Title: The Idiot

Author: Fiodor Dostoyevski

Genre: Classic

Pages: 702

Reading together is an excellent idea and it was a great pleasure for my mom, to read one of her favorite books from her childhood together with me despite she was very busy, and she didn’t have much time. It gives her the opportunity to rediscover main protagonists again, now in a different light and from a different perspective, and to properly understand beauty of different characters, from naïve Prince Myshkin, unpredictable Nastasija Filipovna, horrifying Rogozin, beautiful Aglaya Ivanovna, to childish countess Japanchin.

This experience was very good for me as well, because I got to learn many new things about literature, but also about my mom. I found out that she is very much into Russian Literature, and I understand why. The Idiot is extremly interesting and amusing, with lots of unusual characters and an unexpected plot. At first I wasn't so enthusiastic about reading 700 pages, but once I started, it was very easy and simple to follow prince myshkin through the story. I found out that Dostoyevski had an interesting life himself, he also had epilepsy, he was a gambler and he uses his personal experiences in his writing. One of his other famous books are "The Gambler", “The Notes from the Underground”, “The Brothers Karamazov” and many others.

It was an opportunity for both of us to discuss some topics like love, jealousy, passion, greediness, beauty, purity of soul, strong character in new contexts. Every person has good and bad sides which prevail depending of circumstances that we live in, which heavily influence all human behavior. Dostoyevski shows deep understanding and compassion for all human weaknesses, that you almost feel sorry for all negative characters and instead of condemning them, you compassion with them. In conclusion, I believe that this was very good experience, because we were able to learn many different things about our parents, and also from the book.

Partner Reading 6

Explain the best aspect of this partner read for you. Ask your partner to share his/her experiences.

I really liked this partner reading experience. I liked it because it gave me to bond with my sister in a different and unusual way, and by unusual i mean we don't usually bond like that. Also it gave me a chance to understand the book in a very deep way. When we discussed it we both gave great ideas and some that my sister brought up, I wouldn't have thought of. This made me see the book in a different way. My partner also said the same thing. She liked discussing the chapters and bonding in this way.

Author: Harper Lee

Genre: Classic

Pages: 376

Summary: During Tom Robinsons trial Mayella Ewell, is lying however the court doesn’t want to believe that a black person can be innocent instead of a white one. Tom is a prisoner, and some of the white people are not very satisfied with Atticus saying Mayella Ewell and her dad are liars. "Atticus says cheating a black man is ten times worse than cheating a white" Then, a couple weeks later, Tom is dead; he is shot while trying to escape the prison. Then Jem and Scout hear that Mayella’s dad was threatening their dad. 

One night Jem and Scout were going home during the night and they hear someone following them from behind. Then in a matter of seconds they are attacked, and to make things worse, Scout cant see very well because of her costume from the event that night which they were attending. At the end one man is on the ground and the other carrying unconscious Jem back home while Scout is following them.

So what do you think will happen, will Jem survive, and who were the attackers?

Journey to the Centre of the Earth Post 6

This summary is continued from the last post, if you would like to read that one, please look it up on the  blog site. After following the sounds of his companions voices for a considerable amount of time, Axel falls in the darkness and tumbles down the shaft losing conciousness almost instantly. His uncle and his guide are there when he wakes up, he is bruised and battered but otherwise not severely hurt. Apparently it could have been a lot worse. His uncle has a giddy look on his face but he tells Axel to get a rest before he can show him the discovery. This is the amazing part, I have no idea how Jules Verne could come up with this but these ideas are so ingenious that it's hard to believe he hasn't seen it with his own eyes. Anyway the place that they have discovered is a vast cavern that stretches on seemingly forever, filled with foliage and in the distance a beach. 

After the beach there is a vast sea that stretches on as far as the eye can see. But that isn't the best part, this place has a normal temperature and a fully functioning water cycle. There are dense clouds of vapour in the sky that also conduct electricity which creates a fluorescent light source that comes from all angles, effectively purging all shadows. As there are no tunnels in sight, to continue travelling down into the centre of the earth the trio decide to cross the sea, which is now named the Leidenbrock Sea. Hans, the guide pulls together a raft made from rock hard petrified wood, that also floats, with sails made from bedsheets. They cross the previously estimated 75 miles of sea in a day, but it turns out it is actually much larger than previously suspected and they will need to keep sailing for some time to come. Along the way they catch some previously thought, extinct fish and pass two giant sea monsters fighting. All is going well, then disaster strikes. A huge storm brews up, the sound of it is so large they can't hear a word they are saying to each other and their ears begin to bleed. This lasts for a few days until they smash into some rocks, finally land!

