Christie’s Comments (group member since May 28, 2012)

Christie’s comments from the UIU Library group.

I just finished a book published this year, titled, "the Golem and the Jinni," by Helene Wecker. This is the first book in a long time that I have neglected my household duties to read. I wanted to know so badly what was going to happen to the characters next, the inhuman ones and the human ones. I could also see the deserts, German countryside and 19th century New York immigrant neighborhoods where it was set.

I read the book years ago and remember not liking it because the main characters seemed to have no hope for their children or their selves. I was young when I read it and felt empathy towards their poverty but could not empathize with the adults attitudes towards their children.

We had a really good time. My husband and sons have not read the books, but now they want to.

i wasn't able to get together on Friday, but my children and i are having a party Saturday and everyone is going to bring a food that is mentioned in the book.

Deb wrote: "It seemed to emphazise the stark differences between what happens at the Capitol versus some districts. It also made me realize how helpless the tributes are - the are powerless and that fact is e..."

You are right about todays cultural dissimilarities. Even in Iowa the teens of Des Moines dress and spend their free time differently then the kids from Southern Iowa. There are also cultural differences between the time spent on physical appearences between people from California vs people from Iowa.

Deb wrote: "When you put it like that, the opinion people have that things are "getting worse" is sort of ridiculous. Over the last 500 years violence has gone down....kings, queens, other notable figures are..."

Those are very good points. I've argued with people who think the internet is evil because of the immoral things that a few people use it for. I point out the educational and communication value that it has.

They are representing their district and also vying for wealthy sponsors. If the tribute has a noticable attribute they will earn perks that could help them survive the games.

Yes, the opening ceremony reminded me of many sporting events from high school football games to the Olympics. Obviously the interviews were modeled after late evening talk shows such as David Letterman and if your my age, Johnny Carson. The hollow wish for luck that each tribute recived I must confess reminds me of the prayers said before games now. I don't think that G-d is going to favor Iowa over Iowa State, but I was not born in Iowa and have no preference. And it seems false to to pray for players safety and have them do something that could be dangerous at the same time.

I thought the movie did a fairly good job of following the book. It handled the violent scenes well without gratuitous gore and actions.

Being exposed to violence regularly makes it less shocking. A steady exposure, of violence in the media validates it and presents it as normal behavior.

The career tributes have had their natural tendencies to be physically demonstrative and aggressive nurtured into violence instead of having those traits directed towards positive goals. Children who are not taught self-control and patience plus fed a steady diet of media violence may also be inadvertently taught that violence and aggression are the way to survive and attain gratification.

Suzanne's answer to that question makes sense to me. It is easy to disparage modern culture by saying that televisiion shows like, "cops," "Jerry Springer," and all the other reality shows are proof that our society is degenerating. She points out however that, "misery has always enjoyed company."

I must confess I have not read much of this book in the past week, partly because my new class started and partly because my grandson has been reading the book. Based on what I have read so far, Catness is an admirable person. She has found a way to maintain some power over her life in a place where there is seemingly no hope. I think we like to imagine that we could be that kind of a hero.

Jodi wrote: "1. Write down the second syllable of your middle name (if you don't have a middle name, use the second syllable of your first name; or, if your middle name is only one syllable, use the second syll..."

Good Afternoon,
Mine is Tineless H. Walkiris

Hi, this is Christie P. I have been wanting to read this book for a while, but always seemed to be in the middle of a class and another for fun book. This gives me the perfect reason to go on ahead and read.

An education instructor advised that teachers should read what their students are reading and I'm glad that this book is well written and I want to know what happens next.