Anne Frank 6

I don’t understand why Anne’s parents are being so strict about her and Peter. I know that Jewish people can be very religious especially about relationships, but you would think that with the situation they were in, all they would want is for them to be happy and keep growing up normally. My parents would be pushing for Peter and I to pursue a relationship. Hell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank could not have been that naïve that they were going to be able to live like that forever behind a bookcase with little food and growing children.
And just like that, its over ... Anne's story. Suddenly, abbruptly it just ends. It's no ones fault, and Anne would not want me to say it was Hitler's falt in the first place because if it weren't forhim she never would have been in the situation in the first place.
Well I finally did it: I read the Diary of Anne Frank. My Hebrew school teacher would be so proud. Anne Frank is a hero in so many ways, making this book a classic truly because she was original and an original beauty. Her heroic feets in this book were the overcommings of immaturity, war, and womanhood. Respectfull as anyone, Anne Frank is most respectful for being normal and overcomming the normalcies and faults we all face. I still cant decide however if we are born with the power to overcome those feats, or if we learn to face them … like an acquired taste.

Anne Frank 5

I am somewhat relieved that Anne starts to talk to Peter van Daan, the son of the other family in hiding with the Franks. Although Anne admits enjoying their talks and topics of conversation like sex, she still yearns to be alone. Maybe it is because she lives in a small space with too many people, especially people that don’t understand her. She mentioned getting along with her mother better and growing an understanding and tolerance for her, but still Anne needs someone her own age. And that is why Peter is good for her.
Anne’s mom should be happy for her and Peter and not be suspicious about their relationship. Even if they were more than just friends, they were two lonely kids in a miserable time where they couldn’t help but not try and keep up with the other kids and not miss out just because they were Jewish and in hiding. It’s not fair.
Peter and Anne seem to help each other. Anne helps Peter come out of his shell, while Peter helps Anne learn to trust someone and finally FINALLY talk to someone. I wonder if Anne would still let Margot, her sister, read her diary like she did when they first moved into the annex.
The more frequent scares that someone breaks into the annex or the people that bring the families food make noise start to worry everyone, especially Anne. She starts to think about the worst, but knowing her, she will definitely keep her head up.

Anne Frank 4

I am surprised that Anne admits she feels lonely in the attic, and it makes her unhappy. It kind of feels like maybe she is growing up. With the arrival of her monthly period for the first time, Anne shows signs of maturity. I still wish her new roommate Mr. Dussel never told her about what he saw going on outside before he came into hiding, but I know she handled it well because she is so strong.
From what it sounds like, Anne plays the role of the unwanted center of attention … as in she is constantly nagged and picked on for habits or etiquette.
I am starting to see where Anne might get her optimism from: Her father. He always thinks the war is about to end soon. Anne mentioned at one point how she and her father were more alike than her and her mother. The brevity and optimism Anne and her father both practice make them seem so alike. If only she really talked to him more. I can’t imagine why they should not have the time to sit around and discuss.
The daily routine to which they abide by seems to have plenty of downtime accidently built in. Anne obviously uses it to write, but I wish maybe she would use it to talk to people instead of just write to a book.
Unlike what Mr. Frank has been predicting, the war ceases to end or get anywhere near ending. Anne’s mentioning she wants to be cremated when she dies scares me in that it just makes me think of how people were killed in the Holocaust, and why would she ever want her body to end up the same way. And, as a fellow Jewish person, I know that Jewish people normally don’t believe in being cremated, so I am kind of confused on where her plan is coming from.

Anne Frank 3

Anne reminds me of my sister. I am close with both of my parents, but at times we would have to split into 2 v. 2 teams. While I would have liked to be with my dad sometimes, Jordan seemed to somehow always get to “pick first”. They both understood each other more than my mom or I could ever understand either of them. It is because they are so alike. And Anne feels the same way about her mother and sister how they are alike and how her and her dad are alike but different from them.
The arrival of the van Daan family sparks new hope for Anne and relief to know that some family friends are still alive. These two families, however seem to be a giant dysfunctional group. The mothers argue and Mr. van Daan just gets on everybody’s nerves. Anne should not have too much of a problem with everything that is going on in the annex because she keeps to herself so much. At times like these, when her parents argue or there is no respectable adult to talk to, I am glad Anne has her diary to confide in. My parents always tell me how unhealthy it is to not talk about something that is bothering you. I hope that Anne’s writing everything down is enough for her to take care of herself. I don’t know how close Anne is to Margot, but I hope that maybe these close quarters can help them resolve their differences. As for Anne and her mother, I am not so sure.

