mark v walters2 i read blank confession it was a graet book if uve read rooftop or anything in between i would recommended this book to you it was filled with continueous excitement and its vfery intense
ruiz g 1st hour In the book Blank Confessions in the first ten chapters I have found two connections. My first connection is that Jon Brande, the school bully/drug dealer, seems very similar to Bender from The Breakfast Club because in Blank Confessions and Breakfast Club, the school bully makes the nerd carry his bag of drugs. Jon and Bender are both drugs doing bullies and Mikey and Brian are both nerd victims to their drugs. Another similarity between the situations is that both have a reputation with the law. Another connection I have made is between myself and the main character Shayne Blank. I relate to Shayne because besides the fact we both like to wear all black most of the time, I think we are similar in the sense we don't like to make too much attention to ourselves and generally stay quiet unless necessary. Also like Shayne I’m not afraid to stand up to a bully. The bully nerd relationship seems to be pretty common in high schooler stories to the point that it's a cliche that almost every high school movie, book, or show has this relationship. Also Shayne can be an easily relatable character for a lot of high schoolers because like myself many high school males like to wear black and not talk to people.
I think you did a good job explaining your connection between Jon and Bender, so that people that maybe haven't seen The Breakfast Club would still be able to understand that connection. It's also nice to see an explanation on how you've already been able to relate to a character and how others might be able to as well.
While reading Blank Confessions as the Character Watcher, I’ve already picked up on some traits the main characters have. Rawls seems to be a patient and experienced man. He’s willing to keep working past his shift to get down to the bottom of Shayne’s possible murder and has been working as a cop for 15 years. Mikey seems to be a more dependent on others kind of character. He is fearful of what Jon might do to him, and depends on Shayne to help protect them. With that, Shayne can be seen as brave for sticking up for Mikey and even his sister against their big school bully/drug dealer, Jon. Now with Jon, he is a hot headed character. He’s quick to get physically abusive when he doesn't get his way. There hasn’t been too much character development in the book so far, considering it’s only been 10 chapters. Mickey is starting to try to be brave because of Shayne, but there still hasn’t been very much bravery from him yet. I’m guessing there will be more of a change in Mikey’s sister, Marie. She’s starting off with a bad attitude and relationship in this book, but she seems to have a pretty good family that can help her figure things out. We’ll just have to keep reading to find out for sure.
I think your explanations of the character are pretty solid for so early on in the book, you painted a perfect picture of how they were at the time and even farther in the book even for someone who hasn't read it. I also think you're prediction for Marie is really clever for that time in the book and I think you are right, you have very good reasoning.
Mrs.w Ruiz Gregory 1st I think in the book Blank Confessions Jon Brande has changed. I think this is because throughout the book so far he has been the bully and always the top of the high school food chain, however I think he has now become more scared because of Shayne and how he challenges his position. I think this because of how Jon hasn't beaten Shayne up when, if Mikey had done the same, he would have. I think Jon is a character that doesn't get along with others. I think this because almost all the characters in the book do not like him or don’t get along with him besides his friends and Marie, but those don’t seem to be the most genuine relationships. I also think this because he’s such a bully. Expectations for John's behavior in the future have been set. I think he will always be the aggressive and sinister antagonist of the story and remain the bad guy he is. I think this because without him there's no real problem in the story that could lead to murder. I also think this because Jon Brande as a character is a bad guy without any morals.
I think you make a good point about Jon seeming to change because of Shayne. You explain what kind of position Jon is in well and how Shayne could be seen as a threat to him. With Jon continuing to be the bad guy in the book is a good prediction to me. I can see how if he continues to be the bad person in the book it makes it can make things a better outcome of how/why he got murdered.
