Lit. Circles Room 399's Blog

Welcome to Room 399's firstever weblog!! Over the next few months I hope to get everyone involved in chatting about our Romeo and Juliet-themed YA books not just in class, but with other classes at Capuchino. Who knows, maybe even other bloggers on the web will join in on our conversations. It has been done before. One class in New Jersey blogging about the book, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd even had the author herself check out the blog and answer questions students had about the book. Since the authors of all of our YA novels are alive and well, maybe we might get lucky and have them join in on our conversations.

To make this blog a little easier to maneuver around, I'm going to give each YA novel its own posting. I'll be looking for your comments and suggestions as we go through learning this new technology tool together.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

Isn't this classic girls!! Why do the shy ones always go for the town's tormented bad boy? Is love blind for Jamie and Landon? Or is it Jamie's tragic flaw to want to rescue him? Or is their love controlled by fate? What deception is going on? Does Jamie use time to her advantage? How will Landon and the Reverend get past their clash? Let's get those thoughts blogged!!

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

So can any of us escape who we really are? What is Vivian thinking when she tries to hook up with 'meatboy' Aiden? Is love that blind? Or is Vivian just struggling with her flaws? Or rebelling against Esme, a mother not acting her age? How are time, fate, deception, civil disobedience driving the plot? Let me in on your thoughts!

Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier

Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

Man aren't we all Born Confused? Aren't we all just trying to survive high school? Does life come with a self-help manual? Have you started to feel the hate for Gwen? Or do you see her tragic flaws? What does Ms. Hidier want us to learn about culture clash? about deception? about time? What part does fate play with Karsh and Dimple? Let's hear your thoughts!!!

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska by John Green
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

So who'd name their daughter after a state like Alaska? What does it say about her personality? Why can't the colonel go by his real name, Chip? Pudge for the skinniest guy? Why so much deception? Is it fate/coincidence that they've ended up as roomies? So what do the boarders and the Weekend Warriors tell us about culture clash? What's happening with love and time in this novel? Start chatting!!

The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci

The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

What's up with the people in this town? When Torey realizes that he never really knew Creed, what does he learn about love, deception and tragic flaws? Is it fate/coincidence that creates the culture clash between the town and the Boonies? How does time affect the plot? Start chatting about those theme ideas now!!

Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

So is it love at first sight for Vince and Kendra? Or lust? Or is he really just out to antagonize his dad? So what do you think about Vince's tragic flaws? his idea of love? his willingness to engage in deception? Was he fated to meet Kendra? How do time and civil disorder play out as themes in this novel? Get to chatting about it all!!

Romiette and Julio

Romiette and Julio
Originally uploaded by caproom399.

Ok, Let's get started talking about Romiette, Julio, Ben, Destiny, and of course the Parents!! What are your thoughts about Ms. Draper's theme topics of love, deception, time, civil disorder, fate/coincidence, or tragic flaws? Start posting your comments and questions along with quotes from the book.