This is a creative autobiographical class project. You should respond to each of the writing prompts as a comment on the post. Please write your response to the prompt in Word first. Once you have a "final" draft that has been proofread, revised, and edited, copy it onto the blog as a comment.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Five Important Things About Me
Create a list of five books, five songs, and five movies that you believe have impacted your life. Include a brief explanation for each of your choices.
The Pact by Jodi Picoult- This book changed my life because it has such stong emotions in it. You really feel what love is like even though you haven’t experienced it. My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult- This book also by Jodi Picoult got you to think what is important in your life, and what you should really be focusing on. These books have such strong emotions that you have to feel like you are the character. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee- I really just enjoyed reading this book. In nineth grade, this changed the way that I looked at reading for school and got me to enjoy the books rather then just go through the motions of reading them. A Separate Piece by John Knowles- This book showed what real friendship is. The controversies that you go through some times, and the emotions that you feel for your friends. You might be jealous but that happens to everyone and it shows the strong bond that someone can feel with regret. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer- This book is my all time favorite. It is just a creative idea that brings the whole vampire thing to a new level. It shows love in a different way. Its more intense and you can feel that when you are really in love, you would do anything for that person.
Favorite Songs:
Change by Taylor Swift- This song really inspires me. The lyrics of this song talk about changing yourself and breaking through the limits that you thought you had. I really believe that this song is a good representation of how I live my life and how I push through everything. Over my head by The Fray- In a sad way, I think that this song represents my life with a few of my friends. Things happen and you have to move on, but it ended really badly. I believe that this song describes it to a tee. Forever by Chris Brown- This song is one that brings back so many memories of my friends. This song has been on during so many different things that it just brings back some of the best memories. I’m just a kid by Simple Plan- This song describes my life so good. It also brings back funny memories that me and philly have had and I just love to listen to it to be reminded of it. Arabian Nights by Chipz 1001- This song also brings back some of the funniest moments that I have ever had with my friends. It just makes me laugh everytime I hear it and can bring me out of any bad mood.
Favorite Movies:
10 Things I hate about you- This is my all time favorite movie. I just love the romantic aspect of it, and it also describes High school to a tee. Armageddon- This is my favorite action movie. Its kind of scary and futuristic. It is scary to think that this could kind of happen.
Harry Potter Series- These movies are some of my absolute favorites. They let me get into a whole new world. Its fun to imagine a different world once in awhile.
27 Dresses- This is another romantic story. I like this one because not only is it adorable but it gives you hope that someday you too can have that. I love watching these movies because they just brighten your day.
He’s Just not that into you- This is one of the funniest movies about guys and girls that just describes how everyone feels at least one time in their life. I feel that this story can teach a lot of people what not to do.
Books: 1. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown; this book is significant to me because I read the book in one day: seriously. It was the first book that I couldn’t put down and made me realize how much I like to read and how it is not so boring because before this book my mom would have to bribe me to read for more then 20 minutes. This book was a turning point in my reading career. 2. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee; this book my brother and I would read together on long car rides. Many memorable moments have occurred because of this book and strangely somehow brought my brother and I closer together. 3. A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket; I will always remember these books because it was the first series that I read all of the books. I remember I felt so accomplished when I read the last book. I had this sense of relief that I will never forget. 4. The Little Engine That Could, Watty Piper; this book was the first book I could read by myself. My mom read the book to me once and I was so determined to read it by myself. I remember walking around my house, reading this one page over and over. 5.Love You Forever, Robert Munsch; my mom read this book to me every night, I was young so it was just one of those bed time stories for me but my mom would start to well up. Now when I read the book I start to get tears in my eyes but its funny how the story is between a mother and her son. Not a big deal though, I just pretended it was between and daughter and her mother.
Songs: 1. Cats in the Cradle; this is the first song I remember I learned at Harbor Country Day School. My teacher was some rocker dude who wore jeans and a shirt with the top buttons open. I remember the tips of his fingertips were all calloused because he was a true guitar player to me and I think I love rock music today because of him. 2. I Will Survive, Aretha Franklin; my cousins had this huge karaoke system in their cabana and every time I went over their house I would go straight to the cabana and sing these three songs. I don’t know why but I would sing over and over these same three songs and I Will Survive was the first. This was a favorite song to sing thought because at family barbecues all my aunts and uncles would join in. We had a lot of good times. 3. Cabaret; writing the title of this song even makes me want to belt out in singing the song. The second song of the three I would always sing. This song my cousin would grab the other mike and sing with me and I remember just screaming the words and laughing throughout the whole song. That was our song. Nobody else could sing it or we would get mad. 4. Summer Lovin, Grease; this duet was the third I always sang with my cousins. I would switch between Sandy or Danny’s part and at the end when you would have to hit that long note we would have contests to see who could hold it the longest.
Movies: 1. Little People; this movie I would always watch Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house with all my cousins. It was the only time we were all together. I have seen it over one hundred times but it never gets old because it resembles the special moments I had in my childhood. 2. The Land Before Time; this is another movie that I will always remember because even though it was about dinosaurs and mostly attracted little boys but my eyes would be glued to the T.V. screen. Also, my brother and I would pretend we were dinosaurs and try to eat each other then argue about who ate who first. 3. Moulin Rouge; this is another movie that I have watched over a thousand times. My best friend and knew every line and every song. We would be at the beach, supermarket, or any public place and would belt out singing. I would sing the boy part and she would sing the girl part. This movie really brought out my young, free attitude any young girl should be like at that age. Looking back, I had such a happy childhood from just singing with my best friend. 4. Home Videos; it is a tradition for my mom to make movies out of all the home videos she has taped over holidays or family vacations. My family is very close so we love to reminisce together and laugh at the footage. It brings back memories, memories that I will never forget; do to the fact that we have all these videos. Thank you mom! 5. Shrek; another movie from my childhood that I would watch over and over again, that I knew all the lines and actions to, and that I shared with my best friend. It brings back memories from the winter season when we would be at her condo and after a long day of skiing, we would come back, grab some hot chocolate and relax while watching Shrek. This movie represents skiing season for me so to this day I still no all the words.
Books/ Poems: 1. I Don’t Close by Vladmir Shirovsky. -This poem was important to me because it’s meaning has put into words the way I have always tried to live. It’s short, simple and to the point and has persuaded me to avoid holding on to the idea that if I try hard enough I can change the past. It’s a great poem that has helped me move forward. 2. Rant by Chuck Palahnuik - This book has shaped who I am by opening up my imagination. Through growing up it was hard to hold on to the fantasy world that I had created so thoroughly as a child and as a writer Palahnuik has made me a child again… figuratively speaking. 3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - I spent much of my childhood reading Harry Potter. It just genuinely makes me happy and have faith in the good in humanity. Harry Potter made me fall in love with reading. 4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - Has a metaphorical significance to me because it was difficult to get through but ended in such a beautiful way that I’ve actually reminded myself that no matter how hard something is to get through, you can’t quit or you might miss the most magnificent part. 5. My Sisters Keeper by Jody Picoult - Although I can’t take more than one Picoult book in a year, plain and simple, this book impacted me by making me appreciate my family and what we have.
Movies: 1. Fight Club - Once again, Palahnuik has influenced me in a way that makes me question the reality of the world and the importance that I put on things. This movie has me looking at how I perceive my world in a whole new way. 2. Fivel Goes West - The first movie I remember watching. Definitely gave me a feeling of adventure that I carry with me to this day. 3. Matilda - A favorite of my sisters and me as children. I’ll always remember this movie as a family bonding experience. I don’t have many memories of being with my sisters and getting along so this movie has impacted me especially in the area of family. 4. Donnie Darko - Similar to Fight Club. The first time I watched it though I didn’t understand the particular meanings of everything. Now, however, I find myself thinking about the secondary meaning behind everything in that movie. That the surface doesn’t tell you anything, the fragility of life and the power of each individual; all messages that I keep with me now. 5. Tropic Thunder - Yes. I know. But this movie has impacted my life because I remember watching it with my friends. It gives me an amazing memory of summer time, and being surrounded by the people that I love the most. Whenever I need comfort I know that I can turn it on, laugh and breathe easily.
Songs : 1. The Irony of Dying on Your Birthday by Senses Fail - Yeah, don’t know how to explain this one other than by saying that it got me through some times when I felt completely lost and angry. 2. Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zepplin - The ‘lovey’ song. I can’t really explain why it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy but it definitely holds significance to me. When I hear it I just feel happiness and optimistic and that is more important to me than any explanation I may come up with. 3. She’s Only 18 by Red Hot Chili Peppers - My pseudo-anthem of the year. Has a profound influence on the way I see being 18 and has me appreciate my youth while I can. This song reminds me not to take myself too seriously but at the same time has me realize the power and control I have as a young woman. 4. Young by Hollywood Undead - Impacts me because it hits a lot of what I can’t put into words about being so young and ignorant but at the same time in touch with the world. It helps me relive stress and also motivates me to be a better person and also a more proactive person. For some reason this song just makes me want to be better and prove my worth. 5. Jamie All Over by Mayday Parade - Impacts me by giving me that dose of ‘carpe diem’ that I need. Drives me to pursue my dreams, follow my heart and enjoy my life while I have the opportunity.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories: Holes-Louis Sachar This was the first book that I read and understood all by myself in 2nd grade. I loved it so much that I read it 7 times.
A Million Little Pieces- James Frey The only reason I read this book was for the cover, it had sprinkles all over it. After getting over the fact that the book added a pretty color to my bookshelf, I read this book in 72 hours. It was one of the best stories I’ve ever read.
Beautiful Boy- David Sheff I’ve never cried so hard while reading a book in my life. This was one of the saddest stories I’ve ever read and I read it in 2 days!
Tweaked- Nick Sheff I cried even harder reading this than I did while reading Beautiful Boy. This book took me about two months to finish because it created such a vivid picture in my head that it scared me.
The Virgin Suicides-Jeffrey Eugnides I just enjoyed this story. I felt like I knew all of the sisters personally. This was the best book that I’ve ever read for school.
Songs: “Somewhere over the Rainbow” This is my favorite song of all time. Not only is this song from my favorite movie of all time, but I got to be Dorothy and sing this song in my middle school production of “The Wizard of Oz”. When I sang this song, I MADE MY DAD CRY! That never happens.
“Happily Ever After” This song is from the one of my favorite musicals “Once Upon a Mattress”. I got to sing this song when I was in the production as well. This song is full of spunk and I feel like this song defines who I am.
“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” This is my favorite Beatles song of all time. Don’t ask me why, because I have absolutely no idea.
“Miami 2017” I am in love with Billy Joel and this is by far my favorite Billy Joel Song. It’s full of life and it has the word Broadway in it. I’m pretty sure why it’s one of my favorite songs.
“New York State of Mind” This song has such a catchy tune. It’s the one song that I’ve listened to and was able to recite back almost ever word the next time I heard the song.
Movies: Mary Poppins This is the first movie that I ever saw. I was singing the music and reciting the all of the lines before I knew how to talk!
Sound of Music Julie Andrews is one of my favorite actresses of all time. After seeing her in Mary Poppins I knew that I would fall in love with Sound of Music just like I fell in love with Mary Poppins.
The Wizard of Oz This is by far my favorite movie of all time. Judy Garland is my favorite actress of all time. I could listen to her sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” every day of my life and never get bored of it.
The Addams Family My Grandma showed me this movie when I was four years old. I have never laughed so hard in my entire life. I just got the 2-disk DVD special edition pack, and I laugh even harder than I did when I was four.
Beauty and the Beast This is my favorite Disney movie of all time. When I was little, I remember wanting to wear her yellow ball gown and dance to “Tale as Old as Time”. She is by far my favorite Disney Princess as well.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories: 1)The Other Boleyn Girl- Philippa Gregory. This book didn’t impact my book in a “I’m going to have a new lifestyle” way. It’s my favorite book, though. 2)The Pact- Jodi Picoult. I couldn’t put this book down. I cried when I finished it. 3) Native Son- Richard Wright. This was one of my favorite books that I read in school. It made me a lot more aware about others well-beings. 4 4) The Last Boleyn- Karen Harper I think you can see I have an addiction to historical novels :] Especially any books about the Boleyn family. I just finished this one. If these books affect my life in any way, they make me happier! 5) The Truth About Forever- Sarah Dessen I grew out of Sarah Dessen in tenth grade, but I still cherish this book. The title of the book explains what I learned- forever isn’t forever, but that doesn’t mean good things can’t happen.
Songs: 1)What’s Good For Me- Lucy Woodward. This song represents me. Perfectly. I make everything complicated. I get what I want, but I let it slip away. 2)Merry Happy- Kate Nash This is my angry song :] It’s all about someone pretending that the past hasn’t happened, and moving on with life. 3)The Dance- Charlotte Martin This song gets to me each time I hear it. Whenever I’m upset, I just want someone to hug me and make everything better. 4)Welcome to the World- Kevin Rudolf This song doesn’t represent/impact my life right now, but I know I’m going to blast it all the time in my dorm room next year. 5)Come Down to Me- Saving Jane This is like my song for all of my friends. It describes how I love them.
Movies: 1)Hotel Rwanda This movie made me want to go out and help people. It made me realize how big the world really is, and how unfortunate others are. 2)Slumdog Millionaire Same description as above :] 3)Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy I have seen this movie WAY too many times. It’s my laugh out loud movie. 4)Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights This movie isn’t that great, but it’s set in Cuba. I want to go there more than anything! 5)Hitch This is the only true “chick flick” I can tolerate. I love Will Smith!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle- It was the first book I ever read and loved. I was like 7 years old and a weird, weird kid. I’ve read it like 50 times in my life.
Dune by Frank Herbert- The first ridiculous book I’ve ever read. It started a life-long love affair with science fiction and weird convoluted nonsense. Again, another book I’ve read many times.
Pox by Debra Hayden- I got this box when I was 13 or something. It’s all about syphilis. The topic didn’t change my life more than the idea that a book full of historical information is something I think is fantastic.
Watchmen by Alan Moore- Despite what I wrote about before, I really hate comic books, and things of that nature. But Watchmen showed me that the nature of the medium doesn’t really define the nature of the meaning. It was one of the better things I’ve ever read.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner- Despite what CERTAIN teachers think, this is currently my favorite book. I haven’t read something with this amount of emotional depth in my life, and actually could picture ever single scene. I loved every moment, and I will continue to read it.
5 Songs- in order of when they meant stuff to me
Layla by Eric Clapton- when I was about 5 years old, this was my first favorite song. You can’t listen to obscure music without loving some normal stuff first. Though I grew up to hate the blues with a fury unbeknownst to man, I still love me some Eric Clapton.
Careful with That Axe, Eugene by Pink Floyd- this song has no lyrics, and consists of a simple bass part, followed by 4 minutes of shrieking screams and a guitar solo. It was the first time I felt true emotion through just the sound of music
Cassandra Gemini by The Mars Volta- my favorite band, and my favorite song. Its 32 minutes long, and every single minute is totally necessary. The gamut of human sorrow and loss is shown vividly through brilliant lyrics, unreal instrumentation, and an ability to mean something more than the sum of his parts. I’m getting ridiculous here, but I really love this song. Nothing has come close to replicating this emotion for me in song.
Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead- This is by far one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. If I’m ever sad, this is basically the only happy song of my iPod that I have. There’s a minute of silence, followed by a massive crescendo of happiness, then 2 more minutes of silence. I saw the Radiohead poster, I don’t need to explain.
Spirit They’ve Vanished by Animal Collective- Even though this is the song I’ve known of the least amount of time on this list, it has meant a lot to mean recently. It’s changed what I know about how a song is supposed to sound, and how dissonance can truly be beauty. It’s really an experience.
5 Movies- in some kind of order
Amadeus- As kind of historical weirdo, I enjoy this kind of thing. Plus I have an incredible love for classical music, I was going to put The Rite of Spring in the music list. But Mozart is a great guy. And Tom Hulce is a great actor. And Pat Gray loves him some Amadeus.
The Wall- My first experience with a weird movie was Pink Floyd’s The Wall. It meant a lot to me at the time, and I thought it was the pinnacle of cinema. Now I changed my mind a little, but I still will watch it and love it.
