American Novel Socratic continued between all classes by Trista Anderson https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz What is the meaning of your novel as a whole? Explore one possibility and show how that is clear/true at end of novel. Respond to as many other posts as you can...and show critical thinking. en-us 2019-03-28 04:44:44 UTC 2025-11-14 23:22:01 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346139953 2019-03-28 13:52:04 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346139953 Christie Nah- The Memory Keeper's Daughter christie_nah806 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346141867 My novel explores secrets, deceit, and fear from realities. By only looking at David's pictures, the Henry's look like a happy, simple, content family. Ever since David's rash decision to give away his special needs daughter and tell his wife that she died during birth, the Henry family has fallen apart. As the novel goes on, David becomes more and more detached and unreachable. He spends the majority of his free time taking pictures, and his family constantly complains that he is never around. Instead of making memories with his family, David captures them from a distance; thus, making him increasingly distant from his fractured family]]> 2019-03-28 13:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346141867 joanna_boyer606 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346142162 Handmaids tale. 
My novel explores the dangers of convuloted freedom versus safety because it takes place in a dystopian society that was created when women’s rights reached their peak and started to spiral downward in a twisted sense of safety. The ending supports this because the protagonist is being punished for exerting to much freedom, but also might be saved from her daily exsistance. ]]> 2019-03-28 13:55:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346142162 Evan Miller- Of Mice and Men evan_miller582 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346142424 My novel explores the ideas of innocence and sense of power within humans. Lenny, though always unintentionally, has a nasty habit of murdering small animals. All he wants to do is pet them but he ends up being too rough with them, and towards the end of the novel he even murders a woman. The reader roots for Lenny and George throughout the book and even goes so far as to justify Lenny’s actions as a result of his undeveloped mind. However, when Lenny murders the woman, the reader is forced to ask themselves if Lenny truly is as innocent as we would like to believe. Does innocence come from intent? Or does it come from actions? Ultimately it doesn’t matter because George ended up killing Lenny (which was heartbreaking). Another idea in the book is that humans feel most powerful when they have degraded others. For instance, Curley’s wife is at her most powerful when she has stripped Crooks of his humanity and threatens to lynch him. George is at his most powerful when he yells at Lenny for his incompetence and Crooks is at his most powerful when he has ripped Lenny’s dreams apart. Does power really come from degrading others? Or are the people in the book just reflecting America’s common feeling of distrust during the Great Depression? ]]> 2019-03-28 13:55:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346142424 Christian L - Life of Pi https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346143118 The main meaning of my novel, in my opinion, is the internal struggle of Man vs God. Throughout the novel, the protagonist "Pi" practices multiple religions (Hinduism, Islam, Christianity) and uses his faith(s) to mentally pull himself during his journey stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger after a shipwreck. At the conclusion of the story, Pi still holds strong to his beliefs as an adult and recounts that he wouldn't have emotionally and psychologically survived without the company of the tiger and his passion for his religions.]]> 2019-03-28 13:56:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346143118 Mya Smith- Fences mya_smith905 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346145219 The meaning of my novel as a whole would be, the struggles of African Ameircan people during ]]> 2019-03-28 14:00:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346145219 The Memory Keeper's Daughter anamar0626 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346146429 The meaning of my novel is the burden caused by keeping secrets. When David Henry gives away his daughter because of a disability, he is forced to keep it a secret from his wife, who thinks the baby is dead. His secret is so big that in order to keep it, he begins to distance himself from his family, which not only creates marriage issues, but also issues between him and his son. The novel also explores the heartache, but also joy, of raising a child. Norah raises Paul while Caroline raises Phoebe. Both women experience moments of joy and heartache during the novel, but the joy always overcame the pain.]]> 2019-03-28 14:02:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346146429 The Color Purple rachel_kang483 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346148815 The meaning of my novel as a whole could be interpreted as a show on individualism. Celie, the main character, immediately starts off the story by introducing herself, setting up the image of a weak, beaten down child. However, throughout the progress of the story, the introduction to many different personalities that defy several social norms eventually influences Celie to become her own person as well, despite being a colored woman in segregated America. This whole novel is the life of a girl who grows up to become a somebody than an anybody, despite all that she endured to prevent such from happening. ]]> 2019-03-28 14:05:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346148815 The Lords Of Discipline paul_nguyen834 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346237901 The whole meaning of my novel as a whole is that when we watch what happens in life, fight back and don't let others attempt subdue you and lie to get you to lose your dreams. Dante Pignetti, though shy in nature towards roommates after asking too much, has been through a lot after a trial case has hit him for "stealing" gas when actually roommates allowed them to say everything in their possessions are everyone's right to use (only in their dorm) which then Dante was sentenced to trial court then soon determined to be kicked out after the unfair decision made after all the evidence given by the roommates to save him. It resulted in Pignetti getting the walk of shame which he got drummed out then soon, to the train to get out. Pignetti then jumped down to the tracks as the train was coming as Will screamed no Just to see Dante saying Paisan before the trained killed him as a result of suicide for being booted out of the school. This story shows how the school beat down this Cadet to force him to commit suicide which is giving us a message to man up as Will and his friends keep stating. After Dante's death, Will was thinking of revenge to get them back for what the institute had done. In this scene, revenge was set to be unfold after what they did to throw all their codes down to drive their friend to suicide. Within this, the institute planned to kick out Will and his friend Mark which they weren't going down without a fight to which they broke into the St. Croix Mansion (with a key given by Abigail) to find info of the institute and soon to realize what caused Dante's unfair trial judgement and the consistency of it within the centuries to other cadets. After all the info was founded, Will talked to the General after being called about being removed about the institute only to reveal that the General was lying the whole time and wanting to remove Mark and Will for "Exceeding Demerits" Which the Bear (leader of Mark and Will dorm) talked to the general which reveals the General lying to run them out of the institute because the General "hated" them for protecting Dante only to reveal and unfair court system which they blackmailed the General saying if he dared do it, they will send the lists to all reporters and make the school "famous" which the General ripped the papers and was angry just to protect the schools "name." This scene demonstrated that People in life tend to try to ruin your life after all you do. They don't care because there are people who will discard your dream away for their own gain even in this scene to save the school which clearly failed because Will found the truth within a set time limit.After the meeting with the General, it is revealed to have a traitor named Tradd who was a roommate of Will's and Mark's which is revealed he was part of the court deciders to judge Dante's life which then led to Will fighting Travis with words of what he has done and leaving him forever. This scene demonstrated that we can't trust everyone no matter what they do due to the fact that Dante is dead and Tradd did nothing to help Mark or himself from what they were going through which resulted in leaving away from the traitor.At the end, as the General handed Will his diploma, Will responded to the General words by saying Dante Pignetti (Your not supposed to say a cadets name when they get removed from the institute) which the General stared and turned away. Within this, it shows that the dream was to graduate this institute to achiever their american dream after graduation. How it's true is the events Will and his friends has been through even with the death of Pignetti who died and can't even respond to this which shows that life can be hard and the American Dream can be achieved from those who tend to remove it away if they fight for what they wish to seek. (I'm sorry if I wrote too much, this book was too good i got hooked into typing for all of class)]]> 2019-03-28 16:42:04 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346237901 Life of Pi jentzen_rodriguez793 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238124 The meaning of my novel as a whole is the struggle against impossible odds. The story of Life of Pi seems totally hopeless: a weak vegetarian boy stuck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in a lifeboat with a full grown tiger. However, for almost a year, Pi survives, managing to ration what few resources he has, train Richard Parker the tiger, and cross the Pacific Ocean and safely land on the shores of Mexico. Martel shows how living things will do extraordinary, unbelievable things in order to survive.]]> 2019-03-28 16:42:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238124 Kelsi Koehl- "A Man Called Ove" https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238207 When analyzing my novel it becomes relatively obvious that the message it's depicting is about life, and finding a purpose in life after going through difficult times. The main character, Ove, is a grumpy old man who just lost his wife and believes he no longer has any purpose here on earth. After many attempts on his life and many interruptions during the act, he begins to build new relationships with those in his neighborhood. These connections help him see things in a new way. Instead of believing he is no longing living and no longer useful, he begins helping those in his community. Ove finds a new purpose in living, and ends up having another four years to solidify his new purpose. This novel shows its readers that life is unpredictable, but when adverse times hit, its not a reason to give up. Instead continue to experience new things, meet new people, and find a new purpose that'll grant happiness for the rest of the time one may have here.]]> 2019-03-28 16:42:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238207 Kaylee Rust- Slaughterhouse Five https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238391 The meaning of my work as a whole is to explain how even if people aren't equal on earth, we are all equal in death. It explains that people shouldn't worry so much about what death brings, but rather we should focus on our life alive. ]]> 2019-03-28 16:43:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238391 Tiffany Tran- Of Mice and https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238967 2019-03-28 16:44:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346238967 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239566 Philip Savov - The old man and the sea
The meaning of my novel is to persevere through life. The whole book is about the struggles of the old man and how he couldn't catch any fish. He was very distraught and the whole city had portrayed the old man as unlucky. What the old man did as a result of the town portraying him as unlucky, he went on a long fishing expedition. The trip was very difficult for him and at many times he almost gave up, but he knew there was a boy waiting for him to come back and he persevered on. ]]> 2019-03-28 16:45:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239566 Melissa Whitler-Everything I Never Told You https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239765 The meaning of my book is that you can't judge someone else and make assumptions as you don't know what they are going through. Throughout the book, each character makes assumptions about those around them that leads to tragedy. Both of Lydia's parents assume that Lydia is happy, popular, and wants to be a doctor, which is all not true. Lydia, on the other hand, thinks that she has to always say yes to her mom in order to please her and make her stay. This all leads to her death, as she feels too much pressure to be perfect, and tries to swim at night and drowns. However, once the family reconciles and realizes that they haven't been communicating well and have been making assumptions, they start to make amends and fix their relationships. The book shows that you can't assume how someone else is feeling and have to communicate in order to avoid tragedy. ]]> 2019-03-28 16:45:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239765 Veronica Buenrostro- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239833 I believe the meaning of my novel as a whole is that no one can control fate. George works very hard to make sure his companion, the mentally disabled Lenny, is able to get through life with as little issue as possible. However George's hard work couldn't save Lenny from himself.]]> 2019-03-28 16:45:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239833 Kennedy Thornton- Slaughterhouse-Five https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239869 This book is all over the place in the sense that it's written in settings varying from flashbacks, to present, to another planet. Each setting adds a unique element to the story, but on the distant planet ]]> 2019-03-28 16:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346239869 Sadie Stevenson https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243663 2019-03-28 16:54:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243663 Sadie Stevenson- Bridge of Clay https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243668 The meaning of the book is that the people in our lives should be appreciated and understood and forgiven. In the book, the mother of five sons dies and after her death the father walks out, leaving the kids alone to raise each other. The main story line  is about one of the sons, Clay, leaving home to help his dad build a bridge years after the dad abandoned them. The story is frequently interrupted by flashbacks to the parents' lives and and how the met and what their lives were like before the mom died. It's interesting because it's so easy to immediately think poorly about the dad or feel bad for the sons, but throughout the book the reader learns to accept each individual and deeply flawed character as they are. You can really feel the complexities of how the Dunbar family functions with all of the little roles and relationships and the various symbols they value. ]]> 2019-03-28 16:54:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243668 Brett Zabojnik - The Underground Railroad https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243772 The meaning I interpreted from my novel was that the ability to determine a man's worth is a dangerous power that will always lead to discrimination due to the hierarchy of power humans tend to secure themselves at the top of. This central idea feeds into the idea that violence begets violence as the African American slaves could only take so much abuse before taking their life or the life of their abuser with small uprisings that leads to more and more death on both sides due to said imbalance of power]]> 2019-03-28 16:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346243772 Janet Esperon - Everything I Never Told Y https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286368 The overall meaning of this novel is that you shouldn't make assumptions on a persons wants in life. Everyone in the book is put in a position where the people around them makes assumptions on what they are capable of and/or what they want in life. Marilyn's mother wants her to live a where she finds a "nice Harvard man", gets married, and has kids. Because of this she forces herself to become more than what her mother expects. on the other side of that Lydia's family assumes that she wants to be popular in school and wants to be a doctor when in reality she doesn't want any of that. Both lead a life they did not want because of the assumptions that are made around them about their life.]]> 2019-03-28 18:16:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286368 Sehar Boodhwnai - The Memory Keeper's Daughter https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286644 The meaning of this piece most widely connects to the burden secrets can have on relationships. David Henry brought this reality to light when he made the decision to give his disable child away without telling his wife. This forced him to become shielded and block his wife out in fear that he would accidentally let it slip that he gave their daughter away. He also became distant from his family because all he could think about was whether his daughter was okay and if she was even alive. He spent most of his time looking at picture of her and worrying about her which caused him to distance himself form his wife and child for years. His secrets eventually caused him to have an aneurysm and he faced death sooner than he thought. The amount of stress and weight he carried on him through the 20 years caused him to eventually crash which is just the simple reality of the immense impact secrets carry on a person and their relationships with others.]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286644 Jesse Cho- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286724 In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck's meaning of novel was how humans are all prejudice. Prejudice is an innate ability we are born with, we start to recognize patterns in certain types of people, allowing an assessment of judgement upon the person before we really get to know the person. Lennie Smalls in Of Mice and Men was a gigantic, strong person. He could crush the skull of a bunny with just a slight squeeze. However, the narrator shows us that he has a mind of a child as he is mentally disabled. When George and Lennie went to the farm to begin their new work life, Slim thought he was a behemoth. Not only until he began to live, work, and interact with Lennie  he wouldn't have known that Lennie was just a child, not knowing right from wrong. We see that prejudice brings ignorance to a person's true beauty. Slim was the only character that gave a chance to see the person that Lennie was, and not let his biases and prejudices dictate him. Although we may have prejudice thoughts that we cannot turn off, we shouldn't let this dictate how we view the person, but rather have experience and interaction determine the person. ]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286724 Daniel Baldizon - Travels with Charley (In Search of America) https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286763 Travels with Charley is a travelogue written by John Steinbeck in late 1960 that explores not only the journey Steinbeck took across the country, but also the journey the United States took in the last decade. He writes that "one of the main reasons for going at all" was him getting seriously sick the winter before and being told he needs to slow down and because he's "not as young as [he] once [was]." In his advanced age, Steinbeck realizes he may not have a chance to see America again and so he embarks on this mission to reintroduce himself to America. 

