Miss Talmadge’s Psychology Blog 2009
Posted by canjohslib on December 10, 2008
At the beginning of this project you came to the library and Mrs. Jones offered a book talk to help you find just the right story for your work. Now it’s your turn to share with the librarian and your classmates some information about your book. Click on the “Comment” button below and submit a review of your book containing the following information:
A brief summary of your book.
What aspects of psychology were covered in the book?
How did this book help you complete your project?
Would you recommend this book to readers who are given this assignment next year? Why or why not?
Is there another book you would recommend in addition to the one you chose for this project? Tell us why.
Mrs. Jones will review all submissions before they are posted. Your e-mail address will not be posted, it is only given so I may respond to you on an individual basis.
I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and suggestions!
Mrs. Jones
Christine said
Chinese Cinderella is about the life of a girl who is growing up in a household where she is unwanted. She is unwanted because they blame her for their mother’s death. At home Adeline is picked on by her brothers and sisters and is treated unequally but in school Adeline excels and makes many friends such as her Aunt Baba whom she shares a room with and “PLT” who is her pet duckling. In her life she was frequently moved from boarding school to boarding school where she experiences different things.When she is at boarding schools she is never allowed home except for when she gets sick and her grandfathers funeral. Since she is unwanted she is deprived of a social life, clothing, and attention. Adeline is espessially deprived from Harlow’s hierarchy of needs since her mother died and her father moved on and doesn’t even remember her name and she also suffurs emotional abuse because of the way her family treats her. I would recommend this book for future assignments because it is a quick easy read that is interesting.
Trista said
The book that I read was “Breath”. this book was very intresting when you got through the first chapter.”Breath” is about 14 year old boy who has a sickness, he lives in a little town in Germany. His sickness always makes him cough, and it also makes his stomach twitch and painful. He has had this sickness every since he can remeber. He lives with his grandmother, father and three brothers. He dosent fit in with his family since he is sick and cannot do the farm work with his siblings instead he has to do “womens work”. He instead finds peacfulness with his grandmother and her coven. He is known throughout town as the sick child. But the tables turn when all the adults around him start forming a sickness that dosent have an effect on him. He is the only one who can save them from the sickness. This book was very good, it explained the characters feelings and duties to contribute to the family. It also shows how he faught through his sickness to save his family and find the answers he is looking for. The ending sort of has a surprise twist to it. The way it ends is not the way you would have expected it to have. All and all it was a good book.
Christine said
I read “Inside Out” by Terry Trueman. The story is about Zach, a teenage schizophrenic whose main battle is in his head. He’s had a rocky past but seems to have things under control with his new medication. One day, however, everything changes. Zach is waiting for his mom to pick him up at the coffee shop down town when two boys come in to rob the shop. When Zach and several others are held hostage, the reader is forced to draw a conclusion as to who is more dangerous; the robbers or the schizophrenic. “Inside Out” is an attention-catching read that anyone would enjoy reading. I would suggest this book to anyone who wants to learn about schizophrenia or just enjoy a short novel.
sarah said
This Boys Life, by Tobias Wolff is about the author life. He changes his name to Jack because he doesn’t like that a girl who moved is also named Tobia. His father lives in Connecticut with his older brother. His father isn’t really involved in his life because he is angry with Tobias changing his name. The boy is abused through his life emotionally and physically. His mom’s new husband, Dwight harasses him by calling him names and also hits him when he is drunk. Jack gets himself into a lot of trouble throughout the book, which makes the reader want to continue reading. This book is a great read and deals much with the psychological aspects of abuse.
Ashley said
The book “A Man Named Dave” is the third and final installment of a book of novels written by David Pelzer that recount his abusive childhood. The third book follows Dave after he left foster care and worked hard to join the airforce and move on with his life. In the third book Dave struggles as he deals with his father’s death from cancer, facing his mother for the last time, and trying to be a good husband and father. However eventually his marriage falls apart as he struggles to get his two books “A Child Called it” and “The Lost Boy” published. This book deals with Dave’s attempt to start over and deal with the years of physical and psychological torture his mother put him through. This is a good book for this assignment because it shows what life is like for abused children when they grow up, and shows what strength and determination it takes after being abused.
