reading BLOG ENTRY 3

This week, I read a short story in our little textbook called "The Bracelet" and a novel called River Boy. For the short story, "The Bracelet," it definitely connects to the time during the 2nd World War when the US put all the Japanese immigrants into concentration camps. I like it how the author's writing style is extremely clear so that I can depict the situation in my head immediately. Therefore, due to this imagery, I felt compassion for the Japanese people, even though I personally do not like Japan, especially the people. The author just depicted them as so innocent and pitiful that even I felt heart-broken when the girl had to say goodbye to her friend. I had a time during 3rd grade when I had to say goodbye to all my friends in Canada, for I had to leave for Korea. However, I never really felt sad about it; I'm not sure why. But in the story, how Ruri and Laurie were so sedate and calm made me feel jealous of their maturity. Even adults probably can't say goodbye like that. Most people would cry their hearts out and leave all teary. But these two girls said little to each other, making those words seems so precious. Plus, I loved how Laurie even walked backwards to have one last look at Ruri to wave. Maybe these two girls were just too young to understand the reality...? Anyways, I think the theme of this story is friendship, love (mentally), and separation. All these three things have to do with the relationship between Laurie and Ruri.

The novel I read called the River Boy, was also an interesting one. It wasn't all the thrilling, exciting type of book. I would have to say it was also a tranquil type. Plus, this book also deals with separation because Jess's grandpa died, who was a big part of her. But it was boring at times. The author's writing style is very easy. Everything is straightforward and the vocabulary are in the middle school level. I think this book was meant to be sad, but it wasn't because it was too dragging, dull, and obvious. It was so clear that the "boy" was the grandpa of Jess. Nothing was mysterious about this book. So I'd probably never read it again. It was just a waste of time.