While reading chapters 11-20 in Blank Confessions as the Discussion Director, I’ve had quite a few questions about the book and what will happen next. I wonder if Shaynes story will all add up to being important to Detective Rawls? I’m guessing there will not be an outcome in the book to determine that until the end. Another thing that involves Shayne that I’ve wanted to know more about, is his family. Why does he keep telling people different stories about his family and which ones do people think (if any) are true? Someone else that I’ve been curious about when it comes to family is Jon. Does Jon have problems at home? He seems like the character that would end up having a problem at home with family in my opinion. If that is the case, I would want to know do people think that would give him an excuse to be mean to others and to what extent? Mikey’s grandpa did mention how both of these kids, Shayne and Jon, are like djabs (spirit person that is very powerful and dangerous). Shayne and Jon definitely do not seem like some magical powerful characters, but are definitely strong people with strong characteristics. Why are they both like this? Is it maybe because of stuff that’s going on with their family we might not know about yet?
I like your curiosity on whether Shayne will somehow be tied to Detective Rawls. That would be an interesting twist. I am also curious about his parents, I think there is more involvement with them maybe near the end. I do think Jon has family problems at home, as it's been hinted at in the book. I also do think they are both such strong characters "djabs" because of their family and how they were raised.
As the passage finder this week for chapters 21-30, I found some quotes that stood out to me. My first quote is,“‘There’s always a choice. If you think far enough ahead.’” (Hautman, pg. 70). This was one of the quotes I wrote down, because it goes back to what Mickey's Pépé talked about when it came to the game of checkers. It shows that it not only applies to a game, but also life. I assume it shows foreshadowing of Mickey learning from that to plan ahead, to come up with a way to help him and others from Jon. My other quote is, “Mom was frantic, calling Marie’s cell and leaving messages, and then calling Marie’s girlfriends, none of whom answered.” (Hautman, pg. 76). What I liked about this quote, is that it gives you more of an idea of what Mickey’s mother is like. It shows how she really does cares about her children. She seems to be the one to do something, if something seems off or is concerning. Another thing this quote covers is how Marie really doesn't seem to have any good friends surrounding her at school, since none of the friends of her mother called responded. Hopefully things can change for her soon.
I like your first quote because it brought to my attention how that little piece of advice was really relevant for the whole book and kinda like a theme of the book. I like your second quote too because I wouldn't have thought about that reading the quote but you make a good point of what the characters are like and how this quote represents.
Ruiz Gregory Mrs.W 1st hr Chapter 20-30 I was the passage finder. These chapters were full of character progression and growth for everyone involved. I’ve found two passages that really stuck out to me and both added something interesting for the book. My first passage is, “That night I lay in my bed tossing and turning, and every time I closed my eyes I saw patterns of black and red checkers. I could hear Marie in her room making noises for hours, I didn't sleep till 3, Marie still going strong.” (Hautman 118). I thought this passage was interesting because it showed the growth and change of two important characters. It shows how Mikey has matured and in the words of his dad, “Manned up” because it says how he sees the checker patterns which he played with his Pepe when they were talking about how to deal with strong characters “djabs” in his life. My other passage was interesting because it revealed how Shayne and Rawls have a connection in the form of Wart Hale. “Wart Hale could ruin him. All he had to do was make a complaint and Rawls career as a teacher would be over,” This passage interested me not only because it showed how Rawls and Shayne have a connection because Wart is Jon’s older brother and Shayne hates Jon like Rawls hates Wart, but it also shows us how Rawls came to be a cop because he gets reported by Wart. This also leads to a lot of content from Rawls's past that helps you understand him more.
The first quote you mentioned I thought you had a very good point on. I didn’t originally think that particular quote showed much character growth, but the way it explained it helped me understand what you meant and agree with you. With your other quote, I liked how you pointed out that connection between the characters, which you did a good job explaining. It’s always nice when the book comes together like that to make a connection, so I think it’s awesome for you to recognize that.