This is a strange land though, after some exploring they come across a 12 foot tall man herding elephants, naturally they stay well away from him. As they are walking around they also find a strange field with prehistoric fossils spanning as far as the eye can see. Soon they find something that doesn't belong to the landscape though. It's a 16th century knife, one belonging to the Danish explorer who came before them. And then a tree with his initials carved on it, they then knew they where on the right track. Before long they found the passage that the Dane must have taken. This passage seemingly led further down towards the centre of the earth. They went a little way down before the way was blocked by a large boulder, that must have fallen down the lava tube after their predecessor came and went. Axel then has the bright idea of blowing it up with the gun cotton they have left. Gun cotton is a kind of explosive that is 4 times fore powerful than black powder. And they stuff 5 kilos of it into the rock. After some preparation he lights the fuse and then runs back to the safety of the raft which they have attached to the shore floating, 60 yards out. Long story short the explosion opens up an abyss which sucks in the ocean including them floating on top. Although this abyss is no ordinary one. It's a volcano. They then preceded to shoot out and land in Greece. Then with the money the Professor has left they return to Hamburg where the two become famous. Hans returns to Iceland.

Questions Answered

The language the author uses in this novel vary between dad's and my books because they where both translated from the original French at different points in history, mine twenty years ago and dad's a hundred and fifty years ago. So as you can imagine the use of language is very different in our two books. I view mine as an almost control in an experiment as it is in the modern English that is widely accepted and understandable. But dad's has some posh British words that have, by today gone completely out of fashion and are no longer used. The problem is I can't honestly comment on Verne's use of language without possibly making mistakes because we are both reading translated copies, so the way we view the language the author uses is entirely up to the translator. I think we both enjoy the way it's used though because it gives an interesting insight into what we like to read today and how people a century and a half ago enjoyed reading their books. The new word that both dad and I learned is betrothed. This word means engaged, but it is never used any more  I wonder why? It's simply because the word makes no sense, it can't give you a visual picture, whereas engaged almost means joined together. You get the idea. 

Blog Post 5: Wuthering Heights

Title: Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte

Blog Post Number 5: What are some of the themes being woven throughout the plot line of the novel? How does the author do this? Is it enjoyable to each of you?

Emily Bronte' s Wuthering Heights is a novel that depends on descriptive writing in order to illustrate details of her character's inner thoughts and being. Language is the tool that undoes Catherine Linton, language is what Hareton is lacking, and through Nelly, language is how we hear the tale of Wuthering Heights itself. Identity through writing is the goal of most pieces of writing, and in Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte succeeds admirably. The majority of the metaphors that are put into Wuthering Heights are environmental, pertaining to the surrounding countryside or its non-human inhabitants.

For me it is a bit harer to understand what she puts into their minds and how she brings the story to the reader so I guess re reading it a couple of times, is the best choice since the language is a bit confusing and all the thoughts are flown to you through the story and deep language usage. For my mum it is a lot harder because she is not a very good English speaker. This makes it harder for her but she helps herself by translating it to Slovenian so then she is also able to explain it to me.

Summary:
Since I finished my book I started reading another book. I'm half through the book and it is called The Love Potion. It is a romance novel which is why I like it. It is a bit higher level writing which makes it a bit harder to understand as well. It talks about a scientists who has created a love potion and has been doing experiments with rats to see if it has been working. The potion is suppose to bring out the deepest feelings in ones heart and make them stronger and feel things they haven't felt before. That makes the rats have sexual intercourse over and over again which is I guess part of the plan but it all seems a bit strange. I am really looking forward to the ending because I want to see what will happen with the love potion and if she will actually try to use it on the man she loves to deepen his feelings.

