What Book Would I Memorize...?

In the event of a book burning, such as one depicted in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, I would choose to memorize The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not simply because it is a classic, but because it is a great read. I was pleasantly surprised by the various emotions it caused me to feel while reading it. It is a novel that makes you feel the excitement of post-war America, the excitement of falling in love, the heartbreak of love lost, and the sadness of losing a friend. Although many see Gatsby as an unfavorable character, I found him endearing and realized that there is a little bit of Gatsby in everyone. Everyone wants to "live the dream". Though, Gatsby shows that the "dream" is impossible, Nick's character proves that there's always hope.

The 'Roaring '20s'- Facts About the 1920s

1.During the 1920s, the American people experienced a "revolution in manners and morals". The Victorian ideas of fashion, gender roles, and morality were thrown out the window and a new liberated culture emerged.

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=437

2.The Harlem Renaissance was one of the most significant events of the 20s. The movement raised significant issues affecting the lives of African Americans through various forms of literature, art, music, drama, painting, sculpture, movies, and protests.

http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/index.htm

3.Fashion changed drastically for women. They abandoned their fitted corsets and long dresses for shorter hairstyles and shorter flashy dresses. They even wore makeup and smoked cigarettes.

http://www.fashion-era.com/flapper_fashion_1920s.htm

4.Alcohol was blamed for the irresponsible behavior of the 20s. Prohibition began during this time in order to prevent crime from occurring. Though it was against the law to consume alcohol, many didn't comply.

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/FunFacts/Prohibition.html

5.The United States became more industrialized during the 1920s. Mass production made technology available to the middle class. They were now able to purchase items such as automobiles and radios.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Twenties

BIO Poem: Nick

New Kid on the Block
Narrator, Open-Minded, Curious
Relative of Daisy Buchanan
Lover of Jordan Baker, alcohol, the mystery of Gatsby
Who feels pity for his cousin Daisy, embarrassed that he did not initially recognize Gatsby at his party, a deep connection between him and Jordan.
Who needs to know the truth about Gatsby's identity, to accept Jordan for who she is, to catch a deeper glimpse into the human heart.
Who fears making judgements about others, the consequences of allowing Gatsby and Daisy to meet, the consequences of knowing the truth about Gatsby
Who would like to see Tom get punished for his infidelity, the mystery of Gatsby's passed solved, a positive outcome between him and Jordan.
Resident of West Egg.
Nick Carraway

I AM and BIO Poems

I am Vanessa Sumandal
I wonder if love can really be unconditional.
I hear more nonsense on the news than legitimate information.
I see happiness and fear in my parents faces when we talk about my future.
I want to get accepted into Boston University
I pretend to be nonchalant about things that truly bother me.

Pint-Sized Female
Outspoken, Friendly, Spontaneous
Relative of Felma and Maury
Lover of food, sweatshirt weather, music
Who feels most comfortable around her friends and family, constantly stressed out, at peace laying outside looking at the stars
Who needs to record every single event on paper or photograph, to stop worrying about her future, to run a marathon at least once
Who fears failure, spiders, being a follower rather than a leader
Who would like to see a comet, waves hit a shore in Hawaii, a blue moon
Resident of Ridgefield Park
Vanessa Sumandal