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Thursday, December 11, 2008
What's Going On?
O.K., so I'm reading Breaking Dawn, the last book in the Twilight series. Why is it taking me forever to finish? So far, I like it best of the four. I'm not prolonging it because I don't want it to end. Believe me, I find the plot predictable; however, I do find Meyer's work enjoyable, but not as well written as Rowling's series. Perhaps because it doesn't "sound" as literary; however, you have to take it for what it's worth. But then again, I love all genres. I don't want to read everything that sound textbookish. Am I not challenged enough? Do I wish I made the time to write my own series? Could I? Hmmm...we shall see. Maybe I'm too old, jaded, calloused like an uncooked corn kernel. Fortunately, the narrators are reliable. No "head games" there. On another note, what did you think of the movie? Should I see it? Did you hear that the director of the first movie turned down directing the second movie because the production schedule was abbreviated...REALLY short...TOO short she felt to "get the job done right" [my cliche, not the director's]. What should I read next? What is so amazing that I'll want to crazy glue my eyes to the page? Looking forward to hearing from you. Mz. D
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FIRST COMMENT!! WOOOOOO
ReplyDeleteI think you should totally go for your own series Mrs. Drance, make sure to mention your 9th period english class in it though. I'm listening to a song called Fearless and it said the word "jaded" at the same time I read it, I thought it was pretty ironic. =]Adios, Lauren Berry
I think writing your own series would be amazing, Mrs. Drance. By the way, I love the simile, "Calloused like an uncooked corn kernel," and I don't think you are too old to do anything. I think you should read The Last Lecture, if you have not already. My mom read the book and thought it was very inspiring. I also saw a special on news about the author after he died. :-( Jillian Jacinth
ReplyDeleteHey there Mrs. Drance and the rest of English 10x "PRECIOUS LAMB" class. I've never read any of the Twilight books, but every other word that I hear usually relates to the famous series. I'm now reading Love Story and it's actually quite good. It's of course the idea of oppositites attract and etc. but the book almost has a weird, interesting sense about it. But anyways, you should definitly write your own series Mrs. Drance, if you ever find any time to. See yaaaaaaaaaa!
ReplyDeletekate sherwood,
OUT! (=
Hey Mrs. Drance. I think you should most definitely write your own series. As Lauren said though, dedication page would have to include 9th period English. You should read the book Little Altars Everywhere, by Rebecca Wells (I don't know how to underline it in this box!). It's the sequel to The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood (!). It was very interesting and I liked the fact that it had the same characters as the previous book. Super good read. ~Linda Milano =)
ReplyDeleteGirls, I'm so excited that you posted. Boys...I'm waiting! O.k., Lauren first...Fearless...who's it by? Are the lyrics good? Could we post it? Also, did you know that the word "lyrics" derives from the word "lyre," which is a Greek instrument quite like a portable harp used for entertainment and to please the Gods? Lyrical poetry, then, means poetry that shows emotion...cool, huh? Lyrics show EMOTION, or tell a story, or I'll stop now, but I thought it's cool to know.
ReplyDeleteJillie! I have a copy at home of "The Last Lecture", so that will definitely go on the "Must Read Soon" list. So sad that he died, yes, but so wonderful that he left a legacy. The world is a better place for it. And, I'm sure that you will make it a better place, too. The world. You know what I mean. Stop blushing. You will.
Anyway, I have so many books that Mr. Drance goes nuts when I buy more. But, then most of them end up in the classroom anyway. Thanks for the comment about the corn kernel. You ladies make me feel less old and krusty (not correct spelling). I appreciate all the encouragement.
Kate, for Christmas sake, do you mind that I've been calling you Katie all year long! Puh-leeze let me know if that is not kosher. BTW, Katie/Kate, "Love Story" (This is a movie with Ali McGraw and Ryan McNeal, Tatum McNeal's dad, but all these folks are way too old now). I'm glad you're enjoying it, but what do you mean by a "weird, interesting sense?" I'm curious.
BTW, get your peeps to go online.
Out for now....
Mz. D
Linda, Precious,
ReplyDeleteIt goes without saying that I'd do a shout out to y'all. I read the first book in Linda Wells's series, is the second one as good? It's making me nuts that I can't underline the titles, too!
And, I forgot to put quotes around "Fearless"...songs get quotes. Whatever.
TTYL,
Mz. D.
(Was this a good book? Tweens love it!)
I meant TTYL.
ReplyDeleteHey mrs. d,
ReplyDeletei think it's kind of weird how oliver and jenny use such strange ways to attract each other. it's also kind of weird the really strange details that is going through Oliver's mind. But it makes me want to keep reading the book because even though they're both kind of obsessive with each other, it's in a more sweet kind of way. And yes my mom's getting me the movie on saturday, she almost ruined the ending for me, so hopefully i'll finish the book soon!
Hi Mrs.Drance!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jillian about the simile, descriptive choice! I didn't see the twilight movie or read any of the books (I do plan on doing so) but I've been hearing the book is a lot better than the movie. A book I recommend is Blaze by Steven King. It is a mystery so it will definitely keep you turning pages. Also, you should write your own series! That would be amazing.
- Rebecca (:
Kate, Dudette,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback and for giving more specific details. I haven't read the book or seen the movie...FOR SHAME!...but I know I ought to! Let me know if you think the movie is a good representation of the book and which genre you like better. I think you have an on-deck book, right?
