"We still would have come for you. If the pendant had been damaged, it would have sent a signal automatically."
The words sunk in slowly: If the pendant had been damaged . . . Tally gripped the edge of the table, trying not to show any emotion.
_________________________
I can't even imagine myself in a moment like this. The excerpt is small but it holds strong emotions. (Before I talk about these lines though, I think it would be a good idea to review what happened before this: Tally is on the fence about her feelings about the Smokies. She wants very badly to become pretty, but she's beginning to get accustomed to life in the Smoke. Then when Shay gets upset about the attention David is giving Tally, Tally goes to make things ok with him. This however turns out with a completely different outcome than intended because Tally finds she loves him. He takes her to meet his parents where she learns about what the operation does to your brain, and decides to give up turning in the Smokies, and on her way home she throws the tracking necklace in the fire. The Specials arrive the next morning.) Dr. Cable has won it seems, by hiding software in the tracker so it would alert them if it were damaged, because she knew activating the necklace manually may never happen. And, because of this, Tally has turned the Smoke over trying to do the exact opposite. You can tell from " Tally gripped the edge of the table" how guilty she feels and how its crushing her, the fact that she ruined all these peoples lives. Yet, Tally must look as if she's emotionless. As if these words mean nothing to her. As if she hadn't caused the very thing she was trying to prevent.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Rachel P's Blog Post #4 Page 254
"Tally remembered crossing the river to New Pretty Town, watching them have their endless fun. She and Peris used to boast they'd never wind up so idiotic, so shallow. But when she'd seen him....... "Becoming pretty doesn't change the way you look," she said.
"No," David said. It changes the way you think."
This passage (actually this whole chapter really) is a really big turning point in the story. This part helps Tally figure out why Peris was acting shallow and weird. Now, Tally learns something very crucial. It turns out that the operation gives people lesions on their brain and even though they are "harmless" this causes them to think differently than an ugly would. This is really when the truth comes out.
"No," David said. It changes the way you think."
This passage (actually this whole chapter really) is a really big turning point in the story. This part helps Tally figure out why Peris was acting shallow and weird. Now, Tally learns something very crucial. It turns out that the operation gives people lesions on their brain and even though they are "harmless" this causes them to think differently than an ugly would. This is really when the truth comes out.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Jessi's Blog Post #3 Page 140
"Thanks for the great clue, Shay," Tally said aloud. Talking to herself didn't seem like such a bad idea there in the outer ruins, where the relics of the Rusties struggled against the grip of creeping plants. Anything was better than ghostly silence. She passed concrete plains, vast expanses cracked by thrusting grasses. The windows of fallen walls stared up at her, sprouting weeds as if the earth had grown eyes.
It seems to be a rare occurrence to see much figurative language in this novel. However, I really like this example. The author really gives the reader the feeling of how abandoned Tally is through the use of personification (creeping plants, fallen walls stared). There is also use of a metaphor in the last sentence, "sprouting weeds as if the earth had grown eyes". Earlier in the book you could tell how Tally felt about the ruins, but this really gives the reader the chance to be in the ruins themselves. I think that's very important in this book since they are in the future, and in a sense we are living the ruins today, so its harder for us to imagine our way of life gone. The ruins seem to scare Tally, and we can see why because the figurative language in this selection portrays an eerie silence. I think this feeling fits the story because Tally is being watched, but by the city. They found out about Shay by keeping an eye on Tally's friendship, so this figurative language fits because Tally knows she is being watched.
It seems to be a rare occurrence to see much figurative language in this novel. However, I really like this example. The author really gives the reader the feeling of how abandoned Tally is through the use of personification (creeping plants, fallen walls stared). There is also use of a metaphor in the last sentence, "sprouting weeds as if the earth had grown eyes". Earlier in the book you could tell how Tally felt about the ruins, but this really gives the reader the chance to be in the ruins themselves. I think that's very important in this book since they are in the future, and in a sense we are living the ruins today, so its harder for us to imagine our way of life gone. The ruins seem to scare Tally, and we can see why because the figurative language in this selection portrays an eerie silence. I think this feeling fits the story because Tally is being watched, but by the city. They found out about Shay by keeping an eye on Tally's friendship, so this figurative language fits because Tally knows she is being watched.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Madison R- Blog Post #2 Pg 15
"She threw herself backward against the elevator's side wall, standing on tiptoe and trying to flatten herself so they couldn't see her. More came up, huffing and puffing like typical out-of-shape pretties. Tally could watch them in the mirror at the back of the elevator." The author uses very descriptive language and show writing to show exactly what's happening.