The meaning of the book is not however the effects of age on the people of the United States, but the effects of the age of the United States. The United States was no longer in the Great Depression era John Steinbeck remembers when he returns to his hometown in Northern California "around [him] it was nothing, but strangers." The United States was changing, and John Steinbeck writes that he has nothing against change and progression, but the obvious fact is that he was a ghost in a world that moved on without him.]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286763 Joseph Bremer- Travels with Charlie https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286785 Travels with Charlie isn't the type of novel there is a direct meaning behind, but rather the meaning reflects the American Dream in that it is interpretative.
In the novel, Steinbeck speaks a lot about experiences and not particular messages. For example, he'll tell the story of a farmer he met in Wyoming, but he will let the reader draw their own conclusions. Every once in a while he will say how he felt, but only as it pertained to the story. In short, the meaning of the book is just whatever the reader chooses to do with the information.]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286785 Jenelee Osegueda- Their Eyes Were Watching God https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286835 The meaning of my novel as a whole would have to be to teach a person to be independent and respected. Without these things it makes a person grow unhappy and reflective about how their life could've been if their opinions and voice were heard. Hurston does this by having the main character, Janie, marry three men so that she can demonstrate how each husband treated her. With those marriages she found out what was missing from her life. Her voice had always been suppressed especially when she was married to the first two guys, but when she met and fell in love with her third husband, Tea Cake, she knew mutual respect for one another is what she most longed for. ]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286835 Sam Quintana- Everything I Never Told https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286862 The true meaning of my novel surrounds the idea that sometimes people are extremely judgmental and pose extreme expectations for other people. For example, Marilyn always pushed Lydia to fulfill the goals she failed to accomplish, like becoming a medical doctor. I think that's what made Lydia feel  a sense of isolation and seek guidance from people apart from her family. This novel is so intensely real and dives into issues present in today's society. Today many parents ingrain this idea into their children that they HAVE to become "doctors, engineers, or architects", even when their children have this strong passion and desire to become "educators, photographers, or interior designers." The act of being self-driven must come from the heart not from parents. Doing something that doesn't excite you, is a complete waste of time]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286862 Alain BaViErA- Catch 22 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286875 The author takes an interesting approach in delivering the meaning of the book by embedding it within the dialogue and giving it a humorous tone, despite the absurdity, all at the same time. One of the main themes in this book is the paradox or irony behind bureaucracy and the situation most of the characters are in. For example, the doctor of the army camp. It's ironic that the doctor is being sent to "war" to save lives only to help their side take other lives. Another example is the chaplain who is sent to the camp to deliver religious massages and inspire the men to go off and die... It's odd that he is asked to do so and even more so, the superior officers ask he only deliver uplifting messages, however, the chaplain is only familiar with passages and readings that are meant for reflection upon oneself. In other words, the opposite of what they are asking of him. However, the most evident issues or paradox in this book is the law of catch-22 itself which states that a man deemed insane can no longer continue serving and must be relived of duty, however, should a man deem himself insane means he has rational thoughts therefore is not insane. Adding on to that, the law states it's illegal to read it. This leads to yet another issue in the book, the corruptness of bureaucracy. The higher ranking officers seek only to fulfill their personal interests with complete disregard to their soldier's needs. The system allows for those in power to do as they like instead of serving their people as intended]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286875 Andrea Pena- Maya's Notebook https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286974 Maya's Notebook is a very sobering tale of a young woman's hectic travels and both inner and outer turmoil as she recovers in a remote Chilean village, waiting in the very same way her mother had once emigrated from the very same war-torn regime just a few years earlier. After the death of her family's very foundation and the most beloved figure in her life - her grandfather Popo, she experiences a deep and turbulent depression. This book is very effective in describing just how quickly things in our lives can change; how suddenly everything we know is challenged or altered, and we must either adapt or accept. 
The speaker seems very aloof of her past, even though it's clear she had made many regretful mistakes that cost her many freedoms and peace in her own life. The book also conveys a message on the importance of our roots, our choices, our dreams, love, hopes, fears, and memories. ]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286974 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286999 Thomas Boisvert