Ruiz G Mrs.W For the last ten chapters of Blank Confessions I was the discussion director. One question I wondered is how did the author build up suspense to the final point in the book. One way the author made suspense is by making a present storyline meet with the confession story line Shayne was telling so both stories end up at the same point in time in the last chapter. This creates suspense because it tells you the story is nearing an end and something big is gonna happen so you try to guess what. Another question was what was the most important change in the book. I'd say the biggest, most important change would be Shayne, but he didn't really change much, so I think it’s Mikey. I say Mikey because he's a pseudo main character and from the beginning of the book to the end he's quite different. I say this because at the beginning he was a loud mouth smartass but by the end he’s more matured with a better view of the bigger picture. He’s also trying to be a nicer person. I think this is the most important change because all the stuff that had happened to Mikey wouldn’t have mattered if he stayed the same but he’s evolved and that’s a good thing.
I really like the way you explained how the author built suspense in the book. Other people that haven't read the book I think would still understand what you meant. I also like how you talked about how much Mickey has changed throughout the book. He wasn’t the best character to begin with and even though some bad stuff happened, it helped him become a better person.
For chapters 31 to 40 I was the connector. After reading these chapters I took some time to think about who the characters in the book reminded me of. When I thought about the character Shayn another character popped into my head right away. It was Marry Poppins. I know it’s funny, but if you think about it they have a lot in common. They both find people that need help. Shayne finds Mikey who has a problem with the school bully and Marry Poppins finds parents that need help with controlling their kids. Once they help solve the problem, they both just disappear. Shayne probably runs off to another school and Marry Poppins probably finds another family to help. My other character I found a connection for was Mikey. In the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, the character Jeanis is always seen as a dweeb, like Mikey. They also are both the younger sibling. In the end Jeanie is the one to stand up for people she knows against their principle, by beating him up. This is a lot like how Mikey was able to be the one to truly stop Jon by pushing him off a roof.
I reall like your mary poppins Shayne connection although it's wierd and I'd never have made that connection it fits perfectly which is why I like it. For your second connection althought I havent seen Ferris Buelers day off you did a great job explaining so even I understand without actually seeing the movie. both your connections are quite accurate.
mark v
ReplyDeletewalters2
i read blank confession it was a graet book if uve read rooftop or anything in between i would recommended this book to you it was filled with continueous excitement and its vfery intense
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteruiz g
ReplyDelete1st hour
In the book Blank Confessions in the first ten chapters I have found two connections. My first connection is that Jon Brande, the school bully/drug dealer, seems very similar to Bender from The Breakfast Club because in Blank Confessions and Breakfast Club, the school bully makes the nerd carry his bag of drugs. Jon and Bender are both drugs doing bullies and Mikey and Brian are both nerd victims to their drugs. Another similarity between the situations is that both have a reputation with the law.
Another connection I have made is between myself and the main character Shayne Blank. I relate to Shayne because besides the fact we both like to wear all black most of the time, I think we are similar in the sense we don't like to make too much attention to ourselves and generally stay quiet unless necessary. Also like Shayne I’m not afraid to stand up to a bully.
The bully nerd relationship seems to be pretty common in high schooler stories to the point that it's a cliche that almost every high school movie, book, or show has this relationship. Also Shayne can be an easily relatable character for a lot of high schoolers because like myself many high school males like to wear black and not talk to people.
I think you did a good job explaining your connection between Jon and Bender, so that people that maybe haven't seen The Breakfast Club would still be able to understand that connection. It's also nice to see an explanation on how you've already been able to relate to a character and how others might be able to as well.
DeleteMrs. W
ReplyDeleteWhile reading Blank Confessions as the Character Watcher, I’ve already picked up on some traits the main characters have. Rawls seems to be a patient and experienced man. He’s willing to keep working past his shift to get down to the bottom of Shayne’s possible murder and has been working as a cop for 15 years. Mikey seems to be a more dependent on others kind of character. He is fearful of what Jon might do to him, and depends on Shayne to help protect them. With that, Shayne can be seen as brave for sticking up for Mikey and even his sister against their big school bully/drug dealer, Jon. Now with Jon, he is a hot headed character. He’s quick to get physically abusive when he doesn't get his way.
