Reading for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Fall, 2011

Book Club Rules:

Read Chapters 1-16 (complete by next in class meeting; September 14)

Read Chapters 17-31 (complete by the following in class meeting; September 28)

Post Rules/Guidelines:

After reading each chapter, please post a minimum of 2 sentences that express your thoughts, feelings, and/or reactions to what has happened so far.

**Please post each entry in a timely manner**

Enjoy the book ladies!

Chapter 1:
In this chapter we learn that Marcelo has been seeing a doctor. Dr. Malone and his assistant Toby are running a CAT scan on Marcelo to try to figure out how his brain works. During this session, they are focusing on how the brain reacts to real music and how his brain reacts to his internal music or (IM). We learn in this chapter that Marcelo attends Paterson; however, his parents seem to want to transition him into a regular high school.

Chapter 2:
Marcelo seems to really love Paterson, he is looking forward to working at the horse stables there over the summer. He seems to have a love and passion for helping the Haflingers. During this chapter tension is building between Marcelo and his parents, Aurora(Marcelo's mothers) and Arturo(Marcelo's father). They are preparing to have the big talk with Marcelo. I notice in first two chapters that Marcelo speaks in third person quite frequently.

Chapter 1:
In Chapter 1 we find out about Marcelo and who is he. We find out that he visits Dr. Malone who is doing studies on his brain to see how it reacts to real music and to "IM" internal music. Marcelo attends a school named Patterson, which is a school for disabled children. He really likes it, but his parents think he should go to a normal high school. Marcelo's Dr thinks so too but Marcelo is very hesitant about it saying that he is 17 and he can make his own choices. Besides going to school at Patterson Marcelo also works in a stable with the ponies, he just got the job and he really is excited.

Chapter 2:
In Chapter 2 we find out about Marcelo's love for the people and the ponies at Patterson. He has a feeling that his mom and dad are trying to convince him to change schools but he really doesn't want anything to do with it. Marcelo seems to know the ins and outs of working with the ponies. He knew that he should not touch a poney until they ask him to touch them. He really seemed to be able to communicate with them. While they are driving home he tries to avoid talking to his mom because he knows what the conversation will be about and he does not want to talk about it.

Chapter 3:
This chapter was about a hard conversation that Marcelo had with his dad (who he calls Arturo). His dad really wants him to not work at Patterson over the summer so instead he gives him another option. Arturo asks Marcelo to work in the mailroom to start working in the "real world." Marcelo is very hesitant to do this because he says he cannot do a lot of the "real world things" but his dad tels him that if he does he can go to any school he wants to in the fall. His dad assures him that it will be ok and that Marcelo needs to trust his dad in this. I have a feeling that his dad is only doing this to trick Marcelo into going to the public high school for his senior year. I am not sure that it will work for him. I think that Marcelo will end up going to Patterson when he is finished the summer.

Chapter 4:
This chapter showed to me how close Aurora and Marcelo really are. Aurora was able to help talk Marcelo through his new job. She was also able to talk with him about why she is able to do the job that she is doing now. She talked with him about how he needs to do this job over the summer to learn how to do things that he would now know how to do in Patterson. She really seems to understand him and what he is going through. I think that once they were done with their conversation Marcelo felt better about what he was going to be doing.

Chapter 5:
In chapter 5 we find Arturo getting ready for his first day at the firm. He is uneasy in the morning because he was not able to write down his own schedule the night before, but he wrote down what he could and followed it to a tee. On the train with his dad, his dad spends some time going through some things that Arturo needs to expect when he is at the firm. I know that Arturo did not understand everything that his dad said, but it felt like to me he did not want to tell his dad that he understand. I know that Arturo is just trying to help Marcelo and look out for him, but I feel that he will learn a lot from Marcelo.

Chapter 6
This chapter did not end up the way I thought it was. In the beginning Arturo meets Jasmine, who he will be working with. In the beginning Jasmine is very cold and not friendly. Jasmine makes it known that she does NOT want to work with Arturo. That slowly changes as the chapter goes on. As they go on their morning mail run Arturo and Jasmine start to talk and Jasmine starts actually listening to Arturo. I have a feeling that a relationship will will start to develop between Jasmine and Arturo and there will be a big change in both Jasmine and Arturo.

