My English class had to read Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The Book is basically about how a group of men decide to kill Caesar and try to justify their actions.
Even though the book is titled Julius Caesar, the story focuses more on Brutus. Brutus and a few other men are angered by Caesar. So they decide to kill him. After they kill Caesar, the men must now find a way to show the people that killing Caesar was imperative to Rome's well-being.
The style of the book is in classic Shakespearean writing. He uses Iambic Pentameter. He also uses Old English. Which, I guess, was just plain English back when the play was written.
The story is set during the ancient Roman Empire, around 44 B.C.. We get a glimpse of the society in the book too. The book shows how women were looked upon in those days. The book also talks about traditional events like, The Feast at Lupercal.
I would not recommend this book to people who enjoy light-hearted books. I also wouldn't recommend this book to people who don't like challenges when they read. Trust me this, book is a challenge. I had to look up meanings to a lot of words. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy really deep and challenging books.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Book Review: She Said Yes
Stories, like this one, reaffirm my faith in God. This book is one of the two books that have actually made me cry. Misty Bernall's She Said Yes inspired me with its story of a present day martyr.
The book is about Cassie Bernall's life before the tragic shooting at Columbine High School. The author Misty Bernall is Cassie's mother. In the book she talks about Cassie's past. I was shocked to read about the letter Cassie and her friends wrote about killing people. I was also shocked to read that she was so unruly, and that she hung out with a terrible group of kids. The best part was reading about how Cassie had gotten saved and started going to her church willingly.
I like how the book is set up. Most of it is written by Misty Bernall, but some parts were written my Cassie's Dad. Other parts were letters from friends that talked about the memories the shared with Cassie before she died. Even though sometimes I would get confused on who was telling the story, I like how it had different points of view on Cassie.
I would recommend this book for everyone. Anyone male or female would appreciate this book. The book really makes the reader think about what they would say if they were in Cassie's situation. She showed so much courage. I still don't what I would say, yes or no.
The book is about Cassie Bernall's life before the tragic shooting at Columbine High School. The author Misty Bernall is Cassie's mother. In the book she talks about Cassie's past. I was shocked to read about the letter Cassie and her friends wrote about killing people. I was also shocked to read that she was so unruly, and that she hung out with a terrible group of kids. The best part was reading about how Cassie had gotten saved and started going to her church willingly.
I like how the book is set up. Most of it is written by Misty Bernall, but some parts were written my Cassie's Dad. Other parts were letters from friends that talked about the memories the shared with Cassie before she died. Even though sometimes I would get confused on who was telling the story, I like how it had different points of view on Cassie.
I would recommend this book for everyone. Anyone male or female would appreciate this book. The book really makes the reader think about what they would say if they were in Cassie's situation. She showed so much courage. I still don't what I would say, yes or no.
Book Review, Ana's Story: A Journey Of Hope
Jenna Bush's book, Ana's Story: A Journey Of Hope tugged on my heart with its message of hope.
The book is based on on work Jenna Bush did with UNICEF, but names and places have been changed to protect their identities. Part of the book is in the author's point of view and the other part is in Ana's point of view.
Ana was born with HIV, she transmitted it from her young mother, who died from AIDS when Ana was three years old. Her father has AIDS, but he died later, when Ana was in sixth grade. Ana had a sister who had AIDS and died when she was a month old. Ana also had another sister, Isabel, who luckily wasn't infected with the disease. The only family who could afford to take care of Ana and Isabel was their abuela. Life with their abuela is terrible, the girls encounter abuse. So they get moved around from home to home. Sadly the sisters get separated for a few years. Meanwhile Ana falls in love, and becomes pregnant. The book goes into great detail about her struggles.
Most of the story takes place in a poor area of the city, often referred to as the barrio. Bush really gives a good depiction of how the neighborhoods look, when she talks about the tin houses and dirt roads. Also when she talks about how dogs, chickens and horses roamed freely on the streets.
This story really hit home with me. Even though no one in my family has HIV/AIDS, I'm from Africa and that is a huge problem there. So this story just made want to help make educate people about the virus.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I feel like females would enjoy it more. I believe that there millions of Ana's in the world. So this book really gave them a voice, and let their story be heard.
The book is based on on work Jenna Bush did with UNICEF, but names and places have been changed to protect their identities. Part of the book is in the author's point of view and the other part is in Ana's point of view.
Ana was born with HIV, she transmitted it from her young mother, who died from AIDS when Ana was three years old. Her father has AIDS, but he died later, when Ana was in sixth grade. Ana had a sister who had AIDS and died when she was a month old. Ana also had another sister, Isabel, who luckily wasn't infected with the disease. The only family who could afford to take care of Ana and Isabel was their abuela. Life with their abuela is terrible, the girls encounter abuse. So they get moved around from home to home. Sadly the sisters get separated for a few years. Meanwhile Ana falls in love, and becomes pregnant. The book goes into great detail about her struggles.