There hasn’t been too much character development in the book so far, considering it’s only been 10 chapters. Mickey is starting to try to be brave because of Shayne, but there still hasn’t been very much bravery from him yet. I’m guessing there will be more of a change in Mikey’s sister, Marie. She’s starting off with a bad attitude and relationship in this book, but she seems to have a pretty good family that can help her figure things out. We’ll just have to keep reading to find out for sure.
I think your explanations of the character are pretty solid for so early on in the book, you painted a perfect picture of how they were at the time and even farther in the book even for someone who hasn't read it. I also think you're prediction for Marie is really clever for that time in the book and I think you are right, you have very good reasoning.
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ReplyDeleteMrs.w
ReplyDeleteRuiz Gregory
1st
I think in the book Blank Confessions Jon Brande has changed. I think this is because throughout the book so far he has been the bully and always the top of the high school food chain, however I think he has now become more scared because of Shayne and how he challenges his position. I think this because of how Jon hasn't beaten Shayne up when, if Mikey had done the same, he would have.
I think Jon is a character that doesn't get along with others. I think this because almost all the characters in the book do not like him or don’t get along with him besides his friends and Marie, but those don’t seem to be the most genuine relationships. I also think this because he’s such a bully.
Expectations for John's behavior in the future have been set. I think he will always be the aggressive and sinister antagonist of the story and remain the bad guy he is. I think this because without him there's no real problem in the story that could lead to murder. I also think this because Jon Brande as a character is a bad guy without any morals.
I think you make a good point about Jon seeming to change because of Shayne. You explain what kind of position Jon is in well and how Shayne could be seen as a threat to him. With Jon continuing to be the bad guy in the book is a good prediction to me. I can see how if he continues to be the bad person in the book it makes it can make things a better outcome of how/why he got murdered.
DeleteMrs. W
ReplyDeleteWhile reading chapters 11-20 in Blank Confessions as the Discussion Director, I’ve had quite a few questions about the book and what will happen next. I wonder if Shaynes story will all add up to being important to Detective Rawls? I’m guessing there will not be an outcome in the book to determine that until the end. Another thing that involves Shayne that I’ve wanted to know more about, is his family. Why does he keep telling people different stories about his family and which ones do people think (if any) are true? Someone else that I’ve been curious about when it comes to family is Jon. Does Jon have problems at home? He seems like the character that would end up having a problem at home with family in my opinion. If that is the case, I would want to know do people think that would give him an excuse to be mean to others and to what extent? Mikey’s grandpa did mention how both of these kids, Shayne and Jon, are like djabs (spirit person that is very powerful and dangerous). Shayne and Jon definitely do not seem like some magical powerful characters, but are definitely strong people with strong characteristics. Why are they both like this? Is it maybe because of stuff that’s going on with their family we might not know about yet?
I like your curiosity on whether Shayne will somehow be tied to Detective Rawls. That would be an interesting twist. I am also curious about his parents, I think there is more involvement with them maybe near the end. I do think Jon has family problems at home, as it's been hinted at in the book. I also do think they are both such strong characters "djabs" because of their family and how they were raised.
DeleteMrs. W
ReplyDeleteAs the passage finder this week for chapters 21-30, I found some quotes that stood out to me. My first quote is,“‘There’s always a choice. If you think far enough ahead.’” (Hautman, pg. 70). This was one of the quotes I wrote down, because it goes back to what Mickey's Pépé talked about when it came to the game of checkers. It shows that it not only applies to a game, but also life. I assume it shows foreshadowing of Mickey learning from that to plan ahead, to come up with a way to help him and others from Jon.
My other quote is, “Mom was frantic, calling Marie’s cell and leaving messages, and then calling Marie’s girlfriends, none of whom answered.” (Hautman, pg. 76). What I liked about this quote, is that it gives you more of an idea of what Mickey’s mother is like. It shows how she really does cares about her children. She seems to be the one to do something, if something seems off or is concerning. Another thing this quote covers is how Marie really doesn't seem to have any good friends surrounding her at school, since none of the friends of her mother called responded. Hopefully things can change for her soon.
