I have enjoyed both readings so far. I prefer reading the memoir of Maurice Clarett, I like to read real stories about people's lives because then I can learn from their life lessons. I think it gives the book a meaning like now you have a purpose to read this book because you're gaining something from the book. The reason I enjoy both books is they capitalize on the ugly real-life struggles. Most of the themes are topics that should be talked about as they are a part of so many people's real lives. To me so far the weakness in The house on Mango St was the feeling of embarrassment and being ashamed. Strength in the House on mango St is it could be a real-life situation that anyone can relate to and I find that really interesting about this fiction book. The strength of One and Done is the fact that Maurice is very honest about his intent on wanting to commit a crime. The weakness would be there is so much strong sexual language involving young kids.
In my readings of one and done, I felt I could really relate to Maurice's childhood we both have a lot of cousins and a grandma whose house we would make the gathering spot. I also tried to get involved with as many school activities as I could as a kid with various sports. I also have two older brothers so after leaving all my cousins I would also still have someone to play a sport with.
The author feeling he has a responsibility to try to save someone else from trying to make the same mistakes they make and going down the wrong path in life, and even though he went to jail and lost his foot ball career a believe his true calling was to be a motivational speaker and better good person.
Alia, thanks for getting us rolling on Journal Three, and I am chiming in just a bit here to see if the Comments were working properly, as Coach was trying to write you a Comment tonight and the blog was giving him some issues and not letting him.
ReplyDeleteAdvice to all of you on Comments. Write them in Word or whatever software you use to write in, and save them. Then you can simply copy and paste them into the Comments window here on the blog. If it gives you problems and does not post, you will then have a copy of them and you will not waste your time rewriting Comments. Sorry for any troubles and hassles, but we will get there. It's part of learning in a fully technological but fallible world online.
Okay let's see if this will publish!
Alia,
ReplyDeleteI to typically prefer reading books like One and Done as well so I can relate to your reading preference. I like how you was able to draw a direct comparison of your own personal life and the book, it definitely makes the reading much better when you are able to get into the book.
I do want to ask you a question about One and Done. As you are reading have you felt as if Maurice was contradicting himself in any way?
Look forward to hear more from you and your thoughts and opinions. As the old guy in the group it will help me become a better father, teacher, and coach.
Coach,
DeleteI think Maurice probably grew up having to lie to get out of certain situations or to get something he wanted. Maybe it became part of his personality to fib, a little bit and not even realize it. Another contradictory I found in his story seemed he always wanted to make himself sound better than everyone else so he's always bragging about himself while talking badly about other people. He always is saying he is the best whether he works at it or not but then he says he practices harder than everyone. Do you notice any discrepancies?
-Alia
Alia,
ReplyDeleteI love how you worded your last paragraph. It summarizes one of the purposes of the book. You explained a direct comparison to yourself with a part of the story as Coach Daniel mentioned and you summarized the overall purpose of this story and I could not agree more with your opinion. I have a question as well. Is there a specific theme or lesson that you have gotten out of the story so far?
Good work!
Abigail
Abigail,
DeleteI didn't really learn any life lessons so far but the overall message I got out of it was that you can always change your life for the better no matter how bad it gets. Have you learned anything from reading the book?
-Alia
Alia,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about reading from other peoples life stories and lessons. I feel no matter who you are learning about you are always learning. Every single person has a different life story that they view in their own perspective, and every single perspective is a whole different story. We share a lot of the same ideas so I would like to know if you like the realism of the book why would the realest part of it be the weakest point of the book?
-Nic