In my opinion this novel has one of the most exciting openings of a book that I have read for a long time. Because of the first-person perspective of the characters and the powerful description of the world that they live in I was immediately drawn in. I found this animated intro for the book that sets the stage visually as well as the author did with words: CLICK HERE TO WATCHQUESTION FOR ALL: In one of her comments Brenda mentioned being confused by the characters talking about "pesos"--it confused me at first, too. Was this set in Mexico? I read an interview with the author, posted above, and learned that the story is actually based on an area in the Philippines. Did you know that the Philippines also uses pesos as a currency? I didn't-- but now I do! So where do YOU guys think the story is located? Does it matter? Can you clearly picture what this village looks like?
This quote from Raphael really made me love him as a character... "With the right key, you can bust the door wide open. Because nobody’s going to open it for you." I loved his optimism in the face of all that was stacked against him. Gardo, Raphael, and Rat are some amazing boys. So far I am enjoying learning about their world and hearing it described in their different voices. I really like how protective Gardo is of Raphael and how close they are as friends. I am also intrigued by the character Rat. I can't wait to learn more about him!
QUESTION FOR ALL: I want to know what everyone else thinks about what the boys did with the bag? Do you think they did the right thing? What would you have done?
QUESTION FOR ALL: Throughout the novel, Raphael, Gardo, and Rat take turns recounting their story. How does hearing the multiple perspectives of this story benefit us as readers? What do we learn that we wouldn't otherwise know?
A lot happens in Part 1 and I can't wait to hear what you all think about it.
I just finished the book, temptation killed me. If you read the Author's Note in the back it talks about an actual place such as Behala in Manila, Philippines. In my opinion, I say it would matter about real life situations, and the setting was pretty well thought out so I don't think it's a concern until you find out it's happening outside the book. By the way (introducing Olivia Weston) I absolutely love how the author suggests we should be like Olivia and fall in love with Manila. Is it possible for me to talk about each part in different posts? So I guess that would result in 5..since I took notes on all of them -__- Sorry! I wonder what was everyone's first reaction to the description of their living conditions especially of Jun-jun (Rat). MY last comment is that the different perspectives is sort of like in the 'Red Pyramid' written by Rick Riordan, I guess it just adds more interest into the book as movies tend to do that with characters as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the last comment -___- I seem to forget what I say and repeat it. Darn my hippocampus. =/
ReplyDeleteHaHa! I am glad you couldn't stop reading, too! I also read the author's note (along with the interview I posted) and it does make me sad to think that there are actual places like Behala. I would love to get the perspective of someone who has been there. I know we have some students at Swift who have lived in the Philippines...
ReplyDeleteI DEFINITELY think you should post your ideas in several posts. It will give other readers a chance to selectively respond.
I can't wait to talk about Olivia Weston but I feel like we should wait a bit until we get to the later parts of the novel. (I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.) But you asked a great question about my first reaction to Rat's home and I have to say I was shocked. I actually couldn't even picture it at first because I have never witnessed or experienced anything like that. I guess it is kind of like when my cousin and I used to build forts and clubhouses in the woods behind my parents house, but I couldn't stand living with all of those rats!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great comparison Mr. Rogers, we've all came to a consensus of unwillingness to thrive in a place such as Behala. Yet if you search up Manila, Philippines and click on images the pictures are of beautiful scenery. Either humankind is looking for the optimism in life or I fear they are trying to conceal the fact of their poverty like some other countries I know just for international status. I bring no offense to anyone, I'm sorry if I did ):
ReplyDeleteI have been looking the World Wide Web for this information Animated intro
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