Cyndi said
Breathing Underwater, by Alex Flinn is about a teenage boy Nick who grew up with an abusive father. Although Nick is rich and spoiled he has always had a rough life. His mother left him and his father when he was five and his father has both physically and verbally abused him. Nick is now in highschool and from the outside looking in he as an easy going life. He works hard and recieves good grades, he has really close friends,plays sports, and has a girlfriend. Even though Nick knows that his supposable “easy going life” isn’t true, he finds comfort in his girlfriend Caitlin. They have what seems like the perfect relationship until Nick lets his anger get the best of him, in such a way thats similar to his father. Nick puts Caitlin down not only about her personality but about her looks as well. Nick is finally pushed over the edge and in a “spir of the moment, shoot from the hip” reaction, Nick hits her. Now Nick is forced to stay away from Caitlin when she gets a restraining order on him and Nick also has to take anger management classes. This book isn’t just about lessons being learned but a heart touching one as well. You learn that children do not only learn what they live but they can over come it.
Clara said
The novel, “Ellen Foster” by Kaye Gibbons tells the story of Ellen Foster, a young girl living in Raleigh, North Carolina who at a very young age, is faced with more pain and suffering then most adults experience in their entire life. After her mother’s suicide Ellen’s life begins to fall apart. Throughout the next year of her life, she is moved between mulitiple guardians, who each carry with them their own faults and prejudices against taking care of her. You watch as she learns just how hard life can be, and how to take care of herself in order to overcome these battles she is faced with. Though this book tells the heartwrenching story of abuse, neglect, and abandonment, the book does not involve a direct psychological disorder diagnosis. In short, Ellen overcomes more obstacles at such a young age, that you cannot read the novel without sympathizing with her situations and wishing that she will finally find a home where she can be happy.
Matthew said
The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier is a story of a seven year old girl named Alicia Bartlett that is brutally murdered, and the interrogation of a twelve year old boy, Jason, who is friends of Alicia. A special interrogator by the name of Trent is called in to squeeze a confession of murder out of Jason, as he is the last knowing person to see Alicia alive. Jason is completely innocent however, but Trent claims a confession out of him through an intense interrogation. Right after the confession, Trent is given the news of the real killer being caught. Jason is set free yet contemplates his ability to actually kill someone, he then goes to the kitchen and grabs a butchers knife with the intent to visit a school bully down at the towns Y. The aspect of persuasion was covered in this book, as Jason is tricked into thinking he is guilty, but is actually innocent. This book was good, it developed a very clear aspect of psychology. I would recommend this to any one else because it was a quick read (took me two days).
Kelsey said
Walk Softly, Rachel is about a teenage girl who doesn’t know much about her brother Jake only that he died in an accident when she was younger. This all changes when she finds his journals which lead’s her to discover who her brother really was. As she reads his journal she discovers that her brother did not die in an accident he died another way.By reading Jake’s journal she is now able to get near to him and his feelings.This book covers the psychological aspects of depression. Jake does not like himself and he believes he does not belong within his family. This book is a short and easy read yet it was not one of my favorites. I did not like how the book was told mostly through journal entries. The book did a good job describing the aspect of depression and the affect it has on you.
Eddie said
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah is a true story about the adolescence of a boy in Sierra Leone during the civil war there during the 90’s. The story surrounds the author’s own life and losses. After having seen rebel troops butcher village after village, Ishmael (the author and main character) is captured and turned into a rebel. By way of torture and being forced to murder civilians, Ishmael is transformed into a heartless killer at the age of 13. At the age of 15 he is rescued by UNICEF and eventually makes his way to New York City where he attends high school. Ishmael’s main psychological obstacle to overcome after his ordeal is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After having suffered some of the worst sides of human nature, Ishmael is a broken child who has forgotten his past amidst own deeds. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, as it details how therapy and simple compassion can nurture even a cold blooded killer back to being human again. It also demonstrates the effects of war on young minds, and the psychological disorders that ensue.
Cassie said
The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, takes place in South Carolina during the year of 1964, a time when racial tensions were inflamed by the civil rights movement and white racists’ frequently violent responses to it. The main character Lily Owens, a fourteen-year-old girl who runs away from her unloving father to search for the secrets of her dead mother’s past, is a very scared, emotional young girl. Lily and her house-keeper, Rosaleen, find shelter in the home of the eccentric Boatwright sisters, here Lily finds love and acceptance and begins to come to terms with the guilt she feels over her mother’s death, which has lead her to think of herself as a lot lesser of a person.At the end of the book, Lily begins to in fact see her true self, as living with the Boatwright sisters and working with the bees. Lily also learns how to love and be loved. This book is a story in which women all over would love. Not only is it about the many lessons learned culturally, but it allows you to see the impact of different relationships and how they can ultimately change a persons feelings toward themselve.
