Naomi's reading blog by naomi https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4 I will be reading and analyzing January First by Michael Schofield en-us 2017-03-02 20:55:59 UTC 2024-07-27 18:34:47 UTC hello@padlet.com Summary naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/157483066
At six years old, Michael Schofield's daughter, January, was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia that doctors had ever seen. In January's case, she is hallucinating 95 percent of the time that she is awake. Potent psychiatric drugs that would level most adults barely faze her. January, "Jani" to her family, has literally hundreds of imaginary friends. They go by names like 400-the-Cat, 100 Degrees, and 24 Hours and live on an island called "Calalini," which she describes as existing "on the border of my world and your world." Some of these friends are good, and some of them, such as 400, are very bad. They tell her to jump off buildings, attack her brother, and scream at strangers.

In the middle of these never-ending delusions, hallucinations, and paroxysms of rage are Jani's parents, who have gone to the ends of the earth to keep both of their children alive and unharmed. They live in separate one-bedroom apartments in order to keep her little brother, Bohdi, safe from his big sister--and wage a daily war against a social system that has all but completely failed them. January First is the story of the daily struggles and challenges they face as they do everything they can to help their daughter while trying to keep their family together. It is the inspiring tale of their resolute determination and faith .  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12453610-january-first]]> 2017-03-02 20:59:58 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/157483066 Genre naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/157484082 The genre of my novel is non-fiction as well as psychological. The novel is a memoir written by Janni's dad. The book surrounds their constant struggle to diagnose and control their daughter who is "disturbed" with mental illness. Medical experts are stunned by the severity of Janni's condition and her unbeliable tolernace to antipsychotic drugs. It is a chilling story about the mysteries of the mind. ]]> 2017-03-02 21:05:08 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/157484082 My protagonist, Michael Schofield is a near 40 year old man with shaggy brown hair, tall and lean stature stature with light brown eyes - at least that is how I imagine him. Since my book is a memoir, I was later able to watch short factual videos and my prediction of Michael's physical appearance was off however it was fun to imagine the scenarios without any influence. Michael is a very conservative and soft spoken man however don't let this fool you, Michael will speak up when he objects to something, especially concerning his family. Although, when it comes to Jani, she seems to be an exception. Michael is a pushover when it comes to Jani. She gets anything she wants regardless of her behaviour. This results in friction between himself and his wife Susan, as Susan is far less tolerant of Jani causing Michael to withdraw emotionally from his marriage. He has a very stubborn side considering If things aren't his way, they are automatically wrong. With that said, his loyalty to his family and friends is unquestionable. He goes to great lengths to provide his wife and children with what they require despite the toll it takes on him. For example, when Jani eventually got accepted to UCLA, Michael drove down every day after giving lectures all day, to drive home and work his 2nd job or care for his infant son. naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/163569514     Jani looks at Michael as if he was the sun. He seems to be the only one she can truly connect with presumably because he is the only one who understands her. In the book it mentions Michael always attempting to engage in Jain's world; something Jani recognizes and obviously appreciates, considering most adults try to throw her into a reality she does not function in. To Jani, only her fathers words mean something partly because they have such a strong bond established full of trust and tolerance. Michael is seemingly Jani's only friend beyond the imaginary ones, giving her a protector and companion in the dark reality Jani hides herself away from.
     The relationship between Michael and his wife Susan is strained to say the least. Their lives are so chaotic given their circumstances and are always focused on their young children.  There relationship resembles more of a team than a mairrage. ]]> 2017-03-29 23:16:00 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/163569514 https://youtu.be/hd8dF0OQMcE naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077600 Here is a MUST watch clip that will peak your interest and make you want to know more!!]]> 2017-04-01 00:14:26 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077600 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077656 A chilling quote regarding Schizophrenia.]]> 2017-04-01 00:16:58 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077656 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077828 A beautiful photo of Michael and his family.]]> 2017-04-01 00:22:51 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077828 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077928 2017-04-01 00:27:19 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077928 If you were ever curious what Schizophrenia was, this link is packed full of factual information! Understanding the condition will enrich your reading experience! naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077975 http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/mental-health-schizophrenia#1]]> 2017-04-01 00:28:54 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164077975 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164078069 2017-04-01 00:33:04 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164078069 Zzzzzzz.... naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135595 I often have troubles falling asleep due to my mind wandering and replaying the chaotic events of the day. Reading this chilling yet informative memoir took my mind away into a different world; a different life. Truthfully the book may have caused me to lose sleep as I was fighting sleep to finish one more chapter but I found that i slept more soundly. There's something so perfect about reading a book in a warm bed! The quite nights allowed me to focus on my book with no distractions. A good book and a cozy bed works better than NyQuil!



]]> 2017-04-02 01:04:22 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135595 A breathe of fresh air naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135614 Constantly being inside gets suffocating at times especially in the winter months, When the temperature rises above 0 I take advantage! I love being outside, but with the burden of homework I must mix work with pleasure - if you could only consider reading this riveting book work! The chirping of the birds make the perfect background noise as I dive into my book. I find when I read outside I am able to get into more depth with my book and make connections, perhaps it's something in the fresh air!

]]> 2017-04-02 01:05:14 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135614 "January First" all around the world naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135632 During March break I had the opportunity to travel around Europe. Days were long and as we got further into our trip there were few nights where we had any time alone as we were constantly surrounded by people. Being able to escape into my book for awhile was a nice break from the excitement of the day and really calmed me. In this photo you will see me enjoying my book in the hotel room in Switzerland! There were times where hotels didn't have internet like Switzerland so I would have to revert to the old fashion ways and read my novel; however the book never left me bored!


]]> 2017-04-02 01:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135632 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135695 Image result for quotes about reading
https://s-media-cache-a]]> 2017-04-02 01:10:13 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135695 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135724 2017-04-02 01:12:11 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164135724 Fact naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164202645 Although this isn't mentioned in the book, Jani's younger brother, Bohdi also has schizophrenia. https://youtu.be/61GmUYCzCzU]]> 2017-04-02 22:51:15 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164202645 naomi_seamark https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164202874 2017-04-02 22:55:50 UTC https://padlet.com/naomi_seamark/noxoa3ew95c4/wish/164202874