Chap 1-Marcelo is at Dr. Malone's office where Dr. Malone is trying to figure out why Marcelo hears "music" which noone else hears. Marcelo is more interested in working with the ponies than being there. He also talks to the doctor and his assistant Toby, about his anxiety about possibly changing schools. This would be a supposedly "normal school."

Chap. 2-Marcelo is leaving the doctor's office and going home. He is still questioning the school situation.

Chap. 3-Marcelo's dad, a lawyer, talks to Marcelo about working in the mailroom in his office instead of working with the horses. Arturo (Dad) says he prefers Marcelo to do that and depending on how well Marcelo does in the "real world" will depend on what school Marcelo will go to.

Chap. 4- Marcelo goes up in his sister's treehouse to process what his Dad wants him to do. His Mom tries to talk to him about why she became a nurse for dying people. She talked to him about going on a dying patient's wish before he dies-a scary roller coaster ride! Marcelo is not too sure if he understands why she is telling him the story. He still wants to go to his old school.

Chap. 5-Marcelo prepares to go to the law firm. His sister and mom encourage him. In the car, his dad tells Marcelo that he can not pray constantly at the firm. His dad talks about people he works with who bring their children to work in the firm. Marcelo is trying to process what it will be like to work in the "real world."

Chap. 6-Marcelo meets Jasmine who is his boss in the mail room. She tells Marcelo she is getting paid $2,000 more dollars a month by Marcelo's dad and her boss to have Marcelo work there. However, she does not want him there. They meet different office people. She is mostly negative about everything. Jasmine talks to Marcelo and asks him what is wrong with him. He tells her of his interest in God and Bach. He asks her to be more literal in her explanations of things.

Chapter 7:
This chapter was a lot about how Jasmine and Marcelo start to connect. Mr. Holmes wants to meet with Marcelo but Jasmine warns him that he's up to no good. Mr. Holmes try to butter him up to get him to do some work but Marcelo remembers what Jasmine says and does not help him. Marcelo is then side tracked because Wendell tried to smooth talking him into helping but Marcelo. It amazed me that Jasmine worked to help Marcelo by making him a schedule because he knows that it is what would help him the most.

Chapter 8:
Marcelo is trying his hardest at his job but he is still having a hard time getting his work done quickly. There is a specific job that Marcelo is required to start because Jasmine is not in the room at the time. He does the best that he can do, even though it is a time crunch job Jasmine does not help Marcello finish instead he has to finish it on his own. They get it done but I think Jasmine was teaching Marcelo that he has to work under pressure. I was impressed how well he did and the fact that he did not have a break down.

Chapter 9:
Arturo is trying to be a father to Marcelo. In this chapter they are at the gym. Arturo has to talk some business but Marcelo just does his exercise. They end up having a little bit of conversation, but it is not as much as Arturo would have liked.

Chapter 1: The book opens with the main character, Marcelo, at a doctor's office. They are trying to understand the difference in the way his brain hears external music and internal music. Although he is not enjoying the visit, he is cooperative and cordial to the doctors as he knows he is getting paid for the research and he's been doing it since he was five years old.

Chapter 2: Marcel and his mother, whom he calls by her first name Aurora, are driving to Paterson, the school he attends, to see a new Haflinger colt born the night before. He is excited about working as the stable man during the summer and his last year at Paterson. It is a special needs school and his parents have expressed their desire for him to attend Oak Ridge High for his senior year. As they drive home, he senses something unhappy is going to happen.

Chapter 3: Marcelo's father, Arturo, is waiting for him. He is a serious man who talks to his son as an adult. He is very insistent about Marcelo attending school with a "normal" environment. He makes a proposal to Marcelo; that he must work "in the real world" at his law firm over the summer to choose what school he attends his senior year.

Chapter 4: As Marcelo retreats to his tree house, I feel bad for him. He is basically a happy boy who feels accepted and important at Paterson. His father's need to integrate him in the "real world" has completely upset his life. His mother comes to him in the treehouse and tries to help him understand his father's motive by telling Marcelo a story of when she took a risk that changed her life. It is obvious Auroro understands and loves her son.

Chapter 5: As Marcelo prepares for his first day "in the real world" working at his father's law firm, he feels disoriented and experiences disjointed IM. His routine is different and he feels nervous about not knowing what to expect. He talks to his older sister on the phone who tells him not to worry because she had to work there too and it will be over soon. I liked the way she spoke to him like a sister and not a mother, which I think many older sisters would do to a sibling with special needs. As they ride the train, Marcelo's father tries to give him some guidelines for being in the working world.