2001: A Space Odyssey- Let’s be honest here. I enjoy the strange and absurd. And this movie made a lot of sense to me. Transcendence is something I look forward to. I can’t wait to be the Star Child. Plus, Kubrick is just a genius.
The Dark Knight- Its not very indie of me, at all. But I love Batman, and anarchism. This was a really well made movie.
Wall-e – I am honestly 5 years old. I loved this movie so much, Hooray for environmental robots.
NOT DONE..... 5 Books: 1) Go Dog Go: This is the first book I remember reading on my own. I thought I was really impressive because it was 60 pages long and I was in pre-school. I still remember sitting at my kitchen table in my old house and reading it. 2) Running With Scissors: It’s not really the most believable book but I had a few friendships start when I recommended the book to people in 9th grade. It was also one of the first “shocking” books I ever read, so I’ll always remember coming upon the book’s more “interesting” scenes. 3) 4) 5)
5 Songs: 1) In the Aeroplane over the Sea 2) Say Yes by Elliott Smith 3) 4) 5)
5 Movies: 1) Closer: 2) The Princess Bride: As a child this was my favorite movie. I would watch it with my parents on weekends, cringing at the giant rats, laughing at the fast moving humor and mouthing “as you wish”. 3) 4) 5)
The Sound and the Fury- This was the first book I really enjoyed reading in a long time. I was surprised I actually understood anything that was going on, and it made me feel good about myself afterwards.
The Great Gatsby- This is another book I actually enjoyed reading. It actually was really interesting, and I would read it again.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X- Although I hated hearing the name the honorable Elijah Muhammad a thousand times towards the end of the book, it really was a good story of a man who actually made a difference in this world. Unlike myself.
Death of a Salesman- This play was completely ridiculous. Which is exactly why I loved it.
As I Lay Dying- This book had a lot of sadistic qualities that I can really appreciate.
5 Songs
Boy with a Coin by Iron and Wine- This is the coolest sounding song I’ve ever heard. It always puts me in a good mood and I could listen to it over and over.
My girls by Animal Collective- Even though this is one of the weirdest sounding bands I’ve ever listened to, it is really good and I can’t stop listening to them.
Everybody Nose by Kanyeeeezy- Although this has no impact on my life, it gets me excited every time I hear it.
Human by The Killers- This song makes no sense, but I still like it.
Roses by Outcast- This is the most honest and unsubtle song ever. Which is exactly like me.
Movies
Superstar- This is hilarious, and has no real cinematic quality other then being ridiculously entertaining.
Superbad- I just like movies that start with the words Super, apparently.
Observe and Report- I must have seen this movie 3 times when it was in theaters, because it was completely ridiculous and hilarious.
The Dark Knight- This movie was bomb. End of story.
Zoolander- I’ve seen this a thousand times and its still hilarious.
Songs (If you steal My Sunshine by Len) Maddie and I listened to thing song many times on the 9th grade political awareness club trip to Washington D.C. This trip is one of my fondest memories of high school and whenever I hear this song I associate it with my memories of this trip.
(Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses) Throughout my years of track there would be lacrosse games going on the inside of the field during our practice. While warming up for their games the lacrosse team would practice to this song. My fellow race walkers and I hated this song and were so sick of it by the end of the season. However it was a bonding experience and we would all laugh and complain about the song together.
(Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap) Last year after one of my long time camp friends died in a fatal car accident me and some other camp friends were sitting around listening to music and this song came on. We talked about how this song embodied our feelings toward the situation. Ever since then this song reminds me of the friend I lost and the feeling we shared that night.
(Zoot Suit Riot by The Cherry Popping Daddies) This song was on the Now 1 cd which my cousin and I were obsessed with especially this song. There is a line in the song “throw back a bottle of beer,” which my cousin and I did not understand and thought it meant to physically throw a bottle of beer behind you. So after each time that line would be played we would scream crash which we believed would be the result of “throwing back a bottle of beer.”
(Que Sera Sera) this song will always remind me of my mother. My mother always sings this song when it comes on the radio around Christmas time.
Books Where Spot – This children’s book which let me open up flaps inside the book which looked like doors and cabinets that hid the stories main character spot created lots of childhood fun.
1. Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls; This was the first novel that I read on my own. My entire fifth grade class read it as well and we all fell in love with all of the characters. 2. Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare; I have so much fun reading plays and acting them out and I had the most fun reading this one in ninth grade. My English class was so interested in the play and it was really entertaining to act it out. 3. Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky; This book was so weird and I loved reading about this boy’s teenage experience. I related a lot of his odd situations to my life and I couldn’t stop reading it. 4. Stoner and Spaz Ron Koertge; The message I got out of this book is to not judge a book by it’s cover. These characters were extremely odd but found each other by looking past their differences. 5. Always Looking Up Michael J Fox; This novel was extremely inspiring. During sad times in my life I always went back to this book for inspiration. It helped me to be less of a pessimist.
5 Songs:
1. “Crash” Dave Matthews; I love Dave Matthews’ voice. This song can completely sooth me during extremely anxious moments. 2. “You Found Me” The Fray; I belt this song in the car every time it comes on. Any hurt feelings I have toward past relationships, friends or family about abandonment I can express while singing this song. 3. “Breakdown” Jack Johnson; Life can be a rollercoaster. Sometimes I just feel like breaking down and giving up. This song helps me to express all the anguish and overwhelming feelings I get from life. 4. “Torn” Natalie Imbruglia; When I am confused or sad about certain decisions I have to make I can always sing this song with all my girlfriends in the car and I automatically feel better. 5. “You Ought to Know” Alanis Morissette; I hate men. This song helps me to express all of the anger I feel against them. They are stupid, ignorant, annoying children…all of them.
5 Movies:
1. Orange County I love this movie because my best friend, Greg, and I watched it for the first time together. It is the funniest movie ever created. It also taught me that you don’t need to go to some fancy school to find yourself. 2. Pirates of the Caribbean I watched this movie January 2004. This is the movie I found Johnny Depp and began my obsession. He is the sexiest man alive. 3. A Walk to Remember Although this movie is about a love story, I love the change Shane West makes as person. It gives hope to anyone who is lost and confused. The complete turnaround his character makes is very inspiring. 4. Remember the Titans First of all, this movie has the best soundtrack ever. The music that goes along with it is amazing. The turnaround all the football players make demonstrates how people can change. Once racist, these students become best friends with players of another race. It also shows the hardship that many people continued to deal with thirty years ago. 5. The Pursuit of Happiness One word; inspirational. Will Smith gave hope to anyone who watched this movie. He followed his heart and went through an extreme amount of hardship to succeed. He put his family first and strived to be the best he could be. I am warning anyone who plans on still seeing this movie; it’s a tear jerker.
1) Gossip Girl Series by Cicily Von Ziegesar: These books are so ridiculous! The characters are the extreme of Smithtown High School East students. They are three times as wealthy, yet they have the same typ[es of silly problems the people here have. 2) The Pact by Jodi Picoult: This is just an amazing story that is beautifully written. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. 3) Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides: This book was one of the novels I read in class that I truly enjoyed. 4) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: I watched the movie before the book, and I really loved it. When I read the book I loved it even more, and now I want a vampire boyfriend! 5) Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee: This play was very quick, and very entertaining. I enjoyed reading it in class and being able to act it out. This was my favorite book of the year!
Songs:
1) Here by Rascal Flatts: This song really represents my life, perfectly! It is about how he “wouldn’t change a thing,” about his life and the choices he has made. I can agree with him on this because even though I had to change schools a few times, and have lost a few friends, I wouldn’t change it. I am happy with where I am today. 2) You’re Not Sorry by Taylor Swift: This song kind of represents how so many people are apologizing for things that they are never sorry for. In school everyday, fights happen, things go wrong, and people apologize, but really they aren’t sorry! 3) I’m Just a Kid by Simple Plan: This song is a song that Jackie and I like to sing to in the car. It is about how we wait for people to want to hang out with us, but nobody ever does. It has turned into a joke with us, and this song makes me smile every time I listen to it! 4) My Wish by Rascal Flatts: This song makes me cry every time I listen to it. It is a song I would like to sing to everyone very important to me. My wish for them is that their life becomes everything they want it to be and they always dream big. If you don’t dream big in life, there isn’t anything to live for. 5) Come on Get Higher by Matt Nathanson: This song really doesn’t represent me, I just love it so much! It is my ringtone and the first song on all of my iPod playlists! =]
Movies:
1) Bring It On: All or Nothing: I really don’t like this movie that much, but the ending kind of inspired me. It is about a girl who moves away from her old school, and makes new friends, and in the end realizes her old friends were never really faithful to her. This has to do with me because after moving to Smithtown, I realized that a lot of the people I thought cared about me, were never that special after all. 2) High School Musical 3: All of our lives are kind of like high school musical 3 right now, because we are all moving away from our friends and going to college, and are wondering where we are going to end up next year! So I can relate to the characters in that way. 3) He’s Just Not That INTO YOU! : This movie was just so great! It really showed the way women just DON’T give it up when someone isn’t that interested in them. It was funny but had a real message at the same time. 4) The Incredibles: This movie is my favorite animated movie! I always wanted to have super powers and a super cool family! I wish I was an incredible! 5) Because I Said So: CUTEST MOVIE EVER!! I don’t really know how to explain it… I just love it =]
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories: 1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling I first started reading the Harry Potter books when I was in third grade, and I’ve loved them ever since. Harry Potter was such a huge part of my childhood.
2. Purple, Green, and Yellow by Robert Munsch This was my absolute FAVORITE book when I was a kid. It was about a girl who loved markers and coloring, so she colored her whole body with permanent markers, but then it wouldn’t come off. Ridiculous.
3. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult I read this book last year, and I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was really interesting and intelligent. It raised a lot of moral and ethical questions that made me think.
4. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare I read this for my outside reading first quarter, and only because I was in the pit for “Kiss Me Kate” last year (which is based on “Taming”). Not normally a fan of Shakespeare, this play gave me an appreciation for his work—while I read this, I also found myself enjoying King Lear.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen This book is probably one of the only English books that I’ve ever really, truly enjoyed. I thought the story was so nice and I definitely fell in love with Mr. Darcy. =)
Songs: 1. “Finale” by Tchaikovsky This was the first song I played when I entered symphonic band in tenth grade. It was probably the hardest band song I’ve ever had to play, but it was also the best. At the winter concert, our band played it so well and with so much passion that the audience went wild with applause. It was amazing. I think that was probably the most memorable moment of my high school experience.
2. “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff For our Gala concert last March, the full chorus and orchestra played and sang a few movements from Carmina Burana, and it was pretty amazing. It was such a great experience because everyone was so excited about Carmina, so we all worked our hardest to make it come together and sound great.
3. “Good Riddance” by Green Day Right now, it’s our lame senior song, but in eighth grade, this was my favorite song. Eighth grade was a really fun year for me, and “Good Riddance” was our song back then. Ninth grade didn’t go as well for me, so every time I used to hear “Good Riddance” it would bring back the good memories of the previous year. To this day, I still associate “Good Riddance” with eighth grade.
4. “All These Things that I’ve Done” by The Killers I first heard this song in eighth grade, and for some reason it has become my all-time favorite song. I think the instruments and melody of the song are catchy and pleasing, and I think the song has a lot of meaning. It’s about a man looking back on his mistakes and asking for help to become a better person, and I think that’s a universal feeling that most can relate to.
5. “Only Hope” by Switchfoot This is another one of my favorite songs. I’m a pretty religious person, and this song is all about putting your faith in and trusting God. I think it’s a really beautiful song between both the melodies and the lyrics.
Movies: 1. “The Sound of Music” I love “The Sound of Music.” It’s just a great movie and the songs are so catchy and memorable. I saw the play on Broadway when I was six, and I remember absolutely loving it.
2. “Rent” “Rent” is another awesome movie. I love the story and I love the songs. Last summer, I saw “Rent” on Broadway about a month before it closed, and I seriously almost cried when everyone started singing and dancing. I was so happy I got to see the play before it closed because it was a great experience.
3. “Across the Universe” I thought this movie was a little weird, and I didn’t completely like it. But for some reason, I always want to consider it one of my favorite movies. Before seeing the movie, my knowledge of Beatles music was pretty limited, but the movie really got me into the Beatles.
4. “Matilda” Growing up, I loved both the book and the movie. The movie is so adorable and I will never forget the story of little Matilda and her awesome teacher Miss Honey.
5. “Mean Girls” This is one movie that I have to watch periodically because I love it. I think that Tina Fey is so clever in writing this movie. I also believe that boys should not be afraid to watch “Mean Girls,” because it’s so witty and anyone can find the humor funny.
Books: A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde- I’ve never before read such a beautifully written book. The book made me think about a lot of things. It was very profound, and kind of terrifying.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster- This book was my absolute favorite as a child. I don’t even know where it came from. I found it at home one day, and fell in love. The guy is really funny, the author I mean. He is really clever. The whole book plays on words. It’s very pun-ny, and when I get mosquito bites, when I eat cakes, when I play in the sand, when I use pencils, when I think about perspective, I am always reminded of this book. I try and make sure I read this book again every year.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks- I am convinced this book is supposed to be very significant to me. I very fatefully came across it as I was getting my haircut and curled in some obscure hair salon I’ve never been to before. It was all yellowed and faded, and it was inconspicuously resting underneath magazines and magazines on a little table. I wasn’t really expecting good reading, but was pleasantly surprised. The book was really intriguing, but after I left the salon I forgot about it until I remembered it a few years later. I bought it, read it, loved it. I found out my private music teacher knew the guy, and offered to introduce me to him. I haven’t yet, but one day.
When You Are Engulfed By Flames by David Sedaris- This was my first Sedaris book. I bought it at a little bookstore in Penn Station and read it on my train rides. He writes really great, really funny essays. His books are first ones I’ve ever wanted to read slowly and savor. I’m actually disappointed when the book ends because the book has ended.
A Book of Luminous Things by Czeslaw Milosz- I really enjoy poetry anthologies. I don’t quite read them from start to finish, but I go to them when I need words, and they rarely fail me. This anthology is by far the best put together and the most suitable to my taste.
Movies: Becoming Jane- I really love James McAvoy. I really do. It does make me a little sad that we can’t be together. He was gorgeous and heartbreaking in this movie. This movie was gorgeous and heartbreaking.
Garden State- What an awkwardly cute movie. It was very enjoyable.
Forrest Gump- “That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going.” This is kind of how I live my life.
Pride and Prejudice- I’m not sure if I agree with everything that happened in this movie, and I’m not sure I like the way women behave and money matters, but it was a very pretty movie.
Aladdin- Aladdin was one of my favorite Disney movies mainly because the song, “A Whole New World” is so pretty, and because I love the way the characters eat food (they make it looks so good). The Christmas after I moved away from Queens, I ended up both giving this movie to and receiving this movie from a close friend.
Songs: Claire de Lune by Debussy- God, I love this song. I once read that music is what moves the great invisible pieces inside you… or something like that, and this song! this song. it really does move me.
Green Fields by Brothers Four- When I was little, I discovered a CD of old pop songs like “Only You,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” This being my first CD, I grew obsessed, and Green Fields being the first track, it soon became the first song I ever fully memorized. I love that when I turn it on, my dad will sing along.
The Hill by Marketa Irglova- This is from a movie called Once. I don’t really know what it’s about, but it’s so gorgeous and so sweet; singing it makes me happy.
Listen by Beyonce- I remember sitting in the car with my sister trying so hard to sing this powerful song. I thought I sounded awesome until she replayed what she recorded of me. I love singing in the car with my sister.
Lady In Spain by Ingrid Michaelson- I love Spain. This song doesn’t really have anything to do with Spain, but its title and first line bring back memories of the first ten days I’ve ever spent outside of the US. Plus, Ingrid Michaelson’s voice is really pretty.
