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Sunday, April 11, 2010

The Last Song: Prologue - Chapter 5

As you read Chapter 1-5 I am curious as to what you thought about the scenrio that unfolded. Answer the following in the comments:

  1. What do you think about the Prologue? 
  2. Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?
  3. What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie? 
  4. Who do you see when Ronnie is described?
  5. Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this? 
  6. Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with? 
  7. Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13? 
  8. What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?
  9. Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze? 
  10. What is your opinion on Marcus? 
  11. What is Will's secret? 
  12. What do you think attracts will to Ronnie? 
I am sure I could ask a million other questions. If you have some you'd like to be added - let me know and I'll put them in here.

ENJOY :)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

1. What do you think about the Prologue?

It seems to me that everyone is in a strained situation in the Prologue. As if something bad happened and they are leaving the area.

2. Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?

I almost feel like there is a funeral that needs to be attended or something sad that has taken place that is requiring Ronnie to leave. The tone of the writing made me immediately feel depressed and the possibilities weighed heavily.

3. What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie?

I see myself in the mirror as a teenager. She was pissed off at her parents and did stupid stuff to make them suffer and to show that she was not them.

4. Who do you see when Ronnie is described?

Miley Cyrus and that's only because I saw the movie trailer before reading the book. I HATE it when that happens! Honestly, I don't think they did a good job casting her - I think this girl is wearing dark liner and heavy mascara with dark nails to again show that she is not the person her parents want her to be. That she is not them. Same with the purple strip. She is showing her independence.

5. Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this?

She is mad at her dad for leaving and mad at her mom for letting him leave. This is her way of showing them she is pissed. God forbid this family try that age old trick of TALKING TO EACH OTHER.

6. Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with?

BAHAHAHA. In a nutshell I was Ronnie, but not for the same reasons. I was AWFUL (however still an honor student). I have rebellious children that think they are teenagers. Constantly pushing the limits to see what they can and can't get away with.

7. Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13?

I see the piano as a connection she shared with her father. She said she would never play again because it was something he taught her and the memories of them happy together are too much for her.

8. What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?

She is trying to rebel just like Ronnie. She is so starved for attention she is dying her hair, piercing her face, drinking, smoking, and messing with the wrong guys. She is a follower and needs to get a clue.

9. Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze?

She hated the rich people that seemed to swarm all over the pier, and seeing that Blaze started the conversation she realized she wasn't a stuck up prick. She probably saw a lot of her self in Blaze on a subconscious level.

10. What is your opinion on Marcus?

Future jail mate. Is chemical castration legal? He doesn't need to be spreading his seed. He feeds on the weak and goes after the young and immature to do his bidding. He's good at getting others to do his dirty work.

11. What is Will's secret?

When I read this part I wondered whether or not he had multiple secrets. It seems that he and his friends started the fire that was described in the prologue.

12. What do you think attracts will to Ronnie?

She is not like the other girls at the beach. She doesn't know him like they do and doesn't care what he thinks of her. He likes that she is herself and not pretending to be someone he wants her to be.

Anonymous said...

• What do you think about the Prologue?
I think the prologue makes for an interesting story, as it should. There’s obviously more to what Ronnie is telling her mother in those first couple of pages. If anything, it kind of draws me in!

• Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?
I think the most obvious conclusion I’ve drawn is that Ronnie will forgive her father, find Will, fall in love.. but there will not be a happy ever after.

• What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie?
When reading about Ronnie I instantly thought of myself, and I could relate to her. I didn’t think badly of her, I just thought of what she was doing and wished she didn’t because I learned from it!

• Who do you see when Ronnie is described?
My 18 year-old-self.

• Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this?
I think the cause of this is her father leaving, her mother getting a new boyfriend/husband, along with the fact that she hates herself for quitting the piano, and not speaking to her father. She’s trying to mask the horrible pain she’s feeling inside with a rebellious nature.

• Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with?
After my father died when I was 18 I was rebellious just like her for a few months, hence my comment of masking her pain.

• Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13?
I think she did it because her father left. He was her teacher, the one who probably encouraged her more than anyone, and once you lose that out of your life, especially if it’s a parent, you tend to give things up. It’s something they both enjoyed together, and without him, there’s probably not much more enjoyment.

• What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?
I think of a lost human being, portraying someone she’s not.

• Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze?
I think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze to keep up the façade. But, not only because of that. I think she see’s in Blaze who and what she really is. Which I think is a girl trying to fit in somewhere in that small town, even if it isn’t necessarily the right crowd.
• What is your opinion on Marcus?
My opinion of Marcus is that there are far TOO many guys out there like him. DISLIKE!

