Independent Reading Activity #3

Intriguing Questions, Topics, Issues:

1. Death
2. How do you respond when you know you are going to die?
3. Can you still maintain a positive outlook on life when you know it's going to end?
4. Relationships


I can only imagine being told that very soon I am going to die, and there was absolutely nothing I could do to prevent it. This is exactly what Morrie was forced to go through. Now, this situation raises an important question, what are you going to do with your life? Are you going to react negatively and be depressed, or, not let it affect you and take over the world. Morrie, being the great man that he was, chose the later of the two.

"I know you think this is just about dying," he said, "but it's like I keep telling you. When you learn how to die, you learn how to live." - pg. 104

It was such passages and quotes like this that were a perfect testimony to the great man that Morrie had become. His approach toward dying was one that was unprecedented and one that many people, sadly, cannot bring themselves to use. I thought this quote from Morrie was an exact answer to how people should approach death, and an easy way to stay positive, even if you know you're going to die.

Valedictorian Speech

Friends, teachers, parents, fellow students, it has been my pleasure to share these last four years with you. It is here in this very school that I have learned the true methods at which to succeed in life. It is my hope that all of us in this graduating class go on to fulfill our dreams and follow the groundwork that has been laid out for us in these times at Wissahickon. High school was not my favorite of times, but, it did teach me and prepare me for the future and I am ready to move on to my next stage of life, as I'm sure all of you sitting here are as well. To be honest I don't appreciate long drawn out speeches or lectures, so I sincerely wish to conclude by saying, thank you to all who have helped me along the way and to wish everyone the best of luck in any future endeavors.

Independent Reading: 4/4

Prompt #3

The author, Mitch Albom, does not waste anytime when introducing the novel. He dives right into the story and really grabs the reader's attention. From the start, it is obvious that Mitch Albom has deep feelings for his teacher, Morrie, and that he had a great impact on him in his life.

In particular, a passage that really moved me came in only the second chapter of the book. This is when Albom is describing his graduation from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was a very emotional moment. As Mitch Albom says goodbye to his favorite teacher, Morrie, he describes the scene: "I didn't want to forget him. Maybe I didn't want him to forget me. He asks if I will stay in touch, and without hesitation I say, 'Of course'. When he steps back, I see that his is crying." (pg. 4)

I found this very emotional and moving because every student and teacher strives for this type of relationship. It is not everyday that a young student can find that strong of a connection with an older, much more experienced teacher. Because of how special such a relationship can be I thought this was important and moving, and an indicator of how the rest of the story will unfold.

Amir's Atonement

Atonement –
–noun
1. satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) Theology. the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, esp. as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ.
3. Christian Science. the experience of humankind's unity with God exemplified by Jesus Christ.
4. Archaic. reconciliation; agreement.

I think that atonement is a difficult topic. Some mistakes are actually reparable, but some, just cannot be mended. For instance, if a person does not complete a homework, that’s a mistake. But, they can easily make up for it by achieving a good test grade or doing well on a project. On the other hand, murder or rape, is that a sin that is capable of reparations? And that’s the major question. People must posses an incredible passion for justice and patience to forgive a person for murder and that’s why I cannot definitively say that atonement for past sins is completely possible. It is solely based on the circumstances and the people at hand.

For the topic of Amir and atonement, I think it will be very difficult for Amir to forgive himself and for that reason I think reaching that level will be difficult for him. In order for atonement to occur both parties in the situation must be willing to forgive and repent. Once Hassan and Amir reach that point I think they can move on.

Probably the most influential sin that I feel would be the hardest to move on from would be the rape and Amir not stopping it, or telling people about it. It most likely haunts the thoughts of both Amir and Hassan and for that simple reason, atonement might not be probable. Again, I think that both parties must become "good with themselves" in their own head and only from that point can they move on.

Mistakes

One time, I told my parents I was going to church, but actually snuck over to my girlfriends house and was caught doing so. It just so happened that my dad did not believe I was heading towards mass so he decided to follow me, unbeknownst to myself. He let some time pass and proceeded to call my phone from a different number, which understandably, I answered. He asked why I was picking up the phone during church, and I was caught red handed.

I eventually gained back their trust after a lengthy talk with both of my parents. I felt bad that I disrespected my mother and father and lied about where I was going, especially church. But over time, I’m sure they have forgotten about the whole incident.

Independent Reading: Tuesdays with Morrie

Book Preview Activity

The Front Cover
• Title/Author/Awards - Tuesdays With Morrie/Mitch Albom/Bestseller
• Picture/Words - Blank cover with quote from novel and the title engraved.
• What do you think the book is about? Topic/Big Picture? - Book is most likely about meeting up with a man named Morrie, probably on Tuesdays, but I don't know why.
• Jot down 2 questions you have.
-Who is Morrie?
-What's the significance of Tuesday?

The Back Cover
• Synopsis or Plot Preview? It tells the true story of sociologist Morrie Schwartz and his relationship with his students. The book chronicle the lessons about life that Mitch, the author, learns from his professor, who is dying.
• Review/Praise/Acclaim? Overall what is your impression. - I have heard many good things about the book both from teachers, friends, parents and people of all ages. It was made into a movie which makes me assume it is pretty powerful. I look forward to reading it.
• Does the back cover reveal anything about the story (time period, characters, setting, etc.)? If so, jot down some notes.
- No, nothing on the back cover...

Inside the Book
• Copyright/Publication date? - 1997/September 1997
• Is there a dedication? Yes: "This book is dedicated to my brother, Peter, the bravest person I know.
• Table of Contents? Chapter Titles? #’s? - Yes, the table of contents contains the chapters and page numbers, approximately 27 chapters withing the book.
• Other titles listed by the author? Jot a few down. - Bo, Fab Five, Live Albom I, II, III, IV
• Open to a random page and read a few paragraphs. What is the author’s writing style?
- The book is written in first person, by Mitch, and is very descriptive. From the passage that I read the author really lets you get into his head and his feelings. It had a dreary tone about it but was sincere at the same time. Overall, a very nice writing style.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
Write down 3 questions you hope to have answered by the end of the story.

1 - Does the impact of Morrie change the man that the author has become?
2 - What is the true effect of Morrie on the author and the people around him?
3 - Does Morrie die at the end of the book?

Do Now - 4/23: Born to Run

Born to Run

The thunder of bombshells filled the air as the lonely solider fled from the ambush. You could feel and see the fear seeping from the young soldier's face as he ran on nothing but adrenaline. Being the only soldier left in his platoon he had nothing left to do but run; all he could think, "how can my feet go faster?", or, "where can I go?".

Just two minutes earlier this soldier was eating breakfast with his buddies at their latest encampment. When, unexpectedly his unit was bombarded with firepower that could knock out an entire city. Somehow, this man survived and subsequently, ran.

Not a single idea in his head as to where he was located, the soldier acted on instinct and simply ran, and continued to run; through the rugged train of Afghanistan and beyond. Constantly hoping he would stumble upon a U.S. military base or some type of group that could be of assistance to him.

Fear was at its peak as it pounded away at the young soldiers heart when suddenly I opened my eyes. It was all I dream. Was I the soldier? What does this mean? Then I remembered later that day I had a big race; maybe this was a way of preparing me for an all out sprint ...