SLA Junior Seminar 3: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

First of all, let me get something straight: this is a JOURNAL, not a diary. (p.1) 





     When I came home in Saga two months ago, my little sister (an elementary school girl) brought the children book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid translated in Japanese and asked me to read it together. Today I will share the story which I enjoyed with her.



     It is narrated by a normal child that is there, having common school life and funny friendship. His name is Greg. He stresses he'll be famous one day, but FOR NOW he is stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons😁 He just shares his school life with jerks, strange teachers and  pranks. Of those things, Cheese Touch gives me strong impression every time I reach the part of the book.  Cheese Touch is a kind of tricks or pranks that are popular among boys. One day, one of his friend touches a piece of cheese that has been sitting on a basketball ground for a long time, and smells bad and moldy. Until the boy passes it to other friends, he keeps the smell, so they run away with their fingers crossed. Tough it is a foolish play that kindergarten children like, somehow it reminds me of a recollection in my childhood because boys played similar things.


     It is often the case that I feel like I could go back to the past and enjoyed myself with old memories. If you have some books connected with your precious things or valuable memory, I would like you to share with us.

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. (2007). UK: Puffin books.

SLA Junior Seminar 2: The alchemist

'And, when someone was in such pursuit, the entire universe made an effort to help him succeed-that's what the old king had said,' (p.95) 

     

     What on earth do you think of pursuing your dream? I expect you all have described about your future or dream in public or at least imagined a would-be person. This fable can make you realize where you are on the way that you would walk 

     It is a story narrated by a shepherd boy from Spanish region who has dreamed of traveling the world he has never been, and discovering a treasure. While he explores North Africa, and then the Egyptian desert, there are lots of fateful encounters with nomad people, an English man and a king that change his way of seeing his dream. For instance, one of those people says he does not have to make his dream (the person's dream) come true since he is satisfied with just dreaming of it. However, he told the shepherd boy that the boy should realize his dream (travelling and locating a treasure) because the boy desires to focus on it. On account of touching completely the new idea, the boy has been deep into thought.

     

     I guess we could apply the man's way to our desires or kind of goals. Let's imagine that if you have a dream that you travel all around the world, and to take place, you will learn many languages and make loads of money... I can not tell you these things are absolutely possible, however when you face the real life, you could not possibly do so. Instead of traveling, I am sure you can absorb new cultures and know about how hard it is to make money. In short, while trying reach the main point, you will enjoy the whole process that makes your mind well pleased. 

     

     Although it is essential to go forward, imagining your ideal future and definite what a dream it is, how about having a different view and putting the importance on them? 

 Coelho, Paulo. The alchemist. (1995). London, UK; HarperCollins Publishers. 

SLA Junior Seminar 1: Just good friends

'I was afraid I was going to lose him,' said Stephany. (p.62)

 

     When you want two precious things at the same time, what do you take into account to go well? If the more important they are, the longer you have to think about which to choose... 

 
     All of the accidents come from Stephany's bewildering relationship with her boyfriend, Max and old friend Carlo. She enjoys her vacation with Max in Genoa, Italy. Since Carlo promised to let her his house stay at any time, they spend the whole days in Carlo and her wife's house. I guess you are noticing what happens to the four people. (there is a strong connection between Stephany and Carlo...) However, the reason why I chose the story is that the plot and ending is completely different from what I expected. 

   
     Although there are some tips that let you dive into the world, I think Carlo's wife is a key person to change the stream of the story. Apparently, she pretends not to notice the truth when she is with her husband and Stephany. Furthermore, not to make the situation more complicated, she controlled the fact behind Max. It is for sure that Stephany has been losing most important thing as she makes her decision recklessly...

👉In next time, I will show you my favorite books that I have read a couple of times in spring vacation. See you soon!!

Hancock, Penny. Just good friends.(1999). Cambridge : Cambridge University Press