Post 7

Dear Cecelia,

I finished your book and I really enjoyed it! It's so weird because I just watched the movie that is based on this book and it's so different. I can't decide which one I liked better because the differences are so big. The letters are pretty much the same and most of the people but the rest of the stories are not similar at all. I really liked how Holly did decide to go to the ball. Even though it was really difficult for her to face all those people, she fought through it. It really bothered me though how annoying some people were about what happened to Gerry, if they even knew what happened. The worst was Helen, her neighbor, who hadn't even come over to say she was sorry to Holly when it all happened and then she acted like she had been helping Holly all along. But, good for Holly for telling Helen off like she did it made me very happy. Also, the whole Daniel thing, what a mess! It's good Holly was able to tell him she wasn't ready and he really loved Laura still. Especially after the last letter Gerry gave her that said she can fall in love again. That would be a very difficult thing to read for the last letter ever written. She wasn't very pleased with Gerry, but he is such a good guy for letting her know how he feels about it. Denise's wedding seemed very fun and Holly made a perfect speech, even though it wasn't exactly "perfect". I wish there were more flashbacks throughout the story like there were in the movie so I could imagine the past Holly and Gerry had together. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and am very excited that this is my last outside reading blog post!

ellie

Post 6

Dear Cecelia,

Oh boy, every time I think Holly is getting happier because she is getting letters from Gerry that are helping her live without him, I find out she is even more sad. But, she has great friends to help pick her up along the way. I love that Denise is having her be the maid of honor at her wedding and that Sharon is OK with it because it's always an honor to do that. And Sharon, not jealous at all of the fact that she isn't going to be Denise's made of honor, decides to have Holly be the godmother of her child. And, the best thing is that Sharon is naming her child Gerry. That sure did bring some tears to my eyes. I felt bad when Holly got all sad at Denise's hen weekend because Denise knew she was not having a good time and called her out on it and it made Holly feel even worse about herself. I haven't gotten there, but I hope Denise and Holly will make-up, they are at a point in their lives where they both really need each other around. Also, I'm so glad that the Blue Rock party was a good one. And, even though Holly didn't write the paper, I am very happy that she was able to confront to her boss that it was really Alice who did it and now Alice is going to write more often! It's so weird to read this after seeing the movie, it's just a completely different story. I'm not sure which one I like better because I haven't finished the book yet. And, so far the movie is ahead in the game. But, a suprise ending could do it for me.

Ellie

Post 5

Dear Cecelia,

Even though Holly seems to be getting happier, I can't decide if I'm getting happier or more sad. Oh, Gerry makes my stomach drop he is so cute. Holly loves her job and it's so good she can take her mind off Gerry for a little bit and do something she loves. The people who work with her seem really fun, outgoing, and easy to work with. Which can be very difficult to find these days because people are so concerned about themselves. But, I love that they have astrology meetings for entertainment, I think every work place should have something like that to take the load off people's shoulders for a little while. And, I'm so glad that her and Richard are getting along and that she can see now how difficult she was to him when she was younger. He still is kind of boring, but I am even beginning to appreciate his dry sense of humor because Holly is able to connect with him more. I'm so glad Holly got him a job to garden for $5,000, that's so much money! And, I really don't like Jack because he made fun of Richard not having a place to live, it was so unnecessary. To bad Ciara left with Mathew for Australia she is such a fun and crazy girl and really helped Holly through her hard times. But, the only thing that I'm not sure about (which Holly isn't sure about either) is Daniel. I understand how Holly doesn't want to go on a date with him it just would be weird. I can't believe that she ran into Gerry's parents though when she was with him, ugh it made me so sad. They couldn't believe her that she would do that and Holly just went mad. I hope Holly doesn't get too stressed and can figure everything out soon.