Becs, maybe we ALL should write a book. Now there's and idea! I'm glad you like the simile. Is BLAZE a zillion pages long? Does it matter if it's a page-turner....Sometimes I have trouble getting into his books, but you make it sound good, so I'm glad that you let me know. Oh, and re: the Twilight series, let me know what you think about them. Thanks, Rebecca. Mz. D
ReplyDeletefirst guy oh yeah, I'm reading a biography on Jerry seinfeld now. so alright
ReplyDeletewhy is the time on this three hours behind?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would love to write a book but unfortunately, I do not have any time to do so right now :( and Blaze is 340 pages long. Stephen King uses descriptive language in this book so you can picture what exactly is going on. Also, I will definitely let you know about them. I am looking forward to reading them and seeing why everyone likes it so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Drance! It's kaylee..I love Twilight! Ellen introduced me to the series and now i'm hooked. But i would really consider seeing the movie- it's definetly one of my favorites. Although it does measure up to the book (at all) it's still really entertaining and intresting to watch. The only problems were.. Bella and Edward had no chemistry, Bella's voice was monotonous and Edward was really akward. But, other wise, i loved it! That's why i have it on bootleg. +)
ReplyDeleteKaylee
Hey Mrs. Drance. I think you should absolutely write your own series. Oh, and you are not old, you were the founder of the irony band. Remember??? But the movie for "Twilight" was pretty good. They skipped so many parts, but they almost had to since the book was so long. You should see it though, its worth it. Right now I am reading "Inkspell". Its the sequel to "Inkheart". It is full of adventure and reminds me of "Harry Potter". It's a great book :] Ellen
ReplyDeleteWriting in the blog makes me think of the twix commercial where the guy's like to the girl "wanna go to my apartment?" and she's like "what!?" and then the commercial guy's like "need a moment? Chew it over with twix." Then it goes back to the guy and girl, and the guy's like "Hey, do you like to blog?" and she's like "OMG I love blogging!" and then they leave. lol. and it's Fearless by Neurosonic, most of you guys probably know it.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnHpKZNU5GA
*L@ur3n*
whats good...im still reading that history book you gave me, mrs. drance. it has a bunch of interesting facts that i never knew before. for instance, i found out today that hellen keller was a socialist. Which goes to show that socialism, in some extreme cases, can lead to blindness. Also, I found out Columbus wasn't too fond of the Native Americans. Who would've thought?
ReplyDelete-Mark
OK, so this is ike the 3rd time i've had to re-type EVERYTHING. stupid laptop won't show me the verification word. ugh.
ReplyDeleteanyways, OMG too funny about the twilight thing, Mrs. D, same here!
I think its because theres so much going on in Breaking Dawn, we subconsiously stop to figue everything out. I like it the best, too. Jacb imprinting on Renesmee though..wtf!(I didnt actuallysay the word, so its ok, right?)
And DEFF DEFF love the idea of your wn series, pherhaps "My life teahing pshycotic sophmores"..something ike that. Don't have Johnnarrate it, though,it might over-do it.
well, g2g, see everyone tomorrow. OH WAIT, i have a field trip, so i wont=[
TRY NOT TO MISS ME TOO MUCH
Lloyd, i mean it, try really really hard.
JK lol[=
BTW homework for the weekend?
someone remind me if we do please?
this was fun, we should do this more often. maybe like, all the english classes, in one big blog convo. sounds sick.see you mondayyyy..bye kidsss and mrs. dranceee!
WHOAAA mad typos in the last one, sorry bout that!
ReplyDeleteWhats goin down peeps, right now im trying to think of a song to listen to and am procrastinating because i dont want to study for social studies:p. Right now i am reading Bleachers and it really is a good book, especially for football players:). I dont read the Twilight series due to the fact that im a guy and im not into that stuff:D. i just want to let everyone know that they should watchout for my weekly show, im thinking of a title now possible "Wednesdays with Discosteve" but its a work in progess its gonna be much silly fun and definatly the highlight of my week. nothing ever goes on in babylon. bye bye fellow students and Mrs. Drance
ReplyDeleteI am also on the side that Mrs. Drance should right her own series and i think that i should be the main character but my name would be switched to Xavier. But really if anybody was thinking about reading Bleachers i would strongly recommend it
ReplyDeleteHey Mrs. Drance. I can't agree with the whole Twilight obsessions some people have, and i refuse to read that book due to that fact that everyone is hooked. Although, I heard the movie was only good if you did not read the book. I'm more into James Patterson's novels because he's so descriptive, but that's just me, I'm sure you would love him as much as I do though.
ReplyDelete-Catherine
Wow, I am posting really late. Anyway, I took your advice, Mrs. Drance, and I'm reading The Mists of Avalon. It really is good, though some parts make for slightly awkward reading =P. I'm also reading The Pelican Brief by John Grisham, which is much more up my alley. It makes for a faster read, although I'm not sure which book I like more. Anyway, so long, English 10x.
ReplyDeletehi charlie
ReplyDeleteHi John.
ReplyDeleteHi everybody, looks like I am the last one to post (better late than never).
ReplyDelete@cat:
I second the James Patterson recommendation, he's one of my favorite writers
@Mrs. Drance
I like the idea of the class writing a book; however, I'm not sure how well I can contribute. (John notice the usage of "well").
Maybe I could do the grammar of the book...
Anyway have a nice weekend 10x!
wassup chuck? boy oh boy Mrs. Drance, this blog sure is a well idea (Lloyd notice the usage of "well")
ReplyDeleteSorry it took me so long to comment I'm really bad with all this blogging and what not. I hope this actually works. Anyway I'm reading Amagansett, and its a slow starter but I think it will be good despite that. Mrs. Drance, you should definitely write a book series it would be awesome. Idk what else I'm supposed to say so Ill peace now.
ReplyDeleteDudes and Dudettes! Great to be back.
ReplyDeleteO.k., John...to answer your questions re: the time. The setting was on pacific time, hence the three hour difference, so I've changed it to Eastern.
