Possible Project Post #2 -- I'm copying an example of the current adbooks listserv discussion of BOY PROOF, a new title these listserv participants seem to like quit a lot. On the back of last night's agenda I also shared some examples of the dialogue on the list which chooses a different book to discuss each month for a couple of weeks. Is there someone who would like to participate in this list and blog what you are learning from participants throughout the semester? KES
Here's the post: (By the way, Liz manages a N.J. library--her blog is very interesting. You'll see links to it if you sign on to the list)
"I loved Boy Proof. I had begun to read it in August, switched offices and lost my copy, found it, started reading it again from the beginning.
I like that the author could paint such vivid pictures of LA, the school, Egg, and the others with such few words.
I loved that Egg's liking SF was not something that meant she was a "loser" or something that she then had to grow out of/ grow beyond. While Egg may have it a bit easier than a teen who is not in Hollywood, it was also nice to see that this wasn't viewed as "an also" interest. Yes, indeedy, it could be her career. (Which is why I say its a bit easier for her to know this, being the daughter of a special effects person and all).
I liked that the relationship with Max was based on shared interests, not just lust at first sight. It was about their brains, also. I'm not sure how I feel about Max; especially with him dating that other girl and all.
Egg & school: I think a teen who is used to doing well in school on their own, while a favorite of teachers, perhaps, would not be able to get help. Because help is for "other people". I also wonder if Egg was deliberately setting herself up to fail as a reason not to move beyond the safety of her school.
I liked that Egg was a mix of prickly and sensitive; I thought that was well captured, with her relationship with her mother and with her friends (even tho she was hesitant to call them her friends.)
What I posted at my blog:
'The Good: Castelluci respects fandom and fangirls and fanboys. Yep, they dress differently and are passionate about their movie, film, TV show or book -- but they are so much more than nerds and dorks.
"Egg is vocal and strong in her likes and dislikes and her passions. Slowly, she begins to see that she is using her passion as a shield, to keep people out. This is not a book about someone giving up on passion; rather, the realization that its OK to need friends, and to be a friend, and use that passion to include others rather than exclude. It's OK to be alone and solitary; but not when it's the result of fear. And not when it's the result of being excluded. Egg find the balance between being herself and being part of a community, and never loses her integrity'"
Liz
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