Ellie

Post 4

Dear Cecelia,

Boy oh boy, the chapters I just read in the book were so sad. I thought Holly had let off a lot of steam on her vacation, but I guess I was wrong. I didn't like that her, Sharon, and Denise decided to take breaks from each other, they were together for a week, big deal. And, they are best friends it's not like there is a rule against them talking to each other. I think the fact that Holly wasn't with them as much put her in kind of a bad mood. But, she did find out who her secret gardener was, and it's Richard! I can't believe it is Richard, that was so unexpected, but I'm glad it was him because it shows a good side to him that is hard to see. It's so sad though because Richard lost his job and his wife left him with the kids so he also lost his house. I'm glad that Holly was able to talk to him and comfort him because he needed some help. Ah! I loved Gerry's note, Holly really needs to get a job because she needs to get out more. It was so depressing when she went to the library to find a job on the computer but didn't have enough money and called Gerry for help. I almost cried at that part. When she finally went to get an interview the employer had gone through similar problems. His wife died from breast cancer and is in the same spot as Holly, not sure whether it's OK to keep living on or not. Gosh, this was such a sad part in the book, all this stuff kept happening. Oh, and Denis is getting married and Sharon is having a kid. This is just a crazy time for Holly and I understand how she can feel selfish about it. I hope the book gets happier because I can't handle this anymore.

Ellie

Post 3

Dear Cecelia,

OK, I am sure that these are getting a little bit annoying because I bet I'm saying some of the same things each time. For example, I know that each time I write I say how much I love this book. I just cannot help it I am sorry, it's just that Gerry is so damn cute. Seriously, every letter he sends is just adorable. And, I predict that he has something to do with Holly's garden being fixed up. I think it's her mom because in the movie they had her mom deliver the notes without her knowing. In the chapters I just read Holly had a barbecue birthday get together for her sister Ciara. And, she got Ciara a job at a bar. And, Ciara's boyfriend came back from Australia that she was really missing because he kind of ignored her. But now they are happily together! Holly, Sharon, and Denise went to Spain! Ah! It seems like they had an excellent time. Being stuck out in the ocean in rafts didn't seem half bad. In the movie they were only stuck in a lake because they went to Ireland (from America) instead of to Spain, so that wasn't as scary I don't think. It was funny though because Denise only had a thong bikini on and got really sun burnt and could barely move. The best part about these chapters was Holly's August letter because it told her (when she was on vacation) to go to the lighthouse and see the dolphins. Oh, it was just so cute I could hardly bare. I can't wait to see Holly open more letters and to see who is doing her garden!

Ellie

Post 2

Dear Cecelia,

First I would like to continue to say how much I love this book. I seriously like it, it's so cute (and I am not a big fan of "cute"). I read a lot and, there have not been a lot of notes from Gerry. But, the one that is my favorite so far out of all of them is when he got Holly and her friends a surprise trip to Spain. I mean come on, how cute is that? He went through so much trouble for her and even the workers at the travel agency know it! I would do anything to marry a man as carrying and thoughtful as Gerry. He knows exactly what to give Holly and when to give it to her, he is just incredible. Now besides from Gerry and his part in Holly's life, Holly has some other very important family members and friends that are trying to help her get through this tough time. Her mother is very carrying and really wants the best for Holly and so do her friends. Now, on Holly's birthday she had a very adventurous night that seemed extremely fun! But, I think I would agree with Holly and not being a big fan of showing the entire world what she was like when she was drunk out of her mind. Yes, it is very entertaining, but not when it is actually how someone is. And, it made me sad that Declan didn't cut out the part where she was crying in it. Where is his respect? I mean he had the right intension of making a good film, but he never really told Holly about it. I can't wait to keep going in this book!

Ellie

Post 1

Dear Cecelia,

OK, I am completely in love with this book. I loved the movie and the book is just as good. I love how I can follow everything too. Because sometimes in books that go back and forth in time can get confusing, but yours is so easy to understand! But, I love Gerry. He is an amazing guy to come up with the plan to write letters to Holly to let her know he is still there, but she must keep living her life with out him actually being there. He is so sweet and he knows exactly what to say to her without telling her his plan. (Plus in the movie Gerard Butler is a total babe so I can imagine him as Gerry in the book also). And for Holly, I think she can be sad all she wants. I don't like it when people say get over it to you when something so dramatic happens all you can do is cry. She should take all the time she needs to be alone and do what she wants because she lost the love of her life and it's hard to live life without the love. But, the cutest letter he sent her was the one where he told her to get a new lamp for the bedroom because they used to fight about who had to get up and turn it off. Then she remembers times when they fought about it and there are always the cutest stories I love it. I don't think Holly should regret the time she thinks she missed or argued with Gerry because then all of the amazing things that happened to them could not have happened. As long as she remembers him and knows he's still there she will be alright. I can't wait to keep reading! Oh, I also love love love how it is in Ireland.