Most of the story takes place in a poor area of the city, often referred to as the barrio. Bush really gives a good depiction of how the neighborhoods look, when she talks about the tin houses and dirt roads. Also when she talks about how dogs, chickens and horses roamed freely on the streets.
This story really hit home with me. Even though no one in my family has HIV/AIDS, I'm from Africa and that is a huge problem there. So this story just made want to help make educate people about the virus.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I feel like females would enjoy it more. I believe that there millions of Ana's in the world. So this book really gave them a voice, and let their story be heard.
How To Be Wendy Miya
Our English Class had to read a book , The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The book is like a guide to become a more effective teen. I decided that I would give a few tips on how to be me, Wendy.
1) The first step is you must become a swaggasorus rex. That means you have to be confident. You have to be sophisticated. You have to be cool under pressure. This should be displayed in the way you walk, talk, and dress. Thus earning you respect. Also when you wake up in the morning make sure you turn your swag on.
2)The second step is to always have a song stuck in you head. This will make your day brighter, and easier to get through. This will also help you with your swagger, because then you can walk to the beat of the song.
3)The third step is to never let people get you down. Yes, there are times that I get my feelings hurt, but I have to keep moving and not let it affect my self-esteem. So as your guide through this extremely short journey, I say "STAY POSITIVE."
4) Do not care what people think of you. If you feel like singing Hairspray songs in the hallway, go for it. Don't not do something, because you're scared of what your peers are going to say. It's important to be aware of how people perceive you though. There's a difference between walking to the beat of your own drum, and being over the top with your actions. Maybe pretending to be High School Musical was a bad example.
5)Make sure you can laugh at yourself. I have had some very embarrassing moments in my life. I have learned that the best way to get through them, is to laugh at yourself, or you will cry your eyes out. That will deduct major swag points.
If you apply these steps to your life you will be closer to being like me, but nothing is as good as the original.
On a serious note, if you really do apply some of these steps, you might have a little more self- confidence. Even if at first you fake the confidence, sooner of later the confidence will be real. Then you will enjoy life, like me, Wendy
What Makes A Leader A True Leader
When I think of the word, leader, so many things come to mind. For example, people like Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Jesus, and Nelson Mandela. People like Adolf Hitler, Kim Jong Il, and Fidel Castro come to mind as well. There are many types of leaders and leadership styles in the world. There are monarchies, dictatorships, republics, theocracies, and autocracies. Preachers, teachers, and even parents are leaders, even though how they lead is less publicized. I think that there are only two types of leaders in the world, leaders who make a difference for the better and leaders who do not. I want to focus on the true leaders, the ones who make the world a better place.
Honesty, confidence, responsibility, enthusiasm, reliability, patience, decisiveness, determination, loyalty, and courage are all vital qualities a leader must have.
Honesty- If a leader is not honest, then people won't trust the leader.
Confidence- A leader must have confidence in everything they do. It kind of goes back to the trust, if a leader doesn't trust them self, then why should people trust them?
Responsibility- A leader should be accountable, not only to the people, but to them self as well. So they should hold them self responsible for their actions, and not blame other people for their mistakes.
Enthusiasm- A leader should be excited about whatever they are doing. If the leader is excited, then the followers will get excited. Enthusiasm is contagious
Reliability- A leader should always be there when someone needs them. Also if a leader says they are going to do something, then they should do whatever they said they were going to do. It all about TRUST.
Patience- Honestly, who wants a leader that blows up at people all the time? Who wants a leader that never takes time to things carefully, because they don't want to take things slow? That's right, no one does. So a good leader must have patience.
Decisiveness- A leader should always make a decision and stick too it. No one wants to follow someone who is always changing their mind. People want stability.
Determination- A leader should always finish what they start. A leader must NEVER give up, no matter what the obstacles are.
Loyalty- I feel like this one is a big one. It goes back to the trust thing too. People want a leader they feel will stick the tough times out with them. People don't want a leader who will leave them, when the road gets a little bumpy.
Courage- A true leader must have courage. A leader must be strong enough, to stick with their followers. They must be strong enough to make decisions, and admit their mistakes. They must be strong enough to keep going, when the future looks bleak.
Honesty, confidence, responsibility, enthusiasm, reliability, patience, decisiveness, determination, loyalty, and courage are all vital qualities a leader must have.
Honesty- If a leader is not honest, then people won't trust the leader.
Confidence- A leader must have confidence in everything they do. It kind of goes back to the trust, if a leader doesn't trust them self, then why should people trust them?
Responsibility- A leader should be accountable, not only to the people, but to them self as well. So they should hold them self responsible for their actions, and not blame other people for their mistakes.