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens I feel like I am the only student who actually enjoyed this book. I loved how everything fit together in the end and I felt that the lessons it taught were important. This was one of the first really difficult books I read in high school, and I'll always remember it.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald This book is what I think about when I think of AP English in 11th grade - and I absolutely loved our class. I still laugh when I think about the discussions that this book brought up. I also associate this book with good friends, and the experiences I had with it remind me that learning can be a lot more fun than you think.
Death of A Salesman - Arthur Miller This play made me depressed - it was hard to get through.
Harry Potter - J.K Rowling These books are part of all of our childhoods. I love that my brother and I read them together (and Kristin). My brother always wanted me to be a writer , and these books would come up in our conversations about that. I cried reading every single one of them - and I'll never forget how sad I felt reading the last page of the last book.
Go Ask Alice - I remember reading this entire book on a plane ride. It was awful to read what drugs caused the girl to do - it's just one of those books that stays with you.
Songs:
Keep On Singin' My Song – Christina Aguilera - This is the song I play in my car when I’m having a bad day. It makes me realize that I have a lot to be grateful for. It also makes me realize that it is my choice how I react to everything in my life – it is up to me to be happy or sad.
On Eagles Wings -This was the song played at my Grandfather’s funeral. He died when I was in second grade, and it was hard because I was the only kid in my family who didn’t make it to California in time to say goodbye. I cry whenever I hear it. It makes me think of my family, and when I hear it I promise myself that I will always stay close with them.
Alive With The Glory Of Love - Say Anything -This song = my best friends and summertime (the only two things you need in life).
Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolf This song reminds me of playing volleyball because it was on all of our warm up CDs. My absolute best memories from high school are from volleyball. I love my team, and I love the sport, and hearing this song reminds me of it all.
You Were Meant For Me - Jewel I love Jewel. This was the first song I taught myself how to play on the guitar. I also have sung this at acoustic cafe with my friends - and I love playing with them. This song always reminds me of them.
Movies:
The Little Mermaid - This was my sister’s favorite Disney movie when we were little, so naturally it was mine too. It reminds me of being little and carefree about life. When my sister comes home from school, sometimes we’ll curl up on the floor with pillows and watch it together. Whenever I see anything that has to do with Ariel, I think of my sister.
The Green Mile - This is one of those movies that if you don’t cry while watching – you have no soul. I don’t know why, but I love it so much. It shows you the cruel realities of life, but at the same time, it shows you how special certain people can make it for you. It reminds me to always be nice to others, because the world gives back what you give it.
Atonement - This movie makes you realize how unfair life can be sometimes. The fact that the love in the movie never really gets to develop absolutely kills me. I hate the little girl in the movie – and I never want to act in a situation how she did. It shows you that being selfish and lying gets you nowhere.
Moulin Rouge -Natalie and I have watched this movie over 50 times, no joke. We know every word, every song, and every expression throughout the movie. We'll be anywhere, and we'll start belting out random songs (our favorite is the duet on the rooftop). What I like most about the movie is that the main message is about the power of love in life. It makes you want something like the main characters have and shows you that life is too short to not do what makes you happy.
The Notebook - I kind of hate that this is one of my movies, but I can't help it. I love love, and the love in this story is one every teenage girl wants (ha ha).
1: King Lear- The first Shakespearian tragedy which really made sense to me as an actual tragedy, Romeo and Juliet being way too overdone, and Julius Caesar being incredibly boring. King Lear was the first time I actually felt for a character in a tragety. 2 3 4 5
Songs:
1: Living on a Prayer- Bon Jovi: I’m obsessed with Bon Jovi, and hearing this song in 9th grade started it. After years of listening to talk radio, I started listening to classic rock station and the lyrics to this song spoke to me in ways that I had never felt before, and it made so much more sense to me than political radio. The bands success throughout the years has also inspired me to try for the same success in my own life.
2: One Week- Barenaked Ladies: This song was on TV the first time I heard it, and it was just the most ridiculous, relaxing batch of nonsense I had ever heard, and I began to take myself much less seriously.
3: Don’t Stand So Close to Me- The Police: I first heard this song at a Police concert at Jones Beach, and the effect of the blue lighting and the haunting lyrics about obsession and temptation pulled me out of a spiral of self-pity and paradoxically gave me the motivation to actually do things about my problems instead of moaning about them.
4: I’m Shipping Up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys: I like Irish punk rock and this was the song that got me into it in the first place. It didn’t really change my life, but its one of my favorite songs.
5: My Generation- The Who: This song is as rebellious as I get, 1975 style.
Books 1. Impulse- Ellen Hopkins It seems like a really depressing book and I cried at the end but it opened my eyes to new concepts and emotions, just like all of Hopkins’s other novels. 2. A Million Little Pieces- James Frey The structure and detail in this story is so overwhelming that it sucks you in and it is as if you are experiencing what James was going though. I was very upset to find out this was not a true story. 3. To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee I loved the characters of this book and it reminded me of when I was a child with my cousins. 4. “The Zoo Story”- Edward Albee This play opened my eyes to existentialism and the absurd and I simple love it. 5. Lord of the Flies –William Golding I love the allusions and the symbols in this story and the concepts really impacted my life and how I view our society.
Movies 1. Alice in Wonderland- this was the theme of my sweet 16. I love the movie, the ridiculous fantasy and the story. 2. The Nightmare Before Christmas- I grew up with this movie and it has become part of a family tradition to watch it every Halloween. It’s strange but whenever this movie is on I feel revived and I feel my childhood coming back to me. 3. Fight Club- I love psychological movies like this. It might be kind of gory but the ending makes it all worth it. 4. The Dark Knight- I love Batman and Heath Ledger was brilliant. 5. Pirates of the Caribbean: the curse of the Black Pearl- besides the fact that I look like Keira Knightly and people constantly point it out to me, I love this movie and Johnny Depp has the absolute best entrance in the history of film.
Songs 1. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls The lyrics and melody of this song have gotten me though many difficult times through high school and have become part of who I am. 2. “Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk This song reminds me somehow of my mother and how I still have a connection to her. 3. “Wanna Be” by Spice Girls This Song =My Friends 4. “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies I love the beat and this song can always put me in a good mood. 5. “What I Got” by Sublime I absolutely love this band and this song puts me in a happy mood and relaxes me no matter what.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories: 1. Great Gatsby- it is a classic. For literary purposes it has also helped me so much and I feel that it allowed me to evolve as a writer. Out of all the essays that I wrote last year, the essay on this book is the only one I can say that I deserved the A that was my paper. Ask Mr. Kirchenko, I would get mad at him when he gave me an undeserving A. 2. Virgin Suicides- Congratulations. I never knew I could hate a book so much. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. I would rather read Great Expectations every summer for every year I go to college then have to read and annotate Virgin Suicides again. Again, sorry Mrs. Baione for making you read my “reflection” on that one. 3. Barbie Doll by Margie Piercy We read this poem this year. I am always a fan of the irony. I think it is funny how society has become so obsessed with perfection. I mean between the acceptance of plastic surgery, and the compulsive desire to know the latest gossip of the Hollywood stars, it is surprising that our society it still evolving intellectually. Or is it? 4. Portrait! This book was my favorite this year! I mean I know so many people that hated it but really, it was brilliant. I want to read it again this summer. Reading the book just confirms how horrible of a writer I am and my lack of intelligence. But still, so amazing! You have to love the use of chiasmus. 5. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak This was my favorite book when I was younger. I don’t even remember what it was about, I just know I was obsessed with it and had my parents read it to me every night for about 3 months.
Songs: 1. Hallelujah (Kate Voegele’s version)- I am not sure why I like this song so much but I do love it. I don’t even think I fully understand all the lyrics but music works in unusual ways and it is free to interpretation. Everyone connects to a song differently and music can evoke a remarkable array of emotions. 2. Moonlight Sonata by Bach- My piano at home is VERY out of tune but this seems to be one of the only songs that sounds amazing on it. Actually, it is really the only piece I can play on the piano without reading music (poorly I should add). I love the chord progressions and the ability to interpret the piece freely. 3. Finale by Tchaikovsky This was my first memory of Symphonic Band. Entering the band in 10th grade as one of only two new flute players, I was intimidated enough without staring at the paper, black with sixteenth note runs, the first quarter. I practiced that piece more than I have studied for all my six AP exams this year—combined. However, after we preformed that piece for winter concert, I knew that this band would be my favorite, and perhaps most terrifying, class. I mean who couldn’t appreciate having their heart nearly beat out of their chest while going down the line during testing? Fun times. 4. Cantabile et Presto by George Enesco If you hang around the music hall enough, you have probably heard the echo of the double tonguing section to this piece. I am always playing it (ask Amanda or Diane)! This piece was my audition piece in 10th grade for All State. Not only was it the first time I played with an accompanist, it was the first time I practiced more than an hour everyday for about a month. I also played it for my college music auditions. No wonder I can play the entire piece by memory. 5. Itsy Bitsy Spider This used to be my absolute favorite song when I was young just because I loved doing the hand motions. My mom used to teach a music workshop for parents and their toddlers and that song was always a hit. I used to go to her classes frequently so naturally that song became a favorite.
Movies/TV Shows: 1. A Walk to Remember- ahhh! I love this movie. I have seen it about 30 times. It is so sad but so sweet! I always really like the sound track. 2. Talladega Nights- Hah…I saw this movie with one of my friends and I firmly believe we thought it was funnier than it actually was. For weeks we quoted the movie and even perfected the “Shake n Bake” handshake. 3. House- Does this even need an explanation? I am obsessed with his character, this show, everything about it. Every time I finish watching an episode I really have to remind myself that he is not real and every time I am so disappointed because his ability to diagnose the most bizarre cases and the wit he uses in the process is mind boggling. 4. Parent Trap- this was my absolute favorite movie for so long. After this movie I had the desire to eat Oreos with peanut butter , learn how to fence, and learn how to play “cool” card games. 5. Project Runway- well, in all fairness I haven’t see this show in a few years but it still amazes me the things they create. They make it look so easy…too easy. Last summer Diane and I thought that we could be like them and make our own dresses. Good thing neither of us could drive, or had a ride to a fabric store, or we wouldn’t of had the challenge of constructing a dress out of fabric squares from Michaels. Apparently, making a dress wasn’t enough of a challenge. We had fun making them despite stabbing ourselves with needles about a million times, hunching over for hours…you get the picture. What about the dresses you might ask. Well, lets just say I crossed off fashion designer from my list of potential careers. Medicine it is.
Books: Danny, The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl Basically every single book by Roald Dahl has impacted my life. I read almost all of his books and throughout my childhood it gave me something to look at and appreciate. Not necessary his messages were what impacted me, but his style. The way he uses characterization to paint such a clear image of his characters is amazing.
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Dies and Why. By Lawerence Gonzales I read this for a summer assignment and I was overwhelmed with knowledge. I learned so much on human behavior and the reasons why people act in situations.
Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe I first read this in second grade and it opened me to greater literature. Since then, I’ve it at least 7 more times
Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett I just read this for my outside reading and now I really love Samuel Beckett. This themes of absurdism is so interesting. Harry Potter Series How could I not put this? I started reading them in 3rd grade and have never stopped. It opened a new world of fantasy and magic that I could only dream of.
Movies: Wall-e This movie was just flat out awesome. They showed so much in such an entertaining way. Nothing cooler than meaningful animation.
The Patriot Well I don’t much many movies. I saw this first in 7th grade and the Revolutionary War was so awesome. It made me enjoy history more. Pride and Prejudice I saw it over the summer before reading it in Literature. I have to say it is one of my favorite movies. It made me so excited to read the book, which I enjoyed more because of the movie.
National Treasure This movie really made me love history and Nicholas Cage. It had a treasure hunt, while teaching information of the past. Harry Potter Movies I say this because they gave me two wonderful things. The visuals of the wonders that is the books and the sound of the series with the great John Williams.
Songs: Let it Be by Beatles One of the few songs I can play on piano. It’s so simple, but so powerful.
Vienna by Billy Joel Probably my favorite song. Says so much of taking things slowly. Eleanor Rigby by Beatles I relate to this song greatly and it’s got a create melody.
Harry Potter Soundtrack Yeah I went for the trifecta. I love all of the music so much. Basically, anything by John Williams is amazing. Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner It was a band piece from last year. The fullness and texture of the chords is so awesome and made me really interesting in German music.
Books: 1) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston This book impacted my life so much probably because of the timing that we read it. I just felt like I could relate to it in many ways because it was about growing up and changing and we are growing and changing so much right now.
2) Dreamland by Sarah Dessen This book was about a girl who has an extremely abusive boyfriend and though I read it when I was younger and I didn’t really understand much of what was going on in it, it still sticks out in my head because it showed me a situation I never want to be in. 3) A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks This is one of my favorite movies and the book was also as impactful. The story is just so powerful and really makes you think about appreciating life. 4) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison This was the first book I ever read by Toni Morrison and now she is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are so detailed and unique that you never want to get to the end once you start. 5) As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner Although this was a semi depressing book, it showed me the kind of life and relationships I never want to have. From my husband to my children, I never want to be so out of touch with the people that mean the most to me.
Songs 1) “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boys II Men This song means a lot to me because it is about how people who have died are still apart of your life and my brother died in a car accident 10 years ago. 2) “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley This song reminds me and my best friend of a certain summer where a lot of things changed for both of us in positive ways. 3) “Is Anybody Listening” by Danity Kane This song is just very inspirational and reminds people that everybody is going through the same experiences as you and you’re not alone. 4) “Sky is the Limit” by Notorious B.I.G. This is truly such an inspirational song about never giving up on your dreams and taking no for an answer. It reminds me to always put my heart into everything I do and that no dream is too big to attain. 5) “Take You Down” by Chris Brown This song impacted my life really for no reason except that it is my best friend and I’s favorite song by our favorite artist and it reminds us of certain things.
Movies 1) “The Ya-Ya Sisterhood” I remember seeing this movie when I was younger and always wanting a really close group of friends like they have that stay with you from childhood to adulthood. I feel I have those friends and now I just hope to keep them as long as the girls do in the movie. 2) “Coach Carter” This movie is very touching. It made me appreciate all the great opportunities I get in my life and how I should take advantage of them. 3) “Nights in Rodanthe” I just felt this was such a beautiful movie and that everyone should try to strive for the love that the two characters have. 4) “Notorious” I love rap music for some reason, specifically Biggie Smalls. I feel like underneath the lyrics he’s really inspirational and has a great message about going for your goals despite hardships. 5) “Titanic” This is one of my all time favorite movies. I am one of the few people who have watched the entire thing many, many times. It’s just one of those movies that really makes you feel and want to strive to have a love like theirs.
Books: “Dubliners”, James Joyce- The connection between all of the stories blows me away. James Joyce revealed his brilliance to me. I could reread almost every story in “Dubliners”.
“As I Lay Dying”, William Faulkner- The unique stream-of-consciousness made it an important book in my life. The meaning behind everything, and the amount of confusion left a mark. I feel as though, however, I may have loved it, I don't think I could read it again, it's too much.
“The Great Gatsby”, F. Scott Fitzgerald- It’s my favorite classic. It encompasses so many literary elements and is brilliantly constructed. I intend to re-read it over the summer.
“Death of a Salesman”, Arthur Miller- This was the first time I understood why and what I was annotating.
“Blackberrying”, Sylvia Plath- I always had trouble with poetry. Although “Blackberrying” isn’t my favorite poem, it’s the poem with the most emotion. I’ve never read a poem as profound and deep.
Movies: “Man on Fire”- Violence aside, it gives me chills to watch this, plus its one of my Dad’s favorites.
“Orange County”- Its not deep, but it was perfect timing. I don’t care if its mature or not, Orange County is one of the most profound movies created. I have used it to make me feel better on numerous occasions, and I'll occasionally watch it with a friend in need of its awesomeness.
“The Fall”- Cinematographically it is not to be believed. It is a light movie with the most amazing imagery; it evokes a lot of emotion.
“Superstar”- It is not only a Brodie family favorite, but it also reminds us of our Aunt Maureen. It is quite possibly the funniest movie ever made.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”- I have yet to find Narnia, however, I feel like I would fit in perfectly.