Ellie

Outside Reading

P.S. I Love You

P.S. I Love You was written by Cecelia Ahern. There are a few reasons I chose to read this book, one of them being that Gerard Butler is on the cover of it. But, one of the main reasons was that I saw the movie and died. It was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m not much of a romantic movie watcher or book reader, but I got hooked. The humor in it is so perfect for such a sad story. Another reason is that it takes place in Ireland and I kind of have an obsession with Ireland, maybe because I have red hair and white skin, who knows? The only problem is that it is 501 pages too long for me, but hopefully I can finish it in time for class. I can’t wait to read it all because sometimes movies miss some really good parts.

Post A8

Dear Stephen,

I have currently just finished your ingenious work of art. Marvelous is a word I would like to use to describe it's a true beauty. In a week, I usually don't enjoy reading more than 60 pages, but for me to finish this book it was joyous. The only thing is I didn't really like ending with the Appendix part because I hate George W. Bush so you kind of put me to sleep there but that's OK not everything can be perfect about this book. I truly love when you say "For the more you speak up, the louder you become. And, the louder you speak up in my voice, the louder I become. If someone has a problem with it, just say, "Well, it's not just my opinion, it's Stephen Colbert's opinion, and I happen to agree." Then it's two against one, and we win"(214). Even though you seem a tad bit selfish here, you also want to work as a team to get your points up, and if your points go up so does the teams. It's a beautiful analogy you have going there Mr. Colbert. Still though my favorite part of this book I would say goes back to page 3, My American Childhood. I love the story you tell there about the scary babysitter and your parents leaving you. That happens to probably every child on this planet of ours. And, the best part is when you say "My second memory is when we went to the zoo, and I saw two rhinos do" (3). Classic placement of those words because they had nothing to do with anything else on that page. I will love this book forever and will recommend it to all.

Goodbye and farewell,
Ellie

Post A7

*Vocab*
1. rapture (209): ecstatic joy or delight; joyful ecstasy
2. elitist (194): consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group

*Figurative Language*
1. "He made a beeline for me, in that, like a bee, he went all around the room and then came up to me last" (219). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare George Bush with a bee.
2. "It was as soft as a mitten made from angel food cake" (220). This is an example of a simile because Colbert uses the word as to compare George Bush's hand to angel food cake.
3. "I had to pee like a racehorse at an iced tea convention" (220). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare his peeing habits to a racehorse's.

*Quote*
"What have we learned? That's the wrong question. We haven't learned anything. You learned. I already know everything in this book, or I possibly couldn't have written it. Don't make this about me. You always do that. It's about you and what you have learned from me" (213). This quote is important because it shows that even though this book is all about Colbert and what he believes, he does have room in his heart for us to take advantage of his knowledge instead of leaving it to himself.

*Theme*
The theme at the end of the book is to share Stephen's knowledge with the rest of the world so they can learn how it works.

Post B6

Dear Stephen,

OK well I have currently just read your chapters on higher education, Hollywood, the media, and "my American Maturity". And, I pretty much didn't understand most of these topics. Probably because I'm in high school and I haven't finished everything. And, most the stuff you talked about that has to do with Hollywood seemed to be movies from way back in the day that I have not seen, or thanks to you won't be seeing. The media chapter I understood, but it never really sunk in when I read it for some reason. I just don't really have an interest in these subjects and I never have so that might be the reason I'm not a big fan. But, for your college education courses, the brief summary of each course is really helpful for the future I believe. For example, "Comparative Religion: Jesus wins" or "Careers in Poetry: Just move back in with your parents now" or "Ethnic Stereotypes and the Humor of Cruelty: A professor will tell you a bunch of hilarious jokes, and you're not allowed to laugh" (126). I mean seriously these class descriptions I think will help not only me but millions of students who choose to read your book. Because I mean this stuff is good and it makes sense. But, with the stuff on the Media man that lady that you let speak was a bad idea because the only way she made a sentence was by using a damn title from a newspaper article or magazine. Man that drove me crazy.