Rachel P.'s Blog Post #3 Page 150
" She was flying, skimming the ground with no track under her, not even a hoverboard, keeping herself aloft by sheer willpower and the wind in her outspread jacket. She skirted the edge of a massive cliff that overlooked a huge, black ocean. A flock of seabirds pursued her, their wild screams beating at her ears like Dr. Cable's razor edged voice."
The author actually doesn't use alot of figurative language in his writing. However this example is very effective because in the story, Doctor Cable is a very cruel looking person so when they described her voice it was described as sharp. This is a good simile comparing the seabirds and Dr. Cable's creepy voice. This really helps describe both things that are being compared. This actually can make the reader feel uncomfortable or creeped out by Doctor Cable. I feel like the way this simile was put in and the 2 things that were being compared fit perfectly in the story because through out there is an idea of these mean looking people and how they seem pretty but mean in EVERY aspect.
The author actually doesn't use alot of figurative language in his writing. However this example is very effective because in the story, Doctor Cable is a very cruel looking person so when they described her voice it was described as sharp. This is a good simile comparing the seabirds and Dr. Cable's creepy voice. This really helps describe both things that are being compared. This actually can make the reader feel uncomfortable or creeped out by Doctor Cable. I feel like the way this simile was put in and the 2 things that were being compared fit perfectly in the story because through out there is an idea of these mean looking people and how they seem pretty but mean in EVERY aspect.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Blog Post #4 (THIRD QUARTER OF NOVEL)
1. Always title your blog post with the PAGE # (this will help others avoid reading spoilers).2. You will have 4 blogs- each blog will be about a quarter of the book- this second blog should be from the THIRD QUARTER of the book.3. Blogs will have 2 parts- Part 1: passage from the book Part 2: analysis of the passage.4. Don't forget to comment/interact with your peer's posts!5. You CANNOT choose the same passage as someone else- the first one to post claims it!
For your third blog, I'm giving you FREE REIGN. You may post about ANYTHING. Just make sure you pull a passage and then comment/analyze/question that passage. Happy Spring Break!
-- Ms. Melin
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Rachel P's Blog Post #2 Page 59
"The two friends slid between the ruined buildings, riding high and silent as if not to disturb the ghosts of the dead city. Below them the streets were full of burned-out cars squeezed together between looming walls. Whatever had destroyed this city, the people had tried to escape it. Tally remembered from her last school trip to the ruins that their cars couldn't hover. They just rolled along on rubber wheels. The Rusties had been stuck down in these streets like a horde of rats trapped in a burning maze."
The author's style of writing is best described as beautifully descriptive with a touch of futuristic language. The author uses great vocabulary and figurative language. The author uses similes, such as "The Rusties had been stuck down in these streets like a horde of rats trapped in a burning maze." The author also blends together Tally's futuristic world in which she uses hover boards and interface rings, with language that describes details perfectly. I chose this paragraph because there is descriptive language and words that describe Tally's world in the future. This is what I believe best describes the author's style.
The author's style of writing is best described as beautifully descriptive with a touch of futuristic language. The author uses great vocabulary and figurative language. The author uses similes, such as "The Rusties had been stuck down in these streets like a horde of rats trapped in a burning maze." The author also blends together Tally's futuristic world in which she uses hover boards and interface rings, with language that describes details perfectly. I chose this paragraph because there is descriptive language and words that describe Tally's world in the future. This is what I believe best describes the author's style.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Rachel Z's blog post #2 pg. 20 & 21
Once she had the jacket around her shoulders, the strap and zippers seemed to wind around her like snakes until the plastic was snug around her waist and thighs.