The meaning of my book is showing how isolation effects everyone in a different way, and how important the American dream is to some people. ]]> 2019-03-28 18:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346286999 Ali Kabani - All-American Boys https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346288867 My novel gives a different look into a sensitive subject like police brutality. It shows a perspective that is covered up by the media, and is a reflection of real life instances that end badly. The novel isn't as much of a book as it is a message that even though it seems may like you can't do anything to help in a situation, you can. One of the main characters is a white kid who watches an African American get beat up by police, he wishes that it goes away and he can forget about the situation, and ultimately helps with the protest.]]> 2019-03-28 18:21:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346288867 Everything I Never Told You -McKenna Neale Everything I Never Told You -McKenna Neale Everything I Never Told You- McKenna Neale https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346288918 The message that I received from this book is that life is unpredictable. You can’t have these high expectations and plans with the idea that everything will work out in your favor and go perfectly because that’s just not how life works. And taking those twists and turns as failures or disappointments only hurts you and the people around you. I think it’s important to focus on the positive around you and to continue to stay driven and have ideas for you life, but to not let it become the peak of your life. 

]]> 2019-03-28 18:21:40 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346288918 William Le- The Memory Keeper's Daughter https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346298667 2019-03-28 18:44:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346298667 Izzy Smith - Little Bee https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346303035 My novel highlights how different cultures affect people, specifically how we look at what we have and who we are. The main character, Little Bee, is a Nigerian refugee who meets a British couple on the beach, and they experience a traumatic incident together. Throughout the novel, Little Bee explains how she has changed because of her time in a London detention center, and how different she now feels from the people back home and still from the people in London. She creates a connection with the reader as well, and at the end of the novel she speaks to the reader as if they are a friend, while at the beginning she treats them like a stranger. She is still able to acknowledge differences, while appreciating what makes everyone unique. 

]]> 2019-03-28 18:55:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346303035 Adelston- If beale street could talk https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346303278 The major themes in If Beale Street Could Talk involve various kinds of love. There is the love between the two main characters Tish and Fonny, that of man and woman. Baldwin uses Tish’s parents to emphasize parental love: It is in relation to Tish that their devotion as parents can be observed. Sharon Rivers, when she learns that her daughter is pregnant, immediately shows concern not only for Tish but also for the unborn child. Her husband, too, is supportive of the unwed daughter, and each parent is determined that life for this child will be better than it has been for them. Human love, according to Baldwin, is the central force in the universe. It is love that brings the family together, and it is love that enables the family to function and survive. It is also love that will build a better world for the children. Lest anyone mistake this basic premise, Baldwin also shows the effects of the absence of love. Baldwin’s story explores social issues, including problems related to poverty, racism, housing, criminal justice, and religion, but a central question for the narrator is whether things in the world make sense. Does it make sense for a woman who emphasizes Christianity in her life to scorn her son in his time of greatest need? Does it make sense that a boy awakened to Christianity in a church should end up dead of a drug overdose? Does it make sense that schools are run to make sure that students do not become smart? Does it make sense that the most beautiful person in a young woman’s life is a scruffy young man in old clothes? Does it make sense that a proud, perceptive, and dedicated artist must bear up against a society intensely pressing against him, demanding that he break? At the start of the novel, Tish admits, “I’m beginning to think that maybe everything that happens makes sense. Like, if it didn’t make sense, how could it happen? But that’s really a terrible thought. It can only come out of trouble—trouble that doesn’t make sense.” In the end, Tish and the reader are forced to consider the conclusion that life in America does not make sense but that love, achieved despite a series of agonizing sacrifices, can counterbalance senselessness.