Chapter 6: Marcelo meets Jasmine, the woman in charge of the mailroom where he will work over the summer. She is not happy he is there but shows him around the office by taking him on the mail run. It is obvious that Marcelo is very literal and does not understand figurative language or inuendos. He is trying to make sense of his new hostile environment and the people in it.

Chapter 7: As Marcelo meets other members of the law firm staff,it is apparent they know he has special needs. When Mr. Holmes refers to Marcelo as Gump, I understood that people see Marcelo as mentally retarded even though he isn't. His lack of social skills and understanding of figurative language makes him appear that way. His son, Wendell, is just as arrogant and obnoxious as his father and interrogates Marcelo on his sexual awareness.

Chapter 3
In this chapter Marcelo is confronted by his father Arturo. Arturo gives Marcelo a choice/ultimatum. Marcelo can choose to work in his father's law firm this summer (in the mailroom) or work at Paterson. However, if he chooses to work at Paterson, he will have to go to a regular high school. If he chooses to work at the law firm and is successful. Then he will be able to choose which school he will attend in the fall. During this chapter Marcelo reminds the reader that his father is not a fan of Dr. Malone as he tells Arturo had happened during their session today. Marcelo is reminded that Dr. Malone believes that he has the ability to be successful in a regular high school. Arturo knows that Marcelo needs time to think over all of his options, so he allows him to go back to his tree house to think.

Chapter 4
In this chapter Aurora comes to visit Marcelo in the tree house. She wants to talk, listen, and help Marcelo work through the thoughts and questions that he has about the ultimatum that he father just presented him with. She explains to Marcelo that his father just wants him to experience going to work and being a part of the real world, where no one is there to constantly modify and adapt their surroundings to help you, as well as teaching him how to interact with "regular" people. After a long talk, and a lot of reassurance Marcelo finally decides that he will go work in the mailroom.

Chapter 5
It is Marcelo's first day of work. He wakes up early, but he is unable to complete his schedule, due to the uncertainty of his arrival and departure from work. Marcelo is ready for work early, as he sits and waits for his father to get ready, who by the way is running late. Aurora reminds Marcelo to be aware at all times. To be safe when crossing the street. She presents Marcelo with a cell phone that has all of his emergency contacts in them. His mother test it out by calling his sister Yolanda who gives Marcelo a few words of advice. Along with some insight into the people he will be working with. On the way to the office, Arturo gives Marcelo a few rules and regulars to follow. This is meant to help him fit in. Marcelo jots down as many notes as he can. Now he's ready to battle the "REAL WORLD."

Chapter 6
This chapter, laid the foundation for what is to come in the story. Marcelo meets Jasmine who will be her boss. She seems very standoffish and unconcerned about Marcelo. After Arturo leaves, she informs Marcelo that she doesn't even want him there. She takes Marcelo on his first mail run. During this time he learns the routines (which he loves) and meets two of the secretaries, Martha and Juliet, which he quickly learns that Jasmine hates them both. I was surprised when Jasmine told Marcelo that his father said he had a cognitive disorder. Considering that Arturo has always said that nothing was wrong with him. That is a troubling statement. Eventually Marcelo is able to explain that he has Asperger's Syndrome or AS. Which simply means that he loves routines, and that he tends to become an expert on his interest, such as Religion.

Chapter 7
Still bothered by the term cognitive disorder Marcelo looks it up and he is not happy with what the definition says. Soon he is summoned by Mr. Holmes, who works alongside his father. I don't like Mr. Holmes, he is conniving , he thinks Marcelo is dumb and he chooses to call him Gump. Mr. Holmes wants Marcelo to help his son Wendell on some of the cases by doing busy work such as filing and organizing. I love that Marcelo defended his father in this chapter when Mr. Holmes tried to imply that his father's decisions weren't practical. As Marcelo is leaving Wendell calls him over. Wendell is no different than his father. Wendell decides to give Marcelo the big talk about women. As if he knows everything about women.

Chapter 8
Marcelo is learning the routine of the office. I like that Jasmine and Marcelo are learning to work together, even if it is in silence. Marcelo does wonder if Belinda was there would Jasmine be happier. During this chapter Marcelo learns about the pressures of the job and rude some of the people can be. I did like the fact that Jasmine stood up for Marcelo. Although he did not complete the assignment by the designated time, she allowed him to learn how to operate the binding machine and how to place tabs.

