Author: Amelia

IRJE #1 – Pretties by Scott Westerfeld – 2005

The book Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second book in the Uglies book series, which comprises of four books, Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras. In this series, at age 16, you are turned from an ugly into a pretty with plastic surgery. After being turned into a pretty, late because she ran away to the New Smoke in the first book, Tally finds it hard to remember her old life back in Ugly Ville. Every pretty has this problem. During chapters 8 and 9, Tally and her friend find a note that was written to herself from her old ugly self, and two small white pills with it. She reads it to herself, and one section of the letter says this:

But anyways, here’s what I’m trying to tell you: They did something to your brain – our brain – and that’s why this letter may seem kind of weird to you. We (that’s “we” as in us out in the New Smoke, not “we” as in you and me) don’t know exactly how it works, but we’re pretty sure that something happens to everyone who has the operation. When they make you pretty, they also add these lesions (tiny scars, sort of) to your brain. It makes you different, and not in a good way. Look in the mirror, Tally. If you’re pretty, you’ve got them. (p. 84)

Of course, Tally does not remember writing this letter to herself, but they realise that they were right about the operation. As she continues to read, they discover that there is a cure, and taking the pills that were with the letter will fix her brain. I have only read that far so far, so I don’t know if she will take them. I thought this quotation was important in the book because it proves that the operation to make people pretty, messes with your brain and makes you forget your childhood life. It stood out to me because Tally couldn’t remember that she wrote that letter, and discovers she was right all along.

PR to ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and WWI Readings

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque was published in 1929. The narrator of the story, Paul Bäumer, is a soldier for the German Army in WWI and it follows what life was like for the Germans during WWI. I enjoyed reading this book because I found it interesting and the way it was written kept me engaged. I had never read a war book where it’s written in the perspective of a solider, so it was a new experience for me. I found parts of it a bit disturbing or sad, but I liked that they narrator told the story how it really was, instead of making it sound great, like some other books do.

In the excerpts from Herbert, Chevailler, Barthas, and West from the WWI Readings, I found it harder to follow and understand compared to All Quiet on the Western Front. I found part 1 a more challenging read than part 2. Possibly their writing styles and the fact that it jumped back and forth between different times, but I couldn’t really wrap my head around it. Part 2 however, was easier for me to follow, which helped me understand much better. Especially the excerpts from Barthas. I liked the way he wrote his perspective.

Overall, I preferred the book, All Quiet on the Western Front, to the WWI readings because it was an interesting story that I could understand.

PW#1 – South Island Powwow

Monday was National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day. After doing some migratory birding in the morning, my mum and I went to the South Island Powwow that afternoon downtown. A powwow is a social gathering with dances held by the First Nations to honour their culture and to remember the children who attended residential schools. I had never been to a powwow before, so it was a pretty cool experience. There were Indigenous Peoples of all ages dancing in a circle together to the beat of the drums. Each one of their outfits seemed to tell a story. Around the field there were small shops set up in tents which we visited, and many food trucks with very long lines. It was truly amazing to see so many people in orange shirts, supporting this holiday, and taking the time to attend and learn more about it.

My Introduction – Amelia

Hello, my name is Amelia. I am 14 years old and have been going to Brookes since grade 6. I was born here in Victoria, BC but my family was all born in England, UK. Despite being an only child, I have a very large family in England where I travel to often, and as you may have noticed, I have a bit of a British accent. I love the outdoors, hiking, and especially birding, which is mine – and my parents’ – biggest passion. I have seen almost 1,200 different species of birds in the world. I love travelling the world to see new birds and experience new things. I enjoy being active and playing sports. I’m looking forward to joining the school track and field team in the summer, and I am currently participating in the school’s cross-country team. Outside of school, I enjoy participating in martial arts, and playing my violin.