So much for 'tomorrow' again. I seriously need to stop saying that if I'm not going to post that day! But anyway...
Kites have come back and I’m starting to see what it might symbolize now: perhaps happiness, innocence, freedom? I’m not sure, but I hope I’m getting close.
I also like the way the author described winter as happy, warm, (which is the way I usually see it; but then again, I live in California where it doesn’t snow,) but usually in books, it’s used as a kind of obstacle (it’s cold, death is part of it, etc.) And in the end, something did die: Hassan and Amir’s friendship.
Though, something more died in Hassan.
“I had a feeling I was looking at two faces, the one I knew, the one that was my first memory, and another, a second face, this one lurking just beneath the surface.” I’ve been trying to figure this quote out in the book. Or, once again, maybe it’s all that it’s supposed to mean, that Amir doesn’t know the real Hassan. Or maybe I’m just wrong. However, I did find the quote interesting.
Hassan is what Amir wants to be. He’s jealous of him and can’t accept the fact that he will never be Hassan.
Now, the rape. I WANT TO SCREAM!!! I wanted to put the book down after reading that part, and then I did put the book down…after reading the part where Amir places the money and watch underneath Hassan’s bed. Hassan looks up to Amir the way Amir looks up to his father, so how could he have LET him get raped!? He sacrificed himself for Amir and his stupid kite. The lamb IS Hassan; he has been sacrificed just as the lamb had; oh and it’s crooked black ears are his cleft-lip/scar. I found that oddly interesting.
The question is, what was being sacrificed? I’m still figuring it out.
Oh, I loved the imagery (that's the correct term, right?) here: when the author is talking about dry, hot summers, then quickly span around to thunder and rain as Hassan and Ali were about to leave.
Also, he uses two metals in the book: gold and silver (he used aluminum as well, but I think the gold and silver stick out more. I forget if he used bronze.) I’m not sure if this means anything either.
Amir and his Baba are leaving their wealth; they’ve become nobody, like everyone else. Before, colors splashed about everywhere on the pages. They’ve slowly begun draining out after Hassan got raped, and now everything is desolate and gray.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Kite Runner (Ch.1-5)
After reading these first five chapters (especially the first because it left me questioning a few things,) I’d like to know what the kites mean or symbolize. I’m sure they’re going to pop up in the book again since…it is called the Kite Runner.
Also, I remember from How to Read Literature like a Professor that the author places a mark on their character for a reason, so why did Hosseini place the cleft-lip on Hassan? And then he takes it off, leaving nothing but a “faint scar.” The only thing I can make of it now is that the cleft-lip made Hassan look different from Amir and probably most of the other boys. And Hassan is already pretty different since he is Hazara, so maybe this is supposed to make him look the same? I’m not sure!
The relationship between Hassan and Amir is slightly off; it’s like, they ARE friends, but then they’re not. Then again, Hassan IS a servant. Amir is cruel to him though: he plays pranks on him, makes fun of him, etc. I’m not sure if their friendship will last.
Amir and his Baba have a pretty weird relationship going on as well. This will probably have some significance later on in the story, I’ll just have to keep reading and find out. An example, though, is when Amir wrote a story and was thrilled about showing it to his dad, but his dad just looking at him “through the cloud of smoke.” This quote makes the relationship between the two THAT much more obvious. The father isn’t close with his son; he doesn’t understand his son’s intentions. They’re not clear to him. I also caught onto the way Amir describes his father: his laughter was like “a truck engine revving up…” and his snoring is “like a growling truck engine.” I guess those are just there to help us see that Baba is a pretty tough person; someone you shouldn’t mess with.
The book is pretty good so far. The way it’s written doesn’t make it seem like it’s dragging on and on; it makes me want to read more! Which I definitely will do :) (and sort of have to do.)
Also, I remember from How to Read Literature like a Professor that the author places a mark on their character for a reason, so why did Hosseini place the cleft-lip on Hassan? And then he takes it off, leaving nothing but a “faint scar.” The only thing I can make of it now is that the cleft-lip made Hassan look different from Amir and probably most of the other boys. And Hassan is already pretty different since he is Hazara, so maybe this is supposed to make him look the same? I’m not sure!
The relationship between Hassan and Amir is slightly off; it’s like, they ARE friends, but then they’re not. Then again, Hassan IS a servant. Amir is cruel to him though: he plays pranks on him, makes fun of him, etc. I’m not sure if their friendship will last.
