As a learner:

To be honest going into language arts class this year I had no real expectations. My attitude was go in, do your work, and get out as soon as possible. Language arts has never been one of my strong suits and I could never find a way to improve. This year in class I learned how much of an impact reading can have on your skills as student in general. I also learned how to analyze and understand texts on a whole different level. I also learned how much of a difference an awesome teacher can have on you, not only as a learner but also as a person. A few weeks into the school year I started to realise that I was actually excited to go to L.A class and that made me realise that comfort is directly related to opening up in a classroom and preforming at your best.

As a reader:

I always think of myself as a sufficient reader but never as good as I want to be. When I get my hands on a book I’m interested in I tend to read it as soon as I possibly can which I consider a strength. One of my biggest weaknesses regarding reading, however, is that I can go months without reading because I am really bad at finding books I want to read. My goal for reading is to read all the books on my wish list by the end of next year.

As a writer:

I’ve always considered writing as my “mark wrecker”. I am aware of how raw and undeveloped my writing is and I am trying improve and develop it. The biggest obstacle for me regarding writing is putting my ideas into words effectively. My goal is to be able to transfer my ideas into words efficiently by the beginning of grade eleven L.A by practicing throughout the months.

As a student:

As a student in general I’m not as satisfied with my marks as I want to be. The biggest academic obstacle for me, over all, is my attention span and my lack of organization. I, from time to time, find myself thinking of absolutely irreverent things in class when I’m supposed to be paying attention. If I could, I would change the amount of time we have to sit in a desk per class because, personally, it is hard for me to pay attention for a straight hour and a half. In the end I am happy with my growth as a student from last year and I plan on improving over the next few weeks.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee explores the idea of how an individual’s perspective regarding the world often changes according to the events and people they are situated with through the growth seen in the character Jem. Atticus, Jem’s father, leaves a heaving effect on Jem’s perspective regarding judgment, courage, or just people in general. he is able to assess the situation and advise Jem accordingly, leading Jem to develop mature views on the world.

Sometimes people can develop an idea of someone or something without knowing the whole truth behind it.  Closer to the beginning of the book Jem and his sister, Scout, are upset that their father isn’t like the fathers of the children at school. He learns that his father, who finds hunting and drinking unnecessary, is unlike the majority of the fathers of the children at school and feels that Atticus is lame and the reason for his embarrassment at school. One day a rabid dog that was coming down the street compelled Atticus to shoot it. After that incident Jem discovered that he had been wrong about his dad and also learned that in the past Atticus was known as ‘one- shot finch’ because of his aim and skill with guns. Even though Atticus felt that his children shouldn’t have seen him shoot he managed to shift Jem’s perspective of him and also teach him an important lesson. Not only did Jem learn about Atticus’s past but along with that he learned not make assumptions without knowing the truth of the situation.

Courage is often mis-conceptualized by society, and is inflicted upon innocent minds, ultimately, affecting their perspectives of strength and bravery. The Society of Maycomb usually defines courage as shooting a gun but Jem learned differently when he was given a punishment by a neighbor which was backed up by Atticus. Jem was commanded to read for an hour or two each afternoon as a punishment for ruining a bitter old lady in the neighborhood’s flowers. The lady, Ms. Dubose, enraged Jem to the point where he damaged her property. Jem complied and went on reading to her every afternoon for longer and longer periods of time until his sentence was over. Two weeks after he had stopped reading to her Atticus announced her death. Jem of course was not exactly upset when he heard the news and was not happy about the flowers she had sent him before her passing. Atticus agreed that she wasn’t the sweetest woman but she was one of the bravest, he explained to Jem that she was addicted to morphine and that Jem was a part of helping overcome that addiction. Atticus said that courage is when someone knows their licked when they start but they go through with their goal anyway. Ms. Dubose played a crucial part in helping Jem develop values that were outside of the values presented by society. Rather than believing that shooting a gun was always a courageous thing to do he developed ideas above the societal norm.

When developing a mature view on the world and its people, considering other’s perspectives and situations is often ideal. Atticus continuously demonstrates a mature view on the world throughout the book. While talking to his children Atticus says something along the lines of “you have to climb into the skin of someone else to really understand them and their situation.” Atticus often imparts his views of understanding others and being patient on his kids when he feels it’s necessary. Atticus teaches him how to understand others and how to patiently and accurately assess specific situations and people. according to diffrent perspectives. Taking in his father’s advice, Jem slowly started to apply it in certain situations. Jem started to empathize with others and consider their perspectives and circumstances which helped  him sculpt an advanced and mature perspective to help him see the world through understanding eyes.

