Discussion of 9th Grade Blogging

This 2013-2014 school year, I had English second and third trimester. Something new that was introduced to me was blogging. We blogged once a week in the computer lab and each blog was about the novel that we were reading at that time. After my experience with blogging, overall, I enjoyed it for the most part. However, I did not enjoy the weekly basis that we had to post on. It was frustrating especially if you could not find time to read that week.

I felt like my blog is very quality for multiple reasons. In my blog post, "Setting of Shattering Glass", I used a quote or textual evidence to contribute to the quality of the post. All of my posts were at least two paragraphs and I added widgets on the side of my blog. Also, I added pictures in five of my ten blog posts this trimester. My blog is somewhat adequate but I still have things to work on over the summer that I can apply to my future blogs.

The Fat Boy Chronicles

A book that I have been thinking about picking up and reading is The Fat Boy Chronicles by Diane Lang, Thomas H. Inge, and Michael Buchanon. This book received a 3.9 out of five on Goodreads( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6542580-the-fat-boy-chronicles ). I have also heard from multiple sources that it is a very enjoyable book to read. The meaning behind the book is explained on Goodreads, "... reveals to readers the emotionally painful world obese teens experience in the face of a thin-obsessed society."

The personal connection I have to this book is that the book is about a student that once attended William Mason High School, which is where I go to school. The book can also relate to many people because of the topic of bullying. Kathie Bryant, who rated the book five out of five stars, in the comment section of Goodreads states it perfectly, "Anyone can relate to this book. Those who are bullied, find hope. Those who are bullies, find forgiveness." I might have to research this book more in depth and decide if I want to read it or not.

Review and Summary of Shattering Glass

Summary:

At the beginning of the book, Simon Glass is the biggest dweeb at B'Vale High School in Texas. And by the end of Shattering Glass, he's not even alive. This all starts because four jocks decide to make Simon Glass Mr. Popular of the senior class. What they didn't know before this transformation was that Simon had a mean, devious side to him that none of them could even imagine. And just like the back of the book says, "And when Simon uncovers a dangerous secret, events darken. The result is disquieting, bone-chilling...and brutal." You'll have to read the book to uncover all the details.

Review:

My thoughts on Shattering Glass is that it was an enjoyable book to read and I liked it. Gail Giles' writing style is very unique and she includes elevated diction which both contributed to liking of the book. My rating for it would be an eight out of ten because most of the book was good but at times it was hard to follow and confusing also. The type of reader that would enjoy this novel by Gail Giles would someone who enjoys reading about mystery and relatable plots. Overall, it was a great read and I recommend it to all.

Vocabulary in Shattering Glass Part 2

Upon finishing Shattering Glass by Gail Giles, I was impressed by the elevated diction and vocabulary used throughout the book. Overall, the book was very enjoyable and kept me engaged although at times it was hard to follow. I would recommend this book to everyone because it will keep you wanting to read more all the way up to the very last word.

In chapter 27, I came across a word I was unfamiliar with. That word is valiantly. In the book, it is used like, "The band tried valiantly to sound like they were playing music, the lead singer wiping the obligatory sweat..." (Giles 199). After looking this challenging word up, I now know that it means boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted. Valiant is a useful word and I may include it in my daily vocabulary if I find a situation I can use it in.