monique polak

Monique Polak's Books

1 minute reading time (248 words)

Back at My Desk!!

Ahh, it feels nice to be back at my desk. I've already taught a class and I have a little school work to do, but soon I'll be back at work on that rewrite. My deadline is next week, so soon you won't have to hear about it anymore!!

Last night, I was re-reading a little of one of my favourite YA novels, Kit Pearson's Awake and Dreaming. The story is about Theo, a troubled girlwho dreams she is part of another family. In many ways, it's also a book about writing and the imagination. Today, I thought I'd quote my favourite part of the book. It's when a ghost (who is actually a writer) gives Theo some advice. The ghost says: "when you're young, you have to cope the best you can with what adults do with your life. But remember, they can only control your outer life. Your inner life -- your core -- is still your own. And when you grow up, you can control all your life."  I love that part about our inner core and how it is a part of us that exists separate from other people, even our own parents. Sometimes, kids' lives can be rough. In the book, Theo's life was certainly rough. But we have to keep that inner core strong. I believe being creative is a good way to strengthen our inner core. (For the outer core, sit-ups are good! But I prefer to write!) Talk to you tomorrow! 

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Comments

Guest - Kim on Tuesday, 05 February 2008 00:16

I really like that quote -- I think some teenagers are overwhelmed by what goes on around them and feel like the world is against them. The way I see it, it's a little like saying that not matter what others think of you, if you're at ease with who you are, you'll be a much happier person. I'm not sure adults have the complete control over their life, either; we live in societies where group work is inevitable, and others' mistakes often affect us. I like the idea of the inner core, and I think that our outlook on life also has much to do with how we feel -- in that way, perhaps adults are (in general) better at controlling their emotions and seeing the good opportunities than teengaers, who are still searching to find out exactly who they are. And I think creativity does help -- making (creating) things can help us distance ourselves from a situation and see it more objectively.

I really like that quote -- I think some teenagers are overwhelmed by what goes on around them and feel like the world is against them. The way I see it, it's a little like saying that not matter what others think of you, if you're at ease with who you are, you'll be a much happier person. I'm not sure adults have the complete control over their life, either; we live in societies where group work is inevitable, and others' mistakes often affect us. I like the idea of the inner core, and I think that our outlook on life also has much to do with how we feel -- in that way, perhaps adults are (in general) better at controlling their emotions and seeing the good opportunities than teengaers, who are still searching to find out exactly who they are. And I think creativity does help -- making (creating) things can help us distance ourselves from a situation and see it more objectively.
Guest - Sophie B.X. on Tuesday, 05 February 2008 12:30

It's good to have you back, miss! I read Awake and Dreaming in sec. 2 or 3 and I enjoyed it. Back then, my friend and I had this system of recommending our favorite books, so I decided to nominate this one for them. I was originally attracted to this book because of it's cover, if I remember correctly, there was a gir's face in the background and a bundle of flowers in the forefront. One of my friends decided to read this book based on my recommendation, so she went to her local library to borrow it, only the book was the book was falling apart. I lend my friend my copy of the book in the end, so she may enjoy it too.
While I was reading, I wished with all my heart that Theo would have the chance to stay with her ideal family, the one in the ghost's imagination. I disliked her mother for neglicting her, parents ought to be more responsible, but like you said, Theo is a tough girl and I'm proud of her.

It's good to have you back, miss! I read Awake and Dreaming in sec. 2 or 3 and I enjoyed it. Back then, my friend and I had this system of recommending our favorite books, so I decided to nominate this one for them. I was originally attracted to this book because of it's cover, if I remember correctly, there was a gir's face in the background and a bundle of flowers in the forefront. One of my friends decided to read this book based on my recommendation, so she went to her local library to borrow it, only the book was the book was falling apart. I lend my friend my copy of the book in the end, so she may enjoy it too. While I was reading, I wished with all my heart that Theo would have the chance to stay with her ideal family, the one in the ghost's imagination. I disliked her mother for neglicting her, parents ought to be more responsible, but like you said, Theo is a tough girl and I'm proud of her.
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