The Shadow of the Wind..Part II

The following 25 pages of Carlos R. Zafon's novel, The Shadow of the Wind, focus on Daniel's emotional and physical growth. After four or more years, Daniel continues to visit Clara whether to read to her or simply to chat. With time, Daniel gains the confidence of Barcelo, and the acceptance of Bernarda, the housekeeper. Yet, as with time, Daniel notices that Clara no longer enjoys his company like before, but instead acts cold towards him and tries to evade him. Sempere began to disapprove of Daniel' s visits to Clara, and proclaimed that Daniel should be spending more time with kids his age, and not older females, "women." Daniel does not to accept what his father said, despite Clara's noticeable approach to her music instructor Adrian Neri. Daniel's lust towards Clara becomes noticeable by both Bernarda and Barcelo.

Questions: Do you think that Clara's cold attitude towards Daniel and distance, will affect him?
Can it be condidered a lesson in life?

The Shadow of the Wind

The first 25 pages of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's novel, The Shadow of the Wind, takes place in the summer of 1945 in Barcelona. Daniel, the main character lives alone with his father Sempere, after the death of his mother due to a cholera. Daniel's life is surrounded by books; his father who is a librarian, takes hoim to a secret passage where all forgotten books are kept alive, the cementery of forgotten books. Intrigued by the little information there is about the author of thebook he choses to keep,"The Shadow of the Wind," Daniel seeks the help of Barcelo and his niece Clara. Daniel becomes awed by Clara's beauty despite her blindness. Clara's story-telling becomes the first step for Daniel to learn about Carax's mysterious life.

Questions: Do you think that Clara's insight will feed Daniel's curiosity, and how do you believe that there bond will play a greater role in this?

Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe

Things Fall Apart, is the story of Okonkwo, a young man who brings honor to his village. Unlike his father, Unoka, Okonkwo is strong, and ambitious, atleast that is what he portrays. Unoka does not have a postive among those in his village, causing Okonkwo to be ashamed of him and to strive to rise above his father's legacy. Okwonkwo grows believing that his father is weak, a sign of "feminity," and when he sees his father's characteristics in his son, Ikemefuna, Okonkwo decides to kill him afraid of appearing weak. Okonkwo's life is dominated by fear and resentment. The story of Okonkwo is interesting, as it illustrates how certain traditional values or certain beliefs shape one's life.

Question:What role does dignity and ambition have in modern society? How does the image that others have of us shape our actions?

How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

Julia Alvarez

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, narrates the story of four sisters-Carla,Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia- who are forced to flee to the United States from the Dominican Republic, which is experiencing political problems: dictatorship. Once in America, the entire family has to adapt to a new environment and life, but at first it is extremely difficult for the girls. All four girls experience descrimination at school, as well as undergo unpleasant and life threatning situations while adapting to this new place. Yet, after several years they are noticeably Americanized; however, the impact of the American culture causes a stir as they grow older and return to the Dominican Republic. Their family's traditional views on behavior, relationships, culture, language, etc. contrast with those the four sisters have adopted. Alvarez's novel brings to mind the struggle, uncertainties, the joy and exuberance of belonging to two different cultures, which most of us can relate to.

Question: What are some advantages and difficulties of being part of two different cultures, and how do such things affect how we act and are viewed by others?

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God, is a novel that captures pain, hapiness, love, and loss. Janie is an indpendent women, whose marriages have not kept her from doing what she wants. Janie marries a man who believes that a woman's role is to be at home, and care for her husband. At first it does not seem to bother Janie, but with time Janie feels like she's being detained from being herself, portraying something she's not to society. Further in the novel, Janie meets Tea Cake, whose totally the opposite from her previous husband, he's outgoing, loving, free-spirited, and young. Janie and Tea Cake struggle together, and unfortunately after a storm Tea Cake looses his life. When Janie returns home, she becomes the talk of the town, but she does not let that bring her down, and is determined to live her life. Hurston's realism and combination of real life issues captivated me; furthermore, the story in general represents the rights and determination a woman should have.

Question: Can age difference in any relationship(family, friends, love..etc.) impact one's actions or personality? How?

Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co.

Maria Amparo Escandon

Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co. is a book full of adventure and the pursuit of becoming independent. The narration takes place on the road, where father and daughter have lived all their life, across the nation's highways. As Libertad grows older, she seeks the independence that her father never let her have, as well as the right to be with the one she loves. Libertad is convicted of unintentional murder, and as she awaits for her freedom, she sits narrating her story to other prisoners. At the end her determnation pays off, as she is let free, with the opportunity and maturity to start off on a new road. Maria A. Escandon presents the strength of the individual spirit and determination on the quest for freedom and love, making the book enjoyable with a mixture of different feelings and situations.

Question:How can a person's actions and decisions affect their future and those around them?

The United States of Europe: Part II

The second piece of reading from T.R. Reids book, The United States of Europe, Reid illustrates the impact that the European Union is having on the United States. The United States has been recognized for its strong economic power thoughout the world, yet not evryone knows who is behind alot of this commercialism: Europe. American enterprises such as Jeep, DKNY, Snapple, Taster's Choice Coffee are all ran by Europeans, including the LA Dodgers! Aren't they suppose to be Californian, in other words American? Its impressive how Europe owns many of these so-called "American" brands, and contines to have great influence within this country.

Tone: Informative, Picturesque

Rhetorical Terms:

• Repitition: " The grand old palaces, the stunning new architecture in the big cities, the rolling rural downland, the lush green parks, the cheery village pubs, the charming street markets, the sweet voices of the boy choirs in the majestic cathedrals, the roomy black cabs, the red double-decker buses..."
• Peronification: "Once mighty Europe was a shattered and hungry continent where both the winners and losers of the war were dependent on huge sums of American aid."

Question: Why do you think that Europe has such interest in the United States? Could this relate to their interest in becoming a "world power?"