek gods could take the form of humans if they did not show there true form. He said a lot of believable things that told you that he had done a lot of research before writing the book. It even tells how mortals can’t see all of these things. There is a mist clouding their eyes and makes them see their own reality to strange events. I like the fact that Rick Riordan gives an answer to everything that you could ask about the book. Overall, Rick Riordan has become one of my favorite authors, because of this book. I hope to enjoy more of his books in the future.