• What experiences do you share with the characters? I understand how some of the characters don't feel understood by their parents. I also understand trying to make everyone happy no matter the circumstances.

• In what ways is your family similar or different from those in the book? I feel like my family has always been financially stable however my family has not always been mentally stable with each other.

• What did you learn about a character or group of people that you have not personally experienced? I learned that even in tough times there can still be lots of happy moments and to always make the best of every situation.

In this story the authors family is pretty close together, despite there living conditions. The family's head of the house always tries to make an adventure out of everything. Later on in the story you are able to see how the father is not the best role model as well as the family's mother. Throughout the story kids are constantly moving from house to house and are living in poverty.

• Give context for your quote. What was happening in the story that made this quote significant? Who was speaking? "You're the one who needs help. Your values are all confused."

• Why did this quote stand out to you? It stood out to me because I understand what its like to not be understood by my mother and how your family can think your crazy which makes you feel crazy.

In the very beginning of the book the author sees her mother and you can indicate that during this event the author feels pity and a little bit of guilt towards her family. You can tell she is embarrassed by her mother.

You can also tell a lot about the writers life. Their choice of words are very descriptive and you can really understand the emotions going on in her life at this time.

I think some of the characters are aware of the economic differences.

Economic condition determine there lives because if you have a great economic stance then you are living well. If you are not doing economically well then you typically don't have the best life. You wont have the best schooling or the best housing. The living conditions just aren't nearly as good if you are not doing well economically.

It is not explicitly embrace or reject socialism.

The motif is neglect. Not just the children in these chapters are neglected. One could argue that Rex's wife is also neglected. Or even Rex. Clearly Jeannette's father has some mental issues that are not addressed. Many people in the story are neglected and you don't only see this in the story you also see it present in today's life.

For my personal reflection I relate to Jeanette's past. She has lots of pain in the past but it is also where she gets her strength. As well as defending her dad. I know what it is like to be one of the only supporters for a family member. I have some members in my family that have undiagnoised mental disorders and I relate to her in that way.

A quote that stuck out to me was when Jeannette said, "Mom believed that children shouldn't be burdened with a lot of rules and restrictions" (59). This quote stuck out to me because I really agree with it. I think lots of rules can create unfruitful children or creative kids. I believe it can limit kids expressions and creativeness. I think Rose Mary has a very interesting perspective on things and can be extremely right in some situations.