This and a couple other parts in the book show how the author was setting this whole story in the future where everything is automatic, and works through the use of what they call an interface ring.
This and a couple other parts in the book show how the author was setting this whole story in the future where everything is automatic, and works through the use of what they call an interface ring.
Jessi's Blog Post #2 pg.1
"The early summer sky was the color of cat vomit.
Of course, Tally thought, you'd have to feed your cat only salmon-flavored cat food for a while, to get the pinks right. The scudding clouds did look a bit fishy, rippled into scales by a high-attitude wind. As the light faded, deep blue gaps of night peered through like an upside-down ocean, bottomless and cold."
Even though I could have chosen anything from these first 100 pages, this excerpt is from the first page. It just really left an impression on me, being the first thing I read. I love how you can see into the character through this, just from the description of the night sky. And, the author continues these throughout the story. Depending on the word choice or focus of the description, you can tell how Tally is feeling or what she thinks of the situation. Like in this case, the summer sky is being compared to cat vomit, something usually considered beautiful and something disgusting. And then there's the ocean being called bottomless and cold, too. So, just from the first paragraph of the book, you know how Tally's mood is, and somethings wrong.I'd say the author's descriptive style is and insight to Tally.
Of course, Tally thought, you'd have to feed your cat only salmon-flavored cat food for a while, to get the pinks right. The scudding clouds did look a bit fishy, rippled into scales by a high-attitude wind. As the light faded, deep blue gaps of night peered through like an upside-down ocean, bottomless and cold."
Even though I could have chosen anything from these first 100 pages, this excerpt is from the first page. It just really left an impression on me, being the first thing I read. I love how you can see into the character through this, just from the description of the night sky. And, the author continues these throughout the story. Depending on the word choice or focus of the description, you can tell how Tally is feeling or what she thinks of the situation. Like in this case, the summer sky is being compared to cat vomit, something usually considered beautiful and something disgusting. And then there's the ocean being called bottomless and cold, too. So, just from the first paragraph of the book, you know how Tally's mood is, and somethings wrong.I'd say the author's descriptive style is and insight to Tally.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Blog Post #2 (First Quarter of Novel)
Blog Quick Facts:
1. Always title your blog post with the PAGE # (this will help others avoid reading spoilers).2. You will have 4 blogs- each blog will be about a quarter of the book- this first blog should be from the FIRST QUARTER.3. Blogs will have 2 parts- Part 1: passage from the book Part 2: analysis of the passage.4. Don't forget to comment/interact with your peer's posts!5. You CANNOT choose the same passage as someone else- the first one to post claims it!
For your first blog, find a passage that capture the author's STYLE of writing. If your author is descriptive with beautiful language, find a passage from the first quarter that shows that! For your analysis, explain the author's style using examples from the passage. (The passage and analysis should each be at least 1 paragraph- your whole blog post should be at least 2 paragraphs).
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Grace's Intro
Hey! My name's Grace, I'm in Ms. Melin's 5 period. I play volleyball. My favorite color is blue. I like reading, not writing... My favorite book probably has to be, I am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore. It's exciting and really well written. I'm really looking forward to read this book though.
I read "selectively fast", meaning if I like the book I read fast. So I guess I am flexible with timelines. But I definetly think we all need to stay at the same rate.
Sorry this is late, I missed school Monday and Tuesday because of strep throat.
I read "selectively fast", meaning if I like the book I read fast. So I guess I am flexible with timelines. But I definetly think we all need to stay at the same rate.
Sorry this is late, I missed school Monday and Tuesday because of strep throat.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tyler's Introduction
Hey! My name is Tyler, I am in Mrs. Melin's seventh period class. I am so excited to be reading the Uglies with you. Firstly, if you are wondering, I am a girl. My favorite thing to do is dance, I'm in dance and ballet three here at millennium. My all time dream is to go to the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York, or to New York University.
My favorite color is Pink and purple I will always wear one of those colors everyday. My favorite stores are Hollister, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. My fave artist is Justin Beiber and R5
My favorite subject is Language Arts I most definitely have a knack for writing, I'm really good at it I guess. poetry is my favorite genre. Nice to meet you!