Blog #5

Title: Oliver Twist

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Classic

Pages: 360

I am sticking to the plan with my mom and we're reading 2 chapters per week, except this week when we read 4 chapters to be a bit ahead and finihe the book faster. So we read chapters 13 and 14 and here is what happened:

Fagin erupts into a rage when the Dodger and Charley return without Oliver. Fagin tosses a pot of beer at Charley, but the pot hits Bill Sikes instead. Sikes is a rough, cruel man who makes his living by robbing houses. They resolve to find Oliver before he reveals their operation to the authorities, and persuade Nancy to go to the police station to find out what happened to him. Nancy dresses in nice clothing, and at the police station she pretends to be Oliver’s distraught sister. She learns that the gentleman from whom the handkerchief was stolen took Oliver home with him to the neighborhood of Pentonville, because the boy had fallen ill during the trial. Fagin sends Charley, Jack, and Nancy to Pentonville to find Oliver. Fagin decides to relocate his operation for the night and fills his pockets with the watches and jewelry from the hidden box after Charley, Nancy, and Jack leave.When Oliver next enters the housekeeper’s room, he notices that the portrait of the lady whom he resembles is gone. Mrs. Bedwin says that Brownlow removed it because it seemed to worry Oliver. One day, Brownlow sends for Oliver to meet him in his study. Assuming that Brownlow means to send him away, Oliver begs to remain as a servant. Brownlow assures Oliver that he wishes to be Oliver’s friend. He asks Oliver to tell him his history. Before Oliver can begin, Brownlow’s friend, Mr. Grimwig, arrives to visit. Grimwig, a crotchety old man, hints that Oliver might be a boy of bad habits. Brownlow bears his friend’s eccentricity with good humor. Mrs. Bedwin brings in a parcel of books delivered by the bookstall keeper’s boy. Brownlow wishes to send his payment and some returns back with the boy, but he has already gone. Grimwig suggests that Brownlow send Oliver but hints that Oliver might steal the payment and the books. Wishing to prove Grimwig wrong, Brownlow sends Oliver on the errand. It grows dark and Oliver does not return.

How would you describe the author's use of language in this novel? 

The author's use of language in this novel is very powerful. Many words I don't understand, but to get a better view of the novel I search them up or if I am not next to a dictionary, I try to understand the word through the sentence. The amazing use of language in this novel drags the reader more into the book.

Do you each enjoy how it is used? 

My mom and I both love the way he uses the language. It makes the book very powerful and we both enjoy reading it.

Have you learned a new vocabulary word while reading this novel? 

i have learned many, sometimes just through trying to figure out what the word means myself or searching it in a dictionary. Books are meant to teach you different things, not only through the message, but also through vocabulary. I know more words that I would definitely use in my everyday life. 

All the Wrong Questions: Who Could That Be at this Hour

Title: Who could That Be at this Hour
Author:Daniel Handler
Pages 103/258

    OK  you might be wandering what kind of title is this. For what kind of book? Well, I need to tell you it is a really good book. Very funny. That funny that is even a bit crazy.
  Well to tell you what the book is about. It is about a teenage boy called Lemony Snicket who is about to go away from his parents. He works as a crime investigator. So, he was having his last meal with his parents in a restaurant when a women walked in and discretely put a note in Snicket's lap.On it was written that he should meet her at the green car in 5 minutes. At first Lemony wandered what was this about but then he excused himself and went out. There was a green car and in it was the lady. The lady's name was Theodora S. She commanded Lemony to get in and that the plan has been changed. At first he wandered what plan but he realized Theodora was in a bad mood and did not want to talk.
    They drove until they came to a place called Stain'd By the Sea. Yeah, it is a weird name. The fact that it is nowhere close to the sea is even a weirder thing. Lemony asked all the time what does the S stand for in Theodora S, but Theodora never replied. Soon they stopped in front of a mansion and went to the door. Theodora rang the doorbell and a butler opened the door. He led the two to the library and told them to wait
there. A couple of minutes later a women walked in. She explained that a very precious object of hers has been stolen. A wooden representation of  mythical creature. The thing is that she knows who stole it but she would like for Theodora to go confirm that. The lady's name was Mrs. Salis.She suspects that the Mallihan family stole it.
    Theodora and Lemony went straight away to check the Mallihan family. It was a father and a daughter. At first the man opened the door. Theodora made up a story that her and Lemony were a couple on the honeymoon and they just stopped at this house because the house looked like a lighthouse. They were crazy with lighthouses. This was suspicious because how could a 13-year old boy be married to a women and plus Lemony was not wearing a ring. Mr.Mallihan said that his daughter was upstairs and that it would be a good idea if Lemony went upstairs and met her. He did as told. The girl was his age and she wrote on a typewriter. Her name was Moxie Mallihan and she was the only reporter left in the area.
     Lemony asked Moxie if she knew anything about a stolen statue of a mythical creature. Moxie did not say anything but started climbing the stairs toward the attic. Lemony decided to follow her. When he climbed up, Moxie was standing in middle of machines. She explained that the main office for the news was here and that the Mallihan and Salis family worked well together until the ink level decreased. Then a quarrel started between the two who would own the ink. Also, you could get from one's house to the other house. Then, Moxie revealed a table and on it were many statues including the stolen one. At that point Theodora called Lemony to come down and they left. They drove in front of a tall old building. Theodora explained that this was their headquarters.  All there was in the headquarters were a couch a computer and a bed. The manager
put the two into a bedroom. Theodora requested if she could have some privacy to work. Lemony went to walk around the city. He went to the library to see if he can find some books on the statue. He did. But he couldn't read a lot because a boy with a slingshot came and almost hit Lemony. The librarian luckily soon came and told the boy to leave the library. The boy's name was Stew.
    Soon after Lemony left the library as well. He decided to go back. He saw two police officers talking to Theodora. A man and a women. They were a couple they were officers Mitchum.  They were here to investigate a crime which happened only an hour later than the Theodora and Lemony arrived. A trafficlight has been slingshot. They asked Lemony where he was for the past hour. He said that he was in the library fighting with a boy Stew. It turned out that Stew was the son of the officers and that he was a brilliant boy. When the officers left Theodora commanded that tonight is the night when they need to return the statue to the right owner.