Chapter 9
Marcelo is making more progress every day. He is successfully completing all of his task. I'm still almost amazed that Wendell is continuing to over share information. Wendell calls Marcelo a friend in this chapter, it makes me question his motives. I think it is funny the way that Wendell has categorized the beauty of women into Earthy, Elegant and Elemental. Jasmine tells Marcelo not to trust Wendell and I agree with her. Marcelo and Jasmine rush to the Registry of Deeds as Jasmine explains that Wendell creeps her out. I like that she takes the time to truly explain/paint an image for Marcelo that he can understand.

Chap. 7-Marcelo goes to Stephen Holmes office. Holmes wants Marcelo (or "Gump" as Holmes calls him) to try to help his son (Wendell) who works in the lawyers' office, too. Marcelo talks to Wendell who is obsessed with girls and especially Jasmine. Wendell talks to Marcelo about sex.

Chap. 8-Jasmine leaves Marcelo in charge while she goes to the post office. Beth comes and wants copies of important time sensitive documents to be bounded and tabbed. Jasmine shows Marcelo how to do the project and then leaves Marcelo to do it. He did not get finished in time, however Jasmine defended Marcelo and told him he needed to learn to distinguish between real deadlines and what makes people look good deadlines.

Chap. 9-Woman obsessed Wendell talks to Marcelo about the 3 types of women. (Earthy, elegant, and elemental) Jasmine tells Marcelo not to trust him. She says he gives her the creeps and explains what that expression means.

Chap. 10-Marcelo goes to the gym with his dad. He observes his dad with another man talking business. His dad tries to explain what happened to Marcelo. Marcelo tells his dad that Belinda would do a better job than him at the office.

Chap. 11-Marcelo and Jasmine go to the park and observe Chinese children. Marcelo asks Jasmine if she knows she is beautiful. Jasmine says her perspective of "beautiful" is the park.

Chap. 12-Marcelo talks to the rabbi about Adam and Eve and how sex can be used for good and evil. Marcelo wants to understand how sex can be used for evil.

Chap. 13-Wendell takes Marcello to eat lunch. He tried to get Marcelo to help him in getting Jasmine to go out with him. Marcelo refuses. He is seeing people who act like friends but actually they are not friends-they are using each other for some kind of advancement.

Chap.14-Marcelo gets lost in the city coming from his meeting with Wendell. Jasmine comes to his rescue. She talks to him about how her brother died from a horse's kick. Jasmine tries to get him to understand the difference between having "anger" and having "fight." She takes him to where she lives and starts playing the piano for him. She shares her talent and tells Marcelo that her job allows her to play.

Chap. 15-Wendell gets Marcelo to help him organize files. Wendell in turn wants Marcelo to help him get Jasmine to date him. Marcelo does not like the way this makes him feel. Marcelo finds a picture in the trash of a girl whose body parts are damaged which upsets him. Marcelo's dad wants Marcelo to work with Wendell instead of the mailroom.

Chap. 16-Marcelo can't sleep thinking about the picture and why it upsets him. He relates the picture to Jesus and how Jesus feels for us. He takes a walk with his dog.

