Adapting Book 2

      

A lot of popular books are made into films, but not a lot of these million dollar movies are what they are cut out to be and really do the book an injustice. Here are my 3 tips to a successful Movie adaptation.

First and by far most important is sticking to the main plot. American Sniper is an autobiography written by Chris Kyle about his life being a Navy Seal. The book was very popular and even got its own movie. But was the movie made correctly? I think there are many important decisions you have to make when creating a movie/tv representation of a book. Especially if that book is American Sniper. Getting the right actors, setting, and directors can be difficult but I think these 3 points are the most crucial.

The first point is keeping the core meaning the same but also adding a "writers' touch" to keep the story interesting. One major down fall of the book is that it's kind of slow and boring. This is kind of expected due to the fact that is written by a soldier. Imagine the possibilities if you just gave this amazing idea to an actual author/director. Someone with that amount of vision could be able to transform this slow book into an action packed blockbuster.

Second off is getting the right cast to play the parts. In this category I think the directors did an excellent job hiring the cast. All of them stayed in character and looked the part. But we can over look how important it is to select the right cast. With the wrong cast us viewers could lose interest in the film but with the right cast we stay engaged and listen to the story.

The third and final part is the delivery of the movie. I'm talking about how the director chooses to show the book. What he decides to put in, keep out, and tweak for the movie. Things like props, extras, and especially background music can really make or break a film and in this movie the director did a solid job in all areas making American Sniper a blockbuster of a movie

 

Book 4 Project

After Reading this it’s easy to see why this book is as popular as it is. Described by many people as Anthony Doerr's finest piece of work and the greatest book of 2014 All The Light We Cannot See is a smash hit for people of all ages. But what is it that makes this book so popular? I think I have found the answer to this question. All The Light We Cannot See is so popular due to its appeal to people's emotions. Just think about it, right off the bat the story is historical fiction so it’s an event that people remember and already have an opinion about. Anthony Doerr takes this opinion and twists it with a heartfelt story. The story tops it all off, I mean who can resist the power of a small blind girl who is run out of her home town by Nazis? I don't care how tough you think you are, get ready to shed tears, a lot of them.

All The Light We Cannot See is centered on two main characters Werner and Marie-Laurie. Werner is in studying in s Nazi school and Marie-Laurie is with her father who has been forced out of Paris to the country side. They are tasked with hiding a gem known as the Sea of Flames a very precious stone that is sacred in France. The Sea of Flames holds a legendary curse and Marie and her father must protect it at all costs. But there are people looking for the stone, bad people. Sergeant Major Renold is a Nazi leader that is looking for the gem to make him rich and won’t let anyone get in his way of him getting power. As if that isn't bad enough Marie is blind and left by herself when her dad gets sent to a work camp. The gem stays hidden and Werner meets Marie when he gets stationed in Saint-Melo.

In an interview about the book, Anthony Doerr reveals where he got the inspiration to write the book. He tells a story about how he was on an underground subway and he overheard a man complain about bad cellular connection and how Doerr started thinking to himself that this guy is complaining about something that 500 years ago no one would have believed to be possible! He realized how fortunate we are to even have technology like this and transformed this event into a key factor in 'All The Light We Cannot See'. Then he tells about his trip to a French city that was once destroyed by the U.S. during WW2. And just like that Doerr wrote a New York Times Bestseller.

 

 All things considered it’s amazing how one person could come up with such a masterpiece from just overhearing a conversation and going on vacation. It's no wonder why this book is so popular. It has a perfect mix of historical accuracy with a little bit of fantasy and fiction blended in to make a very entertaining story. Also the characters aren’t bad either. Marie is strong and proved you can do anything no matter what is wrong with you, meanwhile Werner’s dedication and talent got him out of his bad situation and brought new opportunities for him. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read.