Tell me what you think about SEINFELD? Would you recommend it to anyone in the class? Don't try Mark because Seinfeld annoys him, and, yes, at times, I can see his point. Many times J.S. pauses too long...he's trying to be funny, but it just slows down his delivery. But seriously, was his growing up marked by insanity, like Jeannette Wells in THE GLASS CASTLE, or was it pretty status quo? Let me know. Thanks.
Becs, I know how you feel about inundated re: work. Perhaps the book that's inside you - the one that will be penned in the future - is just germinating. You know, the Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt - he wrote the memoir ANGELA'S ASHES - well, it took him decades to get his story down. He was too busy teaching English at Stuyvesant High School in Brooklyn...but when he retired, well, then out it came! That's what I hope for, one day...to just get it all down!
ReplyDeleteRe: the Steven King book...maybe I'll give him another try. Actually 340 pages isn't long for him...is the type really tiny? I hate that...let me know.
Thanks.
Kaylee, sweetie, how could the movie be any good if there's no chemistry between the lovers?! Twilight is a romance, for heaven sake!!! That would totally frustrate me if Bella and Edward didn't have that, you know, x quality. I'm so very happy that you're enjoying reading the series. It can be addicting. Anyway, I have about 30 pages left of BREAKING DAWN, and I am determined to finish it tonight. Speaking of "I's," precious, make sure you capitalize them in your posts.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I tried to post Friday to all of you who posted Thursday night, but my school computer was giving me trouble.
I presume you'll be reading the next book in the series? Or, what book are you on?
I just reread your post...Edward...AWKWARD?! How can that be?! He supposed to move with the grace of a gazelle! OMG!
Thanks for giving me a descriptive review....
Mz. D
Ellen, sweetheart, you're going straight to heaven for reminding me of my adolescent heart.
ReplyDeleteAge is a state of mind, right? I just never want to be one of those "older people," shall we say that tries REALLY hard to act TOO young, and then they look, well, sad, let's say.
Anyway, I appreciate your comments re: the movie. Editing is definitely understandable...the book was so darn long, but sooooooo quick to read, except for the last book, which is, like yours, my favorite.
BTW, let me know if INKWELL is as good as INKHEART. So many of y'all love INKWELL! There are so many books from which to choose!
Aren't we lucky? I mean, think of it...trying to learn, wanting to learn, but not having anything to stretch your mind, not having resources, not having community with which to share your thinking. How sad that would be!
Anyway, pleasant dreams.
Hasta manana (sorry, I can't insert a tilde).
LAUREN! Thanks for the link. So, does this band only "publish" on youtube? Forgive me for sounding INCREDIBLY un-hip, but I know that there are bands that put their music out there via the net, but they don't necessarily have deals with record companies. Is that true for these guys?
ReplyDeleteAnd, hey, vampires are everywhere it seems, right? Well, I'm glad "he" got rid of the drama queen in the song...too much work!
O.k., then, about the Twix commercial...at least it ended in good taste.
See you tomorrow.
Mz. D.
Mark, precious, I'm so glad that you're enjoying the book. Now, was the Chris Columbus really news to you or are you just being sarcastic...I can't tell. But, I'll have you know, in that book and in THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, by Howard Zinn, well, these are the places that I learned how horribly he treated the Native Americans.
ReplyDeleteNow, about the Helen Keller comment. Here's the deal...if you had, befriended, knew, or loved anyone blind...or were blind and heard the piece about "socialism [...] leading to blindness," well, I'm just going say flat out that your comment would most probably offend. So, before you post, proofread what you're writing and make sure that you are being respectful. This is not to say that you can't constructively criticize some text, some person, some thing or idea...just be hyper aware of whose ears or eyes that this blog might come in contact with.
I truly hope though that you will not become reticent because you have a fabulous mind that needs to be shared.
You might want to share the info. you found about Christopher Columbus and the Native Americans. Now that's offensive! Just make sure to site your source(s).
Peace,
Mz. D
Kels, is your login name "kiss hug (zero, I know) klang kiss hug?" Anyway, we missed you on Friday and we missed me...had to go to a meeting re: new English standards as mandated by the state. There's a committee that's working on revising them. Anyway, that's where I was...I'm sure you had MUCH more fun on yours. Which artist did you visit?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I thought your explanation re: why it's taking so long to read BREAKING DAWN to be insightful. I definitely felt that way at the end of the book with the big scene in the meadow. I CAN'T WAIT TO FINISH THIS SERIES TONIGHT!!!!! I need a new change!!!!
O.k., so I think perhaps you're talking about us having a chat room for the class so we can all weigh-in at the same time? Is that right?
It's cool when we respond to posts immediately.
I'll see about setting something up. But, I want to give this a shot. Perhaps we can all agree to go to the blog at a certain time and try that out.
On a side note, I wish my posts can pop up under your comments...wonder if that could be changed...logistics, logistics.
Anyway, you as subject matters would definitely intrigue the masses as you are all so complex and vastly interesting. And, I'm not being sarcastic. Why do you think I teach high school?
Kels, what are you going to read next?
And, I think "WTF" is not a good idea. If you need to do that, write "WT*" with whatever other symbol you want. It's much less controversial.
Thanks, precious.
See you tomorrow.
Mz. D
Steve...a couple of points:
ReplyDelete1. Love the idea of "Wednesdays with Disco Steve." If the material is "appropriate" AND "brilliantly conceived and executed," perhaps we
can link it to the blog.
2. Fine, I like the idea of your name being Xavier...very cool.
3. Did you ever give yourself the idea that reading "Twilight" could be a challenge book for you, and "Bleachers" could be a challenge book for anyone NOT interested in football? Do you think readers might have their horizons broadened as a result of these reads?
4. Everyone thinks that nothing goes on in their hometown and then, ironically, everyone wants to move back and raise their kids there!