Much love and a little confusion,
Ellie

Post A6

*Vocab*
1. egregious (124): extraordinary in some bad way
2. venison (124): the flesh of a deer or similar animal as used for food

*Figurative Language*
1. "For well over a century, Skull and Bones has provided a safe and brotherly environment where future Supreme Court Justices, Presidents, and Captain of Industry can gather to urinate on Geronimo's bones" (127). This is an example of imagery because it makes the reader visualize someone urinating on someone else.
2. "And like a sneaky merman singing on the rocks, I try to lure young sailors away from the charted waters to a harsh and certain doom" (128). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare himself to a sneaky merman.
3. "It was like the Bill of Rights, only for movies, and instead if saying what you could do, it said what you couldn't" (135). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare the Production Code to the Bill of Rights.

*Quote*
"I read the news today. Oh Boy" (151). This quote was actually stated by John Lennon, one of the members of The Beatles. And, this was also just an opening quote for Stephen's chapter on "Media". However, this quote pretty much sums up Colbert's opinion on the Media. In this chapter he clearly makes fun of anything that has to do with the Media and how crazy some of the things that come out are.

*Theme*
One theme that emerged was when writing your college essays, use a thesaurus and use bigger words. Another theme that emerged was that the media is crazy with all of the things it can come up with.

Post B5

Dear Stephen,

Oh boy oh boy. I have currently just read my so far favorite part of the book. It so happens that my favorite part of the book is on the topic of sex and dating. Which is weird for me cause usually thats not my genre. I usually like more sophisticated topics such as the economy. Those usually blow me right out of the water. But, not only did you blow me out of the water, you sucked me right back in it was so funny. First of all if you didn't have that pledge I might be off in a world that I shouldn't be in. A dangerous one, and I am way to young to handle any of that stuff. So, in other words, your pledge saved my sorry little life. What am I saying? I mean my awesome most important person in the world's life because I am number one! ha! When you say "If you refuse that power (of sex)...your cheating yourself out of something very special (my penis)" (88). Now, I am not so sure about that one mister. Because you know at my age if I refuse that power I don't think I'd be missing out on much, no offense. And, also when you say "for women, it's the balls" (89), I think you have yourself kind of mistaken. I mean sure to some that's very important, but mostly women look for a more caring guy whose mind isn't always on the topic of sex.

Love,
Ellie

Post A5

*Vocab*
1. nuptial (88): of or pertaining to marriage or the marriage ceremony
2. omnipotent (89): almighty or infinite in power, as God

*Figurative Language*
1. "But, even though sex can be wonderful, it can also be scary, like a maniac, or a haunted house-" (88). This is an example of a simile because the author uses the word like to compare sex with a maniac or haunted house.
2. "Sex is like the death penalty" (89). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare sex to the death penalty.
3. "But I don't regret it, because once I bloomed, I turned out to be just what women love: a sex flower" (94). This is an example of a metaphor because he compares himself to a flower, which he really isn't.

*Quote*
"As I mentioned, sex is power- the power to create a life, the power to ruin your life, and the power to sex it up good" (88). The importance of this quote is that it pretty much sums up sex because usually people have a kid with it, just enjoy it, or do it at the wrong time and screw everything up. So Stephen puts it into pretty good words.

*Theme*
The theme that comes about is that sex is a wonderful thing for humans.