 

My Reading Wishlist and Book 5

Anyone who has read my previous blogs knows that I am a huge Mike Lupica fan and I have a sweet spot for sports books. That's why this summer I have a vast collection of books I would like to read.
these books are:
Million Dollar Throw
The Underdogs
True Legend
These three books are must reads this summer but no sports book can replace my ultimate goal this summer. This summer I, Ben Josiah vow to read 50 Shades of Grey. You heard me, in the three I am going gaze upon the forbidden pages that are 50 Shades of Grey and am ready to accept the consequences of doing so. From what I've heard, this is one of the most intense books out on the market and this may just be the beginning of me going on to read the whole series. This is definitely something new and I'm looking forward to reading it over the summer.

Book Talk

Book 3 Listicle

Teddy Daniels is the resilient man who is tasked with traveling to Shutter Island home of Ashecliffe Mental Hospital. Extra emphasis on the word "Mental" in Mental Hospital. He is in search of a lost patient, Rachel Solando, who just so happens to not only be allegedly insane but also a murder. But wait there's more! Shutter Island is crawling with psycho paths, mystery, and overall corrupt people.

1. IT'S A MENTAL FACILITY
In case you didn't hear me the first time. Shutter Island is home to the infamous Ashecliffe Mental Hospital. So right off the bat Shutter Island shouldn't be on your shortlist of places to go on vacation. But more than that some people don't even know about it."Heard much about this place?' 'A mental hospital that's about all i know. ‘For the criminally insane" Emphasis on Criminally insane. The island is off the radar making this place is anything more dangerous.



2. KILLERS AND CRAZY PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
As I told you before Teddy is in search of the lost patient. Who is a murderer and crazy person. But she's the best kind of crazy person. The kind that doesn't know she's crazy, “She smiled darkly and shook her head. I'm not crazy. I'm not. Of course what else would a crazy person claim." but keep in mind she is not the only patient that dwells on these treacherous shores. There are dozens of murderers and psychopaths on this island. No amount of treatment can help these people,"...For the most docile patients we use psychosurgery. It doesn't always work."




3. THERE IS NO GOING BACK

Let's say by chance you somehow manage to pull off the best Houdini trick of all time and escape the facility. Where would you even go? Even when the secret patient escaped no one believed she would make it off the island, "Where's she going to go? She's going to swim home? “There is no chance of you being able to escape the island unless you made a boat from scratch. Then you would have to know how to get back to land, have food and water, and know how to work a boat.

4. IT MAKES PEOPLE CRAZY

Just look at the story's very own main character Teddy Daniels. It's obvious that his little trip to Crazy Island made him crazy as well. A good example of this is at the end of the story when he asks, “Is it better to live as a monster or die as a good man?" I thought about this question and I came to the conclusion that Teddy actually knows that he is insane and might be contemplating on whether or not his life is worth living.

5. CRAZY DOCTORS You can't have a hospital without doctors. But in this case I think you would be better off without them. One thing you may not know about the very confusing ending is that Teddy Daniels isn't Teddy Daniels at all! It was just a made up alias that the doctors made up so the real character Andrew Laeddis could get on with his life. Now back to my point a regular doctor would have HELPED the patient with his problems but not these ones they are the problem. Teddy obviously doesn't know who he is at the beginning as he asks, "Who is Andrew Laeddis?" And although he figures out who he is these doctors are definitely not people you would want to run into on vacation.

Judging by this list, I would suggest going to somewhere safer for your summer vacation, maybe the Bahamas?

Truth in a Memoir

Have you ever thought about the difference between Fiction and Nonfiction literature? Well obviously one is true and one is false. But in the case of nonfiction, how true does it have to be? Think about historical pieces and memoirs. Is it ok to have historical inaccuracy or is it ok to lie about your past for the purpose of having a more entertaining story?

I personally believe that it is ok to lie to an extent in both cases of writing. Especially in the case of memoirs, it is way more entertaining to have something that was actually true. Think about horror movies i don't know about you guys but whenever i see the "Based off a true story" Disclaimer at the beginning of a film, i instantly tense up. Just the thought of seeing things that happened in the past and could possibly happen to me. It just makes for a more entertaining story.

