End of Kite Runner 5/30

I have just finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. As horrible and as graceful as the story progresses, the ending makes the reader realize the incredible irony. Amir, who was practically cast away emotionally from his father due to his father's guilt must try gain emotion from Sohrab. He must run down a kite in order to gain something from Hassan's son that only Hassan receieved from his father. The story has many tragic moments yet at every turn the idea of Karma is shown as Sohrab is the one who knocks out Assef's eye. Still, the story is told in a background that represents a common struggle that faces the children of Afghanistan. As stated in the story, "Afghanistan has many children, but no childhood"(339). Another major theme that plays its role is guilt. Guilt provides the motivation for Amir to do what he did and also creates the emotionally distant Baba who Amir grows up with. It then forces Amir to go to Afghanistan where the demons from his childhood remain. Finally, the last major theme is determination. Baba appears to be the most determined character in the story because of his guilt. He becomes a great humanitarian as he builds an orphanage and helps many unfortunate people. Amir, in the beginning, is not determined and this creates the situation that the book is based on. Later on though, he becomes stronger and determined in his actions leading to the inevitable end where he saves Hassan's son and helps to connect with him.

Shibumi 4/9/10

Shibumi is a story about an anything but simple person trying to achieve "effortless perfection". In the beginning, the story centers around a story of CIA supervisors who are running covert operations. However, this segues into a story of young Nikolai Hel. As an intelligent young man, Nikolai discovers mysticism. In order to achieve perfection which he knows as "shibumi" he must control this ability and use it accordingly. Still, the story centers around an old Nikolai who is thrown back into the world of danger and violence. The most interesting thing about the story is about how Nikolai has viewed and continues to view his mystic abilities. When he was young his teacher had asked if his transcend into the mystic world brought pleasure? Nikolai responds articurately with claiming that "'[He] never thought of it that way. It is...necesary'" (84). He feels that he needs this ability or he may go crazy. His teacher warns him that many people who have mystic beliefs when they are young lose it later in life. Nikolai tells him that he would punish whomever or whatever caused him to lose his powers. Nikolai's mental status and his physical traits conflict in that his mind cannot handle his powers. This conflict will lead to an immense clash in violence between him and those who seek to destroy him.

Don Quixote 4/18/10

Don Quixote ends as it began. As an astonishingly dramatic and comedic story that seems to enthrall the reader right to the last sentence. By having Don Quixote die, Miguel de Cervantes has chosen to end the story on a note of finality. Instead of leaving the end open for more grim adventures, Cervantes scares the reader by having Quixote die in his home town. The very town from which he had began his perilous journey to spread, enforce, and practice chivalry is the same town his life ends in. Ironically, Quixote does not seem beaten or defeated but rather simply at peace. The character is so ironic and mystifyng that the author uses his book to clarify that it is untrue. Cervantes claimed that "for [him] alone was Don Quixote born, and [he] produced him" (891). He then goes on describing the true nature of Don Quixote and his inspirations which seem to be the people who would never let go of their teachings of chivalry. Quxote is meant to resemble a whole group of people; those who live in the past. Instead of moving forward with culture and society, this group decided to keep to their old practices and ways. However, Quixote exagerates the stupidity of ths group as he ends up fighting random people, attacking windmills, and harassing innocent people. While Quixote believes he is helping to save the world, he is only causing despair. This is what Cervantes was saying about the people who were practically addicted to chivalry. Finally, with the death of Quixote, Cervantes concludes that the old group died or withered into history. Don Quixote has always been Cervantes's way of adressing those who wished to live in the past.

4/1/10 Genre Plans

Through out my independent reading this school year, I have encompassed a variety of genres. I have read non-fiction, fiction, historical-fiction, comedy, and classic books. I read The World is Flat which may have had multiple opinions in it but contained facts and stories about things that actually happened. For fiction, Catch22 and Hocus Pocus were books that included made up stories. I believe that Don Quixote counts as historical fiction as although it is a made up character, it is based on characteristics of people at the time. For comedy, Hocus Pocus, is clearly a comedic book as most of it is based on jokes and an ironic plot meant to make the reader laugh. Finally, Don Quixote classifies as a classic book/novel as it has been around for a long time and has been seen and read as a great work of literature. For the 4th quarter, I would like to read a mystery and possibly a horror book. Those are two genres I have yet to read. For this quarter, Don Quixote has been my favorite read. It is such a thrilling comedy and ironic storyline that it captured my imagination quickly.

