Blog Entry #2

Discuss how you think you will do with the assignments and reading of this novel. Discuss any strategies you have for getting more out of the novel and how you can help yourself get motivated to complete all your assignments.

October Sky is a novel that continuously motivates me. From the very beginning I found it interesting and very easy to get into. I love the style used to illustrate the author's memories and thoughts. Since I can relate to this book and I enjoyed it, I think that I will be more motivated to do well on the assignments. I find that when I seriously consider the words on the pages and think of what it would be like to live in Coalwood, I can put myself in the shoes of each of the characters.

I have not had much of a strategy for reading this book so far. It has been really easy for me to read because I like the diversity it contains. The story of October Sky is not only about rockets to me but about growing up and developing our unique personalities. Since this book is like an autobiography, I liked learning about history in this format. From the perspective of Homer jr. I was able to explore his world and understand how the lessons he learned in his youth can influence me.

I think that writing blogs has been a really good way to reflect back on the novel so far. I have been able to go over the highlights and the morals of the novel and I have been able to study each character better than I would have otherwise. I once read a quote that says, " Books are not men and yet they are still alive." I thought this quote described this book perfectly. Though the past is long gone, Homer H. Hickam jr. revived it this memoir.

Over all, October Sky might have been a challenge to read if I had not found an interest in it. I can see how many people may not like it because of its length. I'm glad that I found the topic to be interesting. My motivation definately helped me with the quality of my assignments. I have learned a lot from Sonny and the characters in this book. It made me stop to think about my own life and I think that any good book should be able to do that.