Non-fiction Journal Responses

Journal Entry #7 Q2
1/12/14
The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids by Alexandra Robbins
Page 405 out of 405
Interview (comparable to Oprah show)

1. Can you briefly tell the audience what your book is about?
2. What was your motivation to write this book?
3. In this book, you say that you experienced a similar stressful experience in high school, can you elaborate?
4. Do you think the situation has worsened in modern day high schools?
5. Who is your targeted audience?
6. Why do you they think they should read this?
7. At the closure of your book, you mention some advice for students, colleges, and parents. Can you give a preview of this advice? 
8. So the majority of your book is very critical of the education system. What do you think are the worst aspects of it?
9. What are the best aspects of it?
10.  Is there anything else your audience should know? Especially the "overachiever" students out there?

Journal Entry #6 Q2
12/22/14
The Search for Order by Robert H. Wiebe
Page 250 out of 302
In this novel, Wiebe describes many problems that exist during the late 19th century in America. One of these problems is the increasing number of immigrants coming into America. This is viewed as a problem because the immigrants were competing for work with the people already living in America. Some of the largest groups of immigrants were from China or Italy. When these immigrants arrived in America they tended to live together in sections of the city, this is the origin of the names Chinatown and Little Italy. Inhabitants were so annoyed with the work competition, that they created the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 which prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers. Another solution that could have helped was for the government to involve themselves with economics, creating public works so that people would be able to find work and not be unemployed!
Journal Entry #5 Q2
12/15/14
The Search for Order by Robert H. Wiebe
Page 20 out of 302
This novel discusses the historical themes of the late 19th century. There is corruption in the government as monopolies form and there is a growing class of workers who are suffering. All the while, immigrants and blacks are facing discrimination and scrutiny. This relates to the prejudice that different races experience at Columbia. Recently our school has been sued by an African American Group that claims that there are too few blacks in AP classes and that is unfair. Despite the truth in this argument, Columbia definitely lacks equality in education. Just as blacks are more often stopped by police, racial profiling exists in the high school environment too. More often are blacks suspended, expelled, or detained than whites- despite what they did. Upper classes are more easily able to access resources to help their schoolwork- and as a result they usually perform better in their academic classes.
Journal Entry #4 Q2
12/8/14
The Search for Order by Robert H. Wiebe
Page Number 15 out of 302

 Considering I just started my book- and I haven’t made much progress due to its complex nature- there aren’t any characters that show up yet. Since this novel is a historical piece on the period of 1877-1920, I doubt that there will be characters, but rather persons of the time. In the prelude, Wiebe has discussed the “small town” nature of America and the rise of organizations against the government; “small- town America took its stand against ‘the credit system, the fashion system, and every other system tending to prodigality, and bankruptcy’”(4). Partial outsiders like big business owners at the time (who were not involved in protests for better working conditions) would know that the prosperity of their business was threatened. They would probably think that they must force the government to stop these protests. As opposed to the unions and organizations for better working conditions would be against the big business owners and want to end such monopolies; “Never had so many citizens held their government in such low regard”(5). The truth lies with the unions. The big business owners had too much control over the government. The government was biased to the monopolists because they were wealthy and therefore power. This corrupt system ends with an unhappy American community. The monopolists were selling at high prices with low quality-because they could. Due to such factory conditions brought on by big businesses, tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire would occur. An example of the ridiculous subordination of government to monopolist was demonstrated at the Pullman Strike where the government listened to Rockefeller’s demands and sent troops to stop the strike. This favor of elites and neglect of the majority of society was a huge problem that was thankfully somewhat addressed due to protests, demonstrations, and the creation of unions.

Journal Entry #3 Q2
11/24/14
Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois
Page Number 50 out of 176
The perspective presented in this book is the idea of two Americas  existing- a white America and black America.  Du Bois describes these two worlds to be divided by a "Veil"- a veil of opportunity. From understanding this perspective (although it is from a different time period) helps to address the still present racial issue. This racial division is clearly evident in present day society and can resonate and define the exclusion that African- Americans experience. By noticing this implicit bias and racial prejudice, we can acknowledge and try to tackle and defeat racism!
Journal Entry #2 Q2

11/17/14

Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois

Page Number 25 out of 176

In my new book, Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois, Du Bois articulates the concept that there are two Americas. Race divides America into two distinct worlds. Compiling a series of essays, Du Bois seeks to convey this message to the audience through personal experiences, historical summaries, and other essays. So far the book is a little dull, since he relies heavily on history rather than anecdotes that would evoke sympathy in the audience. However, he succeeds in explaining a very accurately described "veil" that separates the African American race from the white race. Also, I am aware more "story-like" passages are in the remainder of the book which should more effectively speak to me as the reader.