But what if your story isn't very entertaining, or just plain boring? Then lie about it. I believe that as long as the story is mostly true that it should not be subjected to criticism. Fabricating the truth makes the story more interesting and fun to read.

Now back to the Fiction Notification debate. David Shields proposed that there should be no difference between fiction and nonfiction. I disagree with this statement because then what would happen to history? What if everything we read and write was made up! The truth would be worth absolutely nothing. That's not a world i want to live in.

Column Unit

We are starting a new unit in my English class about columnist writing styles. We have read samples and they are all very interesting. It's cool to how writers use tone to appeal to the readers emotions. One of my favorite ways is when writers use humor. I love comedy and I love when writers use a sarcastic or humorous tone in their writing. But it's not just humor, they can also get emotional and serious especially when talking about a sensitive topic.

Of the samples we read my personal favorite was "On Christmas, we cheer heroes who ran into chaos at the Boston Marathon" by Mike Lupica. This is a great example of one of the more emotional topics that columnist write about. Mike Lupica sets the stage of the devastating event and makes you feel like you you were actually there. Lupica being a sports writer draws famous sporting events while talking about the Marthon. Saying that all the athletes pale in comparison to the real heroes that ran into the chaos of the Boston Marathon. 

All these different types of columnist writings are very different and interesting. What do you guys think of Coulmnist writing? I personally can't wait to read more of this style of writing.

Fahrenheit 451 Theme

 Theme 5: People should take action rather than watch society falter and crumble

Natalie Eysoldt, Ritika Mistry, Ben Josiah, Matthew Slusser, Alyssa Manguiat  Bell 3

This theme is important to the understanding of the story because the book goes through Montag’s thought process of realizing how messed up his society really was; and when he does take action the reader can understand why. It is important for us to be aware of the theme because everyday we all see things that we know aren’t right, but most people aren’t able to take action towards it, so by studying this theme we learn that taking action does have a big impact.

 

In the beginning of the book, Montag is set to go burn down another house, but it turned out to be much different than the regular house burning.The  woman was standing in her home, surrounded by her books, and refused to move for them to burn the house. Montag watched as the woman was burned alive with her books, which first inspired his thoughts of rebellion and began to inspire him to take action. The following quote shows when Montag first started think in a different mindset; “Didn’t firemen prevent fires rather than stoke them up and get them going?” (Bradbury 31)

 

At the end of part one, Montag admits to Millie that he has books. This was a big step for him considering that he is a fireman and should be burning books, not secretly keeping them. By showing the books to Millie it shows that Montag was ready to start making changing and to not keep books a secret.

 

During part two, Montag becomes friends with a man that really helps him get to know and understand books better. They help each other in the way that they both have a love for books, so they can relate in a new way. Faber really helped Montag through his whole process. Montag said the following quote to Faber when he really wanted to get a plan into action with books, “That’s the good part of dying;when you’ve nothing to lose, you run any risk you want” (Bradbury 81). This gives a really good perspective of Montag’s new mindset.

 

In part two, Mildred has over two of her friends to watch their favorite program, when Montag decides to shut off the parlor walls due to his frustration and bring out one of his books. He then reads the poem, Dover Beach, to them, which causes the friends to become upset with Montag and Mildred. Although this action was not intelligently planned out, this was still an example of Montag taking action to help save a society he perceives as crumbling by reading to them.

 

 

 

In the beginning of part 3, most everything Montag ever knew was gone; his house, his wife, his books. Beatty was to blame for it, so when thinking he was saving his own, and Farber’s life, he burns Beatty.

 

The book ends with Montag running away and meeting a group known as “The book people.” They take Montag in with open arms. They give Montag a taste of what will basically be the rest of his life because he was caught breaking the law. When everything sinks in for Montag, he does a lot more thinking; mostly into his book which is Ecclesiastes in the Bible, “To everything there is a season… A time to break down, and a time to build up… A time to keep silent and a time to speak” (Bradbury 158).

