@lizamae99 @JoyceGulley@VVAWTER This was such a powerful image to me! They helped him throughout his journey to overcome his stutter and were all figuratively there supporting him and cheering him on. We are shaped and supported by those around us and this perfectly illustrates that.
@fenwicks2000@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER I loved that quality about her, too! My parents always taught me that you should be same person in front of others as you are behind closed doors. Mam exemplifies this idea. She knows who she is and isn't afraid to be herself, no matter where she is or who she is with.
I think Mam's unwavering example of faith and trust in God in the face of adversity is moving. Despite the struggles she had faced, she still told Little Man that she put everything on God and would for all her days (p. 280 with Overdrive) #PAPERBOYPART2@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER
@EnglertTatum@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER I thought it was interesting that we never heard her full story. It portrays that oftentimes we never fully know what goes on in someone's life and may never find out. But, that even those secondary, seemingly insignificant characters in our lives can leave a lasting impression.
@Gabby67877456@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER In the first chapter it says, "I trust words on paper a lot more than words in the air."
I loved that @VVAWTER started and ended the book with this idea. It brought everything full circle and gave me a sense of completeness after reading. What a perfect way to end the book!
@Gabby67877456@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley I agree! And it is important to celebrate the things that make us unique! We shouldn't shy away from our differences but embrace them. In the book, Victor didn't like when people ignored his stutter because it was a part of who he was. We can show respect through acceptance.
@_Imbrittanys@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER I love the time you took to research this and the connection you made. I don't know much about Greek mythology but that seems really plausible to me!
Authors are intentional about what they choose to include, especially allusions, and I don't think this was a coincidence.
@AbbeyD315@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley I loved this comparison! Little Man had stated earlier that he "gave up on God helping [him]" but I don't think he truly did (p.283 Overdrive). He was coming to understand God and faith better through his experiences.
@JoyceGulley I believe we shouldn't avoid discussing religion. Students should be allowed to discuss their religious views openly. But, for this to happen, we need to create a respectful and safe classroom where all beliefs/opinions are welcomed and all are considerate of differing opinions.
@Gabby67877456@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley Our beliefs are so often an integral part of who we are. While I agree we shouldn't force our beliefs onto someone, we should be able to discuss our beliefs and opinions openly without judgment. When we try to understand another's perspective, we build bridges of understanding.
How many people have influenced our lives? How many lives have we influenced? How many more will we? Teachers throughout my life have done this for me and I hope to be that positive influence for my own students.
The people that surrounded Victor impacted him in specific ways. They taught him through their example and made him feel important and valued. I wonder if Mrs. Worthington, or any of the characters, knew the impression they made on him. #PAPERBOYPART3@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER
I believe life is the best teacher. We can learn so much by reflecting on life's experiences. Thank you
@VVAWTER for sharing a part of your story with us.
#PAPERBOYPART3@JoyceGulley
@AbbeyD315@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley When I read this, I saw it as an epiphany for Little Man. His life had been confined to such a small place but now, because of Mr. Spiro's influence, it was like the entire world opened up for him to explore.
@AbbeyD315@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley I love that we all can read the same book and yet each get something different out of it. I didn't interpret this in that way. I appreciate your viewpoint!
@briiiannabrooks@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley I thought it was cute that Little Man "wondered if Willie had felt what I had seen in my head" (p.295). His thought that it takes more guts to speak than act is insightful. Sometimes it's easier to act irrationally than to deliberately speak your mind and stand up for yourself.
@EnglertTatum@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley Exactly! It is so easy to judge based on just your perspective but it is often distorted. We all have unique backgrounds and experiences that effect our actions, understanding, and attitudes and it is imperative that we try and see things from another's point of view.
@HarleyShipman@JoyceGulley@VVAWTER Absolutely! Communication is so much more than words. They were able to connect despite their differences through something as simple as a smile. Through that exchange, they had this mutual understanding of each other and bonded.
I wonder if they went on to become friends?
@PflugAlexis@VVAWTER@JoyceGulley I thought this was an interesting literary choice as well. It definitely makes the novel unique and memorable. I would have never thought to exclude commas but I love the symbolism it brings to the book.