Madison's Intro
Hola, I'm Madison. I'm in Mrs. Melin's 7th period. I like cats and enjoy eating tacos and burritos. I also like Kesha and Justin Timberlake. I am exited to read this book, so far it is very good. One of my favorite books was the Seer of Shadows, or the Giver, they were both sort of mysterious and very good.
This book has around 406 pages, I think we should read around 15 pages every night, to finish the book and everyone have the same pace.
This book has around 406 pages, I think we should read around 15 pages every night, to finish the book and everyone have the same pace.
Jessi's Indtroduction
Hi, I'm Jessi. I'm in Mrs. Melin's fourth period. I love artsy things....mostly drawing! And I have to say, my favorite color is defiantly purple. Moving forward, I have read a lot of books, so its hard for me to pick a single favorite. However, I'd have to say I'm leaning toward the Percy Jackson series. I read that a while ago and I loved it. It really is a book that sucks you in.
The time line. I don't have my books with me today either, but I recall it had over 400 pages. I'd say I'm a fast reader so 100+ pages a week seems to fit my abilities and the time line. We have a big book and four weeks so we will have to up our weekly total a little. Hopefully this will work out!
The time line. I don't have my books with me today either, but I recall it had over 400 pages. I'd say I'm a fast reader so 100+ pages a week seems to fit my abilities and the time line. We have a big book and four weeks so we will have to up our weekly total a little. Hopefully this will work out!
Rachel P.'s Introduction
Hi my name is Rachel! I am in Mrs.Melin's 4th period. I love acting and singing! My favorite color is yellow and in the future I would probably like to be a journalist or writer for a magazine. My all time favorite book is Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech. This book is full of adventure and excellent sensory details. Also, the characters are very strong and pretty relatable. This is a book I could definitely read again and again!
I read at a somewhat quick rate ,which means that I could read 20-25 pages in 20 minutes. That's about 100 pages per week which may be a little much but I could slow it down to 15-20 pages in 20 minutes. The book has 406 pages so I think that we can finish it in about 5-6 weeks!
I read at a somewhat quick rate ,which means that I could read 20-25 pages in 20 minutes. That's about 100 pages per week which may be a little much but I could slow it down to 15-20 pages in 20 minutes. The book has 406 pages so I think that we can finish it in about 5-6 weeks!
Rachel's introduction
Hi my name is Rachel. I have Mrs. Elmer 2nd period. I love animals & I have 5 pets. I love yuka because it tastes like a healthy french fry.
I read REALLY SLOW, so I could probably read around 10-15 pages in 20 mins. So in about a week i could get around 50 pages read. I forgot my book in class so I don't know how many pages there is in this book. It would be nice if you guys could tell me when you'll probably be online.
I read REALLY SLOW, so I could probably read around 10-15 pages in 20 mins. So in about a week i could get around 50 pages read. I forgot my book in class so I don't know how many pages there is in this book. It would be nice if you guys could tell me when you'll probably be online.
First Blog Post (Introductions)
Today you will begin your digital discussions with your peers. Blogging is EASY. It really is just like posting and commenting on any other social media website. The first thing I must do is go over again my expectations on any digital forum. First, I can see EVERYTHING you post. Please be responsible and respectful with your posts. You should not have ANY text slang. This is not a place for LOL or OMG but rather for meaningful discussion on your novel.
That being said, I would like your first post to be more of an introduction. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself, tell your group members something you don't think they'd know about you. Finally, explain your all time FAVORITE book and why you enjoyed it so much.
In your second paragraph, pitch out a suggested timeline. Remember our goal is to finish these books 4 weeks from yesterday. As a group, figure out how much reading is reasonable. If your group decides they need more time, I'll take that into consideration. If your group finishes early, you can always choose another book as a group (I have some great book sets left to pick from). If someone in your group has already pitched a timeline that you think will work you can just agree with them!
Finally (this may end up as homework for some of you) engage with your group mates. I'm not requiring 1 or 2 or 3 comments but respond to their posts. Maybe they have a similar interest or like a book that you liked. To make these book blogs work, you must not only post, but discuss! This will get easier once you get into the novels themselves!
Happy Blogging!
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