Anne Frank 2

I do not blame her for this, But Anne wastes no time in the next few entries referencing to the Holocaust and its effects on her and her family’s life. Having to attend a specific ice cream shop and not being permitted to use the ferry soon, however according to Anne, become not the fault of the Dutch. Immediately, Anne shows her true colors by not blaming anyone for why her people are being treated the way they are.
It is hard to understand how Anne can understand and accept other people, but she can’t ever trust them. Maybe because trust is far more intimate? Of course you can trust a book of paper because it always “keeps its mouth shut” unless you open it, and it is only “two sided” when you decide to write on the back. You never have to worry about two- faced people telling your secrets. Anne’s trust for her diary she named Kitty is cute, but it kind of makes me sad. She does not describe her family in great detail , but from what I have read her mother is her least favorite of all members.
Even though I am 16 years old and should have things I shouldn’t feel comfortable telling my parents, I don’t and I still continue to tell them everything in confidence. Anne’s mistrust for everyone except for Kitty worries me that she might become lonely.
Hopefully, their move into the annex for hiding will bring the family together, and force Anne to trust her family with her thoughts because they are the only people she has to listen. Kitty can not last forever; eventually she’ll run out of pages.

Anne Frank 1

Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, 1995

I know, I know, I'm a Jewish girl and I have not read the Diary of Anne Frank? Well, I started it in Hebrew school about 5 or 6 years ago. Of course, the class never consistently read it, so I never actually even read the book. My Hebrew school went to see the Anne Frank exhibit, which was a bit more graphic than I expect this book to see. But they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess I already saw the picture, and now I am ready to read the thousand words. I get squeemish, so hopefully this book will be more my type.
My favorite quote by Anne Frank probably has to be "Despite everything, I truly believe that all people are good at heart." Starting this book, I am going into it with hopes that I can acquire some of Anne's wise outlooks on things and positive beliefs "despite everything."
And I can attest that this was one book I did not judge by its cover. Like I have mentioned before, covers do a lot for me. But in Anne Frank's case, her black and white picture along with what I have learned about her was enough for me.
Anne’s one –way conversation with her journal at in the opening entry makes me already fall in love with her. As a fellow writer, I know how much time it takes to write down what you are thinking and sometimes your thoughts are racing so fast you want to shorthand everything, but then you think about how you want to be able to look back on this and read everything word for word. I admire that Anne has the patience to introduce herself to a piece of paper that cannot shake hands in acceptance.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 6

Prom is usually the perfect way to end high school. For Jodee, it seemed that possibly things would end the same way. But that one night was all. It was not over until high school was truly over ... that last day when Jodee asked Tyler to sign her yearbook and he wrote: You'll have to f*** yourself, we hate you b****.
Jodee was not stupid for trying to make one last effort to redeem herself, or redeem others in her own book. If only the people were more receptive. But then again, everyone is immature in high school. AND IF ONLY that could count as an excuse for what happened to Jodee Blanco. Hell if people are still immature in high school, they are merely babies that no no better in middle school and grade school. Once again though, if only that was an excuse. Truly, there is not one.
Blanco's final chapter brings me back to my first day of high school and the question I still ask myself: Why the hell did I ever get out of that car? HOW did I get out?
It seems like so far away, and for Jodee it was ten years at that reunion. To someone like her, you would think everything would be so overwhelmingly nightmarish ... you would think she would not have gotten out of the car. But I was so relieved to find out that she did.
There could have not been a more perfect ending to the worst beginning. Written beautifully throughout its entirety, “Please Stop Laughing at Me,” is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Although at times painful to imagine, the book hits you so close to home when you think about your own experiences with bullies, or people you have known. Hopefully, it will teach people to firstly stand up for themselves, and secondly for others.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 5