However, I TOTALLY EMPATHIZE with you because I felt the same EXACT way when I was your age about my hometown, in which, BTW, I don't live.
5. What are you reading next?
Good night,
Mz. D
CAT!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I felt the same exact way about the Harry Potter books that you feel about the TWILIGHT series. However, I caved-in when I found out my stepson and his wife loved them. I read Rowling's series to have more common ground with my kids. And, it worked. We're all Potter fans, Mr. Drance, too. It took me awhile to get into the first book...I found it really slow...didn't like it at all. Then after the first 50 pages, I was, like I said, hooked.
Interesting comment about the movie...I always feel that books are better than movies because our individual imaginations are... well, OURS and suited to us!
Anyway, could you do me a favor and pick out a James Patterson novel I can read that you think I'll like? I think I want to try that next after Jillie's THE LAST LECTURE.
Let me know tomorrow.
Thanks, Cat.
Mz. D
Thanks,
Mrs. D
Charlie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed that you made it your mission to read the King Arthur legend as told through varying perspectives. I have never read THE MISTS of AVALON. It sounds as if you are enjoying it, which makes me glad, despite the occasional discomfort you may feel regarding the p.o.v. However, do you feel that you can connect with the material even though the perspective is feminine? And, if so? Why?
I'm just curious. Your feedback will help me determine whether or not I will recommend it to other guys.
Thanks for checking in.
Mz. D
Lloyd.
ReplyDeleteLove your way of contributing to "the BOOK," if it ever gets written. And, Lloyd, you can be creative in spite of yourself :).
Also, do you have a favorite James Patterson book that I might like to read? Why is he your favorite author? Does it have something to do with the element of suspense in his writing, so you can "whip through it quickly?"
Anyway, let me know.
Thanks for being a grammar watchdog,
Mrs. Drance
John,
ReplyDeleteAlthough you attempt at humor using "well" instead of "good" succeeded, it drives me BONKERS to see the language poorly used.
So, puh-leez, dah-link, make sense, not nonsense.
Peace to you, Mr. Journalist
(I know, I know...you want to be an accoutant:))
D
Chris, YOU DID IT! Try not to be so hard on yourself! You posted. YOU are a BLOGGER! Pretty cool, huh?!
ReplyDeleteThe irony about this whole online idea is that I'm not Mz. Techno-Savvy, but, hey, you've got to jump in there in order to learn, right?
We'll all help each other.
Also, let me know how AMAGANSETT is getting better. If you're tortured, drop it.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Mrs. Drance
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteSorry that I didn't do this ealrier, but I couldn't figure it out. I am also reading Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer, and it is so good. I really hope that Stephenie Meyer decides to have Midnight Sun published because it sounds really good. After I'm done with the Twilight series I think I'm going to attempt to read the Harry Potter series, by JK Rowling. I tried to read it when I was younger, and I didn't like it, but I think I am going to read it. If I don't like it, I'll probably finish it and consider it a challenge book.
Jenn
Jenn, no worries about posting almost last! You hand in your homework all of the time. I figured you guys were having trouble logging in. I had trouble logging in a few days ago, too.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, your decision to emark on Rowlings series sounds like a really good plan. Scroll up and read my post to Catherine. Bottom line: I couldn't get into them either at first. Had to give the SORCERER'S STONE a good long try. Then, I was hooked.
Anyway, let me know how you like it. I do hope S. Meyer's does print MIDNIGHT SUN, but I can understand why she's holding out. I'm an Edward fan...sorry ladies...so I'm interested to see his perspective since he's been "alive" for centuries. However, there are times when I found him annoyingly over-attentive. Yucky gross.
Mrs.Drance,
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm posting so late, but honestly I forgot about it over the weekend.
Anyways, I'm still reading All Fisherman Are Liars, by Linda Greenlaw. Have you heard of her? So far its been OK. I don't understand alot of the slang they use. I'm pretty sure its a memoir.
I read the Last Lecture. It was a feel-good-about-your-life memoir. As for writing your own series, what would it be about? I'm curious.
And I haven't seen Twilight, but i heard Bolt was good. Quantum of Solace was a let-down in some ways.
Mrs Drance-
ReplyDeleteI wasn't making jokes about blind people as much as I was making fun of a political perspective that opposes any form of government that is unlike their own. The joke itself wasn't about blind people as much as it was about those who are vehemontly against any political system that isn't theirs. It was mostly based on how someone as respected as Helen Keller could be completely dismissed through an ignorant viewpoint. I can understand how someone would be offended, but I just figured I'd explain where I was coming from.
-Mark
Mark, excellent explanation. Well put! You make excellent points; and, I totally and completely undertand the frustration people feel when a individuals believe that their mores (ethics)are correct and everyone else is at fault. Look at all of the wars throughout the world over time! Listen, I know your intentions or your thinking is critical in the best of ways because I know YOU...it's just always a good idea to share what's in your brain lest people jump to the wrong conclusions about you...that you are narrow-minded. But, you're not.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, yes, how completely and totally ingnorant for Helen Keller to be ignored. Who dismissed her? Perhaps if you found the quote in the primary source and shared it with us, we could better sympathize or empathize with your sentiments. What do you think?
Also, on another note, what do you think about sharing some C. Columbus stats and facts?
Thanks for keep on keeping on.
Mz. D
Hi, Ethan,
ReplyDeleteNo worries. I knew some of you might have porblems getting set up. So, about Linda Greenlaw...she also wrote A HUNGRY OCEAN, her version of THE PERFECT STORM. A HUNGRY OCEAN is a memoir as is ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS. Anyway,
what cool words are you picking up? Did you know that the word "lexicon" refers to vocabulary, and that different groups of individuals (i.e. from professional, personal, recreational, cultural spheres) have their own unique vocabulary set called "lexicon." So what are some words from the fisherman lexicon that you picked up?