I like your first quote because it brought to my attention how that little piece of advice was really relevant for the whole book and kinda like a theme of the book. I like your second quote too because I wouldn't have thought about that reading the quote but you make a good point of what the characters are like and how this quote represents.
DeleteRuiz Gregory
ReplyDeleteMrs.W
1st hr
Chapter 20-30 I was the passage finder. These chapters were full of character progression and growth for everyone involved. I’ve found two passages that really stuck out to me and both added something interesting for the book.
My first passage is, “That night I lay in my bed tossing and turning, and every time I closed my eyes I saw patterns of black and red checkers. I could hear Marie in her room making noises for hours, I didn't sleep till 3, Marie still going strong.” (Hautman 118). I thought this passage was interesting because it showed the growth and change of two important characters. It shows how Mikey has matured and in the words of his dad, “Manned up” because it says how he sees the checker patterns which he played with his Pepe when they were talking about how to deal with strong characters “djabs” in his life.
My other passage was interesting because it revealed how Shayne and Rawls have a connection in the form of Wart Hale. “Wart Hale could ruin him. All he had to do was make a complaint and Rawls career as a teacher would be over,” This passage interested me not only because it showed how Rawls and Shayne have a connection because Wart is Jon’s older brother and Shayne hates Jon like Rawls hates Wart, but it also shows us how Rawls came to be a cop because he gets reported by Wart. This also leads to a lot of content from Rawls's past that helps you understand him more.
The first quote you mentioned I thought you had a very good point on. I didn’t originally think that particular quote showed much character growth, but the way it explained it helped me understand what you meant and agree with you. With your other quote, I liked how you pointed out that connection between the characters, which you did a good job explaining. It’s always nice when the book comes together like that to make a connection, so I think it’s awesome for you to recognize that.
DeleteRuiz G
ReplyDeleteMrs.W
For the last ten chapters of Blank Confessions I was the discussion director. One question I wondered is how did the author build up suspense to the final point in the book. One way the author made suspense is by making a present storyline meet with the confession story line Shayne was telling so both stories end up at the same point in time in the last chapter. This creates suspense because it tells you the story is nearing an end and something big is gonna happen so you try to guess what. Another question was what was the most important change in the book. I'd say the biggest, most important change would be Shayne, but he didn't really change much, so I think it’s Mikey. I say Mikey because he's a pseudo main character and from the beginning of the book to the end he's quite different. I say this because at the beginning he was a loud mouth smartass but by the end he’s more matured with a better view of the bigger picture. He’s also trying to be a nicer person. I think this is the most important change because all the stuff that had happened to Mikey wouldn’t have mattered if he stayed the same but he’s evolved and that’s a good thing.
I really like the way you explained how the author built suspense in the book. Other people that haven't read the book I think would still understand what you meant. I also like how you talked about how much Mickey has changed throughout the book. He wasn’t the best character to begin with and even though some bad stuff happened, it helped him become a better person.
DeleteMrs. W
ReplyDeleteFor chapters 31 to 40 I was the connector. After reading these chapters I took some time to think about who the characters in the book reminded me of. When I thought about the character Shayn another character popped into my head right away. It was Marry Poppins. I know it’s funny, but if you think about it they have a lot in common. They both find people that need help. Shayne finds Mikey who has a problem with the school bully and Marry Poppins finds parents that need help with controlling their kids. Once they help solve the problem, they both just disappear. Shayne probably runs off to another school and Marry Poppins probably finds another family to help.
My other character I found a connection for was Mikey. In the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, the character Jeanis is always seen as a dweeb, like Mikey. They also are both the younger sibling. In the end Jeanie is the one to stand up for people she knows against their principle, by beating him up. This is a lot like how Mikey was able to be the one to truly stop Jon by pushing him off a roof.
I reall like your mary poppins Shayne connection although it's wierd and I'd never have made that connection it fits perfectly which is why I like it. For your second connection althought I havent seen Ferris Buelers day off you did a great job explaining so even I understand without actually seeing the movie. both your connections are quite accurate.
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