What is a book?

A book is an idea. Its a movie where you the reader must put together the pieces and show yourself what is going on. Unlike a film, a book can take you to a place where you and you alone can choose which way you want to interpret each part of the story. No matter what format or version physical copy, comic, ipad, or even a painting, if an idea is got across it should be classified as a book. Tom Piazza put it best, "One weighs more than the other. If you like to read your books on an Etch A Sketch, that’s fine with me."  ( Tom Piazza interviews Tom Piazza ) I completely agree with him. It shouldn't matter what format the book is on. All that matters is that there is a story or message being shown and the point is getting across to the reader. Today, we have several options as to how we read and where we read. But if we are all reading the same thing what we read it on doesn't matter. As long as the book takes you on an adventure in a way that only a book can.

I know some old timers may say that only old fashioned books are really considered books, but ask yourself what is a book and what is its purpose. Then ask does it really matter how you get the story as long as you are told one? Beginning, Middle, and End a story is a story and a book is a book.

American Sniper

Hey guys. I just finished what I think is the first autobiography I've actually read. That book is American Sniper by Chris Kyle. Most people have heard or seen the successful film that recently came out but not many have read the actual book that goes along with it. After reading it I understand why.

The first thing to note is that American Sniper is an autobiography. That means it is a book written by a soldier. Now I'm sure that there are great writers that are soldiers but in book that isn't the case. 

American Sniper is often difficult to understand as Chris tends to ramble on and change topics swiftly. He also uses many acronyms in his writing. If you don't remember them all, there is no hope for you. A good example is on page 81 where he lists several guns and different acronyms.

American Sniper wasn't ALL bad of course. Some points were very intense and engaging. Some of these moments are when you read from Chris' wife Taya's writing. From reading this, you get a different perspective on a specific situation. Sometimes I find myself enjoying Taya's point of view more than Chris'. Unfortunately Taya wasn't enough to make me fall in love with this.

 

Fahrenheit 451 Narrative

As I sat at home alone watching tv I noticed that I couldn't focus on the tv. Or anything for that matter. "I can't think straight." I told myself  All I can think about is that poem. I've never heard anything like that. There isn't a tv wall in the world that could make me feel the way that poem did. I can still hear Montag telling me to go and think about my empty life. My life isn't empty is it? I have money, tv's, and "friends". But I need something more. 

I began to cry again. I knew that I need something else to fill the void inside of me.  I haven't felt this emotional in forever and it was all because of a book. Are books really the answer? I kept telling myself no of course not books are evil. They make people different and different is bad. But deep down I knew this wasn't true. Has my whole life been one big lie?

  I want to know more. I want to read. But how could I without anyone knowing. Maybe I could steal one from Montag. Or maybe get Mildred to steal it for me. She might be willing considering how often those two have been arguing lately. I need to read

Book 1 Project

                  Peak Fan Experience!

Are you a fan of Peak? Have you always dreamed what it would be like to be thousands of feet in the air or just like Peak? Well now you can! Join the Peak Experience Tour today! The Peak Experience is an event that will teach you the necessary skills needed to mountain climb! You will get the chance to get away for a year in an all-expenses paid trip to the Himalayas where you and many others will undergo training to accomplish this feat! By joining this once in a lifetime opportunity, you can know what it was like to be in Peak’s shoes by climbing Mount Everest! That’s right climbing Mount Everest!