Hearing Blanco describe her trip to Santorini was pure bliss. Everything sounded beautiful, even her for once. But almost immediately, she becomes submerged back into her miserable school identity. It is sad that nobody knows what she discovered that summer, how the boys of Santorini saw her, how her parents saw her, how she once saw herself. I wish they could see her in that light.
Jodee's determination to graduate and not run away never subsides. Her classmate, Noreen is pitiful. I guess you can't expect everybody to be like Jodee, though. Not everyone is that strong and can take as much as she does.
I think that in 10 years, Jodee will end up being successful because she already suffered through the worst part of life that was not even part of the real world: high school. Noreen on the other hand ... I have no idea where she will end up. It is more sad to watch someone like Noreen, I think, be bullied and picked on because people like that are so vulnerable and so scared. Jodee had all the reason to be scared, but she remained strong through much doubt and beating.
Jodee reminds me of Anne Frank. Anne Frank said that “Despite everything I truly believe that all people are good at heart.” By saying that she feels these kids that are picking on her are just insecure and hurting on the inside, Jodee shows her ability to forgive everyone above all. And best of all, she believes despite what the doctor said or what her parents think that she is just different, and that is ok.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 4

The saddest thing is when the doctor puts Jodee on a relaxation medicine for her nerves. Hell, they might as well have just taken her youth away. Jodee has started to become numb in certain situations. She said that her parents would always say, " here, take a pill." They thought that that could solve all of her problems. I can not imagine being told that a pill is last resort, and that is what I have come to needing. Poor Jodee.
Except, she never seems to be asking for pity… yet another quality that makes me very fond of Jodee.
Jodee puts being an outcast in a totally new perspective: “The hardest thing about being an outcast isn’t the love you don’t receive. It’s the love you long to give that nobody wants.” Which makes sense if you think about it, and it is so sad. People like Jodi aren’t asking for much … like puppies, all they really want to do is give and make other people happy.
Instead of being jealous of her surprise trip to Santorini, Greece, I am excited for her. If anyone deserves a trip to an ancient world inside of a slumbering volcano, it is the girl that has been thrashed mentally and physically by the youth of today.
It sounds amazing… the people she meets, the food she eats, the laughs she finally FINALLY shares with her parents again.
I wish that she would just marry Niko. He sounds like the sweetest guy in the world, and especially for her. I am so happy for Jodee and that she has such a good time in Santorini. At first I thought that Peter, her older friend that always stood up for her, was they guy that Jodee wanted to end up with. Although this book hardly focuses on romance, I now have changed my mind and feel like her and Niko should screw being “good friends” and admit they love each other.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 3

Blanco's parents are great. They listen to Jodee. I get loopy around blood. I even get loopy around the idea of blood. So, of course it is possible that I get loopy at the idea of being bullied or crying during middle school. It is sad! I do not know how I would deal with my children like Jodee's parents did. My mom hates seeing me cry. Jodee's parents probably hated seeing her come home every day crying because everyone was mean to her, or even seeing it for themselves through evidence of scars or her destroyed personal property.
The saddest part is when she starts to hide those scars. She thought she was doing her parents a favor because she knows all they want is to see her happy and with friends fitting in. I would hate to see my child come home everyday crying. But then, finding out all a long they were just hiding it instead of coming home crying everyday, I think I would be even more upset.
I think the best thing they do is get her professional help. Although Jodee is scared out of her mind about going to the doctor, and stubborn as hell, I think that it is more for her parents. It is for their own satisfaction and reassurance as parents that they are doing the right things, which are anything and everything. No, it is not selfish that they are doing this so they can understand what is wrong with her. At the same time, Jodee is going to be told why she is given such a hard time.
But, I bet she is going to say, “Nobody understands me, I am just different.” And, of course a doctor won’t take that for an answer and he will come up with some diagnosis, which Jodee’s doctor does.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 2

