Move it football head!

I can't help but think of the children's television show, "Hey Arnold" as I read this book. The narrator Esperanza not only speaks about her life, but about the lives of many people around her. I find this interesting because a few chapters seem to have nothing to do with her, with the exception that these people live near her, in the same 'ghetto' she is in. (By the way, i was wondering just what the poverty was like in chicago so i found this documentary. PBS did it so i am assuming it is the real deal)

Sally- the promiscuous girl whose father abuses her

Minerva- the young mother whose boyfriend abuses her

Ruthie- the young woman that laughs to herself and can whistle really well

Mamacita- the large woman who doesn't speak english and who doesn't want her baby boy to

Darius- the kid who likes clouds and girls

...

As you can see there are a lot of characters in this book. but it is so short, i wasn't even expecting it.

i cannot decided whether or not i am a fan of this book yet. i finished it. i was happy...

like heres the thing

i felt that i didn't get enough from Esperanza. i wanted to here more. once in awhile she would mention something, that was well.... worth mentioning. the fact that she was sexually assaulted, or that she felt awkward going to another place, whereas people felt awkward and unsafe being where she lived.

she knew a lot about people. i feel like she was a people watcher.

Book wasn't bad. just not the best i have read in my life. or that was part of this round robin...

So wait, is there a Banana Street?

I feel like there should be. Hmm...it seems as if only 30 seconds went by and I am on the 12th page, 5th chapter. Man, this book is fast. I actually don't mind it. I find a few things intriguing.

1. Main girl has no friends. (That's sad, how old is this kid anyway?)

2. Main girl feels her little sister is her main responsibility. (Like I said, how old is this child? Where are her parents?)

3. Main girl's name is Esperanza (Bean Trees anyone.......anyone.........anyone.......Buller....)

4. Esperanza hates her name. (She seems to not appreciate her culture at all, I have a feeling in time that will change though)

5. Mexican woman are looked down at, weaker sex, like the Chinese. (Okay, that was just something I had no idea about.)

So far, the book isn't bad. I love this one quote, "Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor," (9).

This book isn't that bad(Psh, Deanna doesn't know what she be talkin' about). I kinda want to read more....but at the same time I really would rather look up The Office quotes. I hope you don't mind. Ta-Tah for now!

Esther Caulfield. Holden Greenwood.

Holden reminds me of:

Esther Greenwood from The Bell Jar

They use different names. Esther would always use the alias Elly Higgenbottom. Holden uses different names, Jim Steele, Rudolf Schmit. Esther was a bit mental too, well very mental.... mental hospital mental. Holden is too. Hmm...maybe they would get along.

For some reason, I really want these two characters to meet up. I feel that it would only be appropriate. That would make sense then, if they were in a story together, to make someone want to kill John Lennon. How majorly depressing would that be?

But I like both of them so much. Esther has an obesseion with being pure and Holden has one with feeling sorry for people. He feels sorry for basically everyone he meets.

-Ackely

-Strandlater

-Jane

-Hooker

-3 Ladies from the Lavender Room

-Lillian

Shall I go on????

Oh and both The Bell Jar and The Catcher in the Rye were loosely based on the author's lives.

How cool is that?!?!?!

These two authors really are amazing. I want to say that they FOIL each other but at the same time they pretty much go through the same thing.

Well, Salinger didn't kill himself by sticking his head in an oven, he died just this year.

Holden= New BFF

He is. I absolutely love this character and wishes that he was real. Should I first start off with saying that I enjoy pretty much everything that JD Salinger writes (i.e. Franny and Zooey, and his short stories collection). So anyway back to Mister Caulfield.

Reasons why I love Holden:

1. The way he narrates. Narration, to me, can make or break a story and boy does he do it excellently. I love that he starts off the book. Granted this is my second time reading it, I am still captured by it.

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all the David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth," (1).

This one opening has me asking so many questions and jezz it is one sentence! What was wrong with his childhood? Where was he born? When was he born? How old is he? What did his parents do? Does he have siblings? What is going on? Where is he currently? and why doesn't he want to talk about any of it?

That is good writing, bringing the reader into a world that they normally wouldn't be in.

2. His persona. The way he is explaining things to you, you not as the reader but as someone he is talking to across the table one afternoon while drinking a Coke. When he describes his younger sister Phoebe he constantly says that YOU would like her. This makes him seem more personal, even though he isn't real. He also has a lot on his mind at once. I cannot help by think of my father when I think of that because he is the exact same way. Holden could be standing and have 15 or more trains of thoughts. I think his mind is always wondering, as if it never actually goes blank. He is constantly looking around, remembering things. Judging others and himself. Like at the park when he put some of his weight on the seesaw so he evened it out of the skinny kid. He immediately felt unwanted and left.

That's like my father, you ask him a question and 10 minutes later you get an answer, his excuse, "I was thinking about something else."

