Posting About Posts - P.D.

Peter Diller's Blog Post

My blog post is about Peter Diller's social issue post and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon. In this book, an autistic child named Christopher becomes accused of a dog slaughter. As he slowly finds the culprit, he slowly understands life and (partially) his love for his parents.

What I find captivating in Peter's blog post is that he describes his thoughts in an engaging way - something along the lines of, "oh yeah, I never thought of that..." or "yeah, I think this too". His questions mostly describe this situation. Otherwise, his vocabulary and flow of his paragraphs are very sophisticated. I also tried using research as one of my factors to my blog posts.

I have read this book, and became inspired by this blog post. His research also wanted me to learn more about autism. His post made me think about connected questions relating to autism - whether we should accept autistic people as 'one' of 'us', and I wouldn't know what to do either. My first thoughts would be to gather all autistic children and put them into another community, or provide a better education in a public autism school; but the probability that it'll work remains to the low 10%s.

Or maybe society as a whole doesn't have to do a thing. Maybe scientists and researchers will find a way to cure autism - perhaps, through the use of genetic engineering, or brain inputs. Technology, especially in the medical major, has seriously been advancing since the 1900s. Maybe we can find a way this year. Or next year. Possibly a few decades, or even more. But eventually, we will find a cure.

Of all of the blogs I've read so far, I find this one the most interesting. I say this because of his intriguing, compelling language and provoking thoughts that can really improve our own blogs. His posts may even change the world for a better.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. (SPOILER)

NOTE: SPOILER. REALLY BAD SPOILER.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon refers to an autistic boy named Christopher Boone, and was accused of murdering a dog whom he's never killed. Because of his curiosity, he sets out to find the culprit and afterwards escapes his father.

I find it very saddening for one, because what Christopher does not realize is the human emotion. I cannot understand why he does not comprehend emotions, either - although, it may have been because a moment in life scarred him, which is possible, since he was told that his mother died from a heart attack. I, myself, would be in a trauma as well.

Autism is a disorder that affects the brain's growth in social and communication skills. Many of the symptoms include memorization of passages, stress during change of regime, painful noises, harsh times to make friends, so on and so forth. In my opinion, Christopher can also have a related ADHD symptom as well (intensive screaming).

What I find disappointing is the way he's being treated towards his parents, especially his mother. Christopher's mother left her own son because of her uncontrollable temper towards him. Knowing that, anyone can spot that she's irresponsible, no matter what. Besides, Christopher received autism from his mother, who was a carrier. It's not Christopher's fault. If you were to sum it up in an equation, the answer will end up as his mother and father.

I accuse Christopher's father as well for the troublesome part of the plot. One, being that he killed a dog because he was envious towards it and Mr.&Mrs.Shears is completely bogus. It also scarred Christopher's life. Two, he never told Christopher that his mother was still alive. I can understand why he wanted to keep it a secret; however, it's still somewhat bogus (especially since he's a man now).

Despite the fact that the plot is very twisted, it's intriguing.

SPOILERS. When you Reach Me Part II.

My far the most unexpected-moment-story I've ever read. Please note: there are many spoilers.

In When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, main character Miranda realizes that the notes she received were actually from the "laughing man", known to be a crazy person on her block.

My current thoughts to the story all focus on the laughing man. The laughing man, who apparently knew that Sal was going to die and he saved him. The laughing man, who died saving him. It all sounds abnormal, yet makes sense.

First, the reason why Miranda referred to "you" in the book, was because she was writing directly to the noter, the laughing man. At first, I thought the mysterious person who wrote the notes was Sal, or Marcus. The main reason why I thought of it as Sal was because he was a very close friend to Miranda until the pandemonium. Sal may have avoided Miranda because of the notes and him being troubled, or because he felt troubled because he entered Miranda's house, which was almost a diameter away. I also thought that it was Marcus because he punched Sal. It was probably because he wanted him to stop being with Miranda so he can hide the notes. However,it turned out to be neither.

Unfortunately, what I cannot comprehend is how the laughing man knew that Sal was going to die. As intelligent as a person can be, it is nearly impossible for someone to tell the future, especially like that. When reading the last note in the book, I honestly thought that the note was from someone in the future trying to save Sal - possibly, future Sal? Something of the sort. Unexpectedly, it was the homeless guy on the street, practicing his kicks on that corner to prepare for saving Sal. It's seriously tearing to hear such a good old man being treated like a drunk person who's homeless.

But, it brings another questioning factor - why did the laughing man save Sal? May it be because he knows Miranda? Or maybe because he wanted to become a savior when he dies? It's all so confusing. Yet, it brings us to the question - are all homeless people crazy?

No. Maybe yes, if they were drinking enough Tequila to lie on the streets. But the laughing man tried so hard; I can actually picture him - kicking, crying, laughing. It was only for one reason.

To save Sal.

Reach Me.

So far in the book When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, adolescent Miranda helps her mother win a game show named The $20,000 Pyramid. Her best friend, Sal, unexpectedly gets wounded from a kid on the street, damaging their relationship.

Okay. First - dude, HELP your friend. Don't just stand there thinking, "our friendship is over. Hey, let me go over that lonely corner". Obviously, you guys can't be best friends if you just stand there looking at him. Second, how the heck can that ruin your relationship? You don't even KNOW that kid. Just give yer friend Sal over there some first aid. Done. Third, you should've said something. Honestly.