Journal Entry #1 Q2
11/10/14
The Color of Water by James McBride
Page number 150 out of 285
 In a non-fiction book I am looking to learn something new about a different time or perspective. I am aware that The Color Of Water is from the perspective of a biracial man who grew up with little money in NYC. I hope to learn about the experiences he had and challenges he faced with this unfortunate upbringing. This is similar to a lot of my non-fiction readings in the past because race, identity, and economic struggles are common themes in non-fiction writing. However, prior to the past few years I dreaded all non-fiction and chose to read either girly drama books like The Clique, science-fiction novels like Harry Potter, or popular dystopian novels like The Hunger Games. As I progress in high school, non-fiction is emerging as a more important genre because it is in fact true, compared to the more immature and less informative fiction novels that I enjoyed reading as a child. Compared to the book I read last quarter, this book has some similar topics and struggles. For that reason, I think my selection of The Color of Water may have been influenced by the recent story I read. James McBride, the author of The Color of Water, and Maurice, a main character in The Invisible Thread, both lived in NYC and were poverty-stricken. I believe that Maurice must have had a more difficult childhood because his parents were less present in his life than McBride’s parents. Although McBride’s father died before he was born, his mother was very involved and at times strict. McBride had another problem- his lack of identity in a divided world of whites and blacks.
Journal Entry #6
10/27/14
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 205 out of 231
Myself and others who read this book are looking for a sense of relief of guilt. When I heard the basic summary of this book, I was interested because Schroff was so kind and gracious towards this impoverished and unfortunate child. Even though it's a beautiful story, I wanted to live vicariously through Schroff and feel like I am a good-or better person. I assume others have similar interests- they start the book because it seems like a touching story and it will help satisfy their own selfish desires by clearing their conscious. By reading about the amazing things Schroff did for Maurice, "the trips to Annette's house and the dinners at the Hard Rock and the warm cookies. There was no chance to remember the moment when he told me he loved me and I realized that I loved him, too,"(200) the audience accounts Schroff's virtuous actions and feels like a better person.
10/20/14
Journal Entry #5
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 175 out of 231
I love Laura…well I once loved Laura. I don't think I'll ever stop caring about her. We had some great times together, and there is no doubting that I fell head over heels for her when I first met her. We had so much fun and she was so supportive of my aspirations and she sacrificed so much for me to pursue my dreams. She's pretty and funny but…she's not her. The weekends we spend together have no comparison to the weeknights spent with her. She's everything. She's beautiful and sweet and I can't stop thinking about her. She's the one- and I hate to say it. When I met her I instantaneously knew it. I care about Laura, I really do, but I cannot control these persistent feelings. Laura definitely noticed that I was not myself last time I visited. She started to question me and I was very defensive and rude. I didn't mean to be, but I know what I'm doing and feeling is a sin and unfortunately I'm taking it out on her. I want to be with my lover. It's not just an affair, it's fate and I know it. So I must tell Laura but I have no idea how. We are going to Aruba next week…maybe I'll hint at my loss of feelings. I have already been doing so when we talk on the phone, "our phone calls were shorter, more awkward"(132). I have been showing less interest in sex and I even took off my wedding band. She must know, but she hasn't confronted me. I wish she would so I would not have to be upfront. I've never been good at breaking up, but this is my wife! I don't want to hurt her- that's is my main fear. -Kevin
10/12/14
Journal Entry #4
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 137 out of 231

Schroff includes an extremely disturbing account of one of her father's rages. After Schroff's mother had missed a dentist appointment for the kids because she slept in, her father used this as an excuse to torment her. Schroff's mother climbed into bed with Schroff and her sister Annette attempting to hide from the wrath of her husband. He hatefully insulted her and then went to get two full liquor bottles: "He threw them right over our heads, and they smashed against the wall. Liquor and glass rained down on us and we pulled up the covers to shield ourselves. My father hurled the next bottle, and then went back for two more"(Schroff 116). Schroff’s aunt called and heard the commotion and called the police. The police came to address the disturbance but left when her father said everything was fine. Her father had destroyed the house in his drunken rage: “This time, my father had gone too far. The kitchen was absolutely destroyed, like a twister had torn through it. My bed was covered in glass shards and soaked with scotch”(Schroff 117).

