Journal 2 - A Long Way Gone [Pages 33-93]

On page 91, Ishmael and his friends reach the outskirts of the village where they were supposed to be re-united with their families. As they arrive, however, they meet up with an old man of the village and past acquaintance of Ishmael's home village, Gasemu. Shortly after, they agree to help the old man carry bananas back to the village. Do you think it was right for them to have stopped to help Gasemu? Also, do you think it was better in the long run that they were away from the village when the rebel fire began to take place? Are you of the opinion that being re-united with their families at that moment before the crisis was more significant than their lives? I believe that although seeing their families was their only motivation to keep moving, it was better for them to have not been at the scene of the massacre. There was no evidence that their families had beenn killed when they return to the huts to look, but at least they have this information to give them further hope as they continue on.

The Thirteenth Tale- Journal 7

Brandon,

I am surprised to see that Vida Winter was actually telling the truth. Now that it is revealed that Vida is in fact Adeline March, the story seems to piece together a little better despite the fact that many of the details are a bit ridiculous. It is interesting to me, however, that a child of that nature would actually turn out to be such an intellectual as Vida Winter is. I think there has to be some sort of that insane personality still within her from her childhood. Do you think that we are still in some way a character of our past? [Pg 150-200]

Makero

The Thirteenth Tale- Journal 3

Brandon,

In this part of the novel, Vida Winter explains how she considers her past to be a "compost heap". I find this interesting in the content in which she elaborates upon the analogy because I can relate it to my own life's experiences. Our memories and things that we have done in the past are what make us, and as they break down we become even the further product of our actions. Do you agree that even though the past can be forgotten, it is carried on within our continued, living being? I also can’t help but think that there is some connection between Margaret’s twin mystery and Vida’s past itself.

Vida’s false identity produces many questions which I myself at this time can’t quite figure out. It’s like a dead end, literally. I consider Vida to be just as much a part of her books as her soul is to her body; one in the same. Perhaps as we read a bit further, it may quell some of the frustrations in the plot at this time. It’s difficult to tell as to whether Vida Winter really intends upon revealing the truth to Margaret, or whether she will front out a lie as she has done so many times in the past. (Pgs. 43-46)

Makero

Odd Thomas

"Befriend him? Sure!" Odd has a supernatural talent that he uses to work with the police chief. Being able to see spirits, or just ghosts less eloquently, seems to bother him at times. He's used to it, however, so it's not at all like he gets the "spooks". With the especially reoccuring presense of Elvis Presley in his appartment, it's almost a chore to councel these deceased considering their "Oath of Silence". I think it would be interesting to follow Odd around, considering he tends to get in a lot of sticky situations, in this case, saving his brother from kidnap. He acts purely on impulse, which is something that I admire and could learn from him. Hopefully his abilities won't put him into any further danger than he's been through thus far.

Forever Odd

Forever Odd is the second sequel to its series, which I have not read, but despite beginning on the second novel, introduction and story-line seem pretty simple to get in to. This will be the first Dean Koontz work that I have read, but my understanding is that the style and feel of his writing is very original, and typically leaves quite an impact. I half expect this to be about a character with his own motives, possibly psychologically unstable, or at least some "twist" within the plot. It's a little tough to play the guessing-game with the novel, however I believe I may have the basic idea together. (Wouldn't be surprised if I was incorrect.) Despite my beginning misunderstanding, I'm sure Forever Odd will relate to some of my inferences, and look forward to reading what's presented!