Amir and his Baba have a pretty weird relationship going on as well. This will probably have some significance later on in the story, I’ll just have to keep reading and find out. An example, though, is when Amir wrote a story and was thrilled about showing it to his dad, but his dad just looking at him “through the cloud of smoke.” This quote makes the relationship between the two THAT much more obvious. The father isn’t close with his son; he doesn’t understand his son’s intentions. They’re not clear to him. I also caught onto the way Amir describes his father: his laughter was like “a truck engine revving up…” and his snoring is “like a growling truck engine.” I guess those are just there to help us see that Baba is a pretty tough person; someone you shouldn’t mess with.
The book is pretty good so far. The way it’s written doesn’t make it seem like it’s dragging on and on; it makes me want to read more! Which I definitely will do :) (and sort of have to do.)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
What is the What (Ch.19 to End)
Third and final post today; it goes back to normal tomorrow...hopefully.
So, we come across the What again, and I'm now more certain than ever, that the What will never be explained in this book. I'm not sure what the What is myself but I'm sure it's negative. Or at least, I think it's negative.
A bit later on in the book, Mayen Ngor told Ackak (Valentino) that the seeds they were planting in the ground with the other boys would be potential food, just as they, the boys, could be potential soldiers. I'm not sure if that even makes sense, but I hope it does. Just as the seeds turn into plants, the boys turn into men capable of fighting, but most end up dying.
Ah, and I noticed these colors as the fighting at Gilo River started: green, white, black, brown, and red. Green, white, black, and red are the colors of the Sudanese flag. Is this relevant at all? I hope so. It's ironic that the author would mention these colors though, in the middle of an extremely bloody fight.
I really took notice of the imagery that was described next: "The rain did this to the suffering people of Pochalla, especially the boys who had no mothers: they broke under the force of the rain, they melted back into the Earth." It's beautiful, but depressing. Why didn't Valentino break? I suppose it was because he still believed his parents were alive.
Oh, and another scene: when Achor Achor was saying it'd be better to just die quicker, and when Valentino agreed, the description was amazing. The red walls of the shelter (evil, blood, etc.,) the fire dimming, (the warmth was leaving,) and finally darkness consumed them and their breath got cold, almost as if they were dying...or were dead.
Then, reality. Valentino came back to his apartment, where he used to be comfortable and felt at home, but suddenly he felt unwanted, alone, like a stranger in his own home. It's been polluted and he does not want to be there anymore.
Then we're back into story-mode, and the part where that Kenyan man ripped the mask off Valentino's face really caught my attention. I supposed he wanted to lead a new life, start fresh and hide all the scars, but the man told him that the mask "doesn't fit" him. Perhaps he was meant to tell his story; to continue his life as opposed to starting fresh.
I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN HE FOUND OUT HIS PARENTS WERE ALIVE!!! It was finally a scene that actually made me happy (well, other than the few scenes that made me smile a bit, like Madame Zero.)
And I finished the book. There was another thing that left me confused: what did that falling sun mean at the end?
So, we come across the What again, and I'm now more certain than ever, that the What will never be explained in this book. I'm not sure what the What is myself but I'm sure it's negative. Or at least, I think it's negative.
A bit later on in the book, Mayen Ngor told Ackak (Valentino) that the seeds they were planting in the ground with the other boys would be potential food, just as they, the boys, could be potential soldiers. I'm not sure if that even makes sense, but I hope it does. Just as the seeds turn into plants, the boys turn into men capable of fighting, but most end up dying.
Ah, and I noticed these colors as the fighting at Gilo River started: green, white, black, brown, and red. Green, white, black, and red are the colors of the Sudanese flag. Is this relevant at all? I hope so. It's ironic that the author would mention these colors though, in the middle of an extremely bloody fight.
I really took notice of the imagery that was described next: "The rain did this to the suffering people of Pochalla, especially the boys who had no mothers: they broke under the force of the rain, they melted back into the Earth." It's beautiful, but depressing. Why didn't Valentino break? I suppose it was because he still believed his parents were alive.
Oh, and another scene: when Achor Achor was saying it'd be better to just die quicker, and when Valentino agreed, the description was amazing. The red walls of the shelter (evil, blood, etc.,) the fire dimming, (the warmth was leaving,) and finally darkness consumed them and their breath got cold, almost as if they were dying...or were dead.