Let me know if, in the long run, you like this book or to whom you would recommed it.
Also, what's BOLT about. You're the second person who I've heard from who thought QUANTUM LEAP was a bummer. Why? Let me know. Maybe I'll rent it instead....
Also, I have no idea what "the SERIES" would be about...I would like it to appeal to BOTH boys and girls (adolescents). Any suggestions?
If so, let me know.
Take care, Ethan, and I'll see you tomorrow.
Mrs. Drance
Nope, there a "legit" band, with record deals and the whole shabang... =] I'm not coming to school tomorrow so I won't be in english(=[) but the good thing is I can read my book all day!![=
ReplyDeleteadioss.
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to write that book because I will definitely buy it! Hopefully someday I'll write a book, and I'll put you in a "who I'd like to thank" section, though most books don't have one. I'm actually thinking about going to college for journalism, so hopefully that will help me.
As for Blaze, the print is a little small but it's not super tiny! I'm very excited to read it, it's my on deck book :)
i cant figure out how to work this website very well, but other than that. I'm reading a book about a child's parents that were killed by rebels in sierra leon (thats Africa), and now the rebles are hunting them down in a forest, its pretty messed up. thats as far as i got so far.
ReplyDelete-sean
john your comment on December 13th just made me really angry. Just throw in' it out there
ReplyDeleteJuggar King, a.k.a. Sean,
ReplyDeleteYou are TOO funny re: John's December 13th post!
Anyway, the memoir you're reading sounds awesome.
I gather there is a tremendous about of suspense.
Is that what keeps you hooked in a book? I don't remember if there was a healthy dose of that in GO ASK ALICE...was there? If not, what kept you engaged in that read?
Thanks for posting, Sean.
Mz. D
P.S. If there's anything that you need help with regarding the blog, let me know, and I'll do my best to help you out.
Becs, how fantastic! A journalist. Very exciting...anyway, you are very sweet sharing that you'd mention me in YOUR book...I'd be honored. And, thanks for the vote of confidence.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how BLAZE is, that is, when you get to it. (I'm glad the print isn't too small).
Have a good night,
Mrs. D
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I'm an Edward fan too...a lot of my friends are Jacob fans, but I have to disagree. Also, my mom read the whole Harry Potter series a while ago, and she thought that they were amazing, so I can't wait to try them; that is if I can get into them. Have you seen the Twilight movie yet?
Jenn
Hi Mrs. Drance! Just answering your questions. I am almost finished with Breaking Dawn. I desperately want to finish,but at the same time I don't.The series is too good to end! I have picked out a few new books that seemed intresting. I feel like its hard to find good books because Twilight has risen my standards so high. I'm going to read The Bell Jar (I hope that underline thingy worked) by Sylvia Plath, I really like her writing, poems and all. So I figured I would read her memoir,her life seemed pretty intresting. Also, What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles. Hopefully I will finish those over break.
ReplyDelete-Kaylee ☺
The underline thing didn't work so I had to bold the Titles, it said it wasn't the "right format" or something..
ReplyDeleteMy underlines didn't work either, but it didn't tell me that until i put up my post.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI really need to start picking up speed as far as reading Amagansett is concerned, but I'm workin on it. And I couldn't help noticing you talking to someone about the book The Hungry Ocean, but I read that and I would recommend it to whoever was considering reading it( I don't have enough time to go back and dheck who it was right now).
-Chris
There's a boatload of fisherman lexicon that I picked up. She devoted chapters to explaining fisherman lingo(mostly about drinking). Did you know that being awash is being hungover? I also learned that fisherman are the best liars, aside from politicians.
ReplyDeleteHey Mrs. Drance! I don't think that INKSPELL is enjoyable as INKHEART. But, I did read INKHEART in seventh grade, so maybe my views on the story have changed. I just remember it being my favorite book that year and I am not getting the same feeling about INKSPELL. Maybe its just because I've been reading better books. However, I do love INKSPELL. Cornelia Funke has such a great imagination. I am going to finish reading it but maybe take a break before I read the third and last book in the series, INKDEATH. But, that decision all depends on the ending.
ReplyDeleteEllen
hey mrs. d so i finished the book "Love Story" over the weekend and it was amazing. Just when i thought the book was good, i watched the movie and it was even better. It brought me to tears it was sooo good. I'm making Lauren read it right now because she was sick today, and i'm sure she'll love it too. I reccommend it to all the girls and sensitive boys out there!! But anyways, now i'm reading Running With Scissors and it's another great book so far, i can't wait to finish it. It's always really interesting because it's a true story. See you tommorow,
ReplyDeleteKate
-mr.drance
ReplyDeleteYeah i never really realized why i liked memoirs, but now that i think about it it is because of the suspense. And i also like the reality of it all, i can realate to the book in my own life if it is a memoir.
-sean
I guess your right Mrs. Drance, i never really thought about how those books could be considered challenges. I just feel that if i were to read a twilight book i would lose interest in it. The next book im reading is The Five people you Meet in Heaven, i would do the underline thing but i completely forgot what Charlie explained. Im going to go get a soda=)
ReplyDeletePS. I am not sure when the web show will start=(. I am sure that it will be appropriate or at least most of it ;)
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI was actually just about to pick out the James Patterson book that i think you would enjoy the most right before i read this. I think you would love one of his Woman's Murder Club series because he narrators as a woman and it just shows how versatile he can be.
About the Twilight series, I'm still a little skeptical about those. Shannon, my sister, just read one and she said it was alright. She is wayyy more into books than I am so IDK now. I might just pick one up just to see, maybe.