3. Lastly, so far. His confusion with everything. He doesn't seem to know exactly what he wants and he most certainly just confuses other people all the time. One instance that sticks out to me was when he was at Pencey Prep in his room with Stradlater, who was getting ready for his date with Jane, Holden got a wind of energy. He usually seems very solemn and quiet. All of a sudden he describes this as, "All of a sudden- for no good reason, really, except that I was sort of in the mood for horsing around- I felt like jumping off the washbowl and getting old Stradlater in a half nelson," (29). I think because his mind is so confusing, unstable that that is the reason it is easy for him to lie. He prides himself on being an excellent liar. Maybe it is because he is just thinking about so many things at once it is simple for him to jump around. I can almost imagine a little man jumping around inside his head with sheets of paper that say what he is going to speak (out loud) next. Though, this man is a manic, a little mini Holden.

Oh and so far, no I have not wanted to kill John Lennon... so far.

Hey there Buddy!

How are you? Fine, you say, well isn't that swell.

I am not sure why I did that but I feel like that could happen in Buddy Willard's life. Why is it that I am more interested in him than any other character, including Esther? I know why, because he is odd. More, his relationship with Esther is. First, she says she loved him, that was when he wanted nothing to do with her. Then, they liked each other at the same time, that was cool. Well, then he loved her and she thinks he is a hypocrite. However, I am not exactly sure he is. I think she is just being a bit mental about the situation.

Okay, I have seen a pattern with Esther and her need for purity. This goes from just wanting to be in a steaming hot bath, to wanting the person you sort of love to have never been seduced ever. I understand that she was hurt when she found out Buddy wasn't pure, but that doesn't make him a hypocrite. He never went around flaunting that he is pure. Esther lived in this small delusion and she wanted her delusions to line up with reality.

Esther says the weirdest things when she talks about Buddy. i.e. 'If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed" (59). It seems that she loves him, she should, just because he is a little strange and constantly feels the need to occupy his time doesn't make him some kind of leper. I mean for God's sake he wanted to marry her. That was even after she explained that she was neurotic and that she wants too many different things. All he could say to her was that he wanted to be a part of that.

Her and Buddy definitely have some type of bond that she will never get from the Russian guy or the South American guy. I mean how many people do you know are willing to go to a hospital and watch a baby being born? Or for that matter, see dead babies in jars. (That was so gross).

This reminds me of the movie Running On Empty where River Phoenix's character tells his girlfriend Martha Plimpton's character that he isn't really who he says he is and that he is running from the FBI with his family. She accepts him and it is all good.

I guess in some way I wish that was how the conversation in the book went because Esther asked Buddy and she didn't get the response she wanted, about his purity. She felt the need to know, where as River Phoenix felt the need to tell. Hmm... now that I think of it, I guess the end result is pretty much the same because Esther still tolerates (well in her mind) Buddy. I believe she still loves him. Even if he isn't pure.

Zee Bell Jar

I like the beginning about the electrocution. I kind of makes me wonder if the entire family is getting killed. Whenever I hear about the Electric Chair I think of the movie Monster's Ball because there is a prisoner that gets executed that way, I think the movie was set in Texas. It was good, Halle Berry won an Oscar for it. She wasn't the one getting killed, that was P. Diddy...or wait maybe just Diddy...Puff Daddy?

Anyway, back to the actual book. This book also reminds me of Girl, Interrupted. I never read the book but the movie was awesome. McLean Hospital. I have researched it in my years of being alive, out of plain curiosity. That is where Susanna Kaysen was treated, as well as Ray Charles, James Taylor, and yes, Sylvia Plath.

Now back to the story?

Yes, let us begin shall we.

I am not trying to procrastinate this, it is just that this book reminds me of many things, that actually getting through it takes a while, but not because it is not good. It is really interesting, a good book gets you to think.

This Doreen character somewhat annoys me. I am not sure exactly what it is, but it is just something. I like Esther a lot. She is good at narrating. Though, I have noticed quite a few things bother her. She doesn't like the snotty girls she is staying with, but she said that was partially out of jealousy. She doesn't like short men, because she feels awkward considering she is very tall and lanky. She also doesn't like the smoke in her room, from Doreen's cigarettes.

I have not read much. However, the part I have seem good. I am interested to know how her life is going to pan out because she mentioned that she is given a lot of free stuff, and that now she gave something, a decoration from an item, to her baby. I wonder how far into this future this will be for her.

This is also supposed to be a semi-autobiography of Sylvia Plath, so I am sort of scared for how it will end...

Well, anyway, I guess I will find out this weekend.

High Hopes

I really did have high hopes for this book. As my first blog stated, I hate this book. Now, this is my second blog meaning, I have read more this time! Okay, so it got better. Missy aka Taylor is an alright narrator. She seems to have a lot of spunk about her, which is almost always amusing to read. She comes up with weird one-liners. Such as when a man asked if she was from Kentucky after reading her license plate.

