1/27/09

So far, I still cannot put the book down. This past section of reading was awesome and I loved it. I really enjoy how I haven’t been told us too much yet and are keeping me guessing still. There is still so much going on in Clarissa’s life and her whole adventure is just beginning.

            This section really surprised me and made me believe that maybe Clarissa’s mother, is crazy. The whole talking to Taft the cat, is really strange to me. It is strange how she constantly would talk to the cat, no matter what the weather. It is very strange. And the writing BUY MILK in the grains of salt and pepper, that’s kind of weird. But as of now we don’t know much still about her mother, but I feel like those weird aspects of her are going to help reveal a bigger characteristic.

            I gasped out loud when her “father” reveals that her mother had been married before and just randomly disappeared from him as well. Just when I thought this book was good, it gets even better. I know this part is going to go for a huge 180. The mysterious box of Texas stuff, and Texas statue in the garden is also very strange and I feel as if that’s going to be revealed as something else later in the text.

            At the end of the section, it was amazing she found her father. And it surprised me a bit when the first thing he asks is, if her mother is dead. I feel as if no one would say that unless it was a probable thing to happen. I feel like this statement shows a lot about her mother, her character and what type of women she is. She is known for running away randomly, and doing crazy things, maybe his response to Clarissa’s arrival will only strengthen that idea. 

Reader Inventory 1/26/09

To begin, I honestly have not found a passion for reading. The types of books that I have enjoyed are all different types. I haven’t found a certain type of book that I enjoy reading, and this could be part of the reason why I don’t have such a passion for reading! Most of the books I have read in the past were school related books, and I have only read a few outside of this. The school related books; I obviously gain different types of things that are related to the class or lesson. The books that I read outside of the classroom have more of a personal message, or finding out something about myself. That is one thing that I noticed through reading, is I find something or someone I can relate to in the text, and while the characters discover themselves, I am discovering something about myself as well.

When I read, I don’t have any certain rituals. Where ever I am reading, there needs to be some type of noise, whether that be the TV on low in the background, low volume music or people talking. I quickly started to notice that when I read in quiet rooms, my mind started to wander, and I wasn’t getting anything accomplished. I have a really hard time staying focused when I read, even in perfect “reading conditions.” It usually takes me a really long time to read.

            Through high school, my approach to reading really didn’t change. I knew I didn’t like reading, and that I didn’t want to do it, so that was my biggest problem. It was always a hassle for me to have to sit down and read, and actually comprehend what I’m reading. My English classes in high school were extremely hard and challenging, and the older kids always came back and told us to keep our papers because they are the exact same in college. But while in these classes, the reading assignments were difficult and I felt as if this is why I hate reading. Although through all of this hard work, I found my two of my favorite books, The Scarlet Letter and The Great Gatsby. I absolutely love Gatsby, and have re-read it many times.

Outside of school, I have a few favorite books as well. I always find myself reading the first few chapters, then putting it down and never reading it again. The books I have definitely found myself reading all hours of the night have been The Secret Life of Bees and my ultimate favorite, The Kitchen Boy. I think I enjoyed The Kitchen Boy the most because it has to do with family friends of ours, and so I had something to relate to and learn about them.  The hardest part about reading outside of school is finding the time, I usually find great books over the summer when I have time to sit down and actually read the book. I hope to find some other great books outside of school.

Since high school, reading in college has been much different. I don’t know if it’s the type of reading or if its just I realize I need to do it, and do it well to pass the class. The only books in college that I have read this far are those in anthropology. My English class last semester, I didn’t even open a book.  The books were extremely extremely interesting and I loved them. So far, my attitude towards books in college is good, and I hope it stays that way so I am able to enjoy reading.