Coraline

The pictures throughout the book caught my eye. During the first week or so of this class Peter asked us to describe what children’s literature was to us and in my description I wrote about ink illustrations (black and white). When reading children’s literature I expect to either see exaggerated and colorful pictures or jagged ink drawings and this book meets those expectations. I really enjoy the ink illustrations because there is so much more to the pictures and it brings out the emotions better. (Sorry if that doesn’t make sense, it is hard to describe how I feel about what I see in those drawings.) I have the same option of black and white photos taken by people, there is just something special about the lack of “color”.

In the real world people overlook Coraline, mispronounce her name, do not listen to what she says, and are not very affectionate towards her, yet she is a strong individual, who believes in herself and has a strong sense of identity. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I like that she was an intelligent, brave, resourceful explorer, who didn’t get discouraged. When she realized that not only her parents and herself but the trapped ghosts were all in danger, she hardly flinched at the idea of saving everyone and stopping the “other mother” from harming the rest of the world. It was wonderful to read of a girl character that had her wits about her and was determined to defeat the horrible creature.

Skellig

This book has been extremely intriguing. I love how it is different than anything I have ever read. It is a complete mystery. I haven't finished it yet, but have gotten about half way through it. I cant wait to see what happens. I love the language they use and how easy it is to read. I also like that its not a fairytale that I know of.

Everything in the book ties together. For example, how Skellig and the baby are similar. They are both struggling to live. The baby is fightng for her life, but Skellig doesn't really seem to care about his life. He doesn't want help and he doesn't want to be healed. There are so many unanswered questions. Who is he? where did he come from? what is he doing there? is he an angel? Im excited to finish the book to hopefully find out the answers to these questions.

I like how they discuss shoulder blades being left over from having wings. I have never heard this before, but I like the mystery around it. So far, my guess would be that Skellig is some type of angel. For the baby girl, it's almost like she is a type of angel as well. As for Mina, I really like her. She reminds me of some type of hippie. I like how she looks at life and how she is taught by her mother. This book is definitely a page turner and I cant wait to see what happens!

Skellig

Reading at such a fast pace, didn’t give me enough time to truly understand all the elements and allusions in the book. I’m glad we will be discussing this book in class, so I can better understand the text of the book.

The book was marvelous, representing unity, faith, belief, education, and the development of relationships. Can you think of other issues or topics addressed in this book?
Examples:
· Skellig and Michael – Ireland
· Skellig – Angel (Earth and Heaven)
· Leakey and Coote – types of birds
· William Blake
· Mina’s education
· Michael’s guy friends vs. Mina’s friendship
· Michael’s relationship with his parents and how strained it is

I was trying to figure out what audience this book would fit best with and one of the groups that came to mind is BOYS. This book does a really good job of making Michael feel safe about his emotions in times of such uncertainty and emotional turmoil. For many males in our society discussing emotions is a challenge and this book may be of some help if read with an open and willing mind. Michael deals with fear, worry, frustration, hope, jealousy, popularity, loneliness, doubt, love, sadness, and confusion. Do you agree or disagree?

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrob

This book has been really fun to read! I cant believe how similar it is to the movie. I saw the movie when it first came out, then bought it on DVD. Even right down to the same lines. I could picture all the characters in the book from the movie. On the other hand, sometimes I wish I read the book before the movie. I think I would enjoy the book more if I hadn't already seen the movie. That way your imagination can take over instead of scenes from the movie, but I am still enjoying it.

I would like to find out more about the author and his motivations for the book. There was a lot of controversies about Christians trying to make the book something it was not. They thought that it was the story of Christ, Asland being a Jesus like figure who died for his people in order to save them, and then rose again. I see the connection plain and clear and it was hard to hear people saying that Christians were just trying to make up the connection. Afterall, isn't C.S. Lewis a Christian writer? I thought the book was a fun and new way to bring to life through new characters the story of Christ, but that is just my take of the plot. Many people would probably disagree if they were not religious or just did not agree that a lion could represent Christ.

I've just enjoyed the way the book was put together and that I could relate it to Christianity and see a Christ like figure through the lion. I still would like to discuss more in class what others think of this issue and whether or not they agree or disagree, or what their take is on the topic.