Chapter 10
In this chapter Arturo and Marcelo go to the gym. Arturo is trying to spend some quality time with his son, as well as trying to find out how things are going in office. As they walk into the gym, they are interrupted by Mr. Gustafon. He is interested in talking to Arturo about business. I like the way that Marcelo describes Mr. Gustafon. It is not like him to use some many descriptive words. The chapter also highlights Marcelo’s self-consciousness when he enters the locker room. When Marcelo comes out of the locker room he finds a bicycle that is located next to his father. He tries to ride, although uncomfortably as he waits for his father’s conservation to end. Arturo really seems to want to involve Marcelo in his conversation after Mr. Gustafon leaves. He asks Marcelo if he heard the conversation and then he proceeds to try and answer some of the questions that Marcelo has.
Chapter 11
We learn that Jasmine and Marcelo have worked out a system in the mailroom. If it is something that needs to be done quickly, then Jasmine will complete the assignment. If the assignment does not require a strict deadline then Marcelo is allowed to complete the assignment. I like that Jasmine has truly began to under Marcelo’s needs. She realizes that he is capable of doing any task; however, some task just takes him longer to complete. During this chapter Marcelo asked Jasmine if she thought she was beautiful. I love this question, because Marcelo has formulated this question based, on what he sees (Al being so excited to see/help Jasmine) and Wendell telling him that Jasmine is beautiful. So Marcelo concludes that based on Jasmines actions, that she does not think she is as beautiful as everyone thinks she is. Marcelo also learns that Jasmine has been observing him in the mailroom and although she has never said anything before she does seem to be interested in some of his interest. Marcelo’s ability to participate in small talk has improved. He is having a fluent conversation with Jasmine as they go to the park. She has taken the time to show Marcelo something that she loves. I love the fact that Jasmine and Marcelo and finally opening up to each other.
Chapter 12
I found the honest exchange of questions between Marcelo and Rabbi Heschel to be refreshing. Marcelo now has all of these conflicting thoughts and questions. So talking to Rabbi Heschel allows Marcelo to wonder if what he is thinking/feeling is right or wrong according to the bible, especially, when Wendell is trying to force him to see and think about women in a sexual way.
Chapter 13
My distain for Wendell continues to grow in this chapter. Wendell invites Marcelo to a restaurant under the pretense that they are “friends.” During the meal, Wendell tells Marcelo that he needs his help to get Jasmine. Marcelo being the innocent person that he is, wants to know if Wendell loves Jasmine (as in the good that the Rabbi was talking about). However, Wendell just wants Jasmine in a physical way (he is the evil, that does not see Jasmine as a person, but only as an object). Marcelo struggles with trying to figure out whom to be loyal to in this situation, because he is the only one that knows how both parties feel. He eventually chooses to stand up to Wendell and tell him no!!! Wendell then proceeds to go on a long rant that ultimately tricks Marcelo into thinking about helping Wendell get Jasmine, all for the sake of a “bond” and balance of power between their fathers. If Marcelo helps Wendell, then Wendell will help Marcelo to become a success in his father’s eyes, thus allowing Marcelo to go to Paterson. If Marcelo doesn’t help, then Wendell will do everything in his power to ensure that Marcelo fails.

Chapter 14
This is by far my favorite chapter. After the events in the previous chapter, Marcelo had this overwhelming feeling of anger. It also doesn’t help that he got lost after leaving the restaurant. Just when he felt like he was at a breaking point, his phone rang. It was Jasmine; she had been worried about him. When she realizes that he is lost, she drops everything and comes to get Marcelo. They go for a long slow walk, they talk about different things, and Jasmine is trying to get an understanding of what has happened between Marcelo and Wendell that has made Marcelo so angry. Although Marcelo does not tell Jasmine what happens, they continue on their walk, until they reach the park. As they are swinging Jasmine opens up to Marcelo, to let him know that it is okay to be angry, she tell him about her past and a time that she was angry. After they talk, Jasmine shows Marcelo where she lives. This is a wonderful moment. She lets him see one of her passions…music. She allows Marcelo to study her room, poster and music, before finally blowing Marcelo away with the piano.
Chapter 15
Wendell is very sneaky. He has found a way to get Marcelo to work with him. He has personally asked Arturo if Marcelo could work with him on the Vidromek litigation. Which as you can imagine, truly pleases Arturo. Wendell takes the time to explain the task at hand to Marcelo; however, he does not forget to remind Marcello that he has held up his end of the deal and that now he expects Marcelo to do the same. Marcelo likes the work that he has been assigned to do, he feels that it is more of a challenge and more stimulating than copying and binding. Marcelo continues to work, until he come across a picture of a young girl that had been injured. He feels as if he has just seen a train wreck, it is something that he doesn’t want to look at, yet at the same time he cannot stop looking. Soon he hears Arturo’s voice behind him. He frantically tries to hide the picture while keeping his composure. Marcelo soon realizes that he father is happy that he is working with Wendell, and that he wants Marcelo to continue working with Wendell for the remainder of the summer. I feel so bad for Marcelo. I feel like all of the progress that he has made since working in the mailroom will have been done in vain.
Chapter 16
I feel that everything is catching up to Marcelo now. He has taken the picture of the girl home with him, although he cannot get the image out of his mind. He is trying to find ways to regain control in his life. He is attempting to find his IM or to find a scripture to focus on, but all seems lost, jumbled and unfocused.