   As we all know Peak made the summit of Everest and I was thinking if he can do it why can’t I? Then I thought of a bigger picture. If he can do it why can’t everyone summit Everest? So Thoughts turned into action. I did everything in my power to get people to summit Everest. But I didn’t want people to climb alone or with random strangers here at The Peak Fan Experience! We pledge to make everyone who is a part of this stupendous endeavor also part of a bigger cause, a family. “You don’t have to be alone to feel alone.” As a group you will all receive training, equipment, and advice. From the book we know being lonely can have a very bad effect on people so everyone will also be assigned a partner or best friend. This individual will be there with you every step of the way providing support and encouragement. But remember another thing we learned from the book, “A partner can encourage you, maybe even stop you from falling, but they can't get you to the top. That's entirely up to you.” We will all start at the bottom together and reach the top together. At the Experience you will learn to put aside material possessions like the monks and remember the things that are really important. The 3 F’s Family, Friends, and last and certainly not least Fun! And trust me mountain climbing is fun but it’s not the most important thing, the only thing you'll find on the summit of Mount Everest is a divine view. The things that really matter lie far below.”

Although climbing Everest would be a fantastic adventure, I think it could also enlarge our fan base as a whole. There are millions of people who are interested in rock climbing and surely not all of the have read peak. So what if we introduced peak to them. That's thousands of new people reading the book. Then those people tell someone about the book and cycle keeps continuing! Pretty soon the peak fan base could reach the scale of Harry Potter! Then Roland Smith would notice the expanding attention and be forced to make a sequel. This alone would greatly increase the attention of peak, not to mention all the possible merchandise! We fans get more content and Roland a Smith gets more publicity it’s a win win! So what are you waiting for if you're really a peak fan prove it. Call us at 1-800-123-4567

Or visit our website at ThePeakExperinceTour.com. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Sign up before it's too late!

Peak

Hey guys, I am pleased to tell all of you that after 23 days of 2015, I have finally started a new book. I have stared reading "Peak" by Roland Park. I'm about half way through the book and I can certainly tell you that it deserves its numerous awards. "Peak" is about a 14 year old boy that moved from Montana to NYC because him and his mom went to go live with his stepdad. By the way,  Peak is also the name of the boy. It is a very unusual name. It was given to him because both his mom and his birth father are climbers. Peak loves to climb and he hates his new life in NYC. So he starts scaling skyscrapers, yes scaling skyscrapers!, And gets caught he has to go live with his real dad for three years. His dad lives in Thailand! Peak living with his dad is supposed to be strictly for rehabilitation purposes. But his father, Josh, has other plans. He is secretly planning to have Peak become the youngest person to climb Everest. Peak was shocked at the news,“For a climber, saying that you are stopping by Everest is like saying that you are stopping by to see God.” Climbing Everest should be a great opportunity to not only make history but to also for Peak to get to now his father.

Peak also features many interesting sub plots along his way to summiting Evrest.

My personal favorite one is his school work. After Peak is arrested, he is asked to keep a journal and complete it for school, not that anyone actually believed that they would allow Peak back into school or anywhere in the U.S.A for that matter,. It's cool to see the tiny mini stories in comparison to the actual book. Little things like this is why I would definitely recommend that you guys read Peak.

         

Why do You Read?

Why do you read? Do you like to learn and be informed? Or do you just want to escape from reality and relax a little bit? I personally read for a lot of different reasons. Mostly I read for pleasure and making myself think. When I read fictional stories I like to ask myself a lot of what if questions to make it seem more real. Like what if the events of the Hunger Games happened or there actually was a such thing as wizards. Reading gives me an escape and lets me travel into my imagination and thoughts. However, I believe that reading for pleasure is not possible when people are forced to read. When kids are forced to read books with a time limit and a genre that they don't enjoy they end up growing up to hate reading. This is why I read for pleasure at a calm pace, unless the story is really interesting, where I can absorb all that the text has to offer. Reading is a privilege not a right, some people can't afford books or can't even read! So its important not to take it for granted. Knowledge is power.

I read because I'm bored and want to hear the stories of different people from different background from a different world where I can just dive in and learn about their stories. I want to go to a fictional place where anything is possible and nothing is out of bounds. I read to learn and study what, when, where, why, and how. Finally, I read because I love to read.