Difefrent people and events often leave outlasting effects on one’s perspective. Perspective shifts are often exemplified in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee through the character Atticus’s effect on Jem throughout the book. Atticus was able to affect Jem’s veiw on people in general, courage, and judgement byt teaching him how to see the world through different eyes.

2014 Reading latter (grade 9/10)

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth – 487 pages
2. Insurgent by Veronica Roth – 525 pages
3. Allegiant by Veronica Roth – 526 pages
4. Hex hall by Racheal Hawkins – 323 pages
5. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier – 336 pages
6. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin – 456 pages
7. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin – 560 pages
8. Under the Dome by Stephen King – 1074 pages
9. The Fault in our Stars by John Green – 313 pages
10. Crank by Ellen Hopkins – 537 pages
11. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick – 391 pages
12. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick – 427 pages
13. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick – 448 pages
14. Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick – 454 pages
15. Torn by Amanda Hocking – 324 pages
16. Ascend by Amanda Hocking – 326 pages
17. Crave by Laura J. Burns – 278 pages
18. Sacrifice by Laura J. Burns – 256 pages
19. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – 408 pages

8449 pages (162 pages per week / 23 pages per day)

Top 3 worst books I read in 2014 (not in order)

*DISCLAIMER: I don’t mean to be rude or disrespectful to the authors or readers of any of these books. These are my opinions and if you like any of the books listed below I’m sure you have a great reason.*

1. Hex Hall by Racheal Hawkins: I disliked this book quite a bit. I found it absolutely unnecessary and like every other book that contains a teen with supernatural abilities; 1) a misfit teen goes to boarding school, 2) She doesn’t want to be there, 3) She gets on the wrong side of the ‘popular’ girls on the first day, 4) She instantly develops a crush on a popular sexist guy (Archer) who happens to be the boyfriend of the most popular girl in school, 5) Her only friend is a fellow misfit, and so on. Not only was it typical but it was also very slow and abrupt at the same time.in the middle of the book Archer vanished just when him and the protagonist started to get close without an explanation and never brought him back, which I found odd. In the end I would never recommend this book unless you’re really into the typical portrayal by media of a misfit teen.
2. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick: this book was the second book of the Hush, Hush series. I like the first one but the second was an absolute disappointment. The protagonist, Nora Grey, is probably the most annoying and un- reasonable person ever. Crescendo was more focused on the ‘love’ of Nora and Patch, (a fallen angel) that is if you would even consider that love. Throughout the series let alone Crescendo Nora never mentioned anything that she liked about Patch as a person unless you count muscles and physicality a part of personality.  One of the most frequently thoughts I had while I was reading this was ‘come on Patch, you could do so much better’ or ‘I really just want to smack Nora’. In the end, however, I ended up reading till the end of the series because if I start something I have to finish it but I would definitely not recommend this book to anyone unless of course you’re into the typical sexist gender roles and train-wreck ‘romance’.
3. Crave by Laura J. Burns: This book was about vampires and a sick girl trying to rebel against her body. It was the first of the two books. The main reason I didn’t like Crave was because it was a very slow read and for about four fifths of the book it was uneventful. I also read the second book and I found it was much better than the first. The story line was ok I just feel that it was poorly planned out. If the two books were condensed into one it would have made more sense and been more effective. I also found that the main character, Shay, was overly immature and ungrateful and I didn’t like her, but then again I usually dislike the main female protagonists in most books anyways.  I don’t recommend this book unless you really like vampires and don’t mind being bored for a while to get to the interesting parts.

Currently reading

        1.  Demons and Angels by Dan Brown

Want to read

1. The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin – I want to read this because I really enjoyed the first two Mara Dyer books and I want to complete the trilogy.
2. The Game of Thrones books by George RR Martin – I find the show cool so I want to read the books too.
3. The Shining by Stephen King – my mom said it was good.
4. My Sister’s Keeper – again my mom said it was good.
5. Looking for Alaska by John Green – my friend recommended it.
6. Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier – second book to the ruby red series. I liked the first book so I think I might like this one too.
7. Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier – the third book to the ruby red series.
8. City of Bones series – friends recommend it.
9. The Divinci Code – sounds cool, mom also said it was good.
10.  Push by Sapphire – sounds interesting.
11. Gone Girl – because the movie was awesome so the book has to be too.   