         This example shows that even Schroff, who seems to have a good life- or at least a better life than Maurice, had her fair share of rough experiences. It shows that everyone deserves a safe house where they can feel comfortable and not fearful. This is important because as the reader, I wouldn’t expect Schroff to have such a hard childhood. As an acclaimed novelist, I thought she was just a really good person, giving back for her blessed life. In reality, this event proves that you cannot judge a book by its cover. No one has a perfect life and you never know what someone has been through.

10/6/14
Journal Entry #3
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 110 out of 231

Schroff's purpose was to persuade her reader to be a good samarian by conveying her personal story. Most people avoid helping others, whether it is giving a beggar on the street a dollar or taking them out to eat every Monday. She articulates that she was that way, going through life looking out for herself and she nearly missed the opportunity to befriend Maurice: "The problem seemed so vast, so endemic, that stopping to help a single panhandler cold feel all but pointless. And so we swept past them every day, great waves of us going on with our lives and accepting that there was nothing we could really do to help"(4). She finds Maurice and is enlightened and shows this through her development of overwhelming love and care for him. I think that she effectively achieves her purpose, because she convinced me to have more perspective. When I see a homeless person, or someone wearing the same thing to school every day, clearly not being able to afford more clothing, I feel pity for that person. Although I may not be able to change their situation, it is important to help others whenever possible and respect that everyone is going through something. Schroff was not in an equally unfortunate situation as Maurice, but she still had her difficulties at home. Her home was not a safe place due to the frightening wrath of her father’s drunken rage. Every one deserves a happy life and caring support system, and Schroff conveys this to the reader through her actions. She at times, isn’t even sure herself why she helps Maurice and continues to meet with him, but she knows that she is doing the right thing and it even feels right. Helping others can enhance your life and that of the less fortunate. 

9/29/14 
Journal Entry #2
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 81 out of 231

This novel touches on many debatable issues such as childhood poverty and abusive relationships. At this point in her writing, Schroff emphasizes the huge problem concerning growing up with a rough family life. She conveys this by discussing how Maurice does not live in a caring and stable environment and how he witnesses drug transactions every day. She stresses how Maurice isn’t under careful supervision and is oftentimes starved because he is not fed. She ties this concern back to her own life, and how she too had tough childhood. She shares how her and her family were victims to her father’s abuse, “he would drink during his shift and stay afterward and drink some more. When he got into the car to drive home, what we called the dark cloud would come over him…All we knew was that once my father’s rages had started, they could not be stopped”(77). Schroff expresses her family’s helplessness as a result to her mother insisting that they ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen. Connecting her and Maurice’s childhood misfortunes, she stresses the prominent issue of unstable/unfit guardians and the custody of their children, “When does a mother lose her right to be a mother?”(68).  In my opinion, the period of youth is very important to the growth and construction of an adult. Growing up in an unloving and unsafe household can have long-lasting detrimental effects on a person. The children being raised today are the future of this country, and its extremely crucial that they are raised correctly and with good morals. I deem it necessary that there is a form of inspection to see if a child is in a safe home. Although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone to lose their child, if they are not a fit parent, the child should not have to face the consequences.

9/21/14
Journal Entry #1:
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Page Number 43 out of 231

In this nonfiction book I will be looking for a realistic and meaningful story. When I recreationally read in the past, I would choose fiction books that were improbable but entertaining.I tend to choose a romantic novel/cliche teenage novel. This book is entirely different. I hope to find something that resonates personally in my life from the stories told by Schroff. Of the non-fiction books I have read, they are usually about one's rough childhood and the evolution into the person they came to be. However, this book is different because Schroff does not focus on her own life and unfortunate events, other than small anecdotes to better characterize her, instead she centers the story on the life of Maurice, and the friendship they develop. Maurice, who Schroff meets when he is 12 years old, is a poor boy who has a rough family life. He is begging on the streets, starving, when Schroff by chance passes him in the hustling life of Manhattan and decides to turn around and treat him to lunch. Schroff isn't an author who has written many novels, she is a busy sales executive who has worked for newspapers and magazines. Schroff is more relatable than most of the non-fiction authors I have previously encountered. She is not a natural do-gooder who has always been prone to helping the less fortunate, but she describes an invisible thread that pulled her and Maurice together because their friendship was destined to be.