Dracula # 5

Dracula
Bram Stoker
Horror/Suspense



As I am ending this book, I have found the ending very confusing and I have had to read it over and over in order to finally understand. A lot has happened since my last blog post. Right after Dracula had broken into Lord Godalming's house, and had nearly killed Lord Godalming and had hypnotized Mina (John's wife). Shortly after these events, they decided to do even more investigation into Dracula's departure. But while they are investigating, they soon found out that somehow, Mina had developed a mental bond with Dracula. She was able to see, hear, and feel what Dracula was. Using the mental connection to gather information, they soon find out that Dracula will be departing by boat to a port on the Danube. From there, its a race against time in order to intercept Dracula and finally rid the world of Dracula.

How would you describe the author's use of language in this novel? Do you each enjoy how it is used? Have you learned a new vocabulary word while reading this novel? 

I personally find the vocabulary used in this novel, utterly confusing. This is probably because this book was written in the early 20th century and even though the English vocabulary was similar, it still had certain variations. For example, they use words such as ribald, cumbrous, large-bore, and whithersoever. For a 21st century 8th grade, this can be quite confusing at some points. I don't necessarily enjoy the way the use this or not. It can be confusing at points, but I think it is good for me since it challenges my vocabulary skills. While reading this book, I have not necessarily found out more words, but have developed my vocabulary guessing skills. By this, it means that after reading this book, I can now guess the definitions of unknown words, more accurately. I do this by looking at what context it is in. For example, if the sentence is: John was getting tired because the dog was cumbrous. I know this means that cumbrous means difficult to maintain or handle.


My mom believes that Stoker's use of descriptive language throughout the book is what makes this book a pleasure to read even a one hundred years after he wrote it.  While there are many examples descriptions that pull the reader into each scene, one example in particular comes to mind.  When Jonathan Harker, one who had narrowly escaped death at Count Dracula's hand, decides to help in the hunt for Count Dracula in London and enters into a chapel where Dracula has made a new lair, he writes later in his journal that "here the place was small and close, and the long disuse had made the air stagnant and foul...It was not alone that it was composed of all the ills of mortality and with the pungent, disgusting smell of blood, but it seemed as though corruption had become itself corrupt....Every breath exhaled by that monster seemed to have clung to the place and intesified its loathsomeness...." (location 5382 in Kindle).  For Jonathan the smell brought back the memory of how very evil Dracula was.  The book has challenged my mom's vocabulary with words like sophistry, lugubrious, celerity, and apposite 

Quote: 

"Now God be thanked that all has not been in vain! See! the snow is not more stainless than her forehead! The curse has passed away!"

I think that this quote means that it was a big relief when the got rid of Dracula. It was like a weight was lifted off from the world's shoulders.