Quote a Passage from Today and Respond to it.

A quote from today's reading that I had a deeper understanding to is: "And you weren't in love with her?" "No," he says. "I might have been in love with the idea of her. I might have loved the attention. But I didn't love her and it seemed incredibly unfair for me to let someone love me when I didn't feel the same way in return." This passage symbolizes the whole reason why I wanted to read this book in the first place. The story tells of a summer romance, but the characters and idea are much more complex than that. I fully agree with what is stated her because there is no reason why you should be in a relationship with someone if you do not plan on working through hardships and making memories. In my opinion, Ben, the person talking, did the right thing. Although the fallout from the breakup could have been hurtful and made times at school and in public tough, he realized that there was no reason to pretend anymore. If you are not happy, then fix what is bothering you. It is better to end things now then to cheat on someone and make the situation more complicated.

If You were Stranded on a Desert Island, which Character Would You Want with You and Why?

If I were stranded on a desert island and was forced to pick a character from my book "Pulled Under" to help me survive and find a way home, the answer would without a doubt be Izzy Lucas. The reason is because she lives at Pearl Beach and has tons of experience swimming because she grew up with it. I would choose Izzy because she seems easy to get along with and always has a good plan to get out of a tough situation. Overall, Izzy is the best choice compared to anyone else in the book. Her knowledge about the land and water would be useful and you could make a good friend along the way.

Describe the Main Character in Great Detail. Make sure you Include Physical, Emotional, and Personality Details. Be Specific.

Izzy, the main character, has many unique aspects of her personality that make her different from anything else I have ever read. She is unlike her friend Sophie, who is short or fiery, and even Nicole, who is tall and charismatically the quietest out of the group. Throughout the course of the book, Izzy proves herself to be very smart, although she tends to overthink the smallest things. When surfing, watching every single one of her movements forces her to wipe out... Which is similar to the way she acts around Ben, her new love interest of the summer. This is an unusual situation, especially because she has never felt these types of feelings for another person. Overall, Izzy struggles with self-confidence. She takes too long on deciding what would look best for her date instead of realizing that her natural beauty was enough for Ben to fall in love with her. She is also very strong and has quick balance so she can ride a surfboard. Not only this, but she loves to read and is constantly challenging and analyzing situations that have to do with people while giving them advice. Izzy is a dynamic and round character that makes his novel interesting to read from her own point of view.

Create an Alternative Setting for the Book. How Would Things be Different and How Would Things be the Same?

Most books are based upon the cliché high school romance, and while it seems to get repetitive after multiples of the same story, there is a reason for why these are as popular as they are. If we took this bad boy and good girl relationship to a different setting, such as in the adult word, there would be too many complications that wouldn't make it as good as it is now. Parts of the plot would change, considering the theme of divorce and abuse will not be as strong when the main character, Bianca, could live on her own and distance herself at any point. It would also be different because the situation between the two, Wesley and herself, wouldn't be such a big deal. High school drama amplifies everything and has blown the situation way out of control. The only thing that might possibly stay the same is the two of them getting together in the end, that is, if their feelings for each other are strong enough.

Choose a Character You Really Dislike. Explain Why.

Featured in a high school setting, DUFF displays many characters with distinct personalities, that as a reader, I do not always agree with. Vikki, for example, is cheating on her boyfriend and is extremely jealous. She cares only about herself and constantly has to be the center of attention, which is something I disagree with greatly. Also, Wesley displays traits that while some women would find heartfelt and be grateful for his charming attitude, I find it to be revolting and discriminating to all women. Finally, even though we do not learn of his own words and only hear one side of the story, Jake's actions have turned me off from him altogether because of what he did to Bianca. Even though we might learn about him later, my opinions will most likely not change.

Explain what the Main Character's Most Pressing Problem is at this Time.

In The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend, Bianca is known as just that. Once Wesley Rush labels her the worse of her three friends, she is haunted by the truth behind the statement. Bianca already has enough to worry about without the constant distraction of a womanizing male attracting her attention. Bianca's parents are splitting up, her Dad is returning to the constant overuse of alcohol, and her friends are constantly overlooking every sick lie she throws her way. The worst part of it all of her is the fact that Wesley, her same English partner and opposed friends with benefits,  is not a bad listener. She seems to be falling for him, even if her last exploration with love did not end as she might have liked.

What Could You take Away from Today's Reading that Could Improve your Life?

If I could take anything away from reading Where She Went, it would be that everything happens for a reason. Even though Mia and Adam faced hardships in their relationship and got separated for three years while each of them pursued careers in music, they still managed to return to each other. I know now that while at the time, things that happen may seem to be like such a dramatic event  in your life, when they actually will not mean all that much. In the long run, what matters to you is what will make an impact and stay there for you no matter what. Just like Adam and Mia's unconventional and frankly sad story, they found their way back to each other because they knew it was meant to be and was willing to work for it. The second chance given to them was one that they took advantage of and everyone deserves one when it comes to love.