I strongly admire Blanco's attraction to the underdog, and constant will to defend it like in her speech her first day of freshman year. My mom told me that this book was about school bullying. Why does she always suggest I read the saddest books?
Jodee's story is only intensifying. Except, I am noticing that things were always bad. She started off good in fourth grade with everyone, then again at the new school she had to transfer to, but why did she always have to start over? Because her parents were letting her run away. Reading about what these kids did to her though like physically made it understandable.
What if your child was in that situation? Would you tell them to basically grow a pair and learn to toughen up, even defend yourself if necessary? I honestly don't know. The sad thing is I never really had those problems with girls. My sister did, but I didn't. All that crying freshman year was me, all me. I was not rejected, let alone did I even give myself a chance to be. I was so quiet. I remember sitting with some sophomores I had known from lacrosse. They did not tell me I should not eat my lunch. Hell, they actually bought school lunch and ate every thing on those plastic trays. I was the one that told myself I should throw away my plump brown bag. The sades part was at the end of the day, my mom would ask me how my lunch was or if I got the note she packed. What did I say? Great. Yes. How would I even know? I never ate did. I hope Jodee never gets to the point where she lies to her parents about stuff like that, but I can only assume she will.

Please Stop Laughing at Me 1

"Please Stop Laughing at Me" by Jodee Blanco, 2003.

I remember watching my mom read this book about 5 years ago. I remember her telling me to read it about 2 years ago. And now I finally am. I have never been ashamed to admit that I judge a book by its cover, so of course it was no different in this case. "Please Stop Laughing at Me," has the bland cover of a girl sitting in the lower left hand corner loosely text wrapped by the title and remarks from well renowned readers. I could not help but wonder if the girl on the cover would be Jodee, the girl in the book that the author used to be.
The first chapter ends transitioning into Blanco recalling her first day of her freshman year of high school. At the end of the first chapter where the transition has just begun with the words “first day of my freshman year of high school,” I can’t help but remember my own. What made her first day so different than any one elses?
God, how did I ever get out of the car that day? Why did I? I know that everything turned out fine, but that first day would become the first of many to be lonely and lunch- less.
I lost track of Blanco for a minute and reminisced with myself. But I came back to notice that I left her hanging to be bullied on and verbally and physically attacked, something I haven’t ever endured in high school. Maybe her story would be different than mine after all.

A Child Called It 6

Although the beginning of the book starts out with David being brought to safety, the end of the book is a surprise. Why? Because although the book was not very long, the story itself felt so manipulating and elongated. I almost started to forget that the beginning of the book guaranteed David actually survives.
But, I am glad he does. And the best part about the end is he finally starts to believe in
G-d again. I was not surprised that he ended up having a life and a family with a child of his own. He is definitely going to be a love parent because of the loveless child hood he endured.
My one worry is that he may be overprotective. His fear of his child getting hurt may cause him to say not allow him to date, or near other family members. It is like a protective mother of her son going off to college and saying that she will always love him more than any other girl ever could. It is sweet, but can be creepy.
My hopes for David are that he does not live in denial because he wrote the book to prove it. And, I also hope he doesn’t not feel sorry for himself because what he went through was terrible and took up his entire childhood. I have a feeling that he might live vicariously through his son for a while, but that is ok. As long as he deals with life as it is at his current older age, David is free to see himself in his son… imagine himself in his son’s shoes surrounded by love.

A Child Callled It 5

When David says that not only does he hate his mother but his brothers and his father, I can't help but side with him. He has all the right too. They say that people that do evil things and people that watch evil things be done but don't do anything to stop them are both just as terrible people. And, I agree.
David's father has all the right to be scared of David's mother, but I just do not understand how it ever got to the point where he started being scared of her. Usually, the man in the relationship scares the woman, just due to their natural masculine, aggressive natures. So when did the father "loose the pants" in this family? I have no idea.
If only the brothers did not take after both of their parents. David used to play with his brothers and they used to actually have a relationship. Did they never miss David? Did they never care enough to ask, “Why is David getting hurt and not me?” You would have thought since they were older maybe they would have understood what was going on. David, who was younger, caught on quicker. Either his brothers knew what was going on and were too scared to stop it, or did not understand. Their mother could have brainwashed them, but I am still disappointed in them. Little boys are supposed to be little rebels. What happened to these cowards?
I wonder if David will ever be able to forgive his brothers. I myself have trouble apologizing and forgiving. If it were me, I probably would not have enough time to forgive them because it would take a long time.