   

]]> 2019-03-28 18:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346303278 Hannah Kim- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346304879 The meaning of my novel is the nature of human existence. The characters in the book all seem to question their purpose and are not content with their lives. Candy's dog was killed because the other men did not like having the old dog around and he cannot protest because he doesn't want to cause trouble with the others. He cannot speak for himself in the moment. Curley's wife is unhappily married and does not enjoy her life. She tells the other men that she could have been able to wear pretty clothes and be in pictures but she got stuck with Curley because she met him when she hit a low point in her life and she didn't have a better choice. Crook, the only colored men in the farm is isolated from the rest of the men and he expresses that he is lonely by himself and wishes that he had someone to talk to. No one ever comes to visit him and he is always by himself. George and Lennie, the main characters are hoping to get land of their own and they seem to be the only hopeful ones throughout the book. But when they ultimately think that they have a chance of achieving their goal, problems get in the way and the dream seems far from their reach. This shows that the characters in the novel are all struggling to find a purpose and that they do not know the reason for human existence. They are just living to survive.]]> 2019-03-28 19:00:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346304879 Brady Morgan - Of mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346306667 In John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, the readers are shown that everyone needs a meaning for life. In the book, George and Lennie strive to have land of their own. Where they are their own boss and no one can fire them. This dream gave them a reason to move on and keep trying even when things got tough and they lost another job, they reminded themselves of what they could have if they worked hard enough and it pushed them to work harder. While in the end they never reached that goal, I believe they wouldn't have gotten as close as they did without that dream.]]> 2019-03-28 19:05:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346306667 Of Mice and Men- Keith Mathews https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346306965 In Of Mice and Men there are multiple themes that come across the book in different setting and chapters of the book, but throughout the whole book George and Lennie are side by side with each other. I got from the book that everyone needs someone to rely on, during some part of the book George talked about how he doesn't get bored because Lennie travels with him. No matter how much they get angry with one another at the end of the day they are both there for each other from the beginning to the end of the novel. The symbol of friendship is what stood out to me in this book.]]> 2019-03-28 19:06:46 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346306965 Yujin Kim - Everything I Never Told You https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307009 This book has so many layers, and with it comes many different meanings to it. The major one is: appearances can be deceiving. Throughout the whole novel, the reader is sent on a journey of Lydia's family's past and present as they reflect on Lydia's death and possible causes for it. From these reflections, the readers are able to learn just how much Lydia hated physics when Marilyn wholeheartedly believed her daughter wanted to be a doctor, or when Lydia was a lonely girl when James thought she was very sociable. This appearance she put on in front of her parents deceived them both and showed that everything they knew about Lydia was false. Another major idea that contributes to the meaning of the book is the idea that silence can be dangerous. Almost like dramatic irony during plays, this novel also explores the thought dialogues of each character, allowing the readers to know things the other character don't. This information is often one that is crucial in resolving a problem, or it's one that can clear up misconceptions which the characters never vocalize. Because readers are able to see this, we are also able to see just how devastating silence can be: Lydia suffered her whole childhood under great pressure, Hannah wanted nothing but love, James always had a fear Marilyn will leave him again, and the list goes on. It's through these two main ideas Celeste Ng, the author, conveys the delicate nature of human relations, especially one we consider close, family relationships.]]> 2019-03-28 19:06:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307009 Enrique Aguilera - The Color Purple https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307124 The meaning of the novel "The Color Purple" is personal freedom and free will does not come easily, one must fight for it. The protagonist of the book is treated like an animal by her husband, her father, and her stepchildren. Many try to fight for her humanity/freedom, yet it always ends in failure. This is because the protagonist does not do anything to help her situation. She never stands up for herself, thus the effort of those coming to her aid is rendered useless. It isn't until the protagonist begins to hold her ground that she finds the courage to leave her abusive husband and strike out on her own.]]> 2019-03-28 19:07:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307124 Branden Adams - Runner https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307140 In the "Runner," Chance is the main protagonist who we see goes through a series of tragic events in his early childhood from the divorce of his parents and his mother basically never coming back to see him takes a toll on his life for sure. In addition to his father being an alcoholic. This all makes him believe that he is truly on his own and has to make a lot of his own decisions some of which are not the greatest. The one action he made that made the biggest difference in his life was when he decides to quit his job as a dish washer at Ray's restaurant and takes on a new job from the "Fat Guy" who he had no idea about. The job coincidentally allowed him to continue his running routine, however, he must deliver various packages each day. After some time has pasted and suspicion has morphs into a sense of anxiety and danger, Chance realizes that he was actually delivering packages filled with materials to build bombs. Once things began to unfold with the terrorist organization, Chance and his father realizes that their boat is one of the many places in the city that have been targeted as a spot for the bombs, the father takes the boat along with some of the terrorist who somehow made it on the boat and sailed it out of range to save thousands of lives, which was something no one, not even Chance saw coming from someone that seems to have given up on life. The meaning of the book stems from the story itself, Carl Deuker, the author, wanted to portray how life is filled with many traps that need to be seen before they take place, a lot of the experience needed to obtain this life skill is to go through trials in life. For these trials are what's going develop you into the person you want to be. In this case, the terrorist attack was a major trial that Chance went through that truly opened his eyes on the world and unfortunately what it hides plain sight.]]> 2019-03-28 19:07:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307140 Little Bee- Hannah Wallace https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307485 The direction of Little Bee can be interpreted in many different ways however I think the most prevalent is the plight of a refugee in a foreign world which is emphasized by the contrast of perspectives between Little Bee and Sarah's narration. ]]> 2019-03-28 19:08:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307485 Winger- Yonatan Napoleon https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307577 I feel like the meaning of my book is that love is the most important thing in the world, and Ryan Dean the main character realizes that, throughout the whole book, all he thinks about is sex and deranged thoughts, but after the death of his best friend and someone he dearly loved: Joey Consentino he matures a lot more, and grows up, or as mature as a 15 year old boy can be.