• What is Will's secret?
The most obvious secret is the fire at the church, but I’m wondering if he has more than just that one.

• What do you think attracts will to Ronnie?
I think Will is attracted to Ronnie simply because she is so unlike other girls he’s constantly surrounded by. She doesn’t care what she looks like, she doesn’t care who likes her, who doesn’t, etc.. She’s almost like a breath of fresh air to him.

Valene said...

First of all I'd like to say that this ISN'T a book that I would have ever picked up on my own. But nevertheless, I was excited to go buy it and begin what I hope to be a successful literary journey with my fellow pageturners. We may not all be on the same page (both literally and figuratively, haha) when it comes to our book, but I can't wait to hear what everyone is thinking and feeling as they read. I've answered the questions posed so far, and also added my general thoughts at the bottom.

1. What do you think about the Prologue?

Honestly I think the prologue is pretty well written, moreso than the other chapters so far. It raised questions, it made me wonder and did manage to pique my interest.

2. Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?

I don't like to make predictions or make assumptions when it comes to books or movies. All too often, what will happen (or has happened) is all too apparent early on, far before the big reveal. I for one, like to try my best to remain surprised (though it rarely happens).


3. What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie?

I think so far she's portrayed as the typical angst-ridden teenager but not so much that she's thought of negatively. A good kid, who's going through some stuff and being a bit of a brat because of it. She's the main character so it's important that we like her as the reader, so she can't be "too bad" or "out there". That's obviously reserved for the supporting cast.


4. Who do you see when Ronnie is described?

I have a picture in my head, but it's just someone I create, rather than a celeb or public figure. She definitely doesn't look like Miley Cyrus, I can tell you that much.

5. Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this?

I think we were pretty much explained that it's at least partly because of the absence of her father and her parents divorce. But being a teenager is NEVER easy, whether your parents are together or not. It's something we all struggle with, and a lot of us DO go through a rebellious phase.

6. Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with?

Honestly I didn't have much to rebel against, I was an only child and my parents gave me TONS of freedom. I was a good kid, one who could be trusted, and they did trust me, and let me do pretty much whatever I wanted. So there wasn't anything for me to rebel against. I've always had a great relationship with my parents and I was very responsible as a teenager.

7. Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13?

She associates it so strongly with her father, and when their relationship deteriorated, it became something that she wanted to shun, and maybe even aim some of her resentment towards.

8. What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?

Blaze is like a lot of girls I knew in high school. She's easily manipulated, doesn't have a lot of self confidence or esteem even though she puts on a tough act.

9. Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze?

Because she clearly wasn't one of the stuck up rich people, which Ronnie admits distaste for.

10. What is your opinion on Marcus?

He's a douche.

11. What is Will's secret?

So far we know that he was present when the church fire started, though Scott seems to be the culprit right now. I'm hoping there's more to it, cause it's not exactly enthralling if things are that cut and dry.

12. What do you think attracts Will to Ronnie?

That she was herself, not fake. Not like the girls he typically dates. Plus c'mon, we all know that guys are always interested in the new girl if she's attractive in the least.

Valene said...

****General Thoughts So Far****

I really hope things pick up, because so far I find things to be quite boring and the characters rather flat. I realize it's only the beginning of the book, but there should be someone or something that makes you want to keep turning the page. And so far, that's not there for me.

Maybe it's an age thing, (and I'm not THAT old), but so far I find the parents the most interesting out of the characters, and am far more interested in what's going on with them, than any of the teenagers we've encountered. The kids all seem rather typical in one sense of another, and not in that "relatable" sense, more in the "dull" way. I'm wanting more from the plot and characters at this point.

As for the way it's written, a big pro is that it's easy and fast to read. Probably because it's aimed towards a younger generation. So I think for it's target audience, the writing is spot on.

That's it from me for now, I'm off to bed, I'll read another few chapters tomorrow. Looking forward to reading everyone posts!

missypa2040 said...

I wanted to comment on what Valene said in her second post. You were saying that the book is boring as of now and you weren't sure if it was an age thing. I also agree with you I find the book to be slow, and I'm 22 so I imagine that I'm its target audience, I am also hoping the book picks up. Anyway I just wanted to comment on that...now for the questions.
1. What do you think about the Prologue?

The prologue showed that something over the summer seemed to make Ronnie grow up.

2. Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?

I also don't like to guess too much about books because I tend to be spot on with my guesses.

3. What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie?

She tries to put on this act that she's tough and pushes people away, but underneath that you can tell she's a good person. When that child gets in the way of the boys fighting she steps in and is trying to help the child. If she was a bad person she wouldn't have done that.

