Monday Musings:

Block A: Your characterization paragraphs are due tomorrow about our protagonist Sammy - homework check in the afternoon.

Block C: Great work with your peer editing today - the good copy of your transformational narrative is due on Wednesday.

Below are the 8 novel choices for our unit. Read through them all, and consider your options. I will have one novel of each group on display in the classroom for you to look over and make your top three choices. Submit your selections to me on a small piece of paper by Tuesday at 3:00. Please indicate the title only - no need to include the author. If you do not submit your choices, I will put you in a group.

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
    This novel chronicles the experiences of a German soldier during the war, from the physical and emotional stress of war to the confusion and isolation he experiences upon return from the trenches. A sad tale of war, remorse, and the pain inflicted on each other during times of war. If you enjoy history and war stories in particular this novel is for you.

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
    Stark and bleak is the world of 1984. Big Brother (a term coined by Orwell) has the ability to control and spy on all citizens. This novel is about one mans struggle for survival in a frightening world controlled by the Big Brother regiem. If you like to read about satire, in distopic settings and with some sci-fi undertones this book is for you.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
    A moving and heartbreaking story of survival, friendship and political struggle in Afghanistan. This book spans decades of conflict in a complicated country. If you have ever wanted to learn more about the background to the conflict in Afghanistan this book is for you!  This story does contain graphic depictions of violence - so if you feel that you don't want to read about that - then don't choose it!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
   I LOVE this book! Jane is a poor orphaned girl, left in the care of a neglectful aunt, and a cruel cousin. In order to make a living she becomes the governess for a girl in the mysterious and possibly haunted Thornfield Hall, where she meets the equally mysterious and tortured Mr. Rochester. This story is not only a romance, but also the triumph of the individual to overcome obstacles in order to truly know oneself. A wonderful read.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
   Those of you who have read Chaucer will recognize the intertextuality in the title to The Canterbury Tales. This is Atwood's response to Orwell's 1984. Atwood's distopic society is a world where the rights of women have been decimated to the point where they no longer have control over their own bodies and are forced to bare children for the wealthy. This story does contain strong language, and sexual references - so please don't choose it if you are concerned about that. This novel is poetic and political so if that appeals to you then this might be your book.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   Love, hate, revenge and intrigue. This novel is set in the 1920s - the age of Jazz. And a pivotal era between two world wars. The narrator takes a summer house beside the wealthy, extravagant and mysterious Jay Gatsby. Soon the narrator finds himself caught up in a world where appearances can sometimes be deceiving.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
    The original monster story. Dr. Frankenstein sets out to create life - but in doing so he breaks the natural order of things, the consequences of which have lasting and damaging effects. There are elements of horror in this story - but not really graphic or bloody - it is poetic in nature, and will push you to understand life and humanity in ways not previously thought.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
   Set in the future, this distopic novel is about a society where people are classified and ranked at birth. Based upon your rank - you are designated certain jobs and certain partners in life. Freedom is limited, but there are those who don't believe and those who wish to seek a world where these kind of restrictions don't exist. A challenging read - but certainly shares some interesting intertextuality with The Matrix.

Once again, choose 3 titles and write your choices on a separate piece of paper. Also indicate the novels you have already read. No promises that you'll get your top pick but I'll do my best!

Block D: The good copy of your advice letter to John Purcell is due tomorrow - in pen or typed!