I love this book and I'll give it four stars. But it's not for the reasons you think it is. I love it because it makes me think about myself. I love i...moreI love this book and I'll give it four stars. But it's not for the reasons you think it is. I love it because it makes me think about myself. I love it because Jerry Spinelli has a few phrases here and there that pluck my literary chord. I love it because it taught me new ways to be myself. But I don't love Stargirl the girl. I feel sorry for her in a way. I can't tell where the lines are supposed to be drawn. Where is self and where is relationship? Where is give and where is take? I'm supposed to want her to touch me and to stare into my eyes and sing me a song and make me a better person. But I don't want those things. I don't think emulating Stargirl is the way to go. She's perfect.
There's a red and blue and black and yellow bird on the cover of this book. But the insides are black and white which is more reflective of my memory....moreThere's a red and blue and black and yellow bird on the cover of this book. But the insides are black and white which is more reflective of my memory. I shall write some poetry now and it will be very very good undoubtedly. (less)
I had never heard of this book before I bought it. I saw it on the shelf at Ed McKay and I saw that Amy Sedaris said it was funny and so I read a page...moreI had never heard of this book before I bought it. I saw it on the shelf at Ed McKay and I saw that Amy Sedaris said it was funny and so I read a page out of the middle and I bought it. I've done that on occasion in my life--bought a book I've never heard of and it ended up being awesome. I've done it on more occasions where I bought a book I've never heard of and it ended up being awful. But this one is awesome. It makes me kinda sad that boys are idiots and like to talk about penises and poop, but I can set that aside for a moment and appreciate this kid for his insight.
Insight. Definition: penetrating understanding into character or hidden nature (from dictionary.com)
I need all the insight I can get. It is perhaps the thing I need most these days. Insight. As I don't have any of my own, I'll have to take Junior/Arnold's. I will try to appreciate that right now, I am overcome with the desire to eat pizza and I am ALSO overwrought with trying to figure out how to use my sadness and fear instead of letting it use me.
I don't know how many stars I offer this book. Nor do I know what review I'd like to write.
Never mind. I've got the stars figured out. And after watch...moreI don't know how many stars I offer this book. Nor do I know what review I'd like to write.
Never mind. I've got the stars figured out. And after watching the play at CTG yesterday, I can at least review the book as: way better than the play. It wasn't just a dream!(less)
I don't much remember reading this. But what I do know is that Maya Angelou is amazing and beautiful and kind and she has an AURA! It's true! I can fe...moreI don't much remember reading this. But what I do know is that Maya Angelou is amazing and beautiful and kind and she has an AURA! It's true! I can feel it through my television. I saw her on Book TV tonight (Nov 2, 2008) and I've seen her speak live at Wake Forest when she was campaigning for Hillary and she absolutely unzips her skin and peels it off so you can see her soul. And then she asks you to touch it. And kiss it. So you DO kiss it, but really it's her that's kissing you. She is so godlike and amazing. I never knew I loved her until she said, "I'm not a writer who teaches, I'm a teacher who writes." Selfless! And very tall and very old, too. Just look at her! Look!!! Feel lucky that you have looked even one brief look.(less)
I have to admit, there are quite a number of stories in this collection that I go back to every now and then. The first book of erotic stories I ever...moreI have to admit, there are quite a number of stories in this collection that I go back to every now and then. The first book of erotic stories I ever purchased! I've purchased others since then, but they're not as good as this one.(less)
November 21, 2008 It's been a long many years since I last read this novel. So it seemed high time to read it again. And this time my eyes have been op...moreNovember 21, 2008 It's been a long many years since I last read this novel. So it seemed high time to read it again. And this time my eyes have been opened to the loveliness that is Jem Finch. What a passionate and honorable young man. How did I never notice this before???
November 23, 2008 Full Circle Observation: Jem ends up with a wonky left arm, just like Tom Robinson. How did I never notice that before? I tell you peeps what--you've GOT to read this book paying special attention to Jem Finch's perspective.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spring 2008: What I want to know is this: Why do they wait until high school to make kids read this book? I seriously think kids should be reading this book in 6th grade. Is it because there's rape? I hate that our Puratinistic "values" are taking over soooo much that they totally gets in the way of what's actually important in this novel.