Post B4

Dear Stephen,

It is weird for me to think that you are not a big fan of sports for some reason. And, it is also weird to me that even though I love sports and my life revolves around them that I agree with a lot of what you say. For example, when you talk about trash talk and how "the best drug enhancer comes from the mind" (73), I strongly agree. That can fool with people's mind like crazy. Like, in hockey when somebody is taking a penalty shot and someone screams siv to the goalie, it messes with there head either in a good way or bad. It would be good if the goalie takes it like this, "ha! siv?? Who do you think you are talking about? Me? No Way! The score is 5-0 you asswholes!" because it makes them think they have a chance and gives them confidence. However, if they take it the wrong way and think "Oh man, they think I'm a siv? ugh, I knew I should practice more than I do", then they will doubt themselves and not give it all they got because they do not think they have much to give anyways. I love trash talking though, it makes the game a lot more entertaining...but that's only when I'm not playing. My favorite part of this chapter was when you gave the visual of the abstinence bases. First base=polite chatter, Second base=eye contact, Third base= a randy joke (good one in there by the way), and Home= furious dry humping. HAHA sounds like a good way to keep the kids clean now. But, I don't know furious dry humping could be a bit much. I am lovin your soul and your life Mr. Colbert.

Ellie

Post A4

*Vocab*
1. veal (71): the meat of a calf
2. behemoths (73): something enormous in size or power

*Figurative Language*
1. "Some people are going to say trash-talk is the last last refuge of the desperate" (75). This is an example of a metaphor because a comparison is implied but not stated.
2. "Pointing out an adversary's flaws is a tradition as old as wife-stealing" (75). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word as to compare pointing out flaws and wife-stealing.
3. "Baseball is as American as apple pie" (75). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word as to compare baseball to apple pie.

*Quote*
"It's a waste of both testosterone and blind, fervent allegiance, both of which would be better directed towards our military. But there is no question that sports is a huge part of our culture these days" (71). This quote is important because it shows Colbert's opinion on sports which helps carry out the rest of the chapter. And, sports are really a huge part of the American culture and it reflects upon the way we act.

*Theme*
The theme that emerges from the chapter on "sports" is that men should use there fighting skills and game skills for the real game of the world war.

Post B3

Dear Mr. Colbert,

You know I had a sub last class and we had to do our outside reading completely silent, not a peep out of our mouths or else she would glare at you and get mad. Well, lets just say I had a difficult time keeping my mouth shut from laughing at your book or talking to Charlie Lavin about it (he's read it and can almost recite it word for word) because of how interesting your points are. I can't wait to read the next section on sports because I live for sports. But, back to the topic about the last chapter on religion. It's funny cause I'm not that religious because I'm one of those people that was born into a Jewish and Catholic family, and I end up going to a protestant church. It's weird and you can say whatever you need to about. (You can also say anything you want to my parents giving me two last names so that I'm not one religion or other. I think they thinks it's funny or something giving me two last names so that people think my first name is Starkman because my first name doesn't show up the attendance list because of my damn last name. And, also I have a middle name making my name six letters longer than I would prefer. I'm getting a name change). So, to be honest I have plenty of things to believe and plenty of things not to believe. It makes my life easy sometimes though because if I like do anything against the Bible, well technically I can just say I'm Jewish then. Which is terrible but it helps me get through life sometimes so I do it.
Love,
Ellie

Post A3

*Vocab*
1. croon (45): to sing or hum in a soft, soothing voice
2. depravity (45): corruption of virtue and moral principles

*Figurative Language*
1. "And don't point to communist societies like the soviet union..." (45). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to say that a communist society is like the soviet union.
2. "People of faith like you and me are under attack" (62). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare people with you and me.
3. "That would be like skipping Batman & Robin just because the story starts over in Batman Begins" (57). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare Jesus replacing the Old Testament to the Batman movies.

*Quote*
"I'm not afraid to say it: I love Christmas" (62). The importance of this quote is that Colbert is a religious man and he isn't afraid to say it or show it. This chapter was all about religion and his feelings about other religions depend on which one he is in himself.

*Theme*
The theme in this chapter is that no matter what you can't escape religion because there is always some sort of worship.