4. Who do you see when Ronnie is described?

A smaller girl who likes to dress in black with a punk edge. Like everyone else on here I don't see Miley Cyrus and I don't think she is going to fit the part very well. But I guess I'll find out after I read the book and watch the movie.

5. Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this?

Her father leaving her family is the most obvious causes. The fact that her father never really explained why he left I think has a big impact on her.

6. Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with?

I was a rebellious teenager, I was disrespectful to my parents as Ronnie is, I fell into the wrong group and was a pain in the butt. I have completely turned around since then but I can understand where Ronnie is coming from.

7. Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13?

As everyone has said I believe it's because she associates it with her father. I feel like it's her way of getting back at him. When she first gets to his house she says I'm not going to play the piano so don't ask. It's her taking control of the situation.

8. What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?

A girl who has low self-esteem. The fact that she lets a man control her like that shows that she just wants attention and some place to fit in. She is definitely heading down the wrong path.

9. Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze?

I think just her look she could tell that she wasn't stuck up and after she did talk to her she saw a sense of humor.

10. What is your opinion on Marcus?

I already really really dislike him. The way he talks to Blaze and manipulates the people around him. He is a criminal in the making.

11. What is Will's secret?

There is definately something going on with the Church burning down in the beginning of the book. But I feel like he is hiding something bigger though. I think he might be sick with a fatal disease. I guess we'll see.

12. What do you think attracts Will to Ronnie?

She is not like all the other girls. He can tell that she has personality even in their brief encounter and it draws him in.

Excited to see what happens in this book and what everyone has to say about it!

Melissa

Valene said...

Melissa- I'm only a few years older than you myself, and I'm happy to hear that it's not just me waiting for things to pick up in the book! I enjoyed reading your comments, I can't wait to see who else chimes in.

KC RUNS!!!!! said...

I would like to state for the record that I was not happy that this was the book choice. I know that I could have chosen to not participate, and I did think about it for a brief moment. I decided what the heck give it a shot, worst that happens you really hate the book. So far I am glad that I decided to participate. I do not completely hate it so far it has been an ok read. So here is my answer to the questions.

1. What do you think about the Prologue?

I was not sure what was going on. I felt that something bad had happened that it was very somber feeling. I was a bit confused as to what was happening it felt like I had missed a lot of the back story, this kind of annoyed me. I like my stories to start at the beginning and the meander to an end. I have never been so good with knowing what comes next before know what happened first.

2. Do you have any ideas as to what has happened at this point? What conclusions have you drawn already?

Not really sure what was going on at this point. Something bad happened.

3. What is your initial reaction when reading about Ronnie?

She is hurting and rebelling trying to deal with it.

4. Who do you see when Ronnie is described?

Honestly, I think of the girl who is “Amber”- Mae Whiteman on Parenthood on NBC. She has that I am all dark and brooding but yet really smart vibe.

5. Seeing that Ronnie is being a rebellious teenager - what do you think caused this?

The fact that her parents separated. Or more so that her dad left them.

6. Were you ever rebellious or had/have rebellious teenagers to deal with?

I was a pretty good teenager, I was a traditional good-girl all through high school, but man when I got out on my own in my early twenties all bets were off.

7. Why do you think Ronnie has sworn off the piano, even though she was good enough to play at Carnegie Hall at age 13?

That is her connection with her dad, it was their thing and when he left it reminds her of him and she is hurt and mad at him. She feels that is a way to get even with him for leaving. It is the one thing that she can control.

8. What comes to mind when you think of Blaze?

I think she is one of those girls who seem to dress inappropriate for her age; she has low self esteem and let’s herself be taken advantage of as we see in the later chapters. There is something bad going on at home.

9. Why do you think Ronnie decided to talk to Blaze?

I feel that Ronnie was drawn to Blaze because she sees herself as an outsider, and with the way that Blaze was described she is an outsider/different from the people who were watching the volleyball game.

10. What is your opinion on Marcus?

I think he is creep, which likes to cause trouble. I don’t really like him. He is nothing but trouble

11. What is Will's secret?

He has a friend who is crazy. Scott is not quite right in my opinion; he has no problem with dragging Will in to his mess. He appears to have no remorse for the church incident. Will has to cover for him because he is his best friend. At this point I really don’t like Scott he kind of gives me the creeps.

12. What do you think attracts will to Ronnie?

She is different than the vapid superficial girls that he has dated in the past. He likes the fact that she showed such care and concern for the little boy. At this point in the book I feel that she is still very much a mystery to him and he want to find out more.