Then, reality. Valentino came back to his apartment, where he used to be comfortable and felt at home, but suddenly he felt unwanted, alone, like a stranger in his own home. It's been polluted and he does not want to be there anymore.
Then we're back into story-mode, and the part where that Kenyan man ripped the mask off Valentino's face really caught my attention. I supposed he wanted to lead a new life, start fresh and hide all the scars, but the man told him that the mask "doesn't fit" him. Perhaps he was meant to tell his story; to continue his life as opposed to starting fresh.
I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN HE FOUND OUT HIS PARENTS WERE ALIVE!!! It was finally a scene that actually made me happy (well, other than the few scenes that made me smile a bit, like Madame Zero.)
And I finished the book. There was another thing that left me confused: what did that falling sun mean at the end?
What is the What (Ch.15-18)
Second post of the day. I'm really sorry. I would've posted an entry up once a day, but I was focused on finishing the book and returning it.
I couldn't help but feel immense sadness for Valentino, (how often will I use that term for this book?) especially after the robbery when the police officer didn't do anything to help him and Achor Achor. All she did was call it a complaint, whatever that means, and go off. Valentino feels extreme pain, but I'm sure it's not just physical that he's talking about.
And then Julian!!! At the doctors! Is this all related to racism? It seems as though just because he's different, (it doesn't matter if the skin tone is the same as other African Americans,) he is being alienated, excluded. I'm sure most of the other Lost Boys feel the same way, and it makes me mad! I wish the people he's "telling" his story to would actually be able to hear it. I think this is another good time to say that I love the way this book was written. I hope all those people picked up his book and read it.
Valentino has lost his innocence; for a boy that young to see all that violence and death, it's definitely inevitable for him to lose it. However, when he's playing with the local boys in Ethiopia, it seems that, for a while, he is a kid again, and it makes me happy...until he steps on the dead man's head that is. It killed the moment.
Another thing I noticed was the trees: again, the author's use of personification amazes me. He makes the trees alive: they "shield" people from the sun. But I remember that the description was more than that, it was amazing, I just can't remember the exact words. Curse the person who put a hold on the book :c
Also, I couldn't help but notice the author's use of colors: he throws around blue, yellow, red, brown, green, black, and white, but I'm not sure what they mean. Yellow is the one that stood out to me most (whatnot with the mother's dress, the sun, and yellow eyes.) I'm not sure what the sun means: it's either good or bad, but as of now, it's bad because the heat is killing off boys. As for the yellow eyes, there's no other thing that that could symbolize other than sickness and death. However, the mother's dress makes this color a happy and warm one. The blue shows up with that dog and the sky...I'm not sure what it means though. Black has a negative connotation as well (ash, smoke, guns, night, bombs, etc.)
Now, I forget who in the book told him this but: "You have the power to make people see." And honestly, I think he does. After finishing this book, he made me see, (obviously not symbols or anything I should've been paying attention to,) but he opened up my mind.
I couldn't help but feel immense sadness for Valentino, (how often will I use that term for this book?) especially after the robbery when the police officer didn't do anything to help him and Achor Achor. All she did was call it a complaint, whatever that means, and go off. Valentino feels extreme pain, but I'm sure it's not just physical that he's talking about.
And then Julian!!! At the doctors! Is this all related to racism? It seems as though just because he's different, (it doesn't matter if the skin tone is the same as other African Americans,) he is being alienated, excluded. I'm sure most of the other Lost Boys feel the same way, and it makes me mad! I wish the people he's "telling" his story to would actually be able to hear it. I think this is another good time to say that I love the way this book was written. I hope all those people picked up his book and read it.
Valentino has lost his innocence; for a boy that young to see all that violence and death, it's definitely inevitable for him to lose it. However, when he's playing with the local boys in Ethiopia, it seems that, for a while, he is a kid again, and it makes me happy...until he steps on the dead man's head that is. It killed the moment.
Another thing I noticed was the trees: again, the author's use of personification amazes me. He makes the trees alive: they "shield" people from the sun. But I remember that the description was more than that, it was amazing, I just can't remember the exact words. Curse the person who put a hold on the book :c
Also, I couldn't help but notice the author's use of colors: he throws around blue, yellow, red, brown, green, black, and white, but I'm not sure what they mean. Yellow is the one that stood out to me most (whatnot with the mother's dress, the sun, and yellow eyes.) I'm not sure what the sun means: it's either good or bad, but as of now, it's bad because the heat is killing off boys. As for the yellow eyes, there's no other thing that that could symbolize other than sickness and death. However, the mother's dress makes this color a happy and warm one. The blue shows up with that dog and the sky...I'm not sure what it means though. Black has a negative connotation as well (ash, smoke, guns, night, bombs, etc.)