Post B2

Dear Stephen,

Wow you amaze me with your ingenious thinking it's crazy. Like, I mean the things you say are so out of hand, yet so true that most the time I am usually on your side. Oh, and by the way very smart placement with the big words on the chapter with the elderly. It's probably true that they can't read the regular print cause my mom can't and she's not even an elderly yet. So, good choice of words to put the huge one's saying good things when the rest of the chapter is pretty much saying how useless the elderly are. My favorite is when you said "They are the Greatest Generation. No other generation in history has ever been quite so willing to be poor, fight wars, or have babies" (23). It's true they have gone through everything and that couldn't have been said any better. Well done. The next chapter was all about humans dominating animals because if we didn't dominate them they would dominate us, and boy oh boy that would not be alright with me. I have enough people in my life dominating me and telling me what to do. Like my parents, love them to death, but seriously thats enough domination for me in this world. And, usually it's a battle for me to do what they say all the time. But, I try really I do. And, I don't think I could listen to dogs boss me around cause I have some allergies towards them and most other animals on this planet suck so we need to continue dominating them!

Post A2

*Vocab*
1. precarious (31): dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure
2. subjugating (33): to bring under complete control or subjection; conquer; master

*Figurative Language*
1. "To them, this paragraph looks like an ant fight" (21). This quote is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to compare the way we see the paragraph to how the elderly see it.
2. "They look like lizards" (22). This is an example of a simile because he uses the word like to say how he thinks the elderly look.
3. "...you ask him to chase down and retrieve a symbol of his lost manhood" (39). This is an example of irony because it is ironic that once people get their dogs neutered, they make them chase balls around.

*Quote*
"To put it simply, certain animals are endangered because God is pissed off at them" (40). This quote is important because it shows how Colbert really believes we need to dominate the animal. And, he said that trying to save these species would go against God's word, and I don't know about anyone else but I sure don't want to go against His word.

*Theme*
Two themes emerged in these chapters, one being that the elderly are a pointless part of our world and they only make things more difficult. And, the other one is that humans need to dominate animals or else they will take over.

Post B1

Dear Stephen,

It is so hard to write to you on one thing because you have so many things to wrote on it is insane. But, I love your book and how you use humor to talk about regular life. It's so funny how you address yourself. And, it's weird when you say in the first sentence of the book that "I am no fan of books. And chances are, if you are reading this, you share a healthy skepticism about the printed word" (vii) because I don't like reading.
I wish I could share something with you when you were a child, and that was the fact that you saw two rhinos do it. Oh boy, would that be a funny story. I love how you just made it one sentence it actually made it ten times funnier then telling the whole thing. You are a genius.
I also love how you have so many opinions and you'll say whatever you want and you don't care at all what people say back, because most of the time it's flat out true and they have nothing to say. My favorite part during "The Family" is your rule settings. I agree with you that if the rule doesn't make sense it doesn't matter because the important thing about it is that it is a rule. And, if the kid doesn't get it they will spend time trying to figure out why not to do something instead of out doing something bad. My personal favorite is "Jell-O must never be jiggled" (11) and I don't have a reason why it's my favorite it just is.

Post A1

*Vocab*
1. coddle (viii): to treat tenderly; nurse or tend indulgently; pamper
2. negligent (11): lazily careless; offhand

*Figurative Language*
1. "That's a chilling moment, like finding an empty body an empty body snatcher pod in the basement" (10). This is an example of a simile because Colbert uses the word like to compare what it's like to see your children walking around in your shoes to a snatcher pod.
2. "My earliest memory if from when I was three years old" (3). This is an example of a flashback because he is now a grown man and he tells us the story of when he was three years old when his parents told him they were leaving him, when it was only them going out for the night, but he didn't think that.
3. "Divorce is marital welfare" (14). This is an example of a metaphor because most people think that it is marital hell instead of happiness, but according to Colbert it isn't.

*Quote*
"I am no fan of books. And chances are if you are reading this, you share a healthy skepticism about the printed word" (vii). The importance of this quote is that it is exactly how I feel about reading and will enjoy this book. Colbert is a very opinionated man and I am very willing to listen to what he has to say because he uses humor to cover serious topics.