Songs: “String Quartet No. 12” (The American Quartet), Antonin Dvorak- He transformed his immensely famous “New World Symphony” into a four movement quartet that will absolutely blow you away. The second movement (Lento) will probably make you fall and gravel on your knees.
“Boy with a Coin”, Iron & Wine- I love Iron & Wine, however, they’re an acquired taste—this song is different. Anyone could find this song the most amazing song.
“Winters Love”, Animal Collective- It was put on a mix CD for me made by someone special to me. I have a myriad of memories connected to it.
“South Side”, Moby Ft. Gwen Stefani- My family and I played this driving all the way down to Florida, and all the way from to Florida.
"Starry Eyed Surprise", Paul Oakenfold- It’s a cheesy song, but it always lightens my mood. It can warm any bad situation.
Books: 1. Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov- My ALL TIME favorite book! 2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – I could reread this book so many times and never get bored. 3. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey – Although the book isn’t based on a “true story” I still found it to be an interesting book. 4. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer – I read this in middle school and I fell in love with reading ever since. 5. A House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – I was failing 8th grade English (don’t ask) and the only way to pass was to read this book in a day and summarize every chapter. I did it. I passed. I loved the book.
Songs: 1. Wasted by Cartel – I can never stop listening to this song. 2. Passing Afternoon by Iron & Wine – I listen to this when I am sad =( 3. Satellite by Guster – I know every word to this song. 4. In Fear and Faith by Circa Survive – For some odd reason I constantly listen to this over the summer. 5. Hello, I’m In Delaware by Dallas Green – This song has a deep meaning to me.
Movies: 1. Corky Romano – I’ve never laughed so much. 2. Changeling – The story behind this movie is incredible. 3. Money Talks – Chris Tucker at his best. 4. White Chicks – As you can tell I love comedy movies. 5. Shrek 1 – THE BEST CARTOON MOVIE EVER MADE!
Books The Harry Potter Series. This is technically seven books, but I think I can bend the rules. I grew up with these books, reading the first one when I was seven and finishing up with the last one when I was sixteen. Because they were a part of such a large portion of my life, I consider them representative of my childhood. I had so much emotionally invested in the characters and their stories and I am something of a superfan when it comes to Harry Potter trivia. When Goblet of Fire came out, I was still a youngin, but it helped me deal with the concept of loss. I consider this book, the fourth in the series, to be the turning point, when everything got darker and the characters became more evil and morally ambiguous. The plot was more complicated and was not resolved in the end. This book changed my reading habits forever.
Dogs Don’t Wear Sneakers. As a four-year-old, this was the first book I could read on my own, so it always has a special place in my heart.
To Kill A Mockingbird. This was the first book that I read for school that I actually liked. It kind of renewed my faith in the public school English department and encouraged me to keep taking difficult English classes.
Freakonomics. This book isn’t technically literature because it is a nonfiction explanation of various statistics. This is my favorite book. I’ve read it half a dozen times and I could read it a thousand more. It encourages alternative thinking and seeking different explanations for what is generally accepted as fact. It is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone.
Songs “Holland, 1945” by Neutral Milk Hotel. This song represents my change in ideology from 2005 to 2007. I started listening to this band during that time and “Holland, 1945” was the first song of Neutral Milk Hotel that I listened to. During that time in my life, I was changing my view of the world and what I had previously accepted as fact and truth. This is getting a little too scholarly, but whatever. In my psychology class, we learned about the concept of “political socialization”, which is the time during which young people formulate their political opinions. I sometimes apply this theory to music taste, which is to say that whatever music that people like during their music socialization period is the type of music they will like forever. ”Holland, 1945” was the first constant in my music taste and that song influences other music I like.
“A Hard Day’s Night”. My dad gave me a cassette of Beatles music when I was six years old, and the first song on the tape was “A Hard Day’s Night”. It reminds me of my dad and the warm feelings associated with Christmas.
“Peacebone”. This is a song by Animal Collective and when I hear it, I am reminded of happiness and freedom and summer. The lyrics are a little bit crazy and I like the unorthodox structure.
I kind of define my life in summers because a lot of definitive events in my life happened in the summer. Because of this, many things that are important to me are that way because I associate them with summer. The songs “Soco Amaretto Lime” and “Existentialism on Prom Night” evoke those sun-burnt, mosquito-bitten memories and so whenever I hear them, I get a sense of nostalgia.
Movies Rat Race. I love this movie oh so much. When my best friend would sleep over when I was a kid, we used to watch this movie over and over. My cousin and I still apply the quotes to every day situations even though it came out almost 10 years ago. It’s pretty hilarious.
House Arrest. This is a movie I would watch repeatedly as a child and can still quote. It’s not a particularly good movie but certain parts of it remind me of my childhood and that fills me with a good feeling.
Mean Girls. When I first saw this movie, I was amazed at how realistic the depiction of high school was, or at least how well it mirrored my perception of high school (I was in 7th grade when it came out). It also exposed me to Tina Fey who is a hilarious lady and a role model.
Little Miss Sunshine. I love the message of this movie and the way the family is completely dysfunctional yet they all care about each other. They are sufficiently zany to be entertaining but sufficiently realistic to make the movie feel applicable to any life.
America’s Next Top Model. This is a ridiculous television show, yet I somehow cannot stop watching. It’s like a train wreck. I have tuned into every season, watching Adrianne (Elyse was robbed), Eva, Saleisha, and all the rest get crowned America’s Next Top Model. I admit, this doesn’t fit into my usual scheme of interests, but I consider myself something of an ANTM scholar. I can see a five minute snippet of any episode and name the theme of the photoshoot, the challenge winner, and the girl who was eliminated. This is completely useless information but it’s nice to know something for fun instead of for school.
The gossip girl series- helped me escape to the glamorous life of the Upper East Side. I spent countless hours by the beach or by the pool being entertained by these books.
The Virgin Suicides- This was my favorite outside reading book of the year. This was one of the only pieces of “literature” which I truly connected to. It allowed me to annotate and read closer than I ever have before.
The Things They carried- I had never really understood anything about war before this book. This book allowed me to see an ugly and true part of human nature through the story of one man’s experience in Vietnam. After reading it I felt even more that I was strongly against war.
How to raise a Lady- One night I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t have a good book to read so I went into my living room bookshelves and picked up the first thing I could find. I ended up reading the book How to raise a gentleman an entire how to guide of manors for raising a young man. I enjoyed learning about the proper structure of manors so for Christmas as an inside joke my mom bought me How to raise a lady.
Movies Dirty Dancing- Even though I could not understand most of the story line of dirty dancing I loved the dances and the romance.
Knowing- This movie recently was released but after I watched it I stayed almost completely silent for 30 minutes because I was so distracted by thought about life and death and religion.
Hotel Rwanda- Ally and I had wanted to see this movie for so long because it looked so interesting. When we finally saw the movie we were so impressed and saddened and ashamed that something so bad could happen during our lifetime and America did nothing to try and help these poor innocent people who were killed.
The interpreter- This movie made we want to join model UN. And at the conference I kept thinking about that movie with the cool interpreter boxes up high above the assembly room.
Now and Then- The epic story of lifelong friendship was one of my favorite movies for year. This movie is an inspiration for girls everywhere to remain close to your friends through all diversity.
1: King Lear- The first Shakespearian tragedy which really made sense to me as an actual tragedy, Romeo and Juliet being way too overdone, and Julius Caesar being incredibly boring. King Lear was the first time I actually felt for a character in a tragedy. 2: Middlesex- This was one of the most profound books I have ever read. The lack of a political rhetoric and the sheer honesty of the novel made sense to me in ways that political and other social literature hadn’t. 3: The Native Son: This book had the profound effect of turning me against all literature bemoaning the condition of early twentieth century African-Americans. Society may not be perfect, but it cannot be held to trial simply because a communist Jewish pro bono lawyer chooses to blame it for the murder of a white girl by a black man. While there have been many wrongs against the African-American people in the past, it sickens me that the author attempted to gain pity for his murderous protagonist by saying that society, not the individual, is responsible for his actions. 4: The Chocolate War: Improbable, foolish, unrealistic literature. The idea of “realism in literature” is what this work was attributed to, despite the fact that the story was unbelievable in its plot, ridiculous in its thesis, and unprofessional in its characterization. This is one of the first books I really detested. 5: Dracula: At a point when most girls were swooning over a vampire named Edward, I was reading the novel which gave birth to him and all his kind. I was elated to find that the Count in Bram Stoker’s masterpiece was not a sparkly lover boy, but a manifestation of pure evil, the way vampires were meant to be. It made me feel extremely vindicated in my hatred of the Twilight series.
Songs:
1: Living on a Prayer- Bon Jovi: I’m obsessed with Bon Jovi, and hearing this song in 9th grade started it. After years of listening to talk radio, I started listening to classic rock station and the lyrics to this song spoke to me in ways that I had never felt before, and it made so much more sense to me than political radio. The bands success throughout the years has also inspired me to try for the same success in my own life.
2: One Week- Barenaked Ladies: This song was on TV the first time I heard it, and it was just the most ridiculous, relaxing batch of nonsense I had ever heard, and I started to take myself much less seriously.
3: Don’t Stand So Close to Me- The Police: I first heard this song at a Police concert at Jones Beach, and the effect of the blue lighting and the haunting lyrics about obsession and temptation pulled me out of a spiral of self-pity and paradoxically gave me the motivation to actually do things about my problems instead of moaning about them.
4: I’m Shipping Up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys: I like Irish punk rock and this was the song that got me into it in the first place. It didn’t really change my life, but its one of my favorite songs.
5: My Generation- The Who: This song is as rebellious as I get, 1975 style.
Movies:
1: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: I had read the books when I was younger, but I hadn’t really understood them. The movie came out, and I literally was in heaven. 2: The Departed: The best filmmaking I had seen in a long time, spectacular acting, and a killer soundtrack were married in this film which I first watched with a 102 fever and while heavily medicated. Needless to say it made more sense the second time I saw it. 3: The Longest Day: This black and white movie about the invasion of Normandy in World War II was one of the first truly mature movies I had seen, and I enjoyed it because it wasn’t at all complicated. 4: Some Kind of Monster: The Metallica documentary prompted me to realize that even though I am not at all perfect, I am indefinitely more mature than the children who make up “the worlds greatest metal band ever.” For me, it’s a feel-good movie. 5: Forrest Gump: Just my favorite movie.
5 Books: 1) Go Dog Go: This is the first book I remember reading on my own. I thought I was really impressive because it was 60 pages long and I was in pre-school. I still remember sitting at my kitchen table in my old house and reading it. 2) Running with Scissors: It’s not really the most believable book but I had a few friendships start when I recommended the book to people in 9th grade. It was also one of the first “shocking” books I ever read, so I’ll always remember coming upon the book’s more “interesting” scenes. 3) One Hundred Years of Solitude: I read this book for outside reading this year and was completely blown away. The flowery descriptions of the mystical town of Macondo and feelings the book was able to evoke were incredible. By the time I was done reading it, I had felt like I had gone on a long, one-hundred year journey. The implied commentary on humans and war were extremely clever and made me think. 4) A Streetcar Named Desire: Blanche Dubois was one of the most fascinating characters I have come across in all of the books I have read in high school. I love how realistic the loss of her “beautiful dream” was and the strong symbolism it held regarding human failures and sorrow. I thought ‘Streetcar” was so thoughtfully and artfully crafted and truly appreciated it. 5) The Things They Carried: Not only did I love the style this book was written in, I thought the message about war that it carried (no pun intended). It humanized the anonymous soldiers that fought in Vietnam to me, making them seem to be conflicted, scared human being and not just compliant men drafted at random.
5 Songs: 1) In the Aeroplane over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel- This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard by my favorite band off of my favorite album, so naturally it means a lot to me. Really, the entire album “In the Aeroplane over the Sea” blends together to create the most beautiful audible 40 minutes I have ever heard. The imagery in it is so strong to me that I can always picture it being acted out and by the time it is over, I feel like I have just watched an entire film. 2) Say Yes by Elliott Smith- I have always thought this was an incredibly romantic and sweet song, and it’s in my favorite scene in Good Will Hunting when Will goes on a date with Skylar and they seem to genuinely like each other so much. Every time I listen to the song it puts me in a good mood. 3) Visions of Johanna by Bob Dylan- Bob Dylan is one of my favorite artists, and this is one of my favorite songs by him. Driving around on a sunny day and listening to this song is one of my favorite feelings in the world. 4)Brook and Waxing by Why?- This song is about taking advantage of being alive and not letting thoughts of the inevitable get in the way. The line “while I’m alive, I’ll feel alive. And what’s next? I guess I’ll know when I’ve gotten there” has been influential to me and helps me rationalize when I’m overly stressed and not enjoying my life or in a quandary. 5) The Purple Bottle by Animal Collective- This song is a wonderful personification of what it feels like to be truly excited by someone. The vibrant lyrics and fast pace always put me in a good mood.
5 Movies: 1) Closer: Ever since the first time I saw it, I have found this movie to be stunning. I love the exposition of human selfishness and indecision that it displays, and how “mature” adults are shown to be nothing but humans with the capacity to mess up and cheat just like impulsive children. The dialogue is beautiful and witty. 2) The Princess Bride: As a child this was my favorite movie. I would watch it with my parents on weekends, cringing at the giant rats, laughing at the fast moving humor and mouthing “as you wish”. 3) 10 Things I Hate About You: My childhood best friend Kasara and I loved this movie when it first came out. We would watch it in her backroom and her mom would make us soup and tea. It was also the first Heath Ledger movie I ever saw and initiated my undying love for him (RIP) 4) Big Fish: I am always impressed by the plot of this movie and how stunning the special effects are. I loved the incorporation of fantasy and magic perceived in the stories of the father who tells them, and how they end up having some truth to them at the end. I loved watching this movie with my family and made me interested in Tim Burton’s artistic visions. 5) The Rules of Attraction: I loved the movie adaption of this book, not only because of the creative way they condensed the characters into more comprehendible people, but the angst and human emotion it shows, similar to the selfishness and tragic reality in Closer. It also influenced me to look at small liberal arts schools for college, and I actually almost ended up at the school it is based on (Bennington College)
Books- Acceleration- I absolutely love this book. It’s a teen book and it’s not difficult or educational at all, but it was the only book that made my heart pound and my mind race.
Goodnight moon- When I was little, my mom used to read this book to my brother and I before we went to bed.
The Pokey Little Puppy- This was the first book I ever read by myself, I read it to the class in kindergarten for “see what I can do” day.
The Bible- I didn’t actually enjoy this at all, I hated every minute of it. I am religious and I was brought up with a complete understanding of my religion, but after reading the Bible for English I was able to really develop my own sense of my religion. And so, although I do not believe in it, or anything that it says, the Bible actually influenced me very much.
The Chronicles of Narnia- I read every single book in the series and I was obsessed as a child. They are the only set of books I have ever read.
Movies- Benny and Joone- My favorite Johnny Depp movie of all time; I love Johnny Depp and have seen every movie he has ever made, but this one is by far the best.
Schindler’s list- Despite the fact that the score is amazing, this movie is so moving and incredible. I cry every time I watch it and it affects me differently each time.
Beauty and the Beast- My favorite Disney movie of all time, I am completely obsessed with everything about it.
Pirates of the Caribbean- It’s Johnny Depp so I love it; my friends and I went to the premiere of the last two movies and saw them so many times.
Music- Circa survive “stop the car” I love this song, I listen to it all the time and its one of the few songs that I ever get tired of.
Houston Calls “Bobby and Bonnie” This song was on repeat on my ipod while I was at camp, its just light hearted and fun.
Remember the Titans “Titans spirit” Amazing score. I am completely obsessed with it and my dream is to play the full sore.
Saosin “come close” this is my favorite band of all time, and out of all of their songs ever this is my favorite.
Christina Aguilera “Mercy on me” I don’t care what people say about her, I think Christina Aguilera is amazing; when everyone was obsessed with Britney Spears in elementary school I was listening to Christina. This song is her best song ever and is amazing!
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Favorite Books:
The Pact by Jodi Picoult- This book changed my life because it has such stong emotions in it. You really feel what love is like even though you haven’t experienced it.