A Child Called It 4

David starts to lose faith in his power to survive, so so do I. It is sad to see him come so far with such determination and then all of a sudden start to give up. What he does not seem to realize is that him giving up makes him stronger. Maybe he is not giving up on survival, but giving up on winning his mother's love and affection. I think he is maturing in that he realizes his life is more important than love from someone that hurts you so much. I hope that by the end of this book, he realizes that he does not need his mother to love him and that there will be other people out there that will love him.
When David says that he does not believe in G-d anymore, nor does he love but loathe his mother I am almost in shock. Such a young boy has learned so fast. I feel so sad for him when he says that he does not believe in G-d anymore. It is understandable that if there was a G-d, wouldn't he have protected David and children like him?
My hopes for this book are that by the end, David starts to believe in G-d again. Also, that he learns that there is love in the world and it is not wrong to want to be loved. Hopefully, his brothers or father will grow a pair and help him. I have high hopes for his youngest brother because David loves him so much.

A Child Called it 3

David's mother does not only physically abuse him, but she mentally scars him. She tells him she does not nor can she ever love him. I can not imagine. Taking a moment to appreciate having a sanction of unconditional love, I must say how lucky I am. It is too horrible. Too horrible.
If you ever feel unappreciative, read this book. David's failure to obtain love from his family will make you go up to your parents and kiss them. And maybe, for the first time in like 12 years you will let grandma and grandpa do the same, or call you a short nickname. It is not selfish of you. David would want you to. Looking at the cover again, I feel dissatisfied with the portrayed image. So I do kind of judge books by their cover. We would all be hypocrites of we tried to say we did not. Smooth hardbacks or papery flimsy covers. I bet that if they were the same price anyone would choose a hardcover over a soft cover. This might not make much sense, but for some reason I could not really imagine this book in a hardcover. It would just look really harsh.
I used to think that I wanted to be the designer of book covers… pick the “it” graphic for the cover that could just say it all by the end of a book. But, after being in scribbler and seeing how much work it is to crop photos and what not, I do not think I could take it, really. And, the fact that I can not even draw or take good pictures probably limits my design eye. So, maybe this cover is not as bad as I think it is. Besides, it is the least important part of this story, really.

A Child Called it 2

David is abused. You would not think the story would go that direction after the way the first chapter started out. His family sounded like these perfect glass box figurines. Mother: homemaker. Father: firefighter. Come on. What a hot couple?
What went wrong?
There is never any excuse for child abuse. An inability to control alcohol use is a ridiculous cop out. Their family sounded so perfect, so fun. Going to the park, doing different projects all the time. We were kids once! How many different "projects" did our moms ever have to cook up for us so that we felt needed? So many. David's mother did the same, and at the same time it feels like she was doing them for herself. Although she was not lonely with her sons at home all day, still she lacked real adult interaction on a daily basis. So, these projects or adventures she did for and with the kids, she quickly seems to be enjoying and learning to take part in for herself. Maybe, even too much. The perfectionist thing is kind of worrying me a little bit.
And, that must be it... mixed with alcohol.
Now I see what my mom was talking about. Part of me wishes I never read this book. But, I have already read some of it, meaning I am already feeling some of the pain. So, what is the point in not going on? Apparently, there is kind of a happy ending. Maybe I kind of deserve to read that. I know, if anyone deserves anything it is David that deserves a new life. But, since he can not have one yet, at least, let’s see him make something out of this one.

A Child Called It

"A Child Called It" by Dave Pelzer, 1993.