]]> 2019-03-28 19:08:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346307577 Christine Nguyen - Tuesdays with Morrie https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346308384 In Tuesdays with Morrie, it discusses the overall view of death and how one can learn the meaning of life through death. Morrie, the one dying in the book, points out how death is put as an enemy or a "bad thing" from society's views. But why? Is it because we fear we'll leave the world with regrets? That the youth seems more attractive than people who age? Or that we're too focused on the stage of living and attempting to avoid death. However, the thing is, death is unavoidable. Death isn't an enemy, it's nature. We are still organisms, we experience birth, growth, and death. Every Tuesday, up till Morrie's death, Mitch visits Morrie and they talk about specific topics that relate back to life. Relationships, love, marriage, emotions, and so on. Because Morrie is facing death soon, he perceives such topics by their value (or what he thinks is by their value) rather than how people who's currently living and not dying soon would perceive it. Morrie was able to die peacefully since he knew what his life meant and his mindset changed to allowed him to let go of life without regrets. The way death tells us more about life is by allowing us to reflect and understand what's truly valuable to us, without the money, status, or any other label that would've mattered when we were still growing.  The book overall sends out advice from someone who has learned life through death, which gives us an opportunity to learn from the lessons since we're still living.]]> 2019-03-28 19:10:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346308384 Katherine Lemus- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346308463 In "Of Mice and Men" the reader is taught about the importance of friendship. George began to take care of Lennie once his Aunt died which began the time in which was always spent together. Their friendship is needed for survival as Lennie needs George to guide and take care of him as well as George needs Lennie for assure bosses that they can be able to do work since Lennie is a big man. The novel also shows how everyone can be vulnerable because that is how human nature is. Throughout the book at different times there are characters how feel vulnerable and share their thoughts and feelings to others showing their actual selves. The impact Steinbeck made shows the importance of friendship and the vulnerability human nature has.]]> 2019-03-28 19:10:44 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346308463 In response to Katherine Lemus - Yoni https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346312227 I think that in times of hurt and pain friendship is important, because it can be uplifting, and they can push for you to be better

]]> 2019-03-28 19:20:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346312227 Josephine Nguyen- Ellen Foster https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346363200 In Ellen Foster, the importance of having determination is a huge aspect of the book which reflects on how humans have the ability to pick themselves up when there is a conflict thrown in their way. Ellen faces a lot of problems at home especially because her dad is an alcoholic who abused her sexually, mentally and physically as a child. Not only is Ellen affected by this, but her mom also. She couldn't handle being at home with him to the point where she killed herself. After this point Ellen moves to house to house because of people having custody over her but even though she stayed at these houses she hated so much, she never gave up in searching for a home where she can be loved when she arrived there. She's been saving money from the start because she knew she would need it. She knows that people are cruel so she doesn't accept things so they can't say that she owes them something. She knows she will find a home if she is determined enough. And she was right. Ellen finds a home, a foster home in fact, and she's happy there. Again, Ellen's journey in finding a true home wouldn't have been possible without her perseverance in seeing the positive things in life. Humans have the potential in reaching their goals if they stand back up and try again. But if you don't, you'll fall behind and lose hope in yourself and possibly end up like Ellen's mom which is unfortunately a path people choose to take.

]]> 2019-03-28 22:47:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346363200 joanna_boyer606 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346554456 In response to Josephine Nguyen- Joanna 
Boyer
I think that you’re right about humanity being an important factor of humanity. In my book all of the characters have resigned themselves to their fate and the differences between those two mindsets are evident through the endings of each book. ]]> 2019-03-29 13:55:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346554456 Kyle Hargrove- Adventures of Huck Finn https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346559625 the meaning of my book is quite clearly abstract]]> 2019-03-29 14:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346559625 Sophia Ayala - A Man Called Ove https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346631190 In “A Man Called Ove,” the author Fredrik Backman coneys to his readers that the meaning of his work is about finding a purpose in life after going through adverse time. He illustrates the meaning through the main character Ove, who after having a rough childhood,  “never lived” until he met his wife Sonja as she  brought the “color” back into his life. After losing his wife, Ove becomes a grumpy old man who no longer believes that he has a reason to be alive. He attempts to take his life several times, but gets interrupted by different people. Through the process, he starts to make connections with the people around him which allows for him to see things in a positive light again. He realizes that he is in fact useful and learns that giving back to the community and building relationships with others is his new  purpose here on earth. The novel teaches the reader that life is full of unexpected problems, but when adverse times occur, it is important to keep persevering as you don’t know the positive things that are in store for the future. 

]]> 2019-03-29 16:46:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346631190 William Le - The Memory Keeper's Daughter https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346658110 In The Memory Keeper's Daughter, the author discusses how it is important to pursue your passions and look past the differences between a person with Down's Syndrome and a person without. She describes how even if a person with Down Syndrome can be happy and shows that they deserve to have the same rights as a person who is considered "normal". Phoebe, who is born with Down's Syndrome works throughout the entire book to be normal but then she realizes she always has been but society around her perceives her as different. I think another big idea in the book is how keeping secrets can destroy relationship. Phoebe's father never tells her mother that she was alive and it basically destroys their family bond between David, Norah, and Paul, Phoebe's brother. The fact that David lies to Norah for 10 plus years forces Norah to find other things that make her happy.]]> 2019-03-29 17:57:40 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346658110 Jillian Vanderpuye- A Lesson Before Dying https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346658772 The meaning of my novel is to face responsibility and recognize injustice. This can be seen in how Grant begins the book with hating the white people around him for teaching black unfairly and teaching the black boys in his school that they should hate the white people to. However, by the end of the book, he not only has decided to focus on his loved ones but also becomes friends with a white deputy named Paul.
  ]]> 2019-03-29 17:59:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346658772 Desiree Hou - American Born Chinese https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346659622 The meaning of my graphic novel is identity. Accepting who you truly are. This was the important concept throughout the book. Trying to be someone you're not makes a person feel out of place and isolated but being isolated helps you realize who you are and what you want to become. I somewhat related to this novel because of the racial slurs and stereotypical insults. I have heard " Asians eat cats and dogs," a lot and of course it was hurtful when was younger but now I've realized I can't take things to heart and move past it as long as I'm true to myself.]]> 2019-03-29 18:01:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346659622 Yessica Rodriguez - Maya's notebook https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346660009 in my book you learn how the right kind of mentor-ship can help someone grow and improve as a person. also Maya reflected on her problems through writing and it helped her let go and grow.]]> 2019-03-29 18:02:03 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346660009 Alex soriano- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346661034 i think the meaning of this book as a whole is to show how important companionship and team work is to people an their lives. in my book, George was lennies companion because lennie had an obvious mental disability and george knew that lennie would not be able to survive on his own. without George, lennie would not be able to find a work or have protection.]]> 2019-03-29 18:04:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346661034 Alex Betancourt _ Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346667415 This novel is a good reminder that you can't have everything that you want and that that is okay. At the time of The Great Depression, Lennie and George, like everyone else in America, was suffering from unemployment and a loss of financial stability. Everyone wanted land but only a select few could get it. Eventually one must consider what truly fulfills them.]]> 2019-03-29 18:20:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346667415 cameron james - letter composed during a lull in the fighting https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346677469 My book is a collection of poems exploring the poet's (Kevin Powers) struggle with PTSD after being deployed in Iraq. He writes of struggles within his relationships and daily life. Throughout the collection, Powers describes recovery and help and takes you through his journey. This collection of poems opens up reader's minds to PTSD and supporting other mentally ill people and how to recover.