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult- This book also by Jodi Picoult got you to think what is important in your life, and what you should really be focusing on. These books have such strong emotions that you have to feel like you are the character.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee- I really just enjoyed reading this book. In nineth grade, this changed the way that I looked at reading for school and got me to enjoy the books rather then just go through the motions of reading them.
A Separate Piece by John Knowles- This book showed what real friendship is. The controversies that you go through some times, and the emotions that you feel for your friends. You might be jealous but that happens to everyone and it shows the strong bond that someone can feel with regret.
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer- This book is my all time favorite. It is just a creative idea that brings the whole vampire thing to a new level. It shows love in a different way. Its more intense and you can feel that when you are really in love, you would do anything for that person.
Favorite Songs:
Change by Taylor Swift- This song really inspires me. The lyrics of this song talk about changing yourself and breaking through the limits that you thought you had. I really believe that this song is a good representation of how I live my life and how I push through everything.
Over my head by The Fray- In a sad way, I think that this song represents my life with a few of my friends. Things happen and you have to move on, but it ended really badly. I believe that this song describes it to a tee.
Forever by Chris Brown- This song is one that brings back so many memories of my friends. This song has been on during so many different things that it just brings back some of the best memories.
I’m just a kid by Simple Plan- This song describes my life so good. It also brings back funny memories that me and philly have had and I just love to listen to it to be reminded of it.
Arabian Nights by Chipz 1001- This song also brings back some of the funniest moments that I have ever had with my friends. It just makes me laugh everytime I hear it and can bring me out of any bad mood.
Favorite Movies:
10 Things I hate about you- This is my all time favorite movie. I just love the romantic aspect of it, and it also describes High school to a tee.
Armageddon- This is my favorite action movie. Its kind of scary and futuristic. It is scary to think that this could kind of happen.
Harry Potter Series- These movies are some of my absolute favorites. They let me get into a whole new world. Its fun to imagine a different world once in awhile.
27 Dresses- This is another romantic story. I like this one because not only is it adorable but it gives you hope that someday you too can have that. I love watching these movies because they just brighten your day.
He’s Just not that into you- This is one of the funniest movies about guys and girls that just describes how everyone feels at least one time in their life. I feel that this story can teach a lot of people what not to do.
Books:
1. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown; this book is significant to me because I read the book in one day: seriously. It was the first book that I couldn’t put down and made me realize how much I like to read and how it is not so boring because before this book my mom would have to bribe me to read for more then 20 minutes. This book was a turning point in my reading career.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee; this book my brother and I would read together on long car rides. Many memorable moments have occurred because of this book and strangely somehow brought my brother and I closer together.
3. A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket; I will always remember these books because it was the first series that I read all of the books. I remember I felt so accomplished when I read the last book. I had this sense of relief that I will never forget.
4. The Little Engine That Could, Watty Piper; this book was the first book I could read by myself. My mom read the book to me once and I was so determined to read it by myself. I remember walking around my house, reading this one page over and over. 5.Love You Forever, Robert Munsch; my mom read this book to me every night, I was young so it was just one of those bed time stories for me but my mom would start to well up. Now when I read the book I start to get tears in my eyes but its funny how the story is between a mother and her son. Not a big deal though, I just pretended it was between and daughter and her mother.
Songs:
1. Cats in the Cradle; this is the first song I remember I learned at Harbor Country Day School. My teacher was some rocker dude who wore jeans and a shirt with the top buttons open. I remember the tips of his fingertips were all calloused because he was a true guitar player to me and I think I love rock music today because of him.
2. I Will Survive, Aretha Franklin; my cousins had this huge karaoke system in their cabana and every time I went over their house I would go straight to the cabana and sing these three songs. I don’t know why but I would sing over and over these same three songs and I Will Survive was the first. This was a favorite song to sing thought because at family barbecues all my aunts and uncles would join in. We had a lot of good times.
3. Cabaret; writing the title of this song even makes me want to belt out in singing the song. The second song of the three I would always sing. This song my cousin would grab the other mike and sing with me and I remember just screaming the words and laughing throughout the whole song. That was our song. Nobody else could sing it or we would get mad.
4. Summer Lovin, Grease; this duet was the third I always sang with my cousins. I would switch between Sandy or Danny’s part and at the end when you would have to hit that long note we would have contests to see who could hold it the longest.
Movies:
1. Little People; this movie I would always watch Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house with all my cousins. It was the only time we were all together. I have seen it over one hundred times but it never gets old because it resembles the special moments I had in my childhood.
2. The Land Before Time; this is another movie that I will always remember because even though it was about dinosaurs and mostly attracted little boys but my eyes would be glued to the T.V. screen. Also, my brother and I would pretend we were dinosaurs and try to eat each other then argue about who ate who first.
3. Moulin Rouge; this is another movie that I have watched over a thousand times. My best friend and knew every line and every song. We would be at the beach, supermarket, or any public place and would belt out singing. I would sing the boy part and she would sing the girl part. This movie really brought out my young, free attitude any young girl should be like at that age. Looking back, I had such a happy childhood from just singing with my best friend.
4. Home Videos; it is a tradition for my mom to make movies out of all the home videos she has taped over holidays or family vacations. My family is very close so we love to reminisce together and laugh at the footage. It brings back memories, memories that I will never forget; do to the fact that we have all these videos. Thank you mom!
5. Shrek; another movie from my childhood that I would watch over and over again, that I knew all the lines and actions to, and that I shared with my best friend. It brings back memories from the winter season when we would be at her condo and after a long day of skiing, we would come back, grab some hot chocolate and relax while watching Shrek. This movie represents skiing season for me so to this day I still no all the words.
Books/ Poems:
1. I Don’t Close by Vladmir Shirovsky.
-This poem was important to me because it’s meaning has put into words the way I have always tried to live. It’s short, simple and to the point and has persuaded me to avoid holding on to the idea that if I try hard enough I can change the past. It’s a great poem that has helped me move forward.
2. Rant by Chuck Palahnuik
- This book has shaped who I am by opening up my imagination. Through growing up it was hard to hold on to the fantasy world that I had created so thoroughly as a child and as a writer Palahnuik has made me a child again… figuratively speaking.
3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- I spent much of my childhood reading Harry Potter. It just genuinely makes me happy and have faith in the good in humanity. Harry Potter made me fall in love with reading.
4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Has a metaphorical significance to me because it was difficult to get through but ended in such a beautiful way that I’ve actually reminded myself that no matter how hard something is to get through, you can’t quit or you might miss the most magnificent part.
5. My Sisters Keeper by Jody Picoult
- Although I can’t take more than one Picoult book in a year, plain and simple, this book impacted me by making me appreciate my family and what we have.
Movies:
1. Fight Club
- Once again, Palahnuik has influenced me in a way that makes me question the reality of the world and the importance that I put on things. This movie has me looking at how I perceive my world in a whole new way.
2. Fivel Goes West
- The first movie I remember watching. Definitely gave me a feeling of adventure that I carry with me to this day.
3. Matilda
- A favorite of my sisters and me as children. I’ll always remember this movie as a family bonding experience. I don’t have many memories of being with my sisters and getting along so this movie has impacted me especially in the area of family.
4. Donnie Darko
- Similar to Fight Club. The first time I watched it though I didn’t understand the particular meanings of everything. Now, however, I find myself thinking about the secondary meaning behind everything in that movie. That the surface doesn’t tell you anything, the fragility of life and the power of each individual; all messages that I keep with me now.
5. Tropic Thunder
- Yes. I know. But this movie has impacted my life because I remember watching it with my friends. It gives me an amazing memory of summer time, and being surrounded by the people that I love the most. Whenever I need comfort I know that I can turn it on, laugh and breathe easily.
Songs :
1. The Irony of Dying on Your Birthday by Senses Fail
- Yeah, don’t know how to explain this one other than by saying that it got me through some times when I felt completely lost and angry.
2. Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zepplin
- The ‘lovey’ song. I can’t really explain why it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy
but it definitely holds significance to me. When I hear it I just feel happiness and optimistic and that is more important to me than any explanation I may come up with.
3. She’s Only 18 by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- My pseudo-anthem of the year. Has a profound influence on the way I see being 18 and has me appreciate my youth while I can. This song reminds me not to take myself too seriously but at the same time has me realize the power and control I have as a young woman.
4. Young by Hollywood Undead
- Impacts me because it hits a lot of what I can’t put into words about being so young and ignorant but at the same time in touch with the world. It helps me relive stress and also motivates me to be a better person and also a more proactive person. For some reason this song just makes me want to be better and prove my worth.
5. Jamie All Over by Mayday Parade
- Impacts me by giving me that dose of ‘carpe diem’ that I need. Drives me to pursue my dreams, follow my heart and enjoy my life while I have the opportunity.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories:
Holes-Louis Sachar
This was the first book that I read and understood all by myself in 2nd grade. I loved it so much that I read it 7 times.
A Million Little Pieces- James Frey
The only reason I read this book was for the cover, it had sprinkles all over it. After getting over the fact that the book added a pretty color to my bookshelf, I read this book in 72 hours. It was one of the best stories I’ve ever read.
Beautiful Boy- David Sheff
I’ve never cried so hard while reading a book in my life. This was one of the saddest stories I’ve ever read and I read it in 2 days!
Tweaked- Nick Sheff
I cried even harder reading this than I did while reading Beautiful Boy. This book took me about two months to finish because it created such a vivid picture in my head that it scared me.
The Virgin Suicides-Jeffrey Eugnides
I just enjoyed this story. I felt like I knew all of the sisters personally. This was the best book that I’ve ever read for school.
Songs:
“Somewhere over the Rainbow”
This is my favorite song of all time. Not only is this song from my favorite movie of all time, but I got to be Dorothy and sing this song in my middle school production of “The Wizard of Oz”. When I sang this song, I MADE MY DAD CRY! That never happens.
“Happily Ever After”
This song is from the one of my favorite musicals “Once Upon a Mattress”. I got to sing this song when I was in the production as well. This song is full of spunk and I feel like this song defines who I am.
“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
This is my favorite Beatles song of all time. Don’t ask me why, because I have absolutely no idea.
“Miami 2017”
I am in love with Billy Joel and this is by far my favorite Billy Joel Song. It’s full of life and it has the word Broadway in it. I’m pretty sure why it’s one of my favorite songs.
“New York State of Mind”
This song has such a catchy tune. It’s the one song that I’ve listened to and was able to recite back almost ever word the next time I heard the song.
Movies:
Mary Poppins
This is the first movie that I ever saw. I was singing the music and reciting the all of the lines before I knew how to talk!
Sound of Music
Julie Andrews is one of my favorite actresses of all time. After seeing her in Mary Poppins I knew that I would fall in love with Sound of Music just like I fell in love with Mary Poppins.
The Wizard of Oz
This is by far my favorite movie of all time. Judy Garland is my favorite actress of all time. I could listen to her sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” every day of my life and never get bored of it.
The Addams Family
My Grandma showed me this movie when I was four years old. I have never laughed so hard in my entire life. I just got the 2-disk DVD special edition pack, and I laugh even harder than I did when I was four.
Beauty and the Beast
This is my favorite Disney movie of all time. When I was little, I remember wanting to wear her yellow ball gown and dance to “Tale as Old as Time”. She is by far my favorite Disney Princess as well.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories:
1)The Other Boleyn Girl- Philippa Gregory.
This book didn’t impact my book in a “I’m going to have a new lifestyle” way. It’s my favorite book, though.
2)The Pact- Jodi Picoult.
I couldn’t put this book down. I cried when I finished it.
3) Native Son- Richard Wright.
This was one of my favorite books that I read in school. It made me a lot more aware about others well-beings. 4
4) The Last Boleyn- Karen Harper
I think you can see I have an addiction to historical novels :] Especially any books about the Boleyn family. I just finished this one. If these books affect my life in any way, they make me happier!
5) The Truth About Forever- Sarah Dessen
I grew out of Sarah Dessen in tenth grade, but I still cherish this book. The title of the book explains what I learned- forever isn’t forever, but that doesn’t mean good things can’t happen.
Songs:
1)What’s Good For Me- Lucy Woodward.
This song represents me. Perfectly. I make everything complicated. I get what I want, but I let it slip away.
2)Merry Happy- Kate Nash
This is my angry song :] It’s all about someone pretending that the past hasn’t happened, and moving on with life.
3)The Dance- Charlotte Martin
This song gets to me each time I hear it. Whenever I’m upset, I just want someone to hug me and make everything better.
4)Welcome to the World- Kevin Rudolf
This song doesn’t represent/impact my life right now, but I know I’m going to blast it all the time in my dorm room next year.
5)Come Down to Me- Saving Jane
This is like my song for all of my friends. It describes how I love them.
Movies:
1)Hotel Rwanda
This movie made me want to go out and help people. It made me realize how big the world really is, and how unfortunate others are.
2)Slumdog Millionaire
Same description as above :]
3)Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
I have seen this movie WAY too many times. It’s my laugh out loud movie.
4)Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
This movie isn’t that great, but it’s set in Cuba. I want to go there more than anything!
5)Hitch
This is the only true “chick flick” I can tolerate. I love Will Smith!
5 books- in order of when they meant stuff to me
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle- It was the first book I ever read and loved. I was like 7 years old and a weird, weird kid. I’ve read it like 50 times in my life.
Dune by Frank Herbert- The first ridiculous book I’ve ever read. It started a life-long love affair with science fiction and weird convoluted nonsense. Again, another book I’ve read many times.
Pox by Debra Hayden- I got this box when I was 13 or something. It’s all about syphilis. The topic didn’t change my life more than the idea that a book full of historical information is something I think is fantastic.
Watchmen by Alan Moore- Despite what I wrote about before, I really hate comic books, and things of that nature. But Watchmen showed me that the nature of the medium doesn’t really define the nature of the meaning. It was one of the better things I’ve ever read.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner- Despite what CERTAIN teachers think, this is currently my favorite book. I haven’t read something with this amount of emotional depth in my life, and actually could picture ever single scene. I loved every moment, and I will continue to read it.
5 Songs- in order of when they meant stuff to me
Layla by Eric Clapton- when I was about 5 years old, this was my first favorite song. You can’t listen to obscure music without loving some normal stuff first. Though I grew up to hate the blues with a fury unbeknownst to man, I still love me some Eric Clapton.
Careful with That Axe, Eugene by Pink Floyd- this song has no lyrics, and consists of a simple bass part, followed by 4 minutes of shrieking screams and a guitar solo. It was the first time I felt true emotion through just the sound of music
Cassandra Gemini by The Mars Volta- my favorite band, and my favorite song. Its 32 minutes long, and every single minute is totally necessary. The gamut of human sorrow and loss is shown vividly through brilliant lyrics, unreal instrumentation, and an ability to mean something more than the sum of his parts. I’m getting ridiculous here, but I really love this song. Nothing has come close to replicating this emotion for me in song.
Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead- This is by far one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. If I’m ever sad, this is basically the only happy song of my iPod that I have. There’s a minute of silence, followed by a massive crescendo of happiness, then 2 more minutes of silence. I saw the Radiohead poster, I don’t need to explain.
Spirit They’ve Vanished by Animal Collective- Even though this is the song I’ve known of the least amount of time on this list, it has meant a lot to mean recently. It’s changed what I know about how a song is supposed to sound, and how dissonance can truly be beauty. It’s really an experience.
5 Movies- in some kind of order
Amadeus- As kind of historical weirdo, I enjoy this kind of thing. Plus I have an incredible love for classical music, I was going to put The Rite of Spring in the music list. But Mozart is a great guy. And Tom Hulce is a great actor. And Pat Gray loves him some Amadeus.
The Wall- My first experience with a weird movie was Pink Floyd’s The Wall. It meant a lot to me at the time, and I thought it was the pinnacle of cinema. Now I changed my mind a little, but I still will watch it and love it.
2001: A Space Odyssey- Let’s be honest here. I enjoy the strange and absurd. And this movie made a lot of sense to me. Transcendence is something I look forward to. I can’t wait to be the Star Child. Plus, Kubrick is just a genius.