-Cat
I would recommend one of the Alex Cross books; my favorite of which being Cat and Mouse. He does do a good job, at bringing about the element of suspense; that is one of the reasons he is my favorite author. Being able to enjoy a good a murder mystery is a reward in itself, being able to “whip through it quickly” is just a side benefit.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteThis is in response to your question about whether or not I can relate to the narrator of The Mists of Avalon. I can relate to Morgaine, who is the main narrator, but it is a very different perspective. So although some things are rather awkward to read, I can relate to many world views that she has, and also to many of her fears and her wishes, such as the wish that Avalon doesn't drift away from the real world and the wish that the Goddess is not forgotten. I don't want to give too much of the book away, though, so I'll leave it at that.
Also, as a side note, I have just found that the HTML tag that I recommended for underlines doesn't work. Instead, I am using bolded text. =)
Apparently I wasn't the first to have the underlines problem. Sorry guys.
ReplyDeleteIts quite all right Charlie. How did you get yours bold?
ReplyDeleteI think that the narrators in All Fisherman Are Liars are reliable. At first it seemed like much of it was exaggerated but after i reread some parts it seems plausible.
heyyy sorry this took so long, but on the field trip we took an audio tour of rockefeller center. it was pretty cool. so sorry about the wt* thing, it kind of slipped out[=
ReplyDeletewhen it comes to twilight, i get very intense. my bad again.
and my aim screen name is x0klangx0 (long story), and thats what i'm registered under, so that is why it says that.
im reading The Glass Castle, and I like it a lot. deffinetly a recommendation for all you kids[= suggestions, though? if anyone knows a good story, preferebly not a memoir, let me know? thanks guyssssss, see everyone tomorrow.
btw everyone wish lauren a get well!
adios[=
i vote for the teletubies for mascot, if i can do that. otherwise Buddha is my pick.
ReplyDeleteSean, I second your vote for the teletubbies. Such a classy choice XD
ReplyDeleteEthan, in order to get a statement bold, do the same thing as underline with a b instead of a u. You use < b > to start the HTML statement, and < / b > to close it. Just don't use the spaces; I put them there so that the explanation wouldn't be in bold.
Jenn! So relieved that I'm not the only Edward lover out there. Yes, I think Jacob has heart, is adorable in his way, but Edward classy courting and caring for Bella just, well (sigh!).
ReplyDeleteI didn't not see the movie and am skeptical about how much I'd like it. Whaddya think?
Mz. D
Kaylee, do you think Kelsey would like What Happened to Cass McBride? What's that about?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm so excited to see that you are venturing to read an author's work that's in a different genre than what she normally writes. Just be prepared that The Bell Jar is a classic that is a bit intense and can be a downer in places. But, honey, if anyone is going to read it and come away unscathed it's you, my sunshine.
xo,
Mz. D
Chris, can you PUH-LEEZ be completely honest (I'm not saying that you're not), but I'm just getting the feeling that reading Amagansett is akin to having all of your wisdom teeth pulled out simultaneously. If this is the case...
ReplyDeleteABANDON THE SHIP!
Sweetie! We have to get you movin', Movin', MOVIN' if you know what I mean.
And, Linda Greenlawn and I thank you for The Hungry Ocean plug. Ethan, you interested? I used to have a copy, but I haven't seen it around in a bit...
Since I've brought up your name, Ethan, I just loved the word "awash" to describe, well, you know, a less than desirable state and would LOVE to hear more catchy monikers (nicknames).
Why are fishermen the best liars?
Mz. D
Here's an idea: no mascots. Instead we put sound bytes of Logan making weird noises.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Columbus goes, he wasn't the first person to reach America. He wasn't even close. Africans and Phoenecians has sailed to America way before and actually made contact with the Native Americans. The Native's actually made stone heads in Mexico resembling the facial features of Africans, which a lot of historians believe means that the Africans were significant in the Native American cultures. We learned about the stone heads awhile back in World History, but I don't think it was explained why they were made. If you're still reading this, you have a perserverance that I can't put into words.
This new book, Snow in August, is crazy. These kids are racist and it's insane. If skinheads started a reading circle, this is the book they would choose.
-Mark
Kate, I'm so happy . Love Story was fabulous...the movie, too. You know, I never read it, but whenever you watch the Oscars, or, I should say when you frequently watch the Oscars, you'll see "The Academy" show a clip from the movie. That, and "The Way We Were," with Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal. Anyway, my love, you are a fabu friend to encourage Lauren, who I hope is feeling better, to read it. We have to get her an on deck book.
ReplyDeleteAlso, who recommend that you read Running With Scissors ? Just know that there's a pretty graphic scene in there that might freak you out. See me tomorrow about it.
Peace out,
Mz. D
Ellen, I remember Erin Kahn reading INKHEART in 9th grade...I wonder if she read INKSPELL and INKDEATH (the last book in the series)...anyway, you could touch base with her...and...CHARLIE or
ReplyDeleteETHAN...have you read the INKHEART series...is it worth the reads? Help Ellen out.
Thanks, boys.
Sionara,
Mz. D
P.S. Ellen, good observation about yourself re: YOU might have changed as a reader.
Sean, Precious, please use capital letter where and when appropriate. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteO.k., onto the commentary about your reading...
I'm glad you had that discovery re: about memoirs and how you like reading them OR NOT because suspense may be missing.
However, GO ASK ALICE was a memoir and you LOVED that, so what was it about GAA that made you say...I WANT TO ZIP RIGHT THROUGH THIS BOOK?
Thanks,
Mrs. D
Mark, I'm curious, is there any mention of the purpose or creation of the heads at Easter Island? That is something that I've wondered about.
