The End of The Odyssey

The end of The Odyssey was really good. I thought that Odysseus's slaughter of the suitors was a little intense, as some probably didn't fully deserve death. I feel the ones such as Antinous who had taken full part in plotting Telemachus's death, taking advantage of Penelope, and abusing the beggar deserved the death that they got. But some, which were only pursuing Penelope because they thought Odysseus was dead didn't deserve it. Also, the maids who were hung, and suffered such cruel deaths, could have been killed in a more peaceful way. I was surprised that Penelope was so suspicious of Odysseus when he came home. Also, I was glad that Athena stopped another battle that could have taken place between the loved ones of the suitors and Odysseus. Overall, I actually enjoyed the story.

A Northern Light.. getting into the plot.

So far, A Northern Light has been pretty good. Mattie Gokey is the oldest of four girls. She has a brother too, but he has left the family. She lives in the North Woods. Her mother died, and as Mattie is the oldest, she takes the role as the female head. She has many responsibilities in her house, and though she attends school, she often has to skip in order to help her father. He says she is going to have to drop out next year. Mattie resents her father for this, but they are very low on money. Mattie's passion is writing, and she is very interested in words. She chooses a new word to learn every day in her treasured dictionary. Her best friend is a black boy named Weaver, who admires her gift of writing. Without her permission, he gives her notebook of stories to their teacher, who says she has a real talent. This has given her what she considers an unrealistic dream of one day going to New York to become a writer. Mattie asks her dad if she can work at a Hotel called the Glenmore, which she hopes will allow her to save enough side money to go to New York. He refuses. The book alternates chapters though, and in one chapter she is at home, but the next she is working at the Glenmore. The Chapters that take place at the Glenmore are exciting. A girl named Grace has just been found in Moose Lake. She went out on a boat with her boyfriend, who is still missing. A day earlier, she handed Mattie some letters which Mattie was told to burn. She hasn't burned them yet, and hasn't gotten a chance. I am wondering what she will do with the letters. Can't wait to find out!

The Odyssey

I didn't think I would enjoy the Odyssey at all, but I actually have. The book gets off to a slow start, but has really picked up pace. I am so glad that Odysseus has returned home safely, but I feel bad that he is still suffering at the hands of the suitors after his many hard years at sea. I know his plan to overtake them is well underway, and it looks as if the big battle will occur in chapter 22. I am predicting that he will win Penelope back at last, and I find it weird that she is giving up on him now that everyone says he is coming back. I wonder how she will take it when he reveals himself to her. She will be so overjoyed with happiness. So many people have not been loyal to Odysseus, and I am glad he plans on getting rid of the unfaithful. Telemachus and his father seem to have alot in common, and are almost the same person. I guess the saying "like father like son" really holds true in this case. Thank goodness he will have the support of his Swineherd and Cowherd in the battle against the suitors, because even though the Gods are on his side, two against many doesn't leave a very good chance. I am excited to read the final books of the story!

A Northern Light

For this quarter, I have decided to read A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnely. I chose this book first of all because it is different than what I have read so far. First quarter I read The Glass Castle which is an autobigraphy, and second quarter I read Life of Pi which is a realistic fiction adventure. A Northern Light is more of a murder mystery. It is set in the early 1900s, and is relatable as the protagonist is a 16 year old girl. It is also an honor award winning book. I have only read the first chapter, which has just set the scene. Mattie Gokey lives in a small town, and is somewhat desperate for money. She has just taken a job at a hotel calle The Glenmore. This is where the story begins, and I am excited to read more. My friend Annabel has read it and tells me it's good.