The Dark Knight- Its not very indie of me, at all. But I love Batman, and anarchism. This was a really well made movie.
Wall-e – I am honestly 5 years old. I loved this movie so much, Hooray for environmental robots.
NOT DONE.....
5 Books:
1) Go Dog Go: This is the first book I remember reading on my own. I thought I was really impressive because it was 60 pages long and I was in pre-school. I still remember sitting at my kitchen table in my old house and reading it.
2) Running With Scissors: It’s not really the most believable book but I had a few friendships start when I recommended the book to people in 9th grade. It was also one of the first “shocking” books I ever read, so I’ll always remember coming upon the book’s more “interesting” scenes.
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5 Songs:
1) In the Aeroplane over the Sea
2) Say Yes by Elliott Smith
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5 Movies:
1) Closer:
2) The Princess Bride: As a child this was my favorite movie. I would watch it with my parents on weekends, cringing at the giant rats, laughing at the fast moving humor and mouthing “as you wish”.
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Kayla Hughes
5 Books
The Sound and the Fury- This was the first book I really enjoyed reading in a long time. I was surprised I actually understood anything that was going on, and it made me feel good about myself afterwards.
The Great Gatsby- This is another book I actually enjoyed reading. It actually was really interesting, and I would read it again.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X- Although I hated hearing the name the honorable Elijah Muhammad a thousand times towards the end of the book, it really was a good story of a man who actually made a difference in this world. Unlike myself.
Death of a Salesman- This play was completely ridiculous. Which is exactly why I loved it.
As I Lay Dying- This book had a lot of sadistic qualities that I can really appreciate.
5 Songs
Boy with a Coin by Iron and Wine- This is the coolest sounding song I’ve ever heard. It always puts me in a good mood and I could listen to it over and over.
My girls by Animal Collective- Even though this is one of the weirdest sounding bands I’ve ever listened to, it is really good and I can’t stop listening to them.
Everybody Nose by Kanyeeeezy- Although this has no impact on my life, it gets me excited every time I hear it.
Human by The Killers- This song makes no sense, but I still like it.
Roses by Outcast- This is the most honest and unsubtle song ever. Which is exactly like me.
Movies
Superstar- This is hilarious, and has no real cinematic quality other then being ridiculously entertaining.
Superbad- I just like movies that start with the words Super, apparently.
Observe and Report- I must have seen this movie 3 times when it was in theaters, because it was completely ridiculous and hilarious.
The Dark Knight- This movie was bomb. End of story.
Zoolander- I’ve seen this a thousand times and its still hilarious.
Songs
(If you steal My Sunshine by Len) Maddie and I listened to thing song many times on the 9th grade political awareness club trip to Washington D.C. This trip is one of my fondest memories of high school and whenever I hear this song I associate it with my memories of this trip.
(Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses) Throughout my years of track there would be lacrosse games going on the inside of the field during our practice. While warming up for their games the lacrosse team would practice to this song. My fellow race walkers and I hated this song and were so sick of it by the end of the season. However it was a bonding experience and we would all laugh and complain about the song together.
(Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap) Last year after one of my long time camp friends died in a fatal car accident me and some other camp friends were sitting around listening to music and this song came on. We talked about how this song embodied our feelings toward the situation. Ever since then this song reminds me of the friend I lost and the feeling we shared that night.
(Zoot Suit Riot by The Cherry Popping Daddies) This song was on the Now 1 cd which my cousin and I were obsessed with especially this song. There is a line in the song “throw back a bottle of beer,” which my cousin and I did not understand and thought it meant to physically throw a bottle of beer behind you. So after each time that line would be played we would scream crash which we believed would be the result of “throwing back a bottle of beer.”
(Que Sera Sera) this song will always remind me of my mother. My mother always sings this song when it comes on the radio around Christmas time.
Books
Where Spot – This children’s book which let me open up flaps inside the book which looked like doors and cabinets that hid the stories main character spot created lots of childhood fun.
Madison Liguori-Tucci
5 Books:
1. Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls; This was the first novel that I read on my own. My entire fifth grade class read it as well and we all fell in love with all of the characters.
2. Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare; I have so much fun reading plays and acting them out and I had the most fun reading this one in ninth grade. My English class was so interested in the play and it was really entertaining to act it out.
3. Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky; This book was so weird and I loved reading about this boy’s teenage experience. I related a lot of his odd situations to my life and I couldn’t stop reading it.
4. Stoner and Spaz Ron Koertge; The message I got out of this book is to not judge a book by it’s cover. These characters were extremely odd but found each other by looking past their differences.
5. Always Looking Up Michael J Fox; This novel was extremely inspiring. During sad times in my life I always went back to this book for inspiration. It helped me to be less of a pessimist.
5 Songs:
1. “Crash” Dave Matthews; I love Dave Matthews’ voice. This song can completely sooth me during extremely anxious moments.
2. “You Found Me” The Fray; I belt this song in the car every time it comes on. Any hurt feelings I have toward past relationships, friends or family about abandonment I can express while singing this song.
3. “Breakdown” Jack Johnson; Life can be a rollercoaster. Sometimes I just feel like breaking down and giving up. This song helps me to express all the anguish and overwhelming feelings I get from life.
4. “Torn” Natalie Imbruglia; When I am confused or sad about certain decisions I have to make I can always sing this song with all my girlfriends in the car and I automatically feel better.
5. “You Ought to Know” Alanis Morissette; I hate men. This song helps me to express all of the anger I feel against them. They are stupid, ignorant, annoying children…all of them.
5 Movies:
1. Orange County
I love this movie because my best friend, Greg, and I watched it for the first time together. It is the funniest movie ever created. It also taught me that you don’t need to go to some fancy school to find yourself.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
I watched this movie January 2004. This is the movie I found Johnny Depp and began my obsession. He is the sexiest man alive.
3. A Walk to Remember
Although this movie is about a love story, I love the change Shane West makes as person. It gives hope to anyone who is lost and confused. The complete turnaround his character makes is very inspiring.
4. Remember the Titans
First of all, this movie has the best soundtrack ever. The music that goes along with it is amazing. The turnaround all the football players make demonstrates how people can change. Once racist, these students become best friends with players of another race. It also shows the hardship that many people continued to deal with thirty years ago.
5. The Pursuit of Happiness
One word; inspirational. Will Smith gave hope to anyone who watched this movie. He followed his heart and went through an extreme amount of hardship to succeed. He put his family first and strived to be the best he could be. I am warning anyone who plans on still seeing this movie; it’s a tear jerker.
Books, Poems, Plays, and Short Stories:
1) Gossip Girl Series by Cicily Von Ziegesar: These books are so ridiculous! The characters are the extreme of Smithtown High School East students. They are three times as wealthy, yet they have the same typ[es of silly problems the people here have.
2) The Pact by Jodi Picoult: This is just an amazing story that is beautifully written. I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
3) Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides: This book was one of the novels I read in class that I truly enjoyed.
4) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: I watched the movie before the book, and I really loved it. When I read the book I loved it even more, and now I want a vampire boyfriend!
5) Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee: This play was very quick, and very entertaining. I enjoyed reading it in class and being able to act it out. This was my favorite book of the year!
Songs:
1) Here by Rascal Flatts: This song really represents my life, perfectly! It is about how he “wouldn’t change a thing,” about his life and the choices he has made. I can agree with him on this because even though I had to change schools a few times, and have lost a few friends, I wouldn’t change it. I am happy with where I am today.
2) You’re Not Sorry by Taylor Swift: This song kind of represents how so many people are apologizing for things that they are never sorry for. In school everyday, fights happen, things go wrong, and people apologize, but really they aren’t sorry!
3) I’m Just a Kid by Simple Plan: This song is a song that Jackie and I like to sing to in the car. It is about how we wait for people to want to hang out with us, but nobody ever does. It has turned into a joke with us, and this song makes me smile every time I listen to it!
4) My Wish by Rascal Flatts: This song makes me cry every time I listen to it. It is a song I would like to sing to everyone very important to me. My wish for them is that their life becomes everything they want it to be and they always dream big. If you don’t dream big in life, there isn’t anything to live for.
5) Come on Get Higher by Matt Nathanson: This song really doesn’t represent me, I just love it so much! It is my ringtone and the first song on all of my iPod playlists! =]
Movies:
1) Bring It On: All or Nothing: I really don’t like this movie that much, but the ending kind of inspired me. It is about a girl who moves away from her old school, and makes new friends, and in the end realizes her old friends were never really faithful to her. This has to do with me because after moving to Smithtown, I realized that a lot of the people I thought cared about me, were never that special after all.
2) High School Musical 3: All of our lives are kind of like high school musical 3 right now, because we are all moving away from our friends and going to college, and are wondering where we are going to end up next year! So I can relate to the characters in that way.
3) He’s Just Not That INTO YOU! : This movie was just so great! It really showed the way women just DON’T give it up when someone isn’t that interested in them. It was funny but had a real message at the same time.
4) The Incredibles: This movie is my favorite animated movie! I always wanted to have super powers and a super cool family! I wish I was an incredible!
5) Because I Said So: CUTEST MOVIE EVER!! I don’t really know how to explain it… I just love it =]
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories:
1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
I first started reading the Harry Potter books when I was in third grade, and I’ve loved them ever since. Harry Potter was such a huge part of my childhood.
2. Purple, Green, and Yellow by Robert Munsch
This was my absolute FAVORITE book when I was a kid. It was about a girl who loved markers and coloring, so she colored her whole body with permanent markers, but then it wouldn’t come off. Ridiculous.
3. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
I read this book last year, and I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was really interesting and intelligent. It raised a lot of moral and ethical questions that made me think.
4. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
I read this for my outside reading first quarter, and only because I was in the pit for “Kiss Me Kate” last year (which is based on “Taming”). Not normally a fan of Shakespeare, this play gave me an appreciation for his work—while I read this, I also found myself enjoying King Lear.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This book is probably one of the only English books that I’ve ever really, truly enjoyed. I thought the story was so nice and I definitely fell in love with Mr. Darcy. =)
Songs:
1. “Finale” by Tchaikovsky
This was the first song I played when I entered symphonic band in tenth grade. It was probably the hardest band song I’ve ever had to play, but it was also the best. At the winter concert, our band played it so well and with so much passion that the audience went wild with applause. It was amazing. I think that was probably the most memorable moment of my high school experience.
2. “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff
For our Gala concert last March, the full chorus and orchestra played and sang a few movements from Carmina Burana, and it was pretty amazing. It was such a great experience because everyone was so excited about Carmina, so we all worked our hardest to make it come together and sound great.
3. “Good Riddance” by Green Day
Right now, it’s our lame senior song, but in eighth grade, this was my favorite song. Eighth grade was a really fun year for me, and “Good Riddance” was our song back then. Ninth grade didn’t go as well for me, so every time I used to hear “Good Riddance” it would bring back the good memories of the previous year. To this day, I still associate “Good Riddance” with eighth grade.
4. “All These Things that I’ve Done” by The Killers
I first heard this song in eighth grade, and for some reason it has become my all-time favorite song. I think the instruments and melody of the song are catchy and pleasing, and I think the song has a lot of meaning. It’s about a man looking back on his mistakes and asking for help to become a better person, and I think that’s a universal feeling that most can relate to.
5. “Only Hope” by Switchfoot
This is another one of my favorite songs. I’m a pretty religious person, and this song is all about putting your faith in and trusting God. I think it’s a really beautiful song between both the melodies and the lyrics.
Movies:
1. “The Sound of Music”
I love “The Sound of Music.” It’s just a great movie and the songs are so catchy and memorable. I saw the play on Broadway when I was six, and I remember absolutely loving it.
2. “Rent”
“Rent” is another awesome movie. I love the story and I love the songs. Last summer, I saw “Rent” on Broadway about a month before it closed, and I seriously almost cried when everyone started singing and dancing. I was so happy I got to see the play before it closed because it was a great experience.
3. “Across the Universe”
I thought this movie was a little weird, and I didn’t completely like it. But for some reason, I always want to consider it one of my favorite movies. Before seeing the movie, my knowledge of Beatles music was pretty limited, but the movie really got me into the Beatles.
4. “Matilda”
Growing up, I loved both the book and the movie. The movie is so adorable and I will never forget the story of little Matilda and her awesome teacher Miss Honey.
5. “Mean Girls”
This is one movie that I have to watch periodically because I love it. I think that Tina Fey is so clever in writing this movie. I also believe that boys should not be afraid to watch “Mean Girls,” because it’s so witty and anyone can find the humor funny.
Books:
A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde-
I’ve never before read such a beautifully written book. The book made me think about a lot of things. It was very profound, and kind of terrifying.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster-
This book was my absolute favorite as a child. I don’t even know where it came from. I found it at home one day, and fell in love. The guy is really funny, the author I mean. He is really clever. The whole book plays on words. It’s very pun-ny, and when I get mosquito bites, when I eat cakes, when I play in the sand, when I use pencils, when I think about perspective, I am always reminded of this book. I try and make sure I read this book again every year.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks-
I am convinced this book is supposed to be very significant to me. I very fatefully came across it as I was getting my haircut and curled in some obscure hair salon I’ve never been to before. It was all yellowed and faded, and it was inconspicuously resting underneath magazines and magazines on a little table. I wasn’t really expecting good reading, but was pleasantly surprised. The book was really intriguing, but after I left the salon I forgot about it until I remembered it a few years later. I bought it, read it, loved it. I found out my private music teacher knew the guy, and offered to introduce me to him. I haven’t yet, but one day.
When You Are Engulfed By Flames by David Sedaris-
This was my first Sedaris book. I bought it at a little bookstore in Penn Station and read it on my train rides. He writes really great, really funny essays. His books are first ones I’ve ever wanted to read slowly and savor. I’m actually disappointed when the book ends because the book has ended.
A Book of Luminous Things by Czeslaw Milosz-
I really enjoy poetry anthologies. I don’t quite read them from start to finish, but I go to them when I need words, and they rarely fail me. This anthology is by far the best put together and the most suitable to my taste.
Movies:
Becoming Jane-
I really love James McAvoy. I really do. It does make me a little sad that we can’t be together. He was gorgeous and heartbreaking in this movie. This movie was gorgeous and heartbreaking.
Garden State-
What an awkwardly cute movie. It was very enjoyable.
Forrest Gump-
“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going.” This is kind of how I live my life.
Pride and Prejudice-
I’m not sure if I agree with everything that happened in this movie, and I’m not sure I like the way women behave and money matters, but it was a very pretty movie.
Aladdin-
Aladdin was one of my favorite Disney movies mainly because the song, “A Whole New World” is so pretty, and because I love the way the characters eat food (they make it looks so good). The Christmas after I moved away from Queens, I ended up both giving this movie to and receiving this movie from a close friend.
Songs:
Claire de Lune by Debussy-
God, I love this song. I once read that music is what moves the great invisible pieces inside you… or something like that, and this song! this song. it really does move me.
Green Fields by Brothers Four-
When I was little, I discovered a CD of old pop songs like “Only You,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” This being my first CD, I grew obsessed, and Green Fields being the first track, it soon became the first song I ever fully memorized. I love that when I turn it on, my dad will sing along.
The Hill by Marketa Irglova-
This is from a movie called Once. I don’t really know what it’s about, but it’s so gorgeous and so sweet; singing it makes me happy.
Listen by Beyonce-
I remember sitting in the car with my sister trying so hard to sing this powerful song. I thought I sounded awesome until she replayed what she recorded of me. I love singing in the car with my sister.
Lady In Spain by Ingrid Michaelson-
I love Spain. This song doesn’t really have anything to do with Spain, but its title and first line bring back memories of the first ten days I’ve ever spent outside of the US. Plus, Ingrid Michaelson’s voice is really pretty.
Books:
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
I feel like I am the only student who actually enjoyed this book. I loved how everything fit together in the end and I felt that the lessons it taught were important. This was one of the first really difficult books I read in high school, and I'll always remember it.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
This book is what I think about when I think of AP English in 11th grade - and I absolutely loved our class. I still laugh when I think about the discussions that this book brought up. I also associate this book with good friends, and the experiences I had with it remind me that learning can be a lot more fun than you think.