ReplyDeleteAbout Inkheart and Inkspell, I've read those but not the new one. At one point I read many of Cornelia Funke's books, and I liked them a lot. My personal favorite was The Thief Lord. However, I also felt as if I was growing away from her writing; it was becoming too predictable to me, and I left it for a while. It's not just her, either: I did the same with Dick Francis. I've found that it's often a good idea to take a break from an author so that you can be surprised again when you start reading once more.
ReplyDeleteStephen, Charlie, EVERYBODY!
ReplyDeleteI just looked through my HTML 4 THE WORLD WIDE WEB (notice that the title is not HTML for DUMMIES), and in it was written the same code Charlie taught us. It looks like, though, the "u" is capitalized.
However, an FYI...it seems that the author, Elizabeth Castro, downplays or discourages the use of underlining because this, then, confuses the text with a link. Ahhhhh...interesting!
Stephen...just send me a link of your video when you get around to do it. What about over break? You'd have enough time...right?
Also, I'm glad you know your boundaries, re: Twilight. Sometimes, we just don't need to pick up something that doesn't "do it for us."
I enjoyed The Five People You Meet in Heaven because it was meaningful, and the ending poignant.
See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Drance
Cat, I am in no way forcing TWILIGHT into your pretty little brain. Actually, I have mixed feelings about it, as the writing in now way blows me away, so to speak. So, if and when the spirit moves you, then indulge, and if that's never then, well, fine.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for this book because I really am intrigued by p.o.v.'s that are written by author's of the opposite gender. Has anyone read any of Wally Lamb's books?
Peace, Cat.
Mrs. D
The reason by I mentioned Wally Lamb is because he is a master at writing from the feminine perspective as his novels are told by female protagonists.
ReplyDeleteMrs. D
Charlie, honey, what makes the book awkward...the diction, the narration, the plotline...?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I appreciate that you were able to answer without spoiling the book for others. How very considerate. And, thank you for teaching us about formatting. You inspired me to use a resource that I haven't looked at in years!
Bravo to you, Charles.
Buenas noches,
Mrs. D
Ethan, fantastic job...going back and rereading to make a decision about the narrators. What tenacity! I am proud of you. Also, to make something bold, type in before the text, and after it. It should work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for responding.
Mrs. Drance
Kelsey, thanks for the explanation about the genesis of your screen name. Perhaps the symbolism of x0 is private, so I will leave it at that....
ReplyDeleteLAUREN get well.
Precious, PUH-LEEZ use UPPER and lower cases.
Mechanics, grammar, usage and spelling apply.
Thank you.
The Management
P.S. If someone knows a really fabu story, give it to Kelsey, otherwise I'll grab something off my shelves.
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteI always wondered why those massive sculptures had African features! Thanks for teaching me something new today, Mark! Isn't that book fascinating?
And, as far as SNOW IN AUGUST (I'm lazy re: formatting) goes, just you wait, my friend...it gets much more leather/spike/skinhead-like as the story progresses. Really controversial and disturbing. Yup.
And, good job, M, putting your opinions out there like the gentleman that you are!
Charlie, I just love that when your curiosity is piqued, you continue the conversation, which is EXACTLY the point of the blog!
WOO HOO!
BTW, my stepson's favorite book was THE THIEF LORD.
Anyway, your suggestion to walk away from an author once he or she becomes predictable is sound advice. It just makes the return so much sweeter.
O, how the simple things in academic life bring me joy!
I'm getting sleepy!
Mz. D
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI haven't begun reading What Happened to Cass McBride? ,but I read some of the reviews on the book and the majority are positive. I just took it out from the Babylon Library and I have found it is much shorter than I've expected, it's like 200 small pages and large spaced size 16 font. The reviews say that it starts off as a cliche teen book with all that "who's popular" stuff and evolves into a pyschological thriller. It flips from 2 different points of view, chapter by chapter, Like Breaking Dawn The suspense revolves around, first, a teen suicide and then a kidnapping. Although the book is really small, the reviews say it is a definite page turner and for more "mature" teens. So I think Kelsey would like it, it seems like a boook then never gets boring!
Kaylee
Fabulous review, Kaylee...I want to read it!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you think it's more chick lit. or if boys would like the book, too.
Thanks for getting back to me!
Ms. D
Thanks Charlie. I also read THE THIEF LORD and loved it. I think that I am going to take a break from it. I loved INKHEART awhile ago, but INKSPELL doesn't seem as good.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'm going to be able to check in at any other point during the break, so I just wanted to let you know that I finally finished BREAKING DAWN, by Stephenie Meyer, and I am about to start HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE and SNOW IN AUGUST. I plan to have them all completed by the time we return to school. Happy Holidays and have a happy new year. See you in January!
Jenn
Jenn, no worries. Thank you for always being proactive. I tried to log on last night, and my computer was giving me trouble. Are you off to Spain? I cried at the end of BREAKING DAWN...I know, I know, over the top, but hang in there at the beginning of HARRY POTTER, that is, if you think it's slow. Once they get on the train, it picks up.
ReplyDeleteO.k., love take care. Happy Holidays and New Year to you, too. Give my regards to your rents.
Peace,
Ms. D
ELLEN!
ReplyDeleteI may have mentioned this to Charlie, but if not, and because I'm too tired tonight to scroll up (holiday mayhem, HELLO!), THE THIEF LORD was my stepson's fave when he was a littlun'. So, I guess there's some real staying power with that pick...I never knew how much you were into sci-fi or fantasy...very cool, Ellen, very edgy.
Keep on sharpening your intellectual prowess, doll.
At some point, and it doesn't have to been on the blog, let me know what verdict you've given the last of the INKHEART series and if INKSPELL got better.