Chapter 10
In this chapter Marcelo and Arturo are at the gym. They want to spend more quality time with each other but it gets cut short. Instead of talking to his son Arturo talks business with Mr. Gustafson, Arturo wonders why he does not have a good relationship with his son? Maybe he should make sure to spend time with his son. Arturo makes sure to take time to answer any questions that Marcelo has about what he overheard.

Chapter 11
Marcelo and Jasmine have finally got a system set up in the mailroom. I love how Jasmine has made sure that Marcelo’s needs are being met. Marcelo is also warming up and is spending some time talking to Jasmine. Marcelo and Jasmine go to get the paperwork stamp and Marcelo realizes that Al (who is at the Clerk’s office) likes Jasmine. Jasmine does not see this but Arturo does and talks to Jasmine about this. Marcelo formulates that Jasmine does not think that she is beautiful and Marcelo tries to tell Jasmine that she really is.

Chapter 12
Marcelo has a lot going on in his mind so he goes to see Rabbi Heschel. He is trying to make sense of everything going on and Rabbi Heschel is able to help Marcelo make sense of everything.

Chapter 13
Marcelo and Wendell have lunch at the club and Wendell basically asks Marcelo to help him get Jasmine. I cannot stand Wendell I think he is shady and has no good qualities about him. I am so proud of Marcelo that he has enough sense in him to tell Wendell that he will not help Jasmine. He says that he is Jasmine’s friend and does not want Jasmine to be hurt. Wendell is using Marcelo and in the end going to hurt him. He said that if he helps Wendell then Wendell will make sure Marcelo is successful. If Marcelo does not help him then Wendell will make sure that Marcelo does not succeed in his father’s eyes.

Chapter 14
In this chapter Marcelo and Jasmine continue to grow in their relationship. Marcelo is so upset after his lunch with Wendell that he decides to go to the train station to go home. He ends up turning the wrong way and getting lost. Jasmine comes to his rescue to save him and find him. They end up taking a walk and Jasmine opens up about the loss of her brother. It was a big deal and a think it was a huge step in their relationship. Even though Marcelo does not like working in the mail room. I think he likes working with Jasmine.

Chapter 15
I still do not like Wendell. He is a very conniving person. He has done what he could to get Marcelo under his watchful eye to make sure that Marcelo does his part to get Jasmine to go out with Wendell. Arturo is very pleased that Marcelo his helping Wendell and tells Marcelo that he will continue to help Marcelo the rest of the summer. Marcelo is not happy, he tells Arturo he wants to stay with Jasmine but Arturo wants nothing to hear about it.

Chapter 16
Marcelo is a very confused boy. He has the picture of the girl in the accident and he is very upset by it. He tries to remember and it’s not working. He tries to find the IM and it does not work. He is jumbled, unfocused, and confused as to what will happen next.

Chapter 8: As Marcelo learns his duties surrounding his job in the mailroom he is aware of the skill needed to make small talk which he learned at Paterson. He learns about deadlines and pushy people like Beth, who cares about nothing but meeting her own needs. It was very interesting to read Jasmine and Marcelo's approach to the deadline of binding the documents and I wonder; what makes people think every little problem is the end of the world? A calm sensible approach creates less stress and anxiety for everyone.

Chapter 9: Marcelo is becoming more successful in the real world and the responsbilities of working at the law firm. His lesson on women from Wendell creates a bond for Marcelo who has never had these type of conversations with others. He is interested in what Wendell has to say but feels contradiction in his views about beauty and women. It bothers me that this is the introduction Marcelo has on love, beauty, and women.

Chapter 10: As Arturo takes Marcelo to the gym, he begins to notice changes in his son's behavior. As Marcelo listens to his father talk about a case with another man he realizes he does not know this side of his father, the lawyer. He feels awkward talking with his father about the conversation because he doesn't understand the content or his father's role in the case against his client. I wish Arturo could meet Marcelo in "his world" sometimes instead of always expecting him to be in the "real world".

Chapter 11: Marcelo becomes more aware of men and women as he comments on the way people see and treat Jasmine because of her beauty. As they walk from the Clerk's Office, Jasmine and Marcelo have personal conversations about their views on working at the firm and what makes a person beautiful. I think Jasmine enjoys the openness and honesty of Marcelo's questions and comments. It is probably refreshing after dealing with people like Wendell most of the time.