I feel as if I should get to the issue of Turtle. No, not the guy from Entourage. I am talking about the little Native American (yes, I am going to be politically correct) baby that is just given to Taylor. That seems odd, I am not sure how often that happens. So I Googled it. I was not exactly sure what to Google, because I am not sure on how to word it... Woman gives other woman baby, is this frequently happening in America? That search did me no good. But, this one did. I wondered how single parents, like Taylor would take care of a baby. Also, another single mother. Lou Ann! How do you not love her? She is adorable!!!! She definitely has birdie- with- a- broken- wing syndrome. Plus, I am falling right into the trap. She is incredibly insecure and wants a family, not the one she was given, Ivy and Grandmother. Ugh, they are annoying. Oh and Angel, his name is ironic to the story. I hate him. He is gross and I am glad he is gone.

I do have one question. Whenever the book speaks about Lou Ann (well at least in the beginning) it was third person narration. Then all of a sudden they used 'my'. I am not gunna lie that threw me wayy off.

The down point. Around page 105 the book got dull again. I am not exactly sure why but it did. I still have to finish this book, but as for now I am going to hang out with another baby (baby cousin).

Bean Trees, The

Don't:

Judge a book by it's cover.

(Well, I did because I thought this book was set in Mexico, it's not. It's in Kentucky, but please how off was I really???)

Do:

Have a plot

(This book does not)

Hate...

That seems a bit harsh, but I cannot get myself through the FIRST chapter. That is just sad. I do like some elements of this book. For instance:

Newt Hardbine- I can really picture this guy in my head. I feel as if I know this person. Son of many kids, has no future whatsoever, has been held back. I pity him more than Missy does, but at the same time I want more bad events to happen to him because he is just so interesting.

Oh but wait, Barbara Kingsolver, author, KILLED HIM!

Therefore, I no longer feel the need to read the rest of this book.

I don't really know what is going on so far, plot wise. Newt died. His wife was shot. They have a baby. Hmm...but how is Missy our narrator involved in this.

I gotta say I am not a big fan of Missy and that isn't good because I assume she is going to be around the rest of the book. Unless, it changes narrators which with my luck will not happen.

I feel like this book is going back from past to future. Unfortunately, I really cannot tell. UGH! This book is too frustrating!!!!!!!!!!

Will I really be reading all of this next Monday? Cram session. Please, get interesting book. Thank you.

Catering to the Criminal?

I think so. I finished Montana 1948. It was pretty good. The only part I couldn't fully wrap my head around was the imprisoning in the basement. Yes, I understand that Wes did not want to go through the humiliation of bringing his own beloved brother to the slammer, but come on! In his basement!!!! That is just plain weird. He even goes to say how Frank has food and a bed down there, as well as a shower, so there's no need to worry about his comfort. As the reader I am not really worried about Frank, I am more concerned over the fact that there is a criminal in the house. Poor David! This is just depressing for him, it must be. Plus, Wes was thinking about lying to Gloria about her husband's antics that got him locked in his brother's basement. I am glad Wes listened to Gail and didn't lie, but the fact that he thought of it. He wouldn't be protecting Gloria, just hurting her more, because she would have found out eventually. She does have a right to know her husband is not only a molester but a murderer.

Oh, and I have a small (and when I say small I am being sarcastic) bone to pick with Julian. UGH! Where to begin!!!!!!!???!?!?!?!?! Okay, well first off, when you are told that you wonderful son is beating up Indians you are mad at your other son for arresting him!? Why? Assaulting someone is still a crime! Anyway, then you get the correct story, how your son Frank has really been molesting his patients. NOT just ONE, MANY! and you still are mad at the good son, Wes, who locked him up! I just do not understand. That doesn't make sense. You son messed up and you accuse the other one of just being jealous of him. Yes, because I too would be jealous of a rapist! [sarcasm] (UGH! What is wrong with you, Julian???)

Anywoo, I am happy-ish for the ending. Granted Frank's death was a tad bit sad because the family lied to cover it up. I still feel it was proper for the plot, because really how would have wanted to go through all over the drama of the trial and junk like that. Thumbs up for Watson!

Montana 1948

Welcome to a segment I like to call Really?!?! with Rebecca

Okay, so point number uno, the title of this book. I mean REALLY?!?! This is so misleading it is ridiculous. I assume it was going to be boring, all I could think about were cows and fields of wheat. Larry Watson, you really should think of a better title. I mean really?!?!?

Number two, Uncle Frank, huh? My father's name is Frank. So is my brother's and I happen to think that is a nice name. Sadly, I no longer feel that way. So thank you Sir Watson for ruining that for me. Anyway, Frank is an unctuous doctor. Yo, Larry are you really going to have a doctor molest all of the little Indian girls? I mean really?!?! That is just disgusting.

Number three, the kicker for this post. The wife, the narrator's mother tells her husband about how his brother is a rapist. And his reaction. NOTHING! REALLY?!?!?! If I found out my brother or father or heck even mother was raping innocent, or guilty for that matter, people I would report it. Really? Though, the father is a sheriff and he isn't going to do anything, I mean really? Are you trying to protect your family, because it seems like you are just making a fool of yourself by protecting your sick excuse of a brother! I mean REALLY!?!?!

This has been REALLY?!?! with Rebecca.