Death of A Salesman - Arthur Miller
This play made me depressed - it was hard to get through.
Harry Potter - J.K Rowling
These books are part of all of our childhoods. I love that my brother and I read them together (and Kristin). My brother always wanted me to be a writer , and these books would come up in our conversations about that. I cried reading every single one of them - and I'll never forget how sad I felt reading the last page of the last book.
Go Ask Alice -
I remember reading this entire book on a plane ride. It was awful to read what drugs caused the girl to do - it's just one of those books that stays with you.
Songs:
Keep On Singin' My Song – Christina Aguilera
- This is the song I play in my car when I’m having a bad day. It makes me realize that I have a lot to be grateful for. It also makes me realize that it is my choice how I react to everything in my life – it is up to me to be happy or sad.
On Eagles Wings
-This was the song played at my Grandfather’s funeral. He died when I was in second grade, and it was hard because I was the only kid in my family who didn’t make it to California in time to say goodbye. I cry whenever I hear it. It makes me think of my family, and when I hear it I promise myself that I will always stay close with them.
Alive With The Glory Of Love - Say Anything
-This song = my best friends and summertime (the only two things you need in life).
Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolf
This song reminds me of playing volleyball because it was on all of our warm up CDs. My absolute best memories from high school are from volleyball. I love my team, and I love the sport, and hearing this song reminds me of it all.
You Were Meant For Me - Jewel
I love Jewel. This was the first song I taught myself how to play on the guitar. I also have sung this at acoustic cafe with my friends - and I love playing with them. This song always reminds me of them.
Movies:
The Little Mermaid
- This was my sister’s favorite Disney movie when we were little, so naturally it was mine too. It reminds me of being little and carefree about life. When my sister comes home from school, sometimes we’ll curl up on the floor with pillows and watch it together. Whenever I see anything that has to do with Ariel, I think of my sister.
The Green Mile
- This is one of those movies that if you don’t cry while watching – you have no soul. I don’t know why, but I love it so much. It shows you the cruel realities of life, but at the same time, it shows you how special certain people can make it for you. It reminds me to always be nice to others, because the world gives back what you give it.
Atonement
- This movie makes you realize how unfair life can be sometimes. The fact that the love in the movie never really gets to develop absolutely kills me. I hate the little girl in the movie – and I never want to act in a situation how she did. It shows you that being selfish and lying gets you nowhere.
Moulin Rouge
-Natalie and I have watched this movie over 50 times, no joke. We know every word, every song, and every expression throughout the movie. We'll be anywhere, and we'll start belting out random songs (our favorite is the duet on the rooftop). What I like most about the movie is that the main message is about the power of love in life. It makes you want something like the main characters have and shows you that life is too short to not do what makes you happy.
The Notebook - I kind of hate that this is one of my movies, but I can't help it. I love love, and the love in this story is one every teenage girl wants (ha ha).
Books:
1: King Lear- The first Shakespearian tragedy which really made sense to me as an actual tragedy, Romeo and Juliet being way too overdone, and Julius Caesar being incredibly boring. King Lear was the first time I actually felt for a character in a tragety.
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Songs:
1: Living on a Prayer- Bon Jovi: I’m obsessed with Bon Jovi, and hearing this song in 9th grade started it. After years of listening to talk radio, I started listening to classic rock station and the lyrics to this song spoke to me in ways that I had never felt before, and it made so much more sense to me than political radio. The bands success throughout the years has also inspired me to try for the same success in my own life.
2: One Week- Barenaked Ladies: This song was on TV the first time I heard it, and it was just the most ridiculous, relaxing batch of nonsense I had ever heard, and I began to take myself much less seriously.
3: Don’t Stand So Close to Me- The Police: I first heard this song at a Police concert at Jones Beach, and the effect of the blue lighting and the haunting lyrics about obsession and temptation pulled me out of a spiral of self-pity and paradoxically gave me the motivation to actually do things about my problems instead of moaning about them.
4: I’m Shipping Up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys: I like Irish punk rock and this was the song that got me into it in the first place. It didn’t really change my life, but its one of my favorite songs.
5: My Generation- The Who: This song is as rebellious as I get, 1975 style.
Movies:
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Books
1. Impulse- Ellen Hopkins
It seems like a really depressing book and I cried at the end but it opened my eyes to new concepts and emotions, just like all of Hopkins’s other novels.
2. A Million Little Pieces- James Frey
The structure and detail in this story is so overwhelming that it sucks you in and it is as if you are experiencing what James was going though. I was very upset to find out this was not a true story.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
I loved the characters of this book and it reminded me of when I was a child with my cousins.
4. “The Zoo Story”- Edward Albee
This play opened my eyes to existentialism and the absurd and I simple love it.
5. Lord of the Flies –William Golding
I love the allusions and the symbols in this story and the concepts really impacted my life and how I view our society.
Movies
1. Alice in Wonderland- this was the theme of my sweet 16. I love the movie, the ridiculous fantasy and the story.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas- I grew up with this movie and it has become part of a family tradition to watch it every Halloween. It’s strange but whenever this movie is on I feel revived and I feel my childhood coming back to me.
3. Fight Club- I love psychological movies like this. It might be kind of gory but the ending makes it all worth it.
4. The Dark Knight- I love Batman and Heath Ledger was brilliant.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: the curse of the Black Pearl- besides the fact that I look like Keira Knightly and people constantly point it out to me, I love this movie and Johnny Depp has the absolute best entrance in the history of film.
Songs
1. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
The lyrics and melody of this song have gotten me though many difficult times through high school and have become part of who I am.
2. “Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk
This song reminds me somehow of my mother and how I still have a connection to her.
3. “Wanna Be” by Spice Girls
This Song =My Friends
4. “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies
I love the beat and this song can always put me in a good mood.
5. “What I Got” by Sublime
I absolutely love this band and this song puts me in a happy mood and relaxes me no matter what.
Books, Poems, Plays, Short Stories:
1. Great Gatsby- it is a classic. For literary purposes it has also helped me so much and I feel that it allowed me to evolve as a writer. Out of all the essays that I wrote last year, the essay on this book is the only one I can say that I deserved the A that was my paper. Ask Mr. Kirchenko, I would get mad at him when he gave me an undeserving A.
2. Virgin Suicides- Congratulations. I never knew I could hate a book so much. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. I would rather read Great Expectations every summer for every year I go to college then have to read and annotate Virgin Suicides again. Again, sorry Mrs. Baione for making you read my “reflection” on that one.
3. Barbie Doll by Margie Piercy
We read this poem this year. I am always a fan of the irony. I think it is funny how society has become so obsessed with perfection. I mean between the acceptance of plastic surgery, and the compulsive desire to know the latest gossip of the Hollywood stars, it is surprising that our society it still evolving intellectually. Or is it?
4. Portrait! This book was my favorite this year! I mean I know so many people that hated it but really, it was brilliant. I want to read it again this summer. Reading the book just confirms how horrible of a writer I am and my lack of intelligence. But still, so amazing! You have to love the use of chiasmus.
5. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
This was my favorite book when I was younger. I don’t even remember what it was about, I just know I was obsessed with it and had my parents read it to me every night for about 3 months.
Songs:
1. Hallelujah (Kate Voegele’s version)- I am not sure why I like this song so much but I do love it. I don’t even think I fully understand all the lyrics but music works in unusual ways and it is free to interpretation. Everyone connects to a song differently and music can evoke a remarkable array of emotions.
2. Moonlight Sonata by Bach-
My piano at home is VERY out of tune but this seems to be one of the only songs that sounds amazing on it. Actually, it is really the only piece I can play on the piano without reading music (poorly I should add). I love the chord progressions and the ability to interpret the piece freely.
3. Finale by Tchaikovsky
This was my first memory of Symphonic Band. Entering the band in 10th grade as one of only two new flute players, I was intimidated enough without staring at the paper, black with sixteenth note runs, the first quarter. I practiced that piece more than I have studied for all my six AP exams this year—combined. However, after we preformed that piece for winter concert, I knew that this band would be my favorite, and perhaps most terrifying, class. I mean who couldn’t appreciate having their heart nearly beat out of their chest while going down the line during testing? Fun times.
4. Cantabile et Presto by George Enesco
If you hang around the music hall enough, you have probably heard the echo of the double tonguing section to this piece. I am always playing it (ask Amanda or Diane)! This piece was my audition piece in 10th grade for All State. Not only was it the first time I played with an accompanist, it was the first time I practiced more than an hour everyday for about a month. I also played it for my college music auditions. No wonder I can play the entire piece by memory.
5. Itsy Bitsy Spider
This used to be my absolute favorite song when I was young just because I loved doing the hand motions. My mom used to teach a music workshop for parents and their toddlers and that song was always a hit. I used to go to her classes frequently so naturally that song became a favorite.
Movies/TV Shows:
1. A Walk to Remember- ahhh! I love this movie. I have seen it about 30 times. It is so sad but so sweet! I always really like the sound track.
2. Talladega Nights- Hah…I saw this movie with one of my friends and I firmly believe we thought it was funnier than it actually was. For weeks we quoted the movie and even perfected the “Shake n Bake” handshake.
3. House- Does this even need an explanation? I am obsessed with his character, this show, everything about it. Every time I finish watching an episode I really have to remind myself that he is not real and every time I am so disappointed because his ability to diagnose the most bizarre cases and the wit he uses in the process is mind boggling.
4. Parent Trap- this was my absolute favorite movie for so long. After this movie I had the desire to eat Oreos with peanut butter , learn how to fence, and learn how to play “cool” card games.
5. Project Runway- well, in all fairness I haven’t see this show in a few years but it still amazes me the things they create. They make it look so easy…too easy. Last summer Diane and I thought that we could be like them and make our own dresses. Good thing neither of us could drive, or had a ride to a fabric store, or we wouldn’t of had the challenge of constructing a dress out of fabric squares from Michaels. Apparently, making a dress wasn’t enough of a challenge. We had fun making them despite stabbing ourselves with needles about a million times, hunching over for hours…you get the picture. What about the dresses you might ask. Well, lets just say I crossed off fashion designer from my list of potential careers. Medicine it is.
Books:
Danny, The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
Basically every single book by Roald Dahl has impacted my life. I read almost all of his books and throughout my childhood it gave me something to look at and appreciate. Not necessary his messages were what impacted me, but his style. The way he uses characterization to paint such a clear image of his characters is amazing.
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Dies and Why. By Lawerence Gonzales
I read this for a summer assignment and I was overwhelmed with knowledge. I learned so much on human behavior and the reasons why people act in situations.
Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe
I first read this in second grade and it opened me to greater literature. Since then, I’ve it at least 7 more times
Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett
I just read this for my outside reading and now I really love Samuel Beckett. This themes of absurdism is so interesting.
Harry Potter Series
How could I not put this? I started reading them in 3rd grade and have never stopped. It opened a new world of fantasy and magic that I could only dream of.
Movies:
Wall-e
This movie was just flat out awesome. They showed so much in such an entertaining way. Nothing cooler than meaningful animation.
The Patriot
Well I don’t much many movies. I saw this first in 7th grade and the Revolutionary War was so awesome. It made me enjoy history more.
Pride and Prejudice
I saw it over the summer before reading it in Literature. I have to say it is one of my favorite movies. It made me so excited to read the book, which I enjoyed more because of the movie.
National Treasure
This movie really made me love history and Nicholas Cage. It had a treasure hunt, while teaching information of the past.
Harry Potter Movies
I say this because they gave me two wonderful things. The visuals of the wonders that is the books and the sound of the series with the great John Williams.
Songs:
Let it Be by Beatles
One of the few songs I can play on piano. It’s so simple, but so powerful.
Vienna by Billy Joel
Probably my favorite song. Says so much of taking things slowly.
Eleanor Rigby by Beatles
I relate to this song greatly and it’s got a create melody.
Harry Potter Soundtrack
Yeah I went for the trifecta. I love all of the music so much. Basically, anything by John Williams is amazing.
Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner
It was a band piece from last year. The fullness and texture of the chords is so awesome and made me really interesting in German music.
Alexandra Villano
Books:
1) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
This book impacted my life so much probably because of the timing that we read it. I just felt like I could relate to it in many ways because it was about growing up and changing and we are growing and changing so much right now.
2) Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
This book was about a girl who has an extremely abusive boyfriend and though I read it when I was younger and I didn’t really understand much of what was going on in it, it still sticks out in my head because it showed me a situation I never want to be in.
3) A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
This is one of my favorite movies and the book was also as impactful. The story is just so powerful and really makes you think about appreciating life.
4) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
This was the first book I ever read by Toni Morrison and now she is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are so detailed and unique that you never want to get to the end once you start.
5) As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Although this was a semi depressing book, it showed me the kind of life and relationships I never want to have. From my husband to my children, I never want to be so out of touch with the people that mean the most to me.
Songs
1) “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boys II Men
This song means a lot to me because it is about how people who have died are still apart of your life and my brother died in a car accident 10 years ago.
2) “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
This song reminds me and my best friend of a certain summer where a lot of things changed for both of us in positive ways.
3) “Is Anybody Listening” by Danity Kane
This song is just very inspirational and reminds people that everybody is going through the same experiences as you and you’re not alone.
4) “Sky is the Limit” by Notorious B.I.G.
This is truly such an inspirational song about never giving up on your dreams and taking no for an answer. It reminds me to always put my heart into everything I do and that no dream is too big to attain.
5) “Take You Down” by Chris Brown
This song impacted my life really for no reason except that it is my best friend and I’s favorite song by our favorite artist and it reminds us of certain things.
Movies
1) “The Ya-Ya Sisterhood”
I remember seeing this movie when I was younger and always wanting a really close group of friends like they have that stay with you from childhood to adulthood. I feel I have those friends and now I just hope to keep them as long as the girls do in the movie.
2) “Coach Carter”
This movie is very touching. It made me appreciate all the great opportunities I get in my life and how I should take advantage of them.
3) “Nights in Rodanthe”
I just felt this was such a beautiful movie and that everyone should try to strive for the love that the two characters have.
4) “Notorious”
I love rap music for some reason, specifically Biggie Smalls. I feel like underneath the lyrics he’s really inspirational and has a great message about going for your goals despite hardships.
5) “Titanic”
This is one of my all time favorite movies. I am one of the few people who have watched the entire thing many, many times. It’s just one of those movies that really makes you feel and want to strive to have a love like theirs.
Books:
“Dubliners”, James Joyce- The connection between all of the stories blows me away. James Joyce revealed his brilliance to me. I could reread almost every story in “Dubliners”.
“As I Lay Dying”, William Faulkner- The unique stream-of-consciousness made it an important book in my life. The meaning behind everything, and the amount of confusion left a mark. I feel as though, however, I may have loved it, I don't think I could read it again, it's too much.
“The Great Gatsby”, F. Scott Fitzgerald- It’s my favorite classic. It encompasses so many literary elements and is brilliantly constructed. I intend to re-read it over the summer.
“Death of a Salesman”, Arthur Miller- This was the first time I understood why and what I was annotating.
“Blackberrying”, Sylvia Plath- I always had trouble with poetry. Although “Blackberrying” isn’t my favorite poem, it’s the poem with the most emotion. I’ve never read a poem as profound and deep.
Movies:
“Man on Fire”- Violence aside, it gives me chills to watch this, plus its one of my Dad’s favorites.
“Orange County”- Its not deep, but it was perfect timing. I don’t care if its mature or not, Orange County is one of the most profound movies created. I have used it to make me feel better on numerous occasions, and I'll occasionally watch it with a friend in need of its awesomeness.
“The Fall”- Cinematographically it is not to be believed. It is a light movie with the most amazing imagery; it evokes a lot of emotion.
“Superstar”- It is not only a Brodie family favorite, but it also reminds us of our Aunt Maureen. It is quite possibly the funniest movie ever made.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”- I have yet to find Narnia, however, I feel like I would fit in perfectly.
Songs:
“String Quartet No. 12” (The American Quartet), Antonin Dvorak- He transformed his immensely famous “New World Symphony” into a four movement quartet that will absolutely blow you away. The second movement (Lento) will probably make you fall and gravel on your knees.