Kaitlyn said
Nobody’s Child by Marie Balter is the story of a woman who suffers through depression under the harsh conditions of a mental hospital. After twenty years, she is finally able to overcome her fears and weaknesses and find the strength within herself to get better. She follows her resolve to create a different life for herself and becomes an example of hope to all mental patients. She gives the rest of her life to trying to help those fellow patients, and to help the rest of the world see that they are people too, just needing love, like everyone else. This book is very inspiring and a good choice for this assignment because it deals with many of the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of depression. It gives you an insider’s view to the reality of depression and mental institutions and makes you more aware of the suffering in this world. I enjoyed it because it is a true story that touches your heart and can give everyone hope.
Melanie said
Nine stories capitivate you when you read the book, Eight Plus One, written by Robert Cormier. You learn about multiple characters such as Mike a teenager with a grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. You read about a man who is on the verge of becoming an alocholic after his divorce. Then you meet Jerry and his friends and family. They show you about obsession and the mentality that can be produced by a strong influence of religion. The stories are told from many viewpoints and are interesting and entertaining to read. As you read the book, you will make the connections between the stories. Your capitivated from the first story entitled The Moustache. It is a book that will enable you to feel the emotions of the characters. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to put it down until your finished.
Ethan said
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, is about a young man in his early twenties. Jacob Jankowski is about to graduate Cornell university with a vetinary degree when his life changes. Both his parents die in car accident. Jacob cant deal with all the pressure so he runs out of his exams and joins a traveling circus. He is hired on as the vet because of his experience at Cornell. He is quickly befriended by August, the Equestrian director and his wife Marlena. Jacobs eyes are opened quickly when he see’s all the mistreatment of the animals and workers. Jacobs tries to do his job but he is attracted to Marlena which causes trouble. August who is a paranoid schitzophrenic is becoming aware of the connection between the two and tries to have Jacob killed. Foturnately, there are certain events that help Jacob come out on top. I recommend this book to any person who likes to read. You’ll love it.
Nikia said
Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison was about a young girl named Ruth Anne from the ages five to twelve being mentally and physically abused by her stepfather. Her mother is in complete denial and she ignors the fact that anything is happening. Eventually Ruth Anne’s aunts find out what is going on and she in the end lives with her aunts. She goes through denial and becomes very quite. Glen makes Ruth Anne feel as if everything was her fault and he wasn’t doing anything wrong. I would recommend this book for someone next year, because it shows how much being abused can affect you as a child. You can really become apart of the book and you can really feel the emotion from Ruth Anne which makes everything seem that much more real.
Ethan said
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a must read book. Jacob Janklowski is a near-graduate from Cornell University for vetinary sciences. His life is going well until his parents die in a car accident. Jacob then flees and joins a traveling circus. He hooks up with the Equestrian director of the circus and starts to see the horrors of travelling life. Jacob see’s horses who are unable to perform fed to the lions, and a lion up close and personal. Only until later does he realize that his boss is a paraniod schitzophrenic. His boss, August, tries to kill Jacob, but certain events change the outcome of this amazing book which you must read.
Bethany said
“Tribes” by Arthur Slades is a great read. It’s very easy to get through and the best part is that you can relate to the main character, Percy. He’s a seventeen year old boy attending Grover High School. The story takes place one week before his high school graduation. During this time his emotions are running and he gets himself into a few sticky situations. His best friend, Elissa, helps him out alot though.
Percy’s father has been gone to study tribes in Africa for three years. His best friend Willard committed suicide many years ago and with graduation coming up his memories begin to run wild. Percy has to deal with not having fulfilled needs.
“Tribes” is a serious, yet funny story. It’s easy to get into, I most definitely recommend this book. You’ll be able to relate easily to a couple of the characters and it goes quickly.
Becca said
The novel “speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is about a girl named melinda that had been serverly raped. In the novel is shows the journey she has to go through during her first year of high school and everything that she is faced with. The rape really has made a big impact on her life.She has to deal with being alone, being afraid and on top of that, all of the everyday school neccesities. It left her with no friends, and she became a completly different person. Throughtout the book you will see how her art class helps her overcome her fear and helps express her emotions. By the end of the novel there is a definate transformation in melinda and she becomes a stronger person. This book covers the psycological aspect of depression and how she deals with all of her pain. I would definatley sugest this book to anyone that wants to be a part of a great story. This book made me want to keep reading it and never put it down. I really enjoyed this story because it ends up being a very positive lesson and teaches you that no matter what obsticles are in your way, you can always get through them.