]]> 2019-03-29 18:52:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346677469 Erick Garcia Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346678702 What I believe this books meaning as a whole is to show us that working as a team and genuinely trying to help each other despite each other’s weaknesses.]]> 2019-03-29 18:56:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346678702 Zoe J. Bolivar- long days journey into night. https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346678941 my showed really showed people fear in themselves. the mother shows fear by her addictions and the sons are fearful of not being good enough of their father.]]> 2019-03-29 18:57:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346678941 Diego Bonilla- Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346679278 The meaning of my novel as a whole is that that in any given situation we have someone we can go to for help, this is expressed in the novel when George and Lennie help each other throughout the story, should Lennie gets in to any trouble, he must hide and report to George immediately. One example of this is when Lenny and George lived in a far away city from their current location, and Lennie accidentally held on to a woman's dress without letting go, eventually George and Lennie ran away from the city, this represents the idea that both these characters have each other no matter in what situation they are in. At the end of the story George seeks Lennie out after another incident, and despite the story ending in tragedy, both characters had each other reflecting my opinion in the meaning as a hole.]]> 2019-03-29 18:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346679278 Chloe Schraeder: Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346679328 Of Mice and Men as a whole is reflective of how powerless everyone is to some component of life. To be more specific, Lennie is powerless in his intelligence, but possesses total control over his strength. Oppositely, George is powerless in his strength. These are literal interpretations of the theme, but more figuratively, George and Lennie are powerless to escaping their life situation. No matter how much they believed and tried, the characters' fate was predetermined. Lennie was destined to cause trouble, and George was detained to clean up after him. The farm was a dream, an unattainable goal that motivates George and Lennie. Of Mice and Men raises the question of circumstance and the role of hard work in finding success. Is our fate sealed from the beginning?]]> 2019-03-29 18:58:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346679328 Life of Pi- Akhil Ajay https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346682177 The meaning of Life of Pi is about the struggle of life. Even before the main conflict which was the ship wreck, pi had a challenging life and after the wreck it gets even more trying. Yanni Martel does a good job in showing that life is full of sacrifice, there is rarely a easy or peaceful moment in pi’s life during his journey on the boat. Life of Pi exemplifies that life isn’t a straightforward path and that there are many obstacles and adversities that come your way.]]> 2019-03-29 19:09:00 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346682177 Owen Orozco- Slaughterhouse Five https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346683258 The meaning of Slaughterhouse Five as a whole is to appreciate things in the moment, because they will always be stamped in time. It shows the importance of enjoying the happy moments and learning from the sad ones, and that the things you do will always be there. It shows that although death is a terrible thing, it's just a part of time and shouldn't be the reason for someone who is still alive to stop their life for someone who no longer is.]]> 2019-03-29 19:12:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346683258 Haley Blythe: Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346683932 The book "Of Mice and Men" as a whole shows the importance of having someone to depend on. No one likes to be alone and George and Lennie show why it is so important to alway have a friend. Where one of them lacked in something, the other could fill in. Lennie was a stronger worker and got them both jobs more often because of his size, and George was smart and talked them out of things. The both of them alone were good people, but together could accomplish more, and also brought each other more happiness. They depended on each other to go back to and dream about the future. It kept them hopeful to vocalize to someone they trust about what life could be. They could hope together, support each other, and watch out for one another to the very end, always making sure the other person was happy. In the end, George cared so much about Lennie that he couldn't let him suffer and killed Lennie himself when he talked to him about the things he liked most. ]]> 2019-03-29 19:15:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346683932 In response to Diego https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685446 I agree that in any situation we have someone to vent to/turn to in our time of need just like lennie from Of Mice and Men when he would get into trouble George would always be there to bail him out.]]> 2019-03-29 19:21:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685446 In response to Erick https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685808 I agree with your opinion in the meaning of the work as a whole, the story does revolve around both Lennie and George being a perfect fit for each other, Lennie misses on brains while George misses on muscle, both have these assets that balance out and create the relationship that is George and Lennie.]]> 2019-03-29 19:22:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685808 Leonel Valles-Slaughterhouse Five https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685903 The meaning behind Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five is that we shouldn't live our life in such a linear way where once an event or a memory has occurred, it's gone forever. In the case of the death of a loved one, we shouldn't focus on the present state of that person, but instead, on the living memories that will always be present in the lives of everyone who knew the deceased. This method, almost a way of life, is implemented all throughout the book as Billy, the main character, deals with death after death after death, and yet even after he's close to losing the only person left in his life who still cares about him, he still continues to live and move forward.]]> 2019-03-29 19:23:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346685903 Caydon Moseley (Of Mice and Men) https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346686713 "Of Mice and Men" reflects on the human need for companionship and trust. Lennie and George trust each other and rely on their relationship in order to attain and reach their goals. Their relationship is a prime example of how two people put together with trust can be greater with one and the weaknesses of one are over come by the power of two together. ]]> 2019-03-29 19:26:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346686713 In response to Will https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346735587 My book also explores similar themes as the tragedy only takes place because the main characters don't pursue their dreams. Marilyn only pushes her daughter because she isn't fulfilled in life, and this ultimately leads to Lydia's death. James also doesn't want to be judged differently because he is Asian, which is similar to how your book shows that we shouldn't judge those with Down Syndrome differently.-Melissa Whitler]]> 2019-03-30 02:58:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346735587 Ruby Ontiveros https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346737884 the meaning behind my novel as a whole in my opinion is that no matter what happens in your life someone will always be willing to help you fix your mistakes. In my novel Maya’s Notebook the main character Maya became wanted by the FBI and Interpol because of a counterfeit ring she became apart of after running away from rehab. Her grandmother risked her own life to save the life of her granddaughter by sending her to Chiloe, a small island off the coast of Chile. ]]> 2019-03-30 03:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346737884 Kenny Chirino: Of Mice and Men https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346742618 Of Mice and Men explores the best way to deal with the grim aspects of our human existence by looking at the reality of our dreams, friendship, and loneliness, and reveals the significance of all those ideas which we thought we knew so well. George and Lennie’s ultimate goal of owning a farm and living on it and the obstacles that prevent them from realizing that dream (such as discrimination, a lack of compassion, and the overall state of society) serve as the main method of delivering the meaning of the work. It shows how dreams should not be measured by the end result, but instead by the positive effects that occur while in pursuit of that dream. Although George and Lennie were never able to buy their land and live on it for the rest of their lives, the dream of doing that one day united them at a time when loneliness and disillusion was common, gave them something to strive for each day, and created a purpose to their existence that could not have been found elsewhere. Steinbeck hopes to make us realize that this is the best way to think about our dreams and to measure success. The work also stresses the beauty of friendship/companionship; having someone by your side that will protect you, care for you, and make any sacrifice necessary in order to do what is best for you is an important remedy to many problems. It was this friendship that enabled the sanity of both characters, preventing them from falling into the trap of extreme disappointment (which was felt by many). Friendship helps strengthen our weaknesses by putting the work of two or more people together and is a crucial aspect of life. ]]> 2019-03-30 05:00:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346742618 In response to Jesse Cho https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346743997 I agree that prejudice is sadly a negative aspect of our humanity that has been -- and still is -- the source of many conflicts since civilizations first developed. Do you agree with Steinbeck in the way he presents such prejudice as an insurmountable obstacle that can not easily be countered (and results in the lives of many characters being ruined. Ex: Curley's wife, Crooks, Lennie)? Or do you think that it could be changed or at least minimized? I think it's a bit of both, and Steinbeck might even have created the book as a social commentary on the oppressive nature of society, with the hopes of making readers realize their mistakes and to strive to not display as much prejudice in their day-to-day life. -- Kenny Chirino]]> 2019-03-30 05:32:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346743997 Of Mice and Men tiffany_tran825 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346817819 John Steinbeck’s Of Mice in Men explores the theme of perspectives towards gains and losses, specifically between George and Lennie. George tries to help Lennie navigate his way through life, but fails to keep Lenny in control at all times. As much as George would like to keep being Lennie’s friend, he has to weigh the consequences of his actions along with Lennie’s. Throughout the novel, Lennie continuously gets into trouble without even trying and George is usually there to fix the problem. But one day, Lennie accidentally killed a woman and when George found out, he knew he had to do what was best for everyone’s safety even if it meant killing Lennie before someone else did. George’s gain was that he had Lennie as his companion, but at what cost? The life lost had outweighed any gain that Lennie could have given George. The novel Of Mice and Men emphasizes on the importance of weighing decisions and their outcomes before an individual makes them.