Now, I forget who in the book told him this but: "You have the power to make people see." And honestly, I think he does. After finishing this book, he made me see, (obviously not symbols or anything I should've been paying attention to,) but he opened up my mind.
What is the What (Ch.10 to Second Book)
So I'm back again, and I have no idea how to start this. I'm not even a writer, but here I sit at my laptop with writers block. I guess I'll just list a few things that stood out to me or things that just left me confused. Oh and my entries are going to be extremely choppy now because I had to finish the book and return it to the library quickly. I wrote some notes down so two more will be posted up today.
When Valentino was explaining how the Arabs used the Sudanese (specifically the Dinka and Nuer) for slavery and told people that they were giving them "better lives," it reminded me of how the white southerners in America (when slavery thrived here,) used to say that they were "saving" the slaves by giving them better lives than the ones they led in Africa.
Now a little further on, this pops up: "You have no ears for me." Maybe it's all that it means, but I feel as though it isn't. Perhaps it had something to do with racism...but I'm just not sure. Ahhh, confusion! I find it difficult looking for symbolism in this book. I get so engrossed by the story that I overlook the little details I probably should be paying attention to. I'm certain that I missed more than a few things. This will probably happen when I start the other books. The only way for me to look for symbols, allusions, etc., is to read the book for the story first, then go back and reread it, this time reading carefully.
Oh boy, I'll need a lot of practice. Perhaps now I'll try and read more carefully.
On page 146, Valentino dreams of his mother. This page made me sad but the author's use of descriptive words made it beautiful. I love how he goes from warmth and happiness to a dark coldness, showing it only through words; if only I could write like that. Also, right now it makes me sad that he feels so alone in the world; no one's coming to help him. But probably all the Lost Boys and Girls feel this way; they feel broken: "No suit could be made to give us the illusion of ease and comfort in this world."
The resurrection of William...it was an odd term to use, but I really liked it. Perhaps it has more meaning. Also, Dut somewhat reminds me of Noah. I know that in the story, it rained for a while, but God never intended to kill off people...just destroy sin. Dut led the boys away from the madness, but could not shield them from rain. The rain in this story does not destroy sin though; it kills off innocent people. I have no idea what I'm saying though, I'm just trying to make sense of this.
Another thing that popped up again was the bicycle. To me, it kind of represents freedom in a way. Last time, Valentino was not able to ride the bike, but with the weird man he was. He got up and rode it for a while...before he fell that is. So, he's close to freedom, but not just yet?
As they walk to Ethiopia, they see a dead soldier and to me it symbolizes lost hope: the walk was for nothing, the war is for nothing, their country would never be free, and Valentino slows down. Later his good friend William K dies, and it brings Valentino down even more. Then on top of that, Ethiopia isn't what it seems to be; however, he's finally safe, and he can rest for the time being.
When Valentino was explaining how the Arabs used the Sudanese (specifically the Dinka and Nuer) for slavery and told people that they were giving them "better lives," it reminded me of how the white southerners in America (when slavery thrived here,) used to say that they were "saving" the slaves by giving them better lives than the ones they led in Africa.
Now a little further on, this pops up: "You have no ears for me." Maybe it's all that it means, but I feel as though it isn't. Perhaps it had something to do with racism...but I'm just not sure. Ahhh, confusion! I find it difficult looking for symbolism in this book. I get so engrossed by the story that I overlook the little details I probably should be paying attention to. I'm certain that I missed more than a few things. This will probably happen when I start the other books. The only way for me to look for symbols, allusions, etc., is to read the book for the story first, then go back and reread it, this time reading carefully.
Oh boy, I'll need a lot of practice. Perhaps now I'll try and read more carefully.
On page 146, Valentino dreams of his mother. This page made me sad but the author's use of descriptive words made it beautiful. I love how he goes from warmth and happiness to a dark coldness, showing it only through words; if only I could write like that. Also, right now it makes me sad that he feels so alone in the world; no one's coming to help him. But probably all the Lost Boys and Girls feel this way; they feel broken: "No suit could be made to give us the illusion of ease and comfort in this world."