I'm pretty much glad that kid across the street punched him inside out. Well, I meant if that happened to Miranda. Maybe if this happened to me in reality, I'd be in shock. But it wouldn't necessarily damage my friend's relationship. Yeah, I won't actually go in front of this kid and be like, "little kid, don't do such violent things," or "dude, you're hurting my friend. Punch wars?" but there's no connection between the kid and me in the first place. Besides, a friend that judges you in any way - particularly, in your neighborhood, then that can't be a true friend. I feel as aggravated as ever thinking about this.

Who would you characterize your best friend as? Well, if you have any.

Flowers and Demons.

One of the many books I am currently reading is called Flowers and Demons. In this book, a superior demon named Vivi left the demon world and escaped to earth due to mere boredom. Along the way, he saw a baby named Hana (in Japanese, is also referred to as flower) on the street, and brought it to his household. She eventually grew 14 years later.

The book makes me think about inequality in the world. In the book, demons and humans were separated in their own worlds. It's pretty obvious that if I see a monster sucking blood out the street, I'd be damned if we were equal. But Vivi and Hana are different - okay, maybe Vivi reluctantly sucks blood out of humans. He doesn't do it because he wants to. It's because he has to(; although, it's not necessary). However, it's just like thinking about many things, like why are eat McDonalds? 'Cause it tastes good. Duh.

From one viewpoint, you probably think, "oh heeeelllll no. No demon ain't comin' in my world". I agree with that as well. One, being a completely different thing with different opinions and actions changes the way we can connect with demons. They were also known to bring mad luck and misfortune. Two, because most of their diet consists of human meat. Three, because humans are afraid of things we don't know. And four, because of world destruction, new demon planets, demon terrorists?

However, from another viewpoint, you probably think, "everyone is different. I'm sure that demons are nice. And pretty". I also agree with this. One, being that although demons bring misfortune and bad luck, they have reasons. Two, Vivi and Hana. Vivi isn't a crazy demon that craves for human blood or misfortune. He's literally a lazy rich guy who can wake up in the morning. Three, Vivi cares about Hana, and Hana is a human. Hana is the only one who can make Vivi smile. Vivi wants to protect her smiles, too.

If it's love, maybe demon or human doesn't matter...

Struts & Frets.

In the book "Struts and Frets" by Jon Skovron, 17 year-old Sammy is a guitarist who wants his band to be one of the best - but while doing that, he encounters puberty.

So far, I find this book enjoyable. No, maybe the best one I've ever read so far this year. I say this because I LOVE music. If music never exists, I would probably die of boredom and realize that the rest of society is completely insane for not thinking that. Second, because I have an acoustic guitar at home (which I -never- use because I do not know how to use the thing at all), and it's quite enjoyable just flicking the strings with a guitar pick (and literally pretend that I was cool). But it would take lots of practice to simply start hitting some songs. Lastly, I love this book because it talks about the weird things that I usually think that I'm the only one who has it (ex. this really annoying buzzing sound I hear every time I go to bed). This helps me connect with the book. So. Much. Easier.

Personally, I find myself in a predicament with two characters - one named Jennifer (actually pronounced Jen5 in the book) and one with Sammy, the main character. I can relate with Jennifer because my parents are really picky about who I want to be as an adult, but always end with the I-don't-care-just-make-money face. I find it really selfish of them to think that way, especially how now my childhood have completely shattered, but at the same time, I don't want to be a mugger out in the streets either. There are also times when popular girls - or maybe any girl - has been really rude to me. I remember an elementary school girl named Tiffany (not Tiffany in M.S 51) who is really stuck-up and has her own little "girl group". Those types of people should just...die in a hole.

My connection with Sammy would be our love with music. Despite his talent of writing songs (and staying up all night to listen to an album continuously), I find our love of music similar because I love music so much that if none existed I would commit a straight-up suicide. He also cares for his family, which I obviously do. Well, unless they get me angry enough for me to have the intent to kill them.

The Shadow of the Wind -SPOILERS.-

In The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, the main character, Daniel Aguilar, finds a book named The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. However, Carax's books are being continuously burned. Within Daniel's hands is the only book left from Carax. Daniel tries to find the mystery behind this man and Julian himself.

So far, I find the book intriguing but a need of action in certain parts. For instance, when Daniel met Lain Coubert, (the man who was in Julian Carax's book and was the man who claimed himself to be the one burning his books) action was plentiful, but afterwards, it returns to Daniel trying to find a place to hide the Shadow of the Wind and days with Fermin (a kind friend originally a homeless man out in the streets) to the movie theaters.

Despite this, the book is mysterious itself. Julian's last name is originally Fortuny, and he liked a girl named Penelope, but Julian's friend, Miquel, loved her as well. This was shocking for me because they never spoke about the smaller characters until later. Daniel's life is also following the storyline of The Shadow of the Wind. Daniel's first love (who was a woman 10 years older than him) liked another man, and at the time, had intercourse with her. I find this really sad for Daniel, since he figured all this out after watching them himself. This was the "doomed love" found in The Shadow of the Wind. Afterwards, he meets Lain Coubert, the man who burned Julian Carax's books and was known as a devil. Then, he tries to find his mother. It seems almost inevitable.

If such things exist.