Dear Myra,

You are one of my best friends and I am glad to say that throughout the years I’ve seen you develop very strong opinions about many key issues and evolve as a person in general. After I finished Switched, by Amanda Hocking, as I was recapping it in my mind I thought of you. Like you the protagonist, Wendy, is a strong and dedicated young women. Another one of the main reasons I want you to read this book is so that I have someone to talk to about its strong feminist perspective as passionately as I do. I also feel that it connects very well to both you and me which I found interesting. Switched may not be the best piece of literature but it is definitely very unique.

Wendy Everly, the main character is a young adult who was forced to develop into a responsible and mature woman very early, not only that but also a strong and independent woman, a lot like you. She was uprooted from her life and was told that her mother sent her away when she was born and now she needs to come back and take over her kingdom. I am also aware that, like me, you also enjoy a good love interest in a book when it’s not over dominating and absolutely unnecessary. In this book you get to compare the stereotypical women who gives up everything and anything for her one true love with a woman who gives up her ‘love’ for her responsibilities.

The love interest provided by author, Amanda Hocking is very interesting. Since I know you don’t mind spoilers I want to give you a general overview on the romantic side of Switched. Wendy initially felt a mutual affection towards Finn Holmes, a royal server, but slowly realized that the relationship could not work out unless she gave up her responsibilities and quickly decided against it. Later on in the book Loki, who is also royalty like Wendy, is introduced. Loki is the perfect guy; he is supportive, understanding, witty, passionate, intelligent, and on top of that he is also very good looking. She slowly starts to fall for him and tries to stop herself but, after realizing the relationship would not ask to sacrifice her people, gave in to it. I know you will love how Amanda Hocking made It more realistic than most authors do in regards to love; like most books she did not just introduce the protagonist to a person of the different gender and make the whole book based on them as a couple. In the end Wendy and Loki’s growth as a couple is so adorable, it will make you want to just get up and hug something really hard.

One of the best parts of reading this book for me was how well I could connect to it. Like me I know you were also forced to take on responsibility very suddenly and at a young age. Through Wendy’s journey you get to experience a different perspective on the same situation. The way that Wendy fulfills her roles and responsibilities will help inspire you to satisfy your own responsibilities with the same dedication. It will also make you feel a part of a community and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. After reading this book you will be more positive in general and when you’re in a tough place you will remember Switched  and it will help you calm down. Ultimately I have accepted Wendy as a role model for the strength, independence, and dedication she conveys.

I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did and most probably for the same reasons too. You will end up loving Amanda Hocking for thinking of something like Switched; for thinking of the reality of our world and for also conveying a much needed message through the strength of Wendy’s character.  I hope you can find the same peace of mind and strength from this book as I did.

Love your childhood friend,

Avneet

 Society was probably the basis of Romeo and Juliet’s complications and, ultimately, story. I wish I could say that society isn’t an issue in today’s day and age but, it is and will always be an ongoing battle. The un-necessary regulations of society were an issue back in Shakespeare’s time and still are today. Society permits people to put restrictions on the wishes and hopes of others without feeling guilty about it.

In Romeo and Juliet there are two families who are defined by a war they’re fighting against each other. The Capulets and Montagues fulfill a grudge their ancestors started even though they are unaware of the reason it was instigated. Both families’ lives are negatively affected by this grudge on a daily basis but neither make a step to douse it because of ego. In this play the characters are told to act towards each other with hate because society told them that they need to follow in the steps of their ancestors.  Even though they may have wanted to extend their hands in friendship and throw their blood-stained swords away it would show signs of weakness which would harm their reputations, making it out of the question.

Society causes our priorities to shift in the direction in which power is a possibility. Lord Capulet, who was shown as a feminist in the beginning of the act, shifted his priorities later on when power and control came into play.  In the beginning when Paris, the Prince’s Count, Lord Capulet told him that he could only have his daughter, Juliet’s, hand in marriage if she approved. Later on Capulet forced Juliet to marry the same man, Paris, because it would help make up for a mistake his nephew made and also got him closer to a position of power to give his reputation a new high.

Just like me, everyone’s, lives are effected by society greatly both positively and negatively. The positive effects, however, only go as far as a sense of belonging and community; while the negative effects are close to never ending. I have seen society influence individuals in various damaging ways on a daily basis. It tells some people that they are not good enough regarding looks, academic ability, gender, sexuality, body image, or virtually anything that differentiates us from our peers. Society affects me personally because I have witnessed the people, I care for, around me change themselves in order to fit the description that society has for normal. The decisions I make every day have society a as a major underlying factor even though I may not realize it at the time. Being such a major component in our lives, society affected us all in uncountable ways yesterday, affects today, and will most-likely affect us tomorrow.