So far, I think One and Done and The House on Mango Street are great books. I think that both books are strong in the sense of detail. I think this especially for One and Done. I like that Maurice is taking us back to the very beginning of his life rather than just the specific event that lead to his arrest. I also like that he is able to do so without rambling on. In THOMS, I think Sandra Cisneros gives great detail of things like the settings, events in the stories, and the characters. Personally, I with there were less “sub stories”. I think it kind of makes the book go all over the place and it can be hard to keep up.
I think I learned something very valuable in chapter 3. When Maurice began attending Austintown, his skills in football really became prevalent. He also began playing basketball there, which then led to him leaving. He was having problems with his Coach. Maurice had felt he deserved to play Varsity and also more playing time. Instead of being patient and giving it time, he transferred. The lesson isn’t big, but it still stands. If you are in a situation, especially one that isn’t benefiting you, leave. I know that patience is key in a lot of situations, but to me, your worth is more important.
Mychaela,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Cisneros seemed to make it really all about the setting and characters , while Maurice barely paid attention to his teammates and the other characters it seems to be all about his life so far. I think the valuable lesson you said you got out of chapter three is important. I really like the way you worded it too well said , Maurice seemed to keep leaving for a better next thing in his life and doesn’t even give his body time to heal either, who knows what his situation would have been if he would have committed to just one team.
-Alia
Mychaela,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion about the sub stories. I find myself getting lost in the book once in a while because I am not sure how I am supposed to follow. I like your take on what you learned from One and Done. I don't think very many people get that lesson out of chapter three because as you mentioned, it is not a big lesson, but it is still important. I understand where you are coming from when you say that you should just leave, but I do agree with the idea that Alia brings up. Who knows what would have happened if he would have committed to the team. I believe that there are times in everyone's life where you have the choice to just leave or fight through and see what happens so I believe that it really depends on the situation and who it is going to effect.
Mychaela
ReplyDeleteLove your opinion. I see what you are saying but I also feel that in One and Done he is jumping around a bit and contradicting himself on several occasions. I love how you pointed out when at Austintown and self worth, and that is very true so often people just settle for good enough. However as a football Coach I am telling you it is not the best route to travel for many of reasons. Just to name a few you never truly develop a team bond, you are looked at as a selfish player who only thinks of ones self and more importantly if you ask any college coach in the united states character is huge. By Maurice leaving and having issues with his situations coaches find out about that and sometimes decide to pass on the athlete.
Urban Myers said he would take a guy that ran a 4.9 over a 4.4 any day, if the 4.4 did not have the right character and was not a true team guy. He felt he could make that 4.9 a better player because he had core values and a since of team. I look at that side and realize Maurice was very selfish.
This is my opinion. I did really enjoy reading yours, like I mentioned before hearing you all speak and your thoughts and opinions are going to make me so much better at my job and I am thankful for that.
-Coach
Mychaela,
ReplyDeleteI really like the position you take on the value of your time. Especially when the coaches, the people who are supposed to be your role models, don't see your potential. But when it comes to sports it is way more than that. There are other kids who put their time in and worked the years Maurice didn't want to for that spot. I believe respect is always earned and not given and Maurice was asking for the world. Im sure his senior year when football was the most important thing in his life and a coach brought in a freshman because he thought it would benefit the team more Maurice would have a change of mind and perspective.
-Nic