Peace,
Mrs. D
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteActually not Spain, but I've been spending a lot of time with my grandma. I too reluctantly finished BREAKING DAWN. I'm so upset that it is over. It was definitely one of Stephenie Meyer's BEST novels. I loved it. I'm actually going back to my grandma's for the day, but I wanted to let you know that I'm bringing HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE and SNOW IN AUGUST to see how much I can get done there. Happy Holidays!
Jenn
Hey Mrs. Drance!
ReplyDeleteI started reading SNOW IN AUGUST and that Mrs. Devlin just baffles me. I have my doubts about her. On page 29, it said how Mr. Devlin died in the snow in Belgium. I thought this was pretty ironic because Michael felt like he was going to die in the snow on his way to church. Mrs. Devlin baffles me because she let her eleven year old son go out in a horrible blizzard alone after the snow killed her husband. I'm interested to learn more about her character. I'm liking this book so far, it's quite suspenseful.
Anyway...Happy Holidays!
~Linda =)
Jenn My Friend,
ReplyDeleteI agree. BREAKING DAWN was my fave of the four. I bought my niece TWILIGHT...I told her that y'all loved the series...so hopefully she'll get into it, but if not, we'll just find her something else that she might like! So, I'll go to you girls for some advice.
Also, I finished THE LAST LECTURE, and I think Randy Pausch has much good advice to offer. I hear that actually going to his website(www.thelastlecture.com)
and listening to the last lecture is more powerful than reading the book. There's much to note, but I was inspired to see how much he values teamwork in his teaching. I think I might use some of the guidelines that he created for his classes for our class.
Give grandma a hug and a hello. Enjoy your time with her!
Happy New Year!
Ms. D
LINNIE!
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you.
And, FABULOUS job picking up on all the irony.
I know what you mean about Mrs. Devlin. I was scared to death that she sent him out there in the blizzard. However, I'd venture to guess that the church holds a pretty big sway over the community, so could Mrs. D be worried about "the family" not holding up their responsibilities? Or, could she hope to win the favor of the church as being a good mother, raising a good Catholic boy? Hmmm. But, I don't think she maliciously sent him out there.
However, I wouldn't send my kid out there in a blizzard! CRAZY!
I miss you all and wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
I'm going to start a new thread tonight.
Peace and love,
Ms. D
Hi Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't think Mrs. Devlin maliciously sent Michael out in the storm. She seems to be quite a multifaceted character...perhaps she is a "round" character. Michael and his mother seem to rely solely on faith to overcome obstacles in life. It is interesting to see how they are so vastly different than the other members of the community. Hmm...
~Linda
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteHappy 2009! Hope you had a wonderful break. I'm sad I missed the last day before break so I have no idea what happened in class except I know about the vocab quiz.
Over this break besides reading Snow in August, I'm reading a book called No Limits: The Will To Succeed by Michael Phelps with Alan Abrahamson. So far, I've learned a lot more about Michael and what he has done to get to where he is today.
See you on Monday,
Rebecca.
P.S. Can I take the vocab quiz tuesday?
Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Sorry it has taken me so long to write, I also wasn't sure whether to respond to this thread or the new one. I completely agree with the observations Linda is picking up in SNOW IN AUGUST, because I am noticing some of the things she is.
I have been reading THE LAST LECTURE, and I love it, I plan on going to the website and listening to the lecture when I am finished with the book. I have also been reading THE KITE RUNNER and TWILIGHT. I am enjoying both books, although I think I should stop reading so many books at one time because it seems to take a while for me to finish them that way.
Jillian
Sorry I didn't post sooner... procrastination happened.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, Mrs. Drance, the awkwardness is mostly in the plotline, and the scheming of so many different people, as well as some well-intended mistakes by characters, but the diction does take some getting used to, as the author uses many of the same word choices as one living in that time period would. I hope that covers it for now. See you all tomorrow.
Linnie, yes, she is round.
ReplyDeleteI just love your profound observation of Mike and his mom! Sometimes, though, I think that fear, guilt, and anxiety motivates their characters, but LOVE prevails...:).
xo,
D
Jillie...no worries...we can continue this conversation on the new thread, but I will answer you here for now.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love it when your friends pick up on what you do when you're reading. This always made me feel that I wasn't imaging "things." And, I love talking about the ideas that the book presents...you know, the characters' conflicts, their choices - were they good? bad? stupid? What about the point of the book? I became more aware of that the older I became...I mean, why do you think the author created this story and put it out there in the universe...very interesting to me!
So glad to hear about THE LAST LECTURE. I do think, though, that reading can get very confusing if you have as many books circulating at once. I had a friend who could read four at at time, but I've found that three is the max for me, and three of different genres....
I heard that listing to THE LAST LECTURE is better than the book; however, the book does inspire...in fact I looked at two promotional videos re: Alice (computer programming) and it looks pretty darn cool!
Check it out and let me know what you think!
The website is in the book.
See you tomorrow,
Mrs. D
Charlie, yes, procrastination lurks in all of us like a bad dream....
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I appreciate your comments.
Thank you for posting on the new thread.
Best,
Mrs. Drance
hey Mrs. Drance,
ReplyDeleteSorry I took so long to post, I forgot the website link and finally found it. Anyway, I'm in my James Patterson series still. After i finish this one book in on right now, I'm going to try out a new author, just for a change. I was planning on reading one of Jodi Picoult's books. I hear so much about them and THE SISTERS KEEPER, one of Picoult's books, is going to be a movie soon. Well, so i hear.
Back to the James Patterson books. This one I'm on now is taking me forever. It's not as thrilling as all of this others.
Oh! Did you start to read THE 6TH TARGET yet?
-Catherine
hey mrs drance,
ReplyDeletesorry but i cant find any of the new threads. anyways, my favorite quote in the book Family History is "life can flash in an instant". This is shown so well in the book because it shows how a family tragedy can change your life. But anyways, i have to go cuz im sick!
byeeeee