Book Review #1

In the suspenseful novel, "Swallowing Stones" by Joyce McDonald, a tragic accident sets off a chain of events that would later on change the small town of Briarwood forever. Michael Mackenzie fired off his Winchester Rifle on July 4th, showing it off to his best friends. But little did he know that the bullet would end up killing someone. 

There are two main characters within this book; Michael Mackenzie, the accidental killer and Jenna Ward, the daughter of the deceased father. After Michael finds out about the event, his best friend Joe, tells him to keep quiet because he could be imprisoned for it. But throughout the book, Michael 

demonstrates guilt and sensitivity. An example of the character's genius quality of sensitivity is when he felt the guilt once he heard it on the radio's news; he could've thought the best of it and imagine it wasn't him, but he did the complete opposite and deep inside he knew he had something to deal with the incident. The bullet he shot was completely relevant  to the accident, the evidence was compelling. During the course of the book, Michael is going through a lot of emotional struggle and starts thinking on deeper and entirely new levels. 

On the other hand, Jenna consistently has thoughts of "what if" she had done something different he wouldn't have been killed, referring to her father. At first she had wanted revenge for whoever caused the death, so she could fill the emptiness inside her, but later she realizes she wanted to come to terms with herself before she could truly accept her father's death. The death of her father mixes with her personal life when she begins to have panic attacks around her boyfriend. Jenna possesses the genius quality of wonder, they are revealed through her thoughts and actions. An example to clarify this quality would be when she starts hyperventilating in a rest room with Amy, she's insecure being around with Jason and isn't so sure about their relationship. 
In conclusion, both Jenna and Michael's privates lives turn into turmoil with misunderstanding, break ups, new friends and broken trust. All of this mixed in with the normal anxiety of a teenager. Although this plot all starts off with a bullet, I can instantly relate to such feelings, actions and morals. I have gone through many experiences, due to those I've learned to have a small circle of friends I could truly trust and can only consider one girl as my best friend. Everyone changes and no one stays by your side anymore, this novel made me realize and have an insight in friendships. 

I Am A Genius

 As I consider this evidence from the "Awakening Genius" article, it helps me understand that people are different in personalities and traits. Not everyone is the same and not everyone acts alike. It's given me a new perception on how my traits affect those around me. For example, I seriously feel that the trait of sensitivity fits me the most because I've grown under harsh conditions in my life, so it opened my eyes at a young age and since then I've matured through experience. The fact that these experiences have made me grow into the young lady I am now, I had to endure a lot of feelings, like doubting myself or pushing myself to become more. I've seen a lot in my life and the article made me understand why most things affect me. According to the article, "The sensitivity of children and adolescents allows them to be more deeply affected by great works of art, music, dance, and literature, and to be moved by the events of history and the discoveries of science and math." This point proves that maybe sensitivity is a good trait and it helps one develop as a being. It gives you a better outlook on a topic than those who don't possess the trait.