The resurrection of William...it was an odd term to use, but I really liked it. Perhaps it has more meaning. Also, Dut somewhat reminds me of Noah. I know that in the story, it rained for a while, but God never intended to kill off people...just destroy sin. Dut led the boys away from the madness, but could not shield them from rain. The rain in this story does not destroy sin though; it kills off innocent people. I have no idea what I'm saying though, I'm just trying to make sense of this.
Another thing that popped up again was the bicycle. To me, it kind of represents freedom in a way. Last time, Valentino was not able to ride the bike, but with the weird man he was. He got up and rode it for a while...before he fell that is. So, he's close to freedom, but not just yet?
As they walk to Ethiopia, they see a dead soldier and to me it symbolizes lost hope: the walk was for nothing, the war is for nothing, their country would never be free, and Valentino slows down. Later his good friend William K dies, and it brings Valentino down even more. Then on top of that, Ethiopia isn't what it seems to be; however, he's finally safe, and he can rest for the time being.
Monday, July 26, 2010
What is the What (6-10)
Ah, back again. I was supposed to post this yesterday, but I didn't have it written out, I only had notes. Soo, here it is!
He begins "telling" his story to Michael (TV Boy) and I found it funny, and completely ironic, that he says "Michael is the name of the man who brought war to Marial Bai." I guess it's meant to be ironic, but it makes me wonder if TV Boy Michael is as bad as the robbers who left him there. I hope that he isn't; so far it seems as though he isn't, even though he drops a phone book on Valentino's head.
And then the dinner scene (food scene! unity? maybe not.) When Valentino and his father were having dinner with the other Arab men one night, there was tension throughout the whole dinner; almost as though a bomb was going to go off. And then the bomb did go off, and it was chaos for a few pages (though honestly, after that point, the whole story goes crazy because his life is absolutely terrifying.)
Now, one thing that's been standing out to me is the yellow dress of the mother. I'm not sure if it means anything, but I think it might. We're first introduced to it when Valentino explains his mother, and how he can see his mother coming from a distance because of her yellow dress. Yellow is a warm color, and one that symbolizes happiness and hope (I looked this up, I hope that's alright,) but at the same time can symbolize sickness, or something not pure. When we're first introduced to his mother and the dress, their life is fine, the war hasn't reached them yet. But later we're introduced to that same dress, and the mother wearing it, fleeing from danger.
A few things I really like about the novel so far:
- It's entirely in Valentino's voice even though Eggers wrote it.
- When he switches between "reality" and "story-mode," the change is crazy. It's almost as though Valentino is pulling you into the story with him, into that moment of time in his life.
- The author's use of personification is amazing as well. It adds onto the descriptions and makes the story even more real in my mind: "My own breathing was too loud, every breath a great wind, a falling tree."
And then we're introduced to the What. What is the What? I'm not too sure, and I have the biggest feeling that that question will remain unanswered in this book. Perhaps it'll be left for us to decide what it is.
He begins "telling" his story to Michael (TV Boy) and I found it funny, and completely ironic, that he says "Michael is the name of the man who brought war to Marial Bai." I guess it's meant to be ironic, but it makes me wonder if TV Boy Michael is as bad as the robbers who left him there. I hope that he isn't; so far it seems as though he isn't, even though he drops a phone book on Valentino's head.
And then the dinner scene (food scene! unity? maybe not.) When Valentino and his father were having dinner with the other Arab men one night, there was tension throughout the whole dinner; almost as though a bomb was going to go off. And then the bomb did go off, and it was chaos for a few pages (though honestly, after that point, the whole story goes crazy because his life is absolutely terrifying.)
Now, one thing that's been standing out to me is the yellow dress of the mother. I'm not sure if it means anything, but I think it might. We're first introduced to it when Valentino explains his mother, and how he can see his mother coming from a distance because of her yellow dress. Yellow is a warm color, and one that symbolizes happiness and hope (I looked this up, I hope that's alright,) but at the same time can symbolize sickness, or something not pure. When we're first introduced to his mother and the dress, their life is fine, the war hasn't reached them yet. But later we're introduced to that same dress, and the mother wearing it, fleeing from danger.
A few things I really like about the novel so far:
- It's entirely in Valentino's voice even though Eggers wrote it.
