Independent Reading Workshop - Book Introduction & Preview

I picked-up a copy of Don DeLillo’s End Zone a little over a year ago after reading a short review of it in a magazine I enjoy (a sure-fire way to get me interested in reading a new book). I have to be honest though; it was the book’s cover that really caught my eye (another sure-fire way to get me interested in reading a new book).

Content-wise, the book’s about West Texas football, and as fan of the sport and the movie and TV series Friday Night Lights (I’ve actually never read the book they’re both based-on), I couldn’t resist.

As an author, DeLillo’s been a tough nut for me to crack. I tried reading both Underworld and White Noise several times, but have never been able to see the greatness that so many others do. Perhaps a simpler story about football during a time of nuclear fear will help me—finally—appreciate his style and voice.

180 Degrees South Reflection

On your blog, please choose 1 of the following quotes from the documentary and compose a post in which you reflect on its meaning in terms of:
1. the film & Jeff Johnson's journey;
2. your own life and what journeys lie ahead beyond high school.

Your response should be at least 75 words--include an image or video to enhance your post.  When you've finished, go read and comment on the posts by your Blog Buddies.

Quotes:
" The end is useless...but I find I learn something along the way....If you take a spiritual journey & you compromise the process you have failed...you are a [jerk] when you start and an [jerk] when you finish."

" The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to answer."

"Books are a great start, but there is no substitute for just going there."

"Men do not learn from history...that is the most important lesson history teachers us." - A. Huxley

"Work hard. Live simply. Have great respect for the ocean."

"Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all."

"Growth is inevitable, but can we sustain this pace for long?"

"When you live your life outdoors, you get a sense that you have a responsibility to protect these wild places."

"It's like the quest for the holy grail.  Who gives a [darn] what the grail is, its the journey that counts...its the transformation that is within that is important."

Best Advice Ever?

What's the best advice you've ever received?  Tell me a brief story about who gave the advice and the situation that led to it.  How have you applied this advice to your life since?

Be descriptive in your telling--show, don't tell!

Post your response on your blog.

Graduation Speeches

"Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Luhrmann



"A Musical Journey Through High School" by Lance Jabr & Jeffrey Herman

Independent Reading Check-in

In a blog post of your own, please respond to ONE of following prompts regarding your Independent Reading book.  You may not use a prompt that you've already responded to.  Each response should be a minimum of 150 words.

    * Tell what you like or dislike about the current chapter or the book and why. Be specific.

    * Tell what you noticed about the characters or people in the chapter or book…such as what made them act as they did or how they changed.

    * Find a “key quote”. Share it with your readers and explain its importance to the book as a whole.

    * Illustrate, through a picture or a symbol, an idea scene, or some part of a chapter or the book. Explain your choice.

Independent Reading Book

Today I want you to spend some time telling me a little about your Independent Reading book.

1. What's it called and who wrote it?  Genre?  What's your book about?

2. How does your book connect one of your passions to a possible career?

3. And finally, what kind of project(s) might your book lend itself to.

If possible, find an image of your book's cover and include it as well.

Thanks!

What is a Hero?

To begin this week, I'd like you to think about heroes.  How do you define a hero?  What are some characteristics of heroes--real or imaginary; past or present?

Give some examples of people you consider to be a hero, idol, or role model.  Explain how this person/people fit your definition of what it means to be a hero.

Write 50 words and be as specific as possible.  Post your response on your blog--but you might want to begin by writing in a Word document.