*Theme*
I think the theme of the book is to speak what is on your mind and to not care about what anyone else thinks about your opinion because everyone can have their own.

Minerva: Cry For You

Minerva interests me the most because I feel that she relates to me the most. She is very opinionated and sticks with what she believes and fights for it. What really inspires me is that she is willing to fight a government that is so dangerous and she is willing to die for real freedom.

What really struck me is when she agreed to perform in a play that was a secret protest about freedom with Sinita (26), and she decided that they should dress as boys so he does not get attracted to them like he did to Lina. It shows how clever she is and how she is really courageous to perform a play against the most dangerous man right in front of him too.

September's "Cry For You" reminds me of Minerva cause she wants what she wants and she will do what ever it takes to get it. And, the song relates to her family and Trujillo. The lyrics of the song that relates to Trujillo is when it goes "while you were talking about our life you killed the beauty of today" because he talks about the lives of people and he thinks he's making it better because he has all the power, when really he's making it much worse. And, the part that relates to her family is when is goes "you never heard me break your heart you didn't wake up when we died since I was lonely from the start I think the end is mine to write" because she is fighting for what she believes even though not everyone in her family agrees with it. And, the line "you'll never see me again so now who's gonna cry for you you'll never see me again no matter what you do" relates to everyone because Minerva is the one who is fighting for them, but not everyone sees it. And, maybe once she is gone they will not see her, but will see what she tried to do.

Post A8

Dear Jodi,

I finished your book and it was amazing. It was a book that I actually enjoyed and could really relate to. You showed just how high school works, and the consequences it brings when kids bring other kids down just to make themselves feel better. The only thing I was kind of disappointed with was that I kept hearing from other people how amazing the ending was and how shocking it was. But, I was upset when I predicted it because now I feel like I read the entire book knowing that Josie had shot Matt, making it pointless. But actually, it wasn't pointless at all because the way you wrote it shows why Josie did what she did. And, to be honest I think this book should be read in every high school because every single kid knows exactly who picks on who and who the popular crowd is, there just happens to not be a single person who can change it themselves, you need every single person in the school for this stuff to end. Yet, we all know it never will happen that way so we chose the path where it all leads up to the same thing of kid after kid getting picked on, and every once in a while someone standing up for them. Nothing changes, and life goes on, but will it go on or will a kid like Peter Houghton arrive one day at our school and end the lives that we thought would go on forever and never actually get hurt because "nobody would actually do that at our school, because our school is safe". But, how am I suppose to feel like this can't happen when our school sounds the exact same as Sterling High. It's weird, but it's true that anything can happen, good or bad. The thing is you learn the punishments, but you don't know the punishment until it happens in front of your very eyes.

Post A7

*Vocab*
1. litany (279): a ceremonial or liturgical form of prayer consisting of a series of invocations or supplications with responses that are the same for a number in succession
2. recuse (282): to withdraw from a position of judging so as to avoid any semblance of partiality or bias

*Figurative Language*
1. "What if Detective Ducharme already knew...everything?" (273). Only if you have read the entire book would you know that this is an example of foreshadowing. It is an example of foreshadowing becasue Josie is scared he already knows what she did even though you don't find out until the end of the book. The use of tone in this part allows the reader to feel like Josie had something to do with the shooting in the school that day.
2. "...how questions would build up like the pressure inside a champagne bottle" (274). This is an example of a simile because Jodi uses the word like to compare how the questions feel for Josie.
3. "Josie thought, the words rising like welts in her mind. Welcome to the club" (274). This is an example of a simile because Jodi uses the word like to show how Josie feels towards her mother.

*Quote*
"Cruelty is always sort of fun until you realize that something's getting hurt" (391). The importance of this quote is that some people never do realize they are hurting someone just to feel better about themselves. And, it can lead to pretty bad things, without anyone expecting it to happen at all.

*Theme*
After finishing the book, I think the theme was to learn that just because there are things you don't like about yourself doesn't mean it is alright for you to bring someone else down just to bring yourself up. Because once you realize what you've done, you can't go back without getting hurt again, so your stuck in a world you don't want to live in.