Thursday, September 30, 2010

Things Not Seen- Book Review

   "It's after the shower, That's when it happens.
It's when I turn on the bathroom light and wipe the fog off the mirror to comb my hair. It's what I see. It's what I don't see.
I look a second time, and then rub at the mirror again.
I'm not there.
That's what I'm saying.
I'm. Not. There."
  
   This is how the story of invisible Bobby Philips begins, plunging you into a world of awe and comical suspense, right from the first page. After a morning shower, just before school, Bobby wipes the mirror to comb his hair only to find that he can't see himself, and after a few tricks to test if it's a dream fail, he goes to his parents, who agree that his little "condition" should be kept secret.
  
   "And now there's a new look on her face. New for Alicia. But I've seen It before. On Mom's and Dad's faces that first morning. It's the look of someone who's trying to process impossible information. Because when something impossible happens, everything else becomes unglued.
She's having trouble brathing. Then the first words. 'So... you're, you're really---' 'Yeah.' I say. 'Invisible'"

    After meeting a blind girl named Alicia, Bobby reveals his secret to her. But after awhile, his school gets suspiciouse, and when the police become enatngled in the problem, Bobby, Alicia, his parents, and her parents get thrown into a race againts time, the law, and a phenomenom that not even imagination seems to be able to explaine.

    I rate this book a 5 out of 5, beacuse on the very first page, the action and suspense pull you in. The book is told through Bobby's invisible point of view, every moment filled with amazing detail, every page pushing you further off the edge of your seat. Anyone who enjoys comedy, suspense, and a bit of science fiction will be drawn into this book, page by page, word by word.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Reading History Essay

            To me, Literacy is the means to understand the written language; knowing how to read and write. Everyday, people apply literacy to there lives by reading things like stop signs, billboards, and even store names. People also usually partake in writing at some point in the day, like texting someone, or even holding a conversation. Literacy goes way back, even before the Egyptians and Hieroglyphics.


I’ve always loved to read as well as write, and I never remember how it all began that well. When I was younger, before kindergarten, I wrote a book called “The Little Old Man”. Maybe that’s how it all began, or perhaps it was my fascination with the world and things around me that inspired me to open a book. I never had a favorite nursery rhyme or fairy tale, I just loved reading.


I went to Mary E. Roberts Elementary school, in Moorestown. There, I got into one of my many favorite series, “The Boxcar Children”, as well as beginning to get into longer books, like novels, and “Harry Potter”. My favorite teacher there was the librarian, as well as in future schools, because the library was where I usually was; either that or the art room.


Charles W. Lewis Middle School was where I really expanded my reading, and writing. There, I became influenced by many authors, such as James Patterson, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Jenny Nimmo, Andrew Clements, and many, many more. It’s where I also began writing novels myself, as well as a series of short stories; they usually consist of adventure, suspense, action, comedy, mystery, and science fiction, which were and still are the types of genres I read today.


Now, In High School, I’m not only interested in novels, but books about things like Physics. I still read on a regular basis; usually a book or two a day, and am always adding to the genres I like. I consider myself a Literate person, being an author and an avid reader.


I have and always will love reading. I think of each book as a gateway to a new world, each page opening your mind to new possibilities and ideas in the world. Right now, I’ve just finished reading “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner, waiting for the sequel to come out, as well as reading many others. Literacy is very important, because it’s a huge part of our world, and they way we understand it. Literacy has helped me by opening my mind to new things and ideas, as well as inspiring me. Trees and Literacy are very similar. They both grow in our lives, and they’re both necessary. Each book is like planting a seed for a new idea, which soon grows into something amazing, changing our lives forever.