“Boy with a Coin”, Iron & Wine- I love Iron & Wine, however, they’re an acquired taste—this song is different. Anyone could find this song the most amazing song.
“Winters Love”, Animal Collective- It was put on a mix CD for me made by someone special to me. I have a myriad of memories connected to it.
“South Side”, Moby Ft. Gwen Stefani- My family and I played this driving all the way down to Florida, and all the way from to Florida.
"Starry Eyed Surprise", Paul Oakenfold- It’s a cheesy song, but it always lightens my mood. It can warm any bad situation.
Books:
1. Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov- My ALL TIME favorite book!
2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – I could reread this book so many times and never get bored.
3. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey – Although the book isn’t based on a “true story” I still found it to be an interesting book.
4. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer – I read this in middle school and I fell in love with reading ever since.
5. A House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – I was failing 8th grade English (don’t ask) and the only way to pass was to read this book in a day and summarize every chapter. I did it. I passed. I loved the book.
Songs:
1. Wasted by Cartel – I can never stop listening to this song.
2. Passing Afternoon by Iron & Wine – I listen to this when I am sad =(
3. Satellite by Guster – I know every word to this song.
4. In Fear and Faith by Circa Survive – For some odd reason I constantly listen to this over the summer.
5. Hello, I’m In Delaware by Dallas Green – This song has a deep meaning to me.
Movies:
1. Corky Romano – I’ve never laughed so much.
2. Changeling – The story behind this movie is incredible.
3. Money Talks – Chris Tucker at his best.
4. White Chicks – As you can tell I love comedy movies.
5. Shrek 1 – THE BEST CARTOON MOVIE EVER MADE!
Books
The Harry Potter Series. This is technically seven books, but I think I can bend the rules. I grew up with these books, reading the first one when I was seven and finishing up with the last one when I was sixteen. Because they were a part of such a large portion of my life, I consider them representative of my childhood. I had so much emotionally invested in the characters and their stories and I am something of a superfan when it comes to Harry Potter trivia. When Goblet of Fire came out, I was still a youngin, but it helped me deal with the concept of loss. I consider this book, the fourth in the series, to be the turning point, when everything got darker and the characters became more evil and morally ambiguous. The plot was more complicated and was not resolved in the end. This book changed my reading habits forever.
Dogs Don’t Wear Sneakers. As a four-year-old, this was the first book I could read on my own, so it always has a special place in my heart.
To Kill A Mockingbird. This was the first book that I read for school that I actually liked. It kind of renewed my faith in the public school English department and encouraged me to keep taking difficult English classes.
Freakonomics. This book isn’t technically literature because it is a nonfiction explanation of various statistics. This is my favorite book. I’ve read it half a dozen times and I could read it a thousand more. It encourages alternative thinking and seeking different explanations for what is generally accepted as fact. It is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone.
Songs
“Holland, 1945” by Neutral Milk Hotel. This song represents my change in ideology from 2005 to 2007. I started listening to this band during that time and “Holland, 1945” was the first song of Neutral Milk Hotel that I listened to. During that time in my life, I was changing my view of the world and what I had previously accepted as fact and truth. This is getting a little too scholarly, but whatever. In my psychology class, we learned about the concept of “political socialization”, which is the time during which young people formulate their political opinions. I sometimes apply this theory to music taste, which is to say that whatever music that people like during their music socialization period is the type of music they will like forever. ”Holland, 1945” was the first constant in my music taste and that song influences other music I like.
“A Hard Day’s Night”. My dad gave me a cassette of Beatles music when I was six years old, and the first song on the tape was “A Hard Day’s Night”. It reminds me of my dad and the warm feelings associated with Christmas.
“Peacebone”. This is a song by Animal Collective and when I hear it, I am reminded of happiness and freedom and summer. The lyrics are a little bit crazy and I like the unorthodox structure.
I kind of define my life in summers because a lot of definitive events in my life happened in the summer. Because of this, many things that are important to me are that way because I associate them with summer. The songs “Soco Amaretto Lime” and “Existentialism on Prom Night” evoke those sun-burnt, mosquito-bitten memories and so whenever I hear them, I get a sense of nostalgia.
Movies
Rat Race. I love this movie oh so much. When my best friend would sleep over when I was a kid, we used to watch this movie over and over. My cousin and I still apply the quotes to every day situations even though it came out almost 10 years ago. It’s pretty hilarious.
House Arrest. This is a movie I would watch repeatedly as a child and can still quote. It’s not a particularly good movie but certain parts of it remind me of my childhood and that fills me with a good feeling.
Mean Girls. When I first saw this movie, I was amazed at how realistic the depiction of high school was, or at least how well it mirrored my perception of high school (I was in 7th grade when it came out). It also exposed me to Tina Fey who is a hilarious lady and a role model.
Little Miss Sunshine. I love the message of this movie and the way the family is completely dysfunctional yet they all care about each other. They are sufficiently zany to be entertaining but sufficiently realistic to make the movie feel applicable to any life.
America’s Next Top Model. This is a ridiculous television show, yet I somehow cannot stop watching. It’s like a train wreck. I have tuned into every season, watching Adrianne (Elyse was robbed), Eva, Saleisha, and all the rest get crowned America’s Next Top Model. I admit, this doesn’t fit into my usual scheme of interests, but I consider myself something of an ANTM scholar. I can see a five minute snippet of any episode and name the theme of the photoshoot, the challenge winner, and the girl who was eliminated. This is completely useless information but it’s nice to know something for fun instead of for school.
The gossip girl series- helped me escape to the glamorous life of the Upper East Side. I spent countless hours by the beach or by the pool being entertained by these books.
The Virgin Suicides- This was my favorite outside reading book of the year. This was one of the only pieces of “literature” which I truly connected to. It allowed me to annotate and read closer than I ever have before.
The Things They carried- I had never really understood anything about war before this book. This book allowed me to see an ugly and true part of human nature through the story of one man’s experience in Vietnam. After reading it I felt even more that I was strongly against war.
How to raise a Lady- One night I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t have a good book to read so I went into my living room bookshelves and picked up the first thing I could find. I ended up reading the book How to raise a gentleman an entire how to guide of manors for raising a young man. I enjoyed learning about the proper structure of manors so for Christmas as an inside joke my mom bought me How to raise a lady.
Movies
Dirty Dancing- Even though I could not understand most of the story line of dirty dancing I loved the dances and the romance.
Knowing- This movie recently was released but after I watched it I stayed almost completely silent for 30 minutes because I was so distracted by thought about life and death and religion.
Hotel Rwanda- Ally and I had wanted to see this movie for so long because it looked so interesting. When we finally saw the movie we were so impressed and saddened and ashamed that something so bad could happen during our lifetime and America did nothing to try and help these poor innocent people who were killed.
The interpreter- This movie made we want to join model UN. And at the conference I kept thinking about that movie with the cool interpreter boxes up high above the assembly room.
Now and Then- The epic story of lifelong friendship was one of my favorite movies for year. This movie is an inspiration for girls everywhere to remain close to your friends through all diversity.
Books:
1: King Lear- The first Shakespearian tragedy which really made sense to me as an actual tragedy, Romeo and Juliet being way too overdone, and Julius Caesar being incredibly boring. King Lear was the first time I actually felt for a character in a tragedy.
2: Middlesex- This was one of the most profound books I have ever read. The lack of a political rhetoric and the sheer honesty of the novel made sense to me in ways that political and other social literature hadn’t.
3: The Native Son: This book had the profound effect of turning me against all literature bemoaning the condition of early twentieth century African-Americans. Society may not be perfect, but it cannot be held to trial simply because a communist Jewish pro bono lawyer chooses to blame it for the murder of a white girl by a black man. While there have been many wrongs against the African-American people in the past, it sickens me that the author attempted to gain pity for his murderous protagonist by saying that society, not the individual, is responsible for his actions.
4: The Chocolate War: Improbable, foolish, unrealistic literature. The idea of “realism in literature” is what this work was attributed to, despite the fact that the story was unbelievable in its plot, ridiculous in its thesis, and unprofessional in its characterization. This is one of the first books I really detested.
5: Dracula: At a point when most girls were swooning over a vampire named Edward, I was reading the novel which gave birth to him and all his kind. I was elated to find that the Count in Bram Stoker’s masterpiece was not a sparkly lover boy, but a manifestation of pure evil, the way vampires were meant to be. It made me feel extremely vindicated in my hatred of the Twilight series.
Songs:
1: Living on a Prayer- Bon Jovi: I’m obsessed with Bon Jovi, and hearing this song in 9th grade started it. After years of listening to talk radio, I started listening to classic rock station and the lyrics to this song spoke to me in ways that I had never felt before, and it made so much more sense to me than political radio. The bands success throughout the years has also inspired me to try for the same success in my own life.
2: One Week- Barenaked Ladies: This song was on TV the first time I heard it, and it was just the most ridiculous, relaxing batch of nonsense I had ever heard, and I started to take myself much less seriously.
3: Don’t Stand So Close to Me- The Police: I first heard this song at a Police concert at Jones Beach, and the effect of the blue lighting and the haunting lyrics about obsession and temptation pulled me out of a spiral of self-pity and paradoxically gave me the motivation to actually do things about my problems instead of moaning about them.
4: I’m Shipping Up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys: I like Irish punk rock and this was the song that got me into it in the first place. It didn’t really change my life, but its one of my favorite songs.
5: My Generation- The Who: This song is as rebellious as I get, 1975 style.
Movies:
1: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: I had read the books when I was younger, but I hadn’t really understood them. The movie came out, and I literally was in heaven.
2: The Departed: The best filmmaking I had seen in a long time, spectacular acting, and a killer soundtrack were married in this film which I first watched with a 102 fever and while heavily medicated. Needless to say it made more sense the second time I saw it.
3: The Longest Day: This black and white movie about the invasion of Normandy in World War II was one of the first truly mature movies I had seen, and I enjoyed it because it wasn’t at all complicated.
4: Some Kind of Monster: The Metallica documentary prompted me to realize that even though I am not at all perfect, I am indefinitely more mature than the children who make up “the worlds greatest metal band ever.” For me, it’s a feel-good movie.
5: Forrest Gump: Just my favorite movie.
Ally Davis
5 Books:
1) Go Dog Go: This is the first book I remember reading on my own. I thought I was really impressive because it was 60 pages long and I was in pre-school. I still remember sitting at my kitchen table in my old house and reading it.
2) Running with Scissors: It’s not really the most believable book but I had a few friendships start when I recommended the book to people in 9th grade. It was also one of the first “shocking” books I ever read, so I’ll always remember coming upon the book’s more “interesting” scenes.
3) One Hundred Years of Solitude: I read this book for outside reading this year and was completely blown away. The flowery descriptions of the mystical town of Macondo and feelings the book was able to evoke were incredible. By the time I was done reading it, I had felt like I had gone on a long, one-hundred year journey. The implied commentary on humans and war were extremely clever and made me think.
4) A Streetcar Named Desire: Blanche Dubois was one of the most fascinating characters I have come across in all of the books I have read in high school. I love how realistic the loss of her “beautiful dream” was and the strong symbolism it held regarding human failures and sorrow. I thought ‘Streetcar” was so thoughtfully and artfully crafted and truly appreciated it.
5) The Things They Carried: Not only did I love the style this book was written in, I thought the message about war that it carried (no pun intended). It humanized the anonymous soldiers that fought in Vietnam to me, making them seem to be conflicted, scared human being and not just compliant men drafted at random.
5 Songs:
1) In the Aeroplane over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel- This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard by my favorite band off of my favorite album, so naturally it means a lot to me. Really, the entire album “In the Aeroplane over the Sea” blends together to create the most beautiful audible 40 minutes I have ever heard. The imagery in it is so strong to me that I can always picture it being acted out and by the time it is over, I feel like I have just watched an entire film.
2) Say Yes by Elliott Smith- I have always thought this was an incredibly romantic and sweet song, and it’s in my favorite scene in Good Will Hunting when Will goes on a date with Skylar and they seem to genuinely like each other so much. Every time I listen to the song it puts me in a good mood.
3) Visions of Johanna by Bob Dylan- Bob Dylan is one of my favorite artists, and this is one of my favorite songs by him. Driving around on a sunny day and listening to this song is one of my favorite feelings in the world.
4)Brook and Waxing by Why?- This song is about taking advantage of being alive and not letting thoughts of the inevitable get in the way. The line “while I’m alive, I’ll feel alive. And what’s next? I guess I’ll know when I’ve gotten there” has been influential to me and helps me rationalize when I’m overly stressed and not enjoying my life or in a quandary.
5) The Purple Bottle by Animal Collective- This song is a wonderful personification of what it feels like to be truly excited by someone. The vibrant lyrics and fast pace always put me in a good mood.
5 Movies:
1) Closer: Ever since the first time I saw it, I have found this movie to be stunning. I love the exposition of human selfishness and indecision that it displays, and how “mature” adults are shown to be nothing but humans with the capacity to mess up and cheat just like impulsive children. The dialogue is beautiful and witty.
2) The Princess Bride: As a child this was my favorite movie. I would watch it with my parents on weekends, cringing at the giant rats, laughing at the fast moving humor and mouthing “as you wish”.
3) 10 Things I Hate About You: My childhood best friend Kasara and I loved this movie when it first came out. We would watch it in her backroom and her mom would make us soup and tea. It was also the first Heath Ledger movie I ever saw and initiated my undying love for him (RIP)
4) Big Fish: I am always impressed by the plot of this movie and how stunning the special effects are. I loved the incorporation of fantasy and magic perceived in the stories of the father who tells them, and how they end up having some truth to them at the end. I loved watching this movie with my family and made me interested in Tim Burton’s artistic visions.
5) The Rules of Attraction: I loved the movie adaption of this book, not only because of the creative way they condensed the characters into more comprehendible people, but the angst and human emotion it shows, similar to the selfishness and tragic reality in Closer. It also influenced me to look at small liberal arts schools for college, and I actually almost ended up at the school it is based on (Bennington College)
Books-
Acceleration- I absolutely love this book. It’s a teen book and it’s not difficult or educational at all, but it was the only book that made my heart pound and my mind race.
Goodnight moon- When I was little, my mom used to read this book to my brother and I before we went to bed.
The Pokey Little Puppy- This was the first book I ever read by myself, I read it to the class in kindergarten for “see what I can do” day.
The Bible- I didn’t actually enjoy this at all, I hated every minute of it. I am religious and I was brought up with a complete understanding of my religion, but after reading the Bible for English I was able to really develop my own sense of my religion. And so, although I do not believe in it, or
anything that it says, the Bible actually influenced me very much.
The Chronicles of Narnia- I read every single book in the series and I was obsessed as a child. They are the only set of books I have ever read.
Movies-
Benny and Joone- My favorite Johnny Depp movie of all time; I love Johnny Depp and have seen every movie he has ever made, but this one is by far the best.
Schindler’s list- Despite the fact that the score is amazing, this movie is so moving and incredible. I cry every time I watch it and it affects me differently each time.
Beauty and the Beast- My favorite Disney movie of all time, I am completely obsessed with everything about it.
Pirates of the Caribbean- It’s Johnny Depp so I love it; my friends and I went to the premiere of the last two movies and saw them so many times.
Nightmare Before Christmas- I think that everyone thinks this movie is amazing, and I know that everyone loves it, and it’s kind of a cliché, but it is one of my favorites; I was sally for Halloween one year!
Music-
Circa survive “stop the car” I love this song, I listen to it all the time and its one of the few songs that I ever get tired of.
Houston Calls “Bobby and Bonnie” This song was on repeat on my ipod while I was at camp, its just light hearted and fun.
Remember the Titans “Titans spirit” Amazing score. I am completely obsessed with it and my dream is to play the full sore.
Saosin “come close” this is my favorite band of all time, and out of all of their songs ever this is my favorite.
Christina Aguilera “Mercy on me” I don’t care what people say about her, I think Christina Aguilera is amazing; when everyone was obsessed with Britney Spears in elementary school I was listening to Christina. This song is her best song ever and is amazing!
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