Compare & Contrast

While reading the book Where things come back by John Corey Whaley I've noticed a similar connection between it and the book Somebody up there hates you. One major thing I've noticed is that both of the main characters aren't scared of death. In Where things come back, Cullen's cousin dies; he's taken into a room to identify if that's actually him and Cullen seems calm and string about it. In the book it said, "Yup, that's him. He looked pale, and had something white coming out of his mouth." In Somebody up there hates you, Richard has cancer and lives life to the fullest and is expecting death soon. In the book it said, "This was the most fun I've had in a long time, but I knew this was all going to come to an end soon." One difference they had was that Cullen wasn't the one dying, but Richard was. In Where things come back it said, "Didn't your cousin die from drug use?' 'Yes' he only came home for money or food." In Somebody up there hates you it stated, "You only have a few more days left, what's the plan?" All in all,mi think these books are similar but have their difference. 

Meeting the character

Hello, my name is kamran smith and I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I am in highschool and I can't wait to join the army like my brother Darius. Life hasn't been the easiest for me these past couple of days. Darius has been identified as a terrorist. He's seen on video as the bomber of the US embassy in Turkey. I myself, have been trying to get my family and i out of the government jail. 

I would describe myself as caring because as I stated in the book, "this is it. My only chance to save my brother." I would also describe myself as wise because in the text i said, "I had to think quick. Maybe she won't notice." I think others would describe me as brave. Personally, I think they see me this way because of how I saved my brother. In the book it said, "I flinched, but the soldier hadn't shot me."

One big conflict that I have faced is that my brother was accused for being a terrorist. This was a problem because they've got it all wrong. In the text it stated, "I didn't have time to care about anything except proving that Darius wasn't a traitor. One plan I have for the future is to raise awareness to people that are accused of something just because of their race. 

How can you make a difference?

Someone can make a difference in the world by starting off small, and slowly but surely building off of that. Someone can make it known by telling people about it because if they don't understand, they most likely will be against it. As long as someone were to get the word out there about something, then it would also be up to the people whether or not to tell others about it. 

Some strengths I can use to make a difference in the world is sharing whatever the cause may be. I would get my voice heard someway and somehow. 

Aha moment - code of honor

As I continue to read the book code of honor, I've started to noticed an aha moment with one of the characters. It was when kamran realized he could escape his cell to help his brother. In the book it said, "this was it. My only chance to escape. My only chance to find my brother. To save Darius. I had to." At this moment kamran realized that he was done being a bystander and decided to stand up for what was right. I don't want to give too much away but, he does end up escaping. Do you think he will get caught?

Code of Honor

Kamran Smith seems to have it all; he’s got a beautiful girlfriend, he’s on top of his football game AND his best friend just scored them free tickets to the Super Bowl. But suddenly, life takes a sharp turn for the worse. Kamran’s older brother, Darius, who had been fighting loyally in the US Army in Afghanistan, is identified as a terrorist. He’s seen on video as the bomber of the US Embassy in Turkey. A few days later, he releases a video ranting against infidels and declaring his mission to wage holy war on the United States.

I've noticed a lot of conflict through out reading. In the book it says "That Arabic kid doesn't deserve to live anymore." Throughout the book, Darius is bullied for his nationality. In the story he gets threatened because they think he's a terrorist; hes the only Arabic in the army.  I think that the other people think that of Darius because they're currently fighting against Iraq. 

How long will I cry?

How long will I cry is about short stories of youth violence. For example one of the stories talked about how this girl named Kim grew up around bad things. Her parents were drug addicts so in her teen years she joined a gang and eventually got pregnant. In the end she ended up being a single mother working for other gang members by selling drugs. A valuable lesson that she learned was to think before you make your decisions. 

I think this book has a lot memory moments; the whole book is about people talking about their past. For example in the book it said, "I remember it like it was yesterday. The sound of the gunshot still lingers in my head." This short story was about the day the guy almost got shot due to gang relations. Not all of the short stories are related to gangs; in one story it said, "My father put a knife to my mothers throat, and man, I thought it was over." This also shows how different characters remember their past; partially why they're telling it. 

Flat Broke : Invisible Lines

While reading "Flat Broke", I have noticed various similarities between this book and "Invisible Lines". One thing that really stood out to me is that both of them talked about making money in some way. In flat broke, the main character Kevin, try's to find different ways to make money to take his crush to the dance; he stated, "Girls love flowers right? Well I need money to buy them." In the book invisible lines, he tries to make money to support his family; he stated, "I was making 50 cents every shoe I did graffiti on. In no time I'll have enough to buy soccer shoes." Some differences about the two books is that in flat broke, he makes money to impress someone; and in invisible lines, he makes money to support his family. I don't know too much background information about Kevin, but he doesn't seem like it's very important to have or get the money he wants. However in invisible lines, trevor needs to make money because his family lives in poverty and he wants to help his mom that has to work in unsafe conditions.