]]> 2019-03-30 20:29:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346817819 Miguel Gonzalez- Life of Pi https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346851769 In Life of Pi, the book does not explore the story of Pi wrestling with a physical tiger, but rather a metaphoric one with questions of meaning and faith. Life of Pi explores this meaning by telling us (the readers) the importance of finding spirituality and life in the agony of all that is horrible and terrible in the world today. It is by surviving and understanding the sense of all that goes wrong in today´s world , that uncovers the meaning of man. The moral of the story is revealed at the end when Pi is forced to tell an alternate version of Pi´s story with a sailor with a broken leg, Pi´s mom, Pi, and a French cook. It is later revealed that the Zebra is the sailor, the orangutan is Pi´s mother, the hyena is the cook, and Richard Parker (the tiger) is Pi himself. This story where the animals are replaced by the humans establishes the entire story as an abandonment by God, but at the same time it becomes evident that God was actually present at every moment. And in the end, Pi realizes Richard Parker is actually his savior. This figure of speech shows us that whether we believe in him or not that God is actually all around us no matter where we go. Martel also explores the idea that these animals represent a higher component of themselves, the Tiger is Pi´s primal self, the orangutan represents love as demonstrated by Pi´s mother, the hyena is the vicious cook who is the shadow, and the timid zebra is the sailor with a broken leg, which represents the innocence of youth and the first to die, and finally the raft itself representing Pi´s faith just as Pi constructed the raft himself, so did he construct his faith himself as well. All are essential for becoming who we are. Martel explores the idea that our challenges are what help to define us and that no matter our stance in religion that having faith with oneself will help us cross the endless sea.]]> 2019-03-31 04:47:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346851769 In Response to Akhil tiffany_tran825 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346952032 I agree that life is full of obstacles and sacrifice along the way.  It also brings up the idea of accepting the challenge and growing through it instead of simply allowing life to break us.Much like Pi in your novel, George in Of Mice and Men had to sacrifice his friend Lennie for the greater good of everyone's safety and fate. I think that a common theme of american novels is that they teach us the importance of weighing our decisions in life and its consequences]]> 2019-03-31 21:17:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346952032 Adil Dahlvani: To 🤬 a Mockingbird https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346963404 To 🤬 a Mockingbird explores the moral nature of human beings - whether or not one is good or evil - through the experiences of Scout and Jim. The novel approaches this by showing how Jem and Scout shift from a perspective of childhood innocence where they assume everything is perfect, to a more adult perspective where they have encountered the evils of the world and have incorporated it into their understanding of the world. After encountering characters like Bob Ewell, Scout and Jem's perspective of the world have evolved. The book's title has a very literal connection to the plot where the mockingbird represents the innocence (good) in the world and the "to 🤬" the evils. After Tom Robinson dies in the book it becomes clear that he is the mockingbird in the book and that Bob Ewell is the evil. ]]> 2019-03-31 22:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346963404 In Response to Desiree https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346965880  My book has a kind of similar meaning. While your book focuses on "accepting who you truly are" To 🤬 a Mockingbird focuses on individuals accepting who other are. I agree that trying to act different from who you are can in fact make one feel even more isolated. Why do you think I am sorry to hear that you were bullied. Why do you think the author of "American Born Chinese" focused on accepting your own identity rather than other being accepting of others? - Adil]]> 2019-03-31 22:49:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346965880 Kyle Hargrove In Response to Paul https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346998877 In my book, adventures of Huck Finn had a similar institutions that inhibited certain aspects of human interactions and human nature. From the relationship with Jim being key to understanding, Huck and Jim, as Huck is a poor boy raised in a very rural and poorly educated area, the kindness and sincere that Huck offers Jim as a friend is more than people that have more money or better education would give Jim. When talking to Jim it forces Huck to questions many of the things he was taught from a young age including race and slavery.  Unlike the rest of the community Huck realizes that Jim is a real person, and a kind one. This realization is key to the meaning of the book, no matter where you come from or your experiences you always have the choice to be a good and kind person. Money and education doesn't control the narrative of anyone's life, but the common deficiency between two people is what in the end you will be judged on. 
Kyle]]> 2019-04-01 02:25:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/346998877 Kathy Nguyen: Everything I Never Told You https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347111307 Everything I Never Told You explore the idea that although everybody experiences lost differently, it's through coming together are they able to recover. The story revolves around the Chinese-American Lee family, who recently mysteriously lost their teenage daughter, Lydia, by suicide. This contrast in dealing with death is shown through the book as the author uses a transition in character perspectives throughout a certain time frame. Through the novel, the family of 4 are not only separated from society (they are depicted as social outcast), but lack a proper family dynamic (separated from each other). Following Lydia's death, they completely fall apart. Father, James, starts an affair; mother, Marilyn, is in complete denial of the suicide; brother, Nath, puts blame onto others; little sister Hannah quietly observes and connects the dots. In the end, they family are only able to come back together by directly addressing James' affair (in reality, they're not addressing the affair, but Lydia's death). From this, the family realizes the faults on how they raised Lydia corresponds with the treatment (more so, lack of) of Hannah. Rather than keeping Lydia's death in vain, it serves as a turning point in the family. That than forget, denying, or ignoring, they accept.]]> 2019-04-01 11:35:27 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347111307 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347170395 Value of life is significant to be human. ¨Adopted a girl I took out of Oxford, just a tadpole of a thing. I know you don’t need to tell me about sentimentality¨ (pg 242). In the midst of war, Jess took a baby girl on the other side of the gate. He had to choose between his friends and his life or the baby girls. He couldn't leave the girl on the ground in the mud as if she was just an object. 

There is a place for a person no matter how much they think they are isolated.  ¨You're never coming back. Brendan words suddenly returned to him. …. He felt god here. He felt right.¨ Jess didn't fit in with his family and believed he was different. When he meets the other students in training he knew  he belongs there. 