- When he switches between "reality" and "story-mode," the change is crazy. It's almost as though Valentino is pulling you into the story with him, into that moment of time in his life.
- The author's use of personification is amazing as well. It adds onto the descriptions and makes the story even more real in my mind: "My own breathing was too loud, every breath a great wind, a falling tree."
And then we're introduced to the What. What is the What? I'm not too sure, and I have the biggest feeling that that question will remain unanswered in this book. Perhaps it'll be left for us to decide what it is.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
What is the What (Ch.1-5)
I've finally begun reading What is the What and so far so good (I really need to step it up though.) But anyway, the first thing I noticed when I began reading was the simplicity of the author's language and the short sentences. I'm not sure if this means something or not (I doubt it does,) but I do like it.
While reading through these first five chapters, one continuous thought ran through my head and it made me sad knowing that this isn't JUST a story but a life-story. Anyway, Valentino comes to America, the land of the free, with loads of opportunity for success, etc., but ends up finding out (along with the rest of the Lost Boys) that it's not at all what it's built up to be. Numerous amounts of people emigrate here hoping for freedom, a fresh start (or continuation), and most of all, a better and more successful life. Of course, most of the time people do get their freedom here, however the fresh start and better life come with years of work; hard work.
However, he and all the other Lost Boys come here hoping for those things, but find out just how hard it is to start from the beginning, which Valentino says, most did not want to do; they wanted to continue from where they left off.
And just when he's growing accustomed to this life, (he began going to college and got a few jobs, etc.,) he's put into a situation showing the hidden side of America, the robbery, and begins reminiscing on the days of when he was escaping Sudan. It's really quite ironic that he comes to America, the land of free, then ends up being robbed and restrained in his own home, feeling the same way he did when he was trying to escape FOR freedom.
Then this quote pops out at me: "...I hear the laughter bursting from (the TV) and it's the saddest sound I have heard since arriving in this country." Obviously, irony leaks from this: laughter + being tied up and robbed = not fun times. It made me sad reading it.
Also, I'm not sure if these two things are important, but his explanation of the bike ("absolutely new, polished to a gleam, magnificent,") and Amath (how she had the only mirror in town, nice clothes, jewelry, etc.,) seemed pretty important to me. It reminded me, once again, of America. How, as a boy, he only dreamed of having such things...found them beautiful. But here he is now, in America, not seeing the beauty of it. The image of going from "rags to riches" is deceiving and Valentino sees that.
I hope I made some sense. I just sort of...rambled, like I did in the other ones. Now, I have to continue reading! So far, I'm liking this book.
While reading through these first five chapters, one continuous thought ran through my head and it made me sad knowing that this isn't JUST a story but a life-story. Anyway, Valentino comes to America, the land of the free, with loads of opportunity for success, etc., but ends up finding out (along with the rest of the Lost Boys) that it's not at all what it's built up to be. Numerous amounts of people emigrate here hoping for freedom, a fresh start (or continuation), and most of all, a better and more successful life. Of course, most of the time people do get their freedom here, however the fresh start and better life come with years of work; hard work.
However, he and all the other Lost Boys come here hoping for those things, but find out just how hard it is to start from the beginning, which Valentino says, most did not want to do; they wanted to continue from where they left off.
And just when he's growing accustomed to this life, (he began going to college and got a few jobs, etc.,) he's put into a situation showing the hidden side of America, the robbery, and begins reminiscing on the days of when he was escaping Sudan. It's really quite ironic that he comes to America, the land of free, then ends up being robbed and restrained in his own home, feeling the same way he did when he was trying to escape FOR freedom.
Then this quote pops out at me: "...I hear the laughter bursting from (the TV) and it's the saddest sound I have heard since arriving in this country." Obviously, irony leaks from this: laughter + being tied up and robbed = not fun times. It made me sad reading it.
Also, I'm not sure if these two things are important, but his explanation of the bike ("absolutely new, polished to a gleam, magnificent,") and Amath (how she had the only mirror in town, nice clothes, jewelry, etc.,) seemed pretty important to me. It reminded me, once again, of America. How, as a boy, he only dreamed of having such things...found them beautiful. But here he is now, in America, not seeing the beauty of it. The image of going from "rags to riches" is deceiving and Valentino sees that.
I hope I made some sense. I just sort of...rambled, like I did in the other ones. Now, I have to continue reading! So far, I'm liking this book.
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