A Summer's Reading- Reflection- p.49

1. I enjoyed the story, since the ideas expressed in it are relevant to my own life. During the story, George did a huge change, and realized that if he wants to improve his life, he first needs to change his attitude. He became a responsible man who takes his future to his own hands. It taught me, that it's never too late to make a change in your life. Eventhough people may not support you, you can reach your goals by your will power. I related to the moral of the story, and it motivated me to work hard in order to reach my goals.  

2. The thinking skills of Explaining cause and effect and Uncovering Motives, influence my understanding of the story in some ways. In the story, Mr. Cattanzara says to George "George, don't do what I did". Thanks to the skill of Uncovering Motives we can understand, that Mr. Cattanzara probably acted like George when he was younger. He loves and cares about George, therefore, he wants him to substance his potential and have a successful life. In addition, I also used the skill of Explaining cause and effect. "George knew he looked passable on the outside, but inside he was crumbling apart." In that part of the story, George's lie was discovered by Mr. Cattanzara and he was very ashamed. As a result, George tried to stay calm so Mr. Cattanzara wouldn't notice he actually lied. These thinking skills, actually helped me understand the characters' behavior in parts on the story.

3. Awareness of characterization can add to my enjoyment of future stories. Once you are aware to characterization, you can understand the character's behavior in the story and her/his motives to do so. In addition, it will help you understand the message, or the moral of the story. As a result, the story will be clearer to you and you'll probably enjoy it more. 

Post Reading- "A Summer's Reading"- p.49

I chose option number 2.

Dear Mr. Cattanzara,

Ten years ago my life were(gr.) so different. I was a lazy person, who wanted to make a change in his life, however, I wasn't motivated to do it. My family barely supported me, and so does(gr.) the people in the neighborhood that insulted me. Until I met you, my change maker.(Start a new sentence) you opened up my eyes and made me realize that I was wrong. I was used to blame(gr.-blaming) everybody or everything but myself over my own actions in life. Thanks to you, I realized that unless I take responsibility over my own actions, my life isn't going to change. The moment I did so, my life has changed.

One of the books I read that fall, was about film production. I found that subject very interesting, and decided to study it. Therefore, I went to the university and signed up for a film production class. I was afraid to run out of patience during classes, or to hate the teachers for telling me what to do. However, the classes were interesting, fun and not boring at all. I actually enjoyed doing the assignments the teachers gave, since I learned new things and got to meet new people that were nice to me. 

Today, I am happily married to a wonderful wife and we have three kids together. I am working right now on a film about my life in order to motivate people to make changes in their lives, and I am dedicating it to you. You are the one who changed my life for the better, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. In addition, I would like you to come and visit me so we can talk face to face. I seriously can't thank you enough, and want you to know that I wouldn't be here without your endless concern and support.

Can't wait to meet you,

George.

Great letter and very interesting!
Well done!
(96)
Daphna

Bridging- A Summer's Reading- p.49 (מתוקן וצריך להיבדק)

Bernard Malamud, who wrote the story "A Summer's Reading", wrote about ordinary people, mostly immigrants. He wrote about the difficulties they face in their new world, country and society, while emphasizing their will to attain the American middle-class dream. In addition, the story is included in a collection of stories about people that search after hope in their poor life.

The information is reflected in the story "A Summer's Reading". The story, took place in a poor immigrant neighborhood in New York City. The main character of the story, George, wanted to attain the American middle-class dream by having a good job, a private house, money to be able to live on his own and people who will love and respect him. However, he has no support from his family and from the people in his neighborhood that always isolate him (phr.).

To conclude, the information helped me understand better the character of George, his behavior in parts of the story, his dreams and his goals in life (Give an example more specifically of you understood better about his character). In addition, the writer wrote a lot about immigrants. Therefore, the story was written in such an authentic, realistic and professional way (This is too vague. What do you mean by that?)  that helped me identify with the characters of the story.

Very good. Still needs abit of work.
(93)
Daphna