One of the themes in my book having power can do things for the greater good, but also cause harm. Thomas created an invention to help the society, but the leader didn't like that. He would later command Thomas to be put to death.  A core theme throughout the novel is sacrifice of individual desires for the greater good of society.
- Jonise

]]> 2019-04-01 13:48:38 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347170395 Bella Escandon - Everything I Never Told You in response to Kathy https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347191787 Everything I Never Told You really does focus on the subject of loss and the effects it has on each individual person as a whole. There are some mini themes developed through the reactions seen in the novel as well though, such as how Marilyn's high expectations led her daughter Lydia to distance herself from her mother and hide what she actually felt and did as to not disappoint her. This led to a lack of honesty and communication between the two of them, which the novel further explores through Marilyn's denial of her daughter's suicide.  ]]> 2019-04-01 14:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347191787 Vi Tran - Ellen Foster https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347431548 My book, Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons is about an 11-year old girl named Ellen who is looking for a safe and stable home. In the novel, readers can see the prevailing theme of perseverance prevailing adversity as Ellen moves through multiple homes. Despite the fact that many of her guardians have treated her with disrespect and cruelty (calling out her Grandma), Ellen still endured their treatment and treated them all with care. In the end, she found a happy home after a lot of searching and endurance.]]> 2019-04-02 00:54:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347431548 Vi Tran - In response to Ruby Ontiveros (Maya's notebook) https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347441318 I find that to be true only some of the time, most of the time, many are left to fend for themselves. In my novel, Ellen was constantly left alone and had to fix her problems on her own without the help of her grandmother or aunt.]]> 2019-04-02 01:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347441318 Vi Tran - In response to Owen Orozco (Slaughterhouse Five) https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347445252 I agree that it's good to enjoy the moment and to not dwell on the past. However, when people are in grief, they don't think straight and refuse to enjoy the moment. This leads to a feeling of hopelessness and it really just depends on the character if they can find happiness in the end because realistically, a character may not find happiness. (This sounds so sad)]]> 2019-04-02 02:05:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347445252 Santiago Gomez - All Quiet on the Western Front https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347457121 Although my book takes place in World War 1 Germany, I find myself seeing common themes among the stories and struggles that the German soldiers faced, and can relate those themes to American literature. Rather than giving us a general look at the horrors of WW1, my book explores the themes of terrible violence and loss, and depicted it through these men and what they endured during one of the bloodiest conflicts in history, while also depicting the struggles they went through when they returned back home. Even more unorthodox, it wasn't from the point of view of American soldiers, but rather the side that we consider the enemy. ]]> 2019-04-02 03:15:32 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347457121 Miguel Gonzalez - In response to Erick https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347466180 I agree with your statement how teamwork can help others accomplish a common task because everyone has weaknesses, however when working together can help fill these gaps of weaknesses. It is the understanding of one another´s weaknesses that can truly move a team forward to prevail.]]> 2019-04-02 04:20:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347466180 Nakeeria adams- nakeeria_adams958 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347890063 The book fences is a play written in the time period after ww2. I believe the meaning of my book as whole is to not push away the people who love you the most. The main character, Troy loses his son, wife, and best friend because of his decisions. He loses his son because he didn't believe that he would be able to play baseball. He cheats on his wife. and just became distant with his best friend Bono. Also Bono doesn't really agree with Troy's decisions. ]]> 2019-04-03 01:41:09 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/347890063 Hannah Carlisle- The Scarlet Letter https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348617497 My novel illustrates how hypocrisy often overrules reason. Even when Hester Prynne had proven herself useful and the Puritans benefited from her kindness, they still shunned her because she had a child out of wedlock. The town felt the need to punish sinners, disregarding the fact that everyone sins. Dimmesdale was a minister who the people looked up to for guidance when he does not even do what he thinks is right and does not reveal his secret, even though it harms Hester when the community punishes only her.]]> 2019-04-04 16:42:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348617497 Hannah Carlisle- in response to Vi Tran https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348719697 Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter also perseveres through adversity. The Puritans shun her and her daughter because she had an extramarital affair. She has to raise a daughter and make a living by herself because the father does not want to reveal himself. She fights to keep her daughter when the town officials try to take her away.]]> 2019-04-04 20:23:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348719697 Hannah Carlisle- in response to Cayden Moseley https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348722246 The Scarlet Letter also has companionship. Although Pearl was the reason Hester was shunned, she was not just a curse but also a blessing. Throughout the hard times when Hester was used as a symbol of shame and no one even wanted to talk to her, the one person that would never leave her was her daughter.]]> 2019-04-04 20:33:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/348722246 https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/349763219 The novel Ellen Foster explores the idea of determination through through adversity and that sometimes you have to rely on yourself to get through tough obstacles. At the beginning of the novel Ellen mother's dies and Ellen experiences abuse from her father, poverty, and neglect from her family as well. She lives in a broken home, and fantasizes about having a family of her own ]]> 2019-04-09 01:36:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/349763219 Amena Tep- a million little pieces https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/352193721 The most common quote/phrase ive ever heard growing up, or even to this day is "never judge a book by its cover". And as annoying and angry i get hearing it OVER AND OVER again i feel like the phrase can be applied in many different situations. its bendable. if i were to talk about bullying, i could say never judge a book by its cover. or if i were to talk about someone else, i could say to never judge a book by its cover, etc. and this book takes this quote to a whole new level. the meaning of this book is to explore a world where drug addiction is literally someones life. and even if he tries to stop, he cannot. i think this applicable throughout the books entirety, because even when discovering other characters, it would first state their appearance(first impression) then it would tell their back story. and you come to realize as a reader that their appearance and history dont necessarily match up, because you already assumed for an example that someone who is buff is unbreakable and tough, when in reality he was molested as a kid. and so this quote never judge a book by its cover really applies in every situation the book partakes in. which is why this phrase is a very good symbol for the books actual meaning.]]> 2019-04-17 04:10:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/352193721 Abidemi Frazer- https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/353037523 The Help is an American novel written by Kathryn Stockett, In her book she explores the lives of three different women of different backgrounds as they eventually team up on a project to speak the truth, even if it means risking their lives. The purpose of this book could be saying that taking a stand, takes a lot of  guts and bravery, but as long as what you believe in can make the world a better place then you should never be afraid. I wasn't able to finish the novel, but I'm predicting even if the ending isn't super duper happy, there should at least be a mark of change beginning to take place in the end.]]> 2019-04-22 13:09:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/353037523 Imran Bakali https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/353440902 The main idea of the life of pi is to deal with anything no matter how bad the odds are. Pi is alone and fighting all these big battles against the world. living creatures will often do extraordinary, unexpected, and sometimes heroic things to survive. However, they will also do shameful and barbaric things if pressed. The hyena’s treachery and the blind Frenchman’s turn toward cannibalism show just how far creatures will go when faced with the possibility of extinction. His ship wrecked situation shows the amount of knowledge and capability that comes out when it really comes down to it. Towards the end he gets commended for how he made it through and it goes to show no matter what you face it’s worth it at the end ]]> 2019-04-23 16:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/353440902 Imran in response to Amena https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/355536723 Judging a book by a cover is a heavy quote and it teaches to be more courteous to the people around and be understanding of who they are. People have underlying issues and judging them off first impressions is never ok ]]> 2019-04-30 17:09:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/355536723 Imran in response to adil https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/355538088 i agree. i remember that atticus said that “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.” the mockingbird represents the innocence aka Jim who was wrongfully convicted and later dead. good job buddy. ]]> 2019-04-30 17:12:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/355538088 katie https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/356721911 what i got from reading the whole play is everyone is equal. no matter the color, shape or anything. i read A Raisin In he Sun, It's about a poor African American family who lives on the South Side in Chicago. They’re poor compared to "white wealthy" guys. ]]> 2019-05-03 18:23:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/356721911 In response to Imran- katie https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/356725076 judging a book by its cover is usually something thats always said but yet always done. People assume or judge something before actually giving it a try. 

]]> 2019-05-03 18:31:38 UTC https://padlet.com/cfbisd/85rrqlz9pusz/wish/356725076