Don Quixote 3/21/10

Don Quixote character is the exact opposite of Yossarian's in Catch 22. While Quixote continuously humiliates himself and loses at whatever contests he choses to enter, Yossarian proves to be a subtle person. Yossarian is considered a hero by many soldiers in his unit for returning to bomb a heavily guarded bridge a second time and he is praised for refusing to fly any more missions. Quixote, however embarrasses himself but still considers himself a hero. Quixote believes he should enter in a "solemn tournament on the festival of St. George" for it may "raise his reputation above that of all the champions upon earth" (465). While the reader must show no respect towards Quixote and his ridiculous ideas, the reader must respect Yossarian for trying to save himself after proving himself to be a courageous figure. Yossarian never describes himself as a hero or a noble person for he wants simply to not fly any more missions. Quixote is claimed to be an idiot by many other characters but he still seems determined in his belief that he is a valiant knight. Quixote will never become a noble person or a courageous one because his personality prevents him from caring. He cares more about what others think of him than what he thinks of himself. Yossarian thinks only of himself and wants to survive the war. That is the only reason he does what he does and that is why the other pilots look up to him. They sympathize with him and so does the reader. No one can sympathize with Don Quixote though as no sane man would ever sell land for books or attack a windmill. His character is too comedic to be similar to any reader but Yossarian is apparently the only sane man in his story making him the only character similar to the reader. Yossarian is a noble and courageous person while Quixote is a selfish and insane annoyance. They are complete opposites.

Don Quixote 3/7/10

Miguel de Cervantes proved himself to be a great comedian and master of irony. He wrote the story at the time in order for the irony to be easily absorbed. First, he depicts Don Quixote as a poor man seeking adventure in order for him to gain recognition. He was given a poor farm and small piece of land to live on. The real irony however is that he continuously makes himself poorer because he likes to buy books about chivalry. Although now the idea does not seem that ridiculous, it was seen as ludicrous back in the 1600's. To sell one's land for books seemed like the most idiotic decision possible. Still, that is only the beginning. Don Quixote seeks to live out his life as a knight of chivalry, even when the use of knights is almost gone. Too add more comedy, Don Quixote (a very skinny and tall man) has a short and pudhy sidekick named Pancho. Don Quixote is simply insane. He later believes a group of people to be unjustly accused prisoners and tries to "free" them. Instead, he ends up harassing a group of people that were just out on a walk. Don Quixote is an insane man who is the essence of idiodicy.

2/28/10 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote has proved itself to be a classical comedy and drama. As a fan of classical novels, from Crime and Punishment to A Tale of Two Cities, I like stories that attack the norm of society or rational reasoning. Don Quixote is such a story that captures the essence of seeking the life of a hero or for adventure in the 1600's in Europe. People were still infatuated with the life of a knight while society was being turned on its side by the Renaissance. It is here, where Don Quixote gives up his life to be, in his mind, a wandering hero that fights the wicked and rescues the good. The only problem is that he has no sense of what he is doing. He is insane, bored, and obviously incapable of ever thinking with the least bit of rationale. He even believes a windmill is an evil and wicked creature so much that he "put his Rocinante to full speed, and assaulting the nearest windmill, thrust into one of the sails" (57). The comedy grows as he travels with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, who seems to not do anything. What makes the story even more interesting is the speed at which it is told. While most books focus on a single event for at least 10 pages, DOn Quixote's battle with the windmill is over in one page. This surprise me especially since the book is almost 900 pages long. However, I am determined to read every page.

The War Mountains Continued

As I have stated before, John Mannock's story of the war in Yugoslavia is amazingly great. Its battle scenes are brought to life by the imagery and the careful dialogue. Also, as the story progresses a few important people are chosen as the main characters. However, Mannock carefully centers his plot so that it seems that the settings picked the main characters, and not the author himself. In his story which becomes centered about a specific mission to destroy a shipment of new elite German tanks, the characterrs experience danger, horrible conditions, and of course betrayal. There was evidence of betrayal all through out the story and the traitor finalely showed his true colors as he admits that he was going to be "'decorated in secret as a hero of the Third Reich'" and that he would be part of the regime that would "'rule Europe for the next thousand years'" (206). Obviously, this man is delusional or had terrible information. The story takes place in 1944, when Germany has been practically surrounded by its foes and is on the verge of collapse. Mannock cleverly puts this character in the position of having to be crazy as he believes he will live out a happy life in the Nazi regime even as it is tumbling. The character even risks his own safety to accomplish this. Finally, Mannock's description of feuding within the German ranks captivates the mind and humor as hilarious mockery is used of the German high command. Mannock is able to portray war as serious and greusome and then one minute later as a fun little game.

1/31/10 The War Mountains

John Mannock's fictional story about the war in Yugoslavia is tremendous. It is simply a great read with a great background and plot. During World War 2, there is a large conflict in Yugoslavia between the Nazis and the partisans. Despite it being 1944 and the war drawing to a close, the war continues and this area seems to have an unending conflict. With Hitler trying to figure out how to use his forces, he organizes a new division of the SS which takes recruita from the Middle East. He uses the grudges between the Muslims and Christians in Yugoslovia to gain support for his side. However, it is evident that the war is not going the way Hitler wanted it to and that the partisans and Nazis are roughly at a stalemate. This is where John Mannock proves himself to be a creative writer. Not only are all battle scenes vividly detailed, but shows the anger brewing on both sides. After one of the SS troops is killed, the partisan commander praises the killer. He claims that "'when [they] get an opportunity to kill them, [they] do so with considerable relish'" (92). Besides making up a fake unit and storyline, Mannock uses real characters such as Himmler, Hitler, and Tito. As he describes the new campaign the partisans are on, his twist and turns within the story keep the reader on his toes.

