Mattie Gokey

Mattie Gokey, from A Northern Light, is a very interesting protagonist. She is very determined, as she has stayed in school much longer than the average kid. She has also worked hard to receive a full scholarship at Colombia University. Responsible is another word I would use to describe Mattie. She has become the head of the household next to her dad as her brother left, and her mother died. She does everything around the house from making dinner, looking after her sisters, being a farm hand, and doing the grocery shopping. She is determined, but also realistic. She realizes that the chances of her going to college are slim to none. Her father needs her help around the house, and she is the only one capable of providing that assistance. I truly hope Mattie is able to pursue her biggest hopes and dreams of attending Columbia University. She deserves it over anyone, and needs a degree to truly make something of herself.

All the Pretty Horses.

I was a little lost at first in All the Pretty Horses, but have been able to better understand the book since the first nights reading. Rawlins and John Grady are sure dedicated to getting away from their homes as they leave for Mexico and don't once look back. They are only sixteen, and I wouldn't be ready for the real world at that age. I think they make a good pair of buddies, and that their friendship will be able to last through the journey. I think that Blevins, the boy they meet on trail, is a bit annoying. I really do wonder where he got his horse, and why how he is going to survive on his own. Rawlins seems to hate the boy, and I don't blame him as the only thing Blevins does is cause trouble, but John Grady feels some sort of a responsibility for him. Blevins shows his immaturity, as well as craving for adventure, when he takes back is big bay horse from the local Mexicans. I do respect him though for trying to leave his "friends" out of the mess. At the ranch where Rawlins and John Grady work as cowboys, John Grady shows his skills. He trains sixteen wild horses for riding, and the wealthy head of the ranch takes notice. He is promoted. John definitely has a thing for the owner's daughter, and she seems somewhat interested in him as well. I think a romance might spark. I hope that John Grady's promotion and his crush on Alexjandra doesn't come between his friendship with Rawlins.

A Northern Light continues

Mattie has many responsibilities on the farm. Ever since her older brother left, her jobs have increased even further. One day she is plowing the wheat field, but her horse is not being very cooperative. An older neighbor boy named Royal steps in and gets the job done with ease. Her father approaches and appreciates the job he has done. Mr. Gokey reflects on the fact that his son left, and asks Royal why his dad got so lucky having four boys while he has none. The next day Mattie is in class, and doesn't have the best day. It all turns around when she is asked by her teacher to stay afterwards and is given a letter. She finds out she has received a full scholarship to Colombia University, and gets very excited, but is put back into reality when she thinks about how her father needs her help around the farm. She thinks that going to college is unrealistic. Later that week, Mattie goes to the market in order to buy groceries for her family. While shes there, she picks up the latest book from the library. She also purchases a beautiful composition book with the money she has earned from selling fiddle heads. She debates whether or not to buy the thing for a long time, but decides it is worth it. Royal is at the market as well and offers her a ride home in his buggy. She agrees, and has a thrill ride as he conducts the horse at full speed. Mattie develops a crush on Royal. The next chapter is set at the Glenmore. Mattie has been trying to get a chance to throw the letters away, but her boss has not given her one. Late at night when she is walking the dog, Mattie almost has her chance, but is stopped by Weaver. We also find out that she is dating Royal at this point. I am excited to read more.

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.