CH 1-3, pages 1-25, February 22th
Summary:
The beginning of this book paints a violent picture of the protagonist, Sophie, getting beaten by the antagonist whom is also her father. Sophie gets dumped by her boyfriend Larry earlier that night after a high school dance and returns home way past her curfew. She gets beaten by her father every time she does something wrong in his opinion. Sophie is scared but she keeps quiet about her horrible situation. Her self esteem is extremely low because she thinks of herself as a stupid person. Sophie tries the best to be obedient towards her father because her mother seems to not care about her. When Sophie gets beaten, she goes to a fort near the river that she and her friend, 12 year old Jujube, had built. Sophie used to babysit Jujube. When they bike to Jujube’s house, Sophie gets nervous because Jujube’s curious mother always questions Sophie’s mysterious injuries. Sophie tries to hide her scars because she thinks that social workers will just bring more pain to her in the end.
Interaction:
I strongly dislike the fact that Sophie’s father cannot find make a reasonable attempts to discipline his daughter. Sophie is still young and learning; her life should not be scarred because of a violent father. He has no reason to hit her when all she did was come home late. If I were Sophie at this point, I would go ahead and notify Jujube’s mother or social workers because if I were situated in a house like that of Sophie’s, I would feel unloved and extremely scared. I can’t believe the fact that Sophie wants to hide her situation because social workers can change her situation and punish her father. Also, I want to know more about Sophie’s personality. Her character seems very timid, but I’m sure she is a sweet girl; what possibly could be the reason that her own father abuses her and that her boyfriend doesn’t want her?
CH 4-6, pages 26-49, February 22th
Sophie isn’t too successful in class because she often does not do homework or skips. Many people in her school think that she is a loser. Sophie desperately wishes to be pretty, funny, smart, and liked by others. Teachers in Sophie’s school are getting suspicious about her injuries but she tries her best not to make them ask questions because she wants to avoid the interference of social workers. In chapter five, we discover that Sophie has a probation officer assigned to her; this is because she used to steal. Sophie did not steal for the things she could get but out of her anger. Sophie’s probation officer’s name is Ms.Lee. Ms.Lee gets very suspicious about Sophie’s arm and asks to see Sophie again. Jujube wants to help Sophie and convinces her to move into a group home. Sophie thinks that this is a sign that Jujube doesn’t want her anymore and gets mad. We find out in chapter six that Sophie’s mother also gets beaten by her father.
Interaction
I really don’t understand the part where Sophie wants to make her dad love her. It is apparent that a man who hits his own wife and daughter has a problem. She is trying to set something right that has gone off track too long ago. I’m not sure why Sophie thinks that when she communicates with someone, she has to think if the other person wants to listen to her or not. I felt sad when Sophie thinks that all dads hit their children and that sometimes the child deserves it; in my opinion, no one should be abused for making mistakes. I began to think that the reason Sophie’s dad consistently hits Sophie and her mother is that they don’t object to his beating, I think things could really be changed if either Sophie or her mother speaks up. My favourite character would be Jujube because she is innocent, carefree, and completely honest. I think Sophie having her as a friend is very valuable to her, although their personalities contrast.
CH7-9, pages 50-76, February 22nd
Summary:
We discover in chapter seven that one of the main reasons that Sophie’s dad is violent is that he gets angry when his business does not go in a successful direction. Sophie tries methods of dealing with pain, for example, she thinks of the pain as heat from a fireplace. Sophie starts to realize that she cannot make her father love her. After Sophie’s dad’s unsuccessful business meeting, he beats her up again and she passes out in the fort. Jujube comes to rescue Sophie and calls the ambulance. Jujube suggests that it’s time for Sophie to open up to Ms.Lee. However, Sophie thinks this would make her father very mad and he would hit her mother to get back at Sophie. When Ms.Lee invites Sophie’s parents in to the hospital room and starts to ask questions, Sophie is doing a good job of covering her secrets when Jujube explodes in the room and tells Ms.Lee Sophie’s situation.
Interaction:
Jujube reminds me of a friend of mine because of their similar personalities. Jujube is very young, innocent, smart, and honest. Although Jujube is only 12, she knows what’s right and what’s wrong better than Sophie. She also has a genuine heart because she does what’s right for her friend. I think the relationship between Sophie’s mother and Sophie is very interesting because disregarding the differences in age, they’re very similar. They both have a family member who does not love them and abuses them, so why can’t they team up and conquer the situation? I like Beth Goobie’s writing style because it is very clear and understandable. I think all Sophie’s problems will be solved after Jujube’s notifies for Ms.Lee.
CH10-12, pages 77-105, February 22nd
Summary:
Although Jujube has just burst out the truth, Sophie is still denying it because she can feel her dad sending her a message about keeping the abuse a secret. However, Ms.Lee sends her dad out of the room and finally, Sophie and her mother admit to being hit. Ms.Lee talks about taking out a restraining order against Sophie’s dad. Jujube is scared that Sophie might be mad at her; however, Sophie is glad about what Jujube did and is happy to have Jujube as a friend. Sophie’s mother is sent to a women’s shelter and Sophie notifies the police of the assault. For the first time in years, Sophie feels safe. However, when the police are talking to her, Sophie gets a scared feeling that maybe the police think she’s stupid too, but she puts away the thought of that and her brutal father. Sophie gets mad when she discovers that her mom will be going into a treatment program for four months and she will be going to live in a group home; however, everything gets better when Jujube and Rick, a guy from school, assures her that everything will be alright. At the group house, everything is peaceful and normal; Sophie can finally start a new life.
Interaction:
The part where Sophie was notified that she will be going to a group home is very realistic; because if a social worker were to send me to a group home, no matter the situation I have at home, I will object and feel very homesick. I think the relationship between Jujube and Sophie is interesting because they have two opposite personalities but get along perfectly. Jujube is a very loud, fun, and expressive person, however, Sophie is very timid and shy; I think it’s a great combination and they could really help each other out during tough times. I want to know more about Sophie’s near future to see how her situation shaped her as an individual. I love the way the book ended because it made me very happy and optimistic.
By: Anna Zhan
English 10, BLK 1-1
anna you are really good at this stuff
ReplyDeletecurry on