Enthusiasm- A leader should be excited about whatever they are doing. If the leader is excited, then the followers will get excited. Enthusiasm is contagious
Reliability- A leader should always be there when someone needs them. Also if a leader says they are going to do something, then they should do whatever they said they were going to do. It all about TRUST.
Patience- Honestly, who wants a leader that blows up at people all the time? Who wants a leader that never takes time to things carefully, because they don't want to take things slow? That's right, no one does. So a good leader must have patience.
Decisiveness- A leader should always make a decision and stick too it. No one wants to follow someone who is always changing their mind. People want stability.
Determination- A leader should always finish what they start. A leader must NEVER give up, no matter what the obstacles are.
Loyalty- I feel like this one is a big one. It goes back to the trust thing too. People want a leader they feel will stick the tough times out with them. People don't want a leader who will leave them, when the road gets a little bumpy.
Courage- A true leader must have courage. A leader must be strong enough, to stick with their followers. They must be strong enough to make decisions, and admit their mistakes. They must be strong enough to keep going, when the future looks bleak.
What's In A Name
Noluthando Wendy Miya is the name my parents bestowed upon me the day I was born. My parents said they named me Noluthando, which means God is love in the Zulu language, because God loved them so much that he blessed them with a child. My mother said she named me Wendy after a South African R&B singer, Wendy Mseleku.
The name Wendy means light-skinned, blessed, and Friend. It is said the the name was created by J.M. Barrie , the author of Peter Pan. The name Wendy serves as the word friend, and is inspired by childish lisps. The name Wendy describes me very well, because I have a lot of the traits associated with the name. For example, people with the name Wendy are self-sufficient, have a lot of confidence, and have boundless energy. However, obstacles and frustration make them feel impatient and intolerant. That describes me, because I am very independent and I like doing things for myself. I also get very impatient when situations do not go my way.
There isn't a lot of history behind the name Noluthando. The name is African, specifically from the Zulu tribe.
Even though my name actually fits my personality, I don't think that the name makes a person, I think the person makes the name.
The name Wendy means light-skinned, blessed, and Friend. It is said the the name was created by J.M. Barrie , the author of Peter Pan. The name Wendy serves as the word friend, and is inspired by childish lisps. The name Wendy describes me very well, because I have a lot of the traits associated with the name. For example, people with the name Wendy are self-sufficient, have a lot of confidence, and have boundless energy. However, obstacles and frustration make them feel impatient and intolerant. That describes me, because I am very independent and I like doing things for myself. I also get very impatient when situations do not go my way.
There isn't a lot of history behind the name Noluthando. The name is African, specifically from the Zulu tribe.
Even though my name actually fits my personality, I don't think that the name makes a person, I think the person makes the name.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Teens
"This book is gonna be terrible!" That is what I said in my head when Mrs Gillmore announced that our class was going to read Seven habits. After I read the first chapter I realized that the book wasn't so bad. I actually ended up enjoying the book and applying the tips to my life.
Sean Covey's The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Teens changed my whole outlook on different aspects of life.
One of the chapters that really helped me was the Seek First To Understand, Then Be Understood chapter. It helped me because I would listen to people, but I wouldn't truly be listening. I was an avid advisor, turns out I wasn't really helping people like I thought I was. The book taught me the mirroring method. The book also said that mirroring isn't mimicking, but it is actually trying to truly understand what the other person is saying by repeating the meaning, not the words.
One of the Habit that I still need to work on is the Sharpen The Saw-Brain. I have a problem with blowing off homework for watching television and getting on the computer. That is the biggest reason I never make the grades I want to make in school.
This book should be read by every teenager on the face of the Earth. Sean Covey wrote this book in an easy to understand and humorous format. So there isn't really a dull moment in the book. The tips in this book are great and teenagers can actually apply them to their lives. It may be hard at first, but the overall outcome is worth the struggle. I really believe this book will be beneficial to anyone who may read it
Sean Covey's The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Teens changed my whole outlook on different aspects of life.
One of the chapters that really helped me was the Seek First To Understand, Then Be Understood chapter. It helped me because I would listen to people, but I wouldn't truly be listening. I was an avid advisor, turns out I wasn't really helping people like I thought I was. The book taught me the mirroring method. The book also said that mirroring isn't mimicking, but it is actually trying to truly understand what the other person is saying by repeating the meaning, not the words.
One of the Habit that I still need to work on is the Sharpen The Saw-Brain. I have a problem with blowing off homework for watching television and getting on the computer. That is the biggest reason I never make the grades I want to make in school.
This book should be read by every teenager on the face of the Earth. Sean Covey wrote this book in an easy to understand and humorous format. So there isn't really a dull moment in the book. The tips in this book are great and teenagers can actually apply them to their lives. It may be hard at first, but the overall outcome is worth the struggle. I really believe this book will be beneficial to anyone who may read it
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