Book 24

Dear Ms. Zrihen,         02/14/12

 I am enjoying reading the book, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, written by Arthur Conan Doyle.  The genre is definitely an Historical Fiction/ mystery.  The story takes place in London. The main character is Sherlock Holmes.  He is round/dynamic.  The plot evolved in the following way threw the story: First, Sherlock Holmes reapers after faking his one death, then he discovers a man who faked his one death. Later, he discovers a code to catch a murderer.  After that, he disfigures a mans face witch slows a crime.  The main problem is that he must control prisoners until the police arrive.  The tone of the book is very suspenseful and mysterious.  A theme that appears in the book is Sherlock Holmes likes to confuse people. The book appears to have no moral.  From my point of view, I could see that he is very curious about how crimes are committed. The author organized the book through chronological order.  The author’s purpose is to entertain. His perspective is that Sherlock Holmes likes to confuse people. 

 “ “So Watson” said he, suddenly, “You do not propose to invest in South African securities?” I gave a start of astonishment.  “How on earth did you know that?” I asked. “Now, it was not really difficult, by an inspection of the groove between your left forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did not propose to invest your small capital in the gold fields.  “I see no connection” said I.   This was written on page 708-709.  I picked this passage because it shows that Sherlock Holmes likes to confuse people.  The passage is significant to the story because it shows Sherlock Holmes confusing someone.

 I used several reading strategies throughout the book. Before reading, I skimmed and scanned through this book, or I flipped through the pages looking for text features to see whether or not I would like this book.  Also, I read the synopsis, or summary.  While reading, I would quiz myself on what I read after each page and re-read parts I didn’t understand.  

 Figurative language I saw in the book: alliteration, simile, metaphor, oxymoron, personification.

 I would rate this book 5 stars ***** because once I start reading, I can’t put it down.  Throughout every page, there is so much suspence due to the mysteries, so you want to read more all the time.  Also, I do recommend it to the class.

Sincerely, 

Mikey Rogatinsky

Book 23

Dear Ms. Zrihen,         02/07/12

 I am enjoying reading the book, Edison, his life and inventions, written by Samuel Insull, E. H. Johnson, F. R. Upton, R. N. Dyer, S. B. Eaton, Francis Jehl, W. S. Andrews, W. J. Jenks, W. J. Hammer, F. J. Sprague, W. S. Mallory, C. L. Clarke and, Thomas Edison.  The genre is definitely an informational biography / autobiography.  The story takes place partily in the U.S.A. The main character is Edison.  He is round/dynamic.  The plot evolved in the following way threw the story: First, Edison goes to Canada, then he goes out to try to hatch eggs by sitting on them. Later, his friend drowns  in a river.  After that, he got cot in a wheat grinder(and lost half a finger).  After that, he becomes an auntrapanuer by selling things and making a biseness.  Later, he is kicked off a train for starting a fire.  The main problem is that he was not dropped off at the station were he lived.  The tone of the book is very suspenseful and mysterious.  A theme that appears in the book is Edison gets into strange situations. The book appears to have no moral.  From my point of view, I could see that he is very curious about how life works. The author organized the book through chronological order.  The author’s purpose is to inform. His perspective is that Edison gets into gets into allot of strange situations. 

 “Before Edison could catch it, a stick of phosphorus fell to the floor, and burst into flames.”  This was written on page 414.  I picked this passage because it shows that he is kicked off a train for starting a fire.  The passage is significant to the story because it shows Edison has a love for chemicals.

 I used several reading strategies throughout the book. Before reading, I skimmed and scanned through this book, or I flipped through the pages looking for text features to see whether or not I would like this book.  Also, I read the synopsis, or summary.  While reading, I would quiz myself on what I read after each page and re-read parts I didn’t understand.  

 Figurative language I saw in the book: alliteration, simile, metaphor, oxymoron, personification.

 I would rate this book 5 stars ***** because once I start reading, I can’t put it down.  Throughout every page, there is so much information about Edison and his unique life, so you want to read more all the time.  Also, I do recommend it to the class.

Sincerely, 

Mikey Rogatinsky