End of Youth in Revolt

I have almost finished Youth in Revolt and I now see why the book has to be classified as a great read. Its hilarious comedy through the use of the weirdest situations does not end. Everything seemed to be going well for Nick Twisp for a short time. Having taken on the fake persona of Carlotta, Nick was living in the same house as Sheeni and was able to see her every day. Then on one miraculous day Nick got the news that he was no "filthy, stinking, obnoxiously rich! [He was] wallowing in wealth. [He was] green with proseperity"(448). Nick seemed to have everything he could have ever wanted. That was until C.D.Payne showed us yet another twist as Nich faced "FRESH HORRIBLE, NIGHTMARISH DISASTERS" (467). These included him losing his newly found wealth and him then becoming homeless. Mind you, this is almost near the end of the book. C.D.Payne does not let up on the onsluaght of events that seem to make the reader laugh and read more and more each time. The author has made young Nich Twisp a relatable character that seems to end up in situations that no one else could attempt to. This story is truly a classic tail of comedy from start to finish.

Youth in Revolt by C.D.Payne

Youth in Revolt is a story of a teenage boy who goes to the most extreme measures to be with the girl he loves. Nick Twisp starts off as a 14-year old boy with an unsympathetic mother, a non-caring father, and his mother's boyfriend who is as dumb as they come. He hates everything about life, well his life at least. He even complains how his last name "which [he loathes] is Twisp" and how "even John Wayne on a horse would look effeminate pronouncing that name" (1). He reluctantly goes with his mother and her boyfriend to Clear Lake for a small vacation. Instead of a nice hotel, they stay in a dirty old trailer. It is here where Nick meets Sheeni, who turns out to be the one person who might like him back out of anyone.
However, when they both go back home, Nick formulates plans to get close to her again. These plans end up in him committing false suicide, arson, possible forgery, and hilarious situations that only lead him further into hardships. As the story progresses, the reader finds that young Nick Twisp is more influenced by his arrogance then anything and for some reason decides to make matters worse instead of solving them.
These matters include taking on the identity of two fake people and constantly trying to find ways to fix situations by creating others. Throughout the story, his dad, his mom, his love (Sheeni), his best friend (Lefty), and the people he meets end up getting mixed up in these crazy incidents.
His story is told in a similar way as Catcher in the Rye as both characters have pessimistic views on the world. Still, Nick Twisp provides a much more hilarious and common character than Holden Caufield . Although Nick gets into outrageously impossible situations, he acts more like a human being than Holden does. While Holden moped around and argued with everyone, Nick would simply find a way to embarrass himself.
C.D.Payne decided to create a story about a character and a plot so funny that it makes you wonder how you could have thought other books were even close to funny. The hilarious jokes and dangerous ideas that flood young Nick's mind give you an insight into a funny, yet crazy teenager.
The book is great for almost any reader. Those who like stories about teenage troubles would love this as would anyone who likes a good comedy. And for those who hate the world but find stuff to laugh about, this is exactly your book.

1/10/10 Youth In Revolt

Youth in Revolt by C.D.Payne seems to be a great read with a hilarious narration. It tells of a simple 14-year old who is obsessed with sex and everything related to it. He has to deal with his father, an uncaring and unsympathetic person. He has to deal with his mother, a uncaring and unsympathetic person who, and her deadbeat boyfriend. Nick Twisp, the main character, is faced with tons of problems as he goes on a vacation, if you can call it that, to Clear Lake to stay in a trailer for a week. When he meets Sheeni, his whole world seems upside down as he becomes happy beyond belief when he grows close to her until he learns she has a boyfriend. This is as far as I got. The story seems to be similar to the plot of Catcher in the Rye as it goes through a journey of a young man. However, this story involves more comedy and a hilarious outake on life unlike Holden Caufield's which involved mostly depressed moments full of ignorance. The book is a great read due to its writing and hilarious comments which are waiting at every corner. After a nice moment with Sheeni on a hike, Nick claims that they "hiked on. For twelve miles. In the heat. Straight up. [His] feet never touched the ground." (32). Nick's silly little comments give the reader an insight into his life that is very rare in other books.

1/3/2010 Kitchen Boy of the Last Tsar

After finishing the book, I was amazed at the ending. Usually, books like these do not have endings that satisfy the mystery that they create. Instead, in this story the main character's entire plot and storyline has turned out to be a lie. Misha (now called Leoneka) told his granddaughter that he was the kitchen boy of the Tsar's family and the he accidentally led to their deaths. He stated that he was the one who ended up saving the Grand Duchess and tried to save Aliskei. Unbeknown to the reader, Misha is lying. His grandaughter later finds out that her grandfather's name was actually Volodya and he was one of the gaurds that killed the Tsar's family. Kate (the grandaughter) is confused but she "understood it could be no other way.......Her grandfather had been on of them, one of the Reds." (222) Kate soon understands that her granfather had to live with emotional suffering for his entire life and this is the main point of the story. That regarding the russian Revolution, nothing is as it seems. There was deceit, lying, and fraud.