My mom could not make up her mind.
"Read this book."
"No it is too sad, do not read this book, yet."
"But It's a really good book, you need to read it."
I finally took her advice. I remember her reading it about 5 years ago or so. She was crying every time I walked into the room. From looking at the cover, I saw a cloudy picture with a blue- eyed boy. Didn't look too bad.
Then, I read the first chapter, still... nothing too terrible, really. The book starts off with the boy being saved and "finally set free." From what? I was not sure yet. Sure, I read the back cover. But they don't put barely anything on the back covers anymore. It is like they are getting stingy. Maybe people did not buy the books after they read the covers. But I always liked having that little synopsis.
The first chapter makes you need to read the second that night, at least. Or else, you will go to bed wondering, "What happened to this boy?"
After the first two chapters, I am already somewhat thankful that I decided to read this book. When people say things are “fast reads,” you can look at them and then look at the book that is like “yay” thick and say, “QUICK READ?” This one is not really too thick, at all really.
What am I looking forward to? The big print. The big print is really good for this book because when you get sad you tear up. And, since this book is apparently really sad, at least when I cry I will still be able to see what I am reading!

The Motorcycle Diaries- 6

Che and Alberto's journey comes to an end- but hey, all good things have to right? Both Che and Alberto's journeys end separately. After hearing about them "conquering" things such as hunger, sleepless nights, and breathless experiences together, it is sad to hear their road fork. Men that once shared similar dreams and aspirations now go their separate ways. But, it is understandable. Alberto is maybe 7 years older or so than Che? He has found his career: Biochemist. Che is still trying to go back to school and finish his last year, become a leprosy specialist, and/or try and revolutionize Cuba.
If he wanted my advice on what to do, I would have said philosophize, or write books. I am sure he is totally capable of medical school and becoming a doctor, but he seems so much more alive in his writing and political ideas and philosophies.
I wonder if Che was satisfied with his journey. Throughout the story, there were a few times when he stopped and had to ask, "Is this worth all of this?" Is it worth making his girlfriend wait, making med school wait, making everything else back at home run on at normal speed while he travels North America with no time frame? I could not answer for him, but I could try and infer. At the end, I feel that Che realizes what he is to do: Become a revolutionary and put his ideas to use. He loves helping people and seeing people appreciate his help, but that does not mean he has to be a doctor to give and get in that respect.
I'll admit I was disappointed in this book, but maybe I was looking for the wrong thing. After all, Che was a revolutionary, not a love poet devoted to reading for the pleasure of others. He did plenty else for others; I respect saying that maybe writing was something he did for just himself.

The Motorcycle Diaries- 5

R.I.P. La Poderosa. La Poderosa means the might one. Alberto loved this peice of crap, the Norton 500. It is so funny that he insists on toting it around for so long after it is dead. He brings it on the truck that him and Che travel on in exchange for helping the family move furniture. How long did he have the motorcycle? The book does not say. But, at some point, Alberto has to get rid of the motorcycle in order for him and Che to be able to afford to move on... and pay back good hospitality.
The journey on foot seems grotesque. Hard in the desserts. Yet, I guess they deffinatly meet more people that way.
I wish I understood politics. I am not ignorarnt to what is going on in the world, just somewhat confused. Is it a lack of effort to learn political terms or do reasearch so I understand the "old- man jokes"? Maybe. The book is comming to a point where Che shoes his government- involved, political, revolutionary side. And, I thought I would enjoy reading it. But, I am lost... confused. I do not know who the people he refrences to are. Even if you took A.P. Gov or A.P. World History, I don't think you would even have a clue who Arturo Matte Larrain is. Did I google it to find out? No. I thought I enjoyed reading about ideas and philosophies. But this is like political philosophy. I am totally ignorant, oblivious to what he is talking about. Great. I am offiicially unable to love this book as much as I loved the movie.

The Motorcycle Diaries- 4

Chuquicamata. Remember the name. According to Che, it is one of the worst places to ever visit. The air is polluted, the mines enormous and consuming the land. Although Che kind of recommends Chuquicamata as a "glacial," and somewhat of a healer or reality check, I do not know how to handle seeing how that half lives... or that quarter. This place seems almost like a corner of the universe, since it is obviously very small, indigeounes, and lacks help from the government. Sure, it is imporant to see how the other half lives. But what can you do about it? Che and Alberto give the mining couple they visit with one night one of their blankets. What else could they do? Take them with them on the rest of their journey across an endless continent? It's not that I couldn't take seeing how the other half lives. It's just I do not know if I could leave feeling content with say the blanket I gave them, or the company I could provide for a night. This is more than talking about changing the world; this is saving it. Are Che and Alberto out to save the world? They did not leave home thinking so. They thought hey, lets save ourselves from growing old in med school. I am not calling them selfish, just very vulnerable to change of heart.

The Motorcycle Diaries- 3

Throughout the story, I am wondering what Che and Alberto are looking for, but mostly Che. Alberto does not seem more simple minded, just more shallow of a dreamer... not the deepest seeker. Sure, they are trying to gain the experience of a lifetime. But what else? What is Che, the almost- revolutionary, looking for in North America? A home? Can't be, because when the snuck on a boat to leave Chile, Che quotes: "burning our bridges, we set off on our maritime adventure." Usually, to burn one's bridges means to never look back. If Che and Alberto are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, then why wouldn't they ever look back on where they were, who they visited? It beats me. Maybe Che was just saying that they had to move on, so there was no turning back. It is understandable that you only have so long to travel the world: His girlfriend pends, his family, his career. The hardest thing for me would be leaving. Leaving home is hard enough sometimes. But, leaving home, finding a city to replace the homesickness, and then having to leave that home... I do not know if I could do it. I can find sentimental value in ANYTHING... any material object.
One thing that is very respectable of both Che and Alberto is their appreciation for the people they stay with. Che's hand probably could not write as much as his voice said in the movie so the book is unable to show how Che touches the people. Like I said Che is somewhat very humble. So, the book is hard to read if you are looking to infer upon something else; you really can't. I recommend the movie, highly. The book, still not so sure. According to the back cover, the movie director says that Che finds a place for himself in the continent. If by the end of the book I feel like Che has found it, I'll let you know

The Motorcycle Diaries- 2

Che and Alberto are loners, plain and simple. Their despair to find shelter wherever they can truly proves that they are doing what they set out to do. Although Che did not state his purpose of taking this journey at the beginning of the book, one can infer many things. Yes, I did see the movie. But no, that does not mean anything. Alot of books are totally different than the movies. It is obvious that both Che and Alberto were obviously craving some sort of adventure after years of sitting in classrooms. Both Che and Alberto, according to Che's quote at the beginning of the book, have similar aspirations. Alberto wants to sleep with as many girls in as many different countries as possible. Che wants to see how the other halves live. Close enough, right?
Although I can ony say this because I saw the movie, there is one particular part I am anticipating to read about... the part where they meet the miners and live among the indigeounes people.In the movie, music and images were so powerful. I wonder if Che's words will be powerful enough to bring about the same emotions.

The Motorcycle Diaries

Che and Alberto's experience makes me more and more jealous with every wild encounter they share. Although I know I have yet to experience true boredom through miserable years of med school and have no idea what it feels like to crave adventure, I yearn for their new day- to- day loner lifestyle. With no worries, Che and Alberto are truly able to finally just live... learn. Although learning is something we grow to hate because of the way school teaches us, I would not deny the world a chance to teach me something.
Che and Alberto's lessons they learn on the road are probably way more memorable and important than the ones they learned in med school. Learning how to sleep on someone's kitchen floor with a stranger, or how to take care of a friend with vomiting symptoms in the middle of the night and a far- out town are lessons that I feel anyone could appreciate. Che and Alberto learn to be friends to each other, and even care takers. Alberto is technically older than Alberto, however Che seems to get more out of each encounter they endure.
Neither Alberto, nor Che have ever experienced what they are experiencing now. This book is told from Che's point of view, obviously because this is his diary. There is another book written from Alberto's point of view, his diary. I think it would be interesting to read Alberto's account to see if maybe he is more than just the fat, older one in this adventure. No, he is definitely not the more conservative one nor does he hold Che back from any sense of adventure. But, he is just the less philosophical one compared to Che. I mean come on, Che Guevara. Google Alberto Granado and Che Guevara. See which one gets more results and then get back to me.