Chapter 12: The conversatins Marcelo has with Rabbi Heschel are both humorous and enlightening. I like the way she is able to help Marcelo apply the meaning of his bible readings to his current world. She is a source of guidance and clarity to Marcelo's endless attempts to make meaning of his new life in the "real world".

Chapter 13: As I read this chapter about Wendell trying to manipulate Marcelo into helping him get Jasmine on the boat for unscrupulous reasons, I felt mad at Arturo for putting his son in this type of environment. Marcelo is not equipped to deal with scheming and dishonest people like Wendell and the other lawyers, and he doesn't have the support of his father because he is afraid to fail.

Chapter 14: As Marcelo becomes lost in his walk back to the office, he tries to make sense of his talk with Rabbi Heschel regarding evil sex and Wendell's greed to have Jasmine. When Jasmine comes to his rescue to take him back to the office, she decides to show Marcelo her home and her love of music. This is a very clear signal to me that she completely trusts Marcelo by opening up a private and intimate part of her life. She has the reputation of being tough and abrasive at work but with Marcelo she is very open and comforting. To me, this is how people react when they feel trust in another person.

Chapter 15: Marcelo begins to help Wendell on the Vidromek litigation, not realizing that he is being manipulated into helping him with Jasmine if Marcelo wants to succeed in his father's view. Marcelo does not understand the importance of the documents or the lawsuit but organizing is something he understands. When he finds the picture of the injured girl, he becomes intrigued by her eyes and the damage to her face. Although his father interrupts his finding, he feels immediately connected to the girl and takes the picture from the documents to find out more about her. The picture has provoked feelings in Wendell that he cannot explain. I think this whole experience of working at the law firm has ignited so many feelings and confusion in Marcelo that he seems lost and sad.

Chapter 16: Marcelo's thinking becomes unfocused and disconnected because of the picture he has found. He remembers a portrait of Jesus from his grandmother's house and relates the contradiction in that picture to the one of the girl. He stays up all night trying to remember or hear the IM, but is unable to focus as he did before. His world can never be the same.

Chap 17-Jasmine and Marcelo talk about living with so much suffering. Marcelo still has the urge to find out about the girl in the picture. He and Jasmine relate suffering to music. I find this very interesting. The author leaves you with the feeling about dealing with people which involves music-do you want to play the notes right-or do you want to allow your creativity to shine through? Both ways are different but by different perspectives correct.

Chap. 18-Marcelo starts working for Wendell who leaves for his boat. Marcelo is to look through files in Robert Steely's office. Robert is about to be fired. Robert comes into his office and sees what Marcelo is doing. Marcelo finds it hard to understand the why Robert is being "canned." It seems sometimes the good guys finish last!

Chap. 19-Marcelo goes to Jerry Garcia's office. Jerry notices right away that Marcelo has autism. He explains to Marcelo that he was a classmate of his dad's in college. He shows Marcelo the letter he wrote his dad and his dad's response not to help. Jerry explains that the girl was in an accident with her mom and that the Vidromek windowshield shattered in the girl's face. Her mom and dad are now deceased and the girl lives with nuns. They want enough money to pay for reconstructive surgery for her. Marcelo has conflicting thoughts about his father because he can not believe his father would have responded that way.

Chap.20-Marcelo goes to Robert Steely's home to get him to sign an agreement to not disclose anything about what he was working on. Marcelo asks him about the picture of the girl. Robert gives Marcelo a clue about a missing folder of papers. This makes Marcelo want to know what is being hidden. He asks Jasmine to help.

Chap. 21-Jasmine found the missing folder. She shows Marcelo that his father and the firm knew Vidromek was creating faulty windowshield. She persuades Marcelo to go to Vermont with her to think about how he is going to handle this information. Marcelo is entering the world of deception, not believing his father is a part of it!

Chap. 22-Jasmine and Marcelo go to Vermont. Jasmine's father is very demented. He has land with cows and animals. She tries to help her dad bathe and takes him to the doctor while Marcelo stays on the land trying to figure out things in his mind. The place is different and calming with the animals which Marcelo likes.

Chap 17-Jasmine and Marcelo talk about living with so much suffering. Marcelo still has the urge to find out about the girl in the picture. He and Jasmine relate suffering to music. I find this very interesting. The author leaves you with the feeling about dealing with people which involves music-do you want to play the notes right-or do you want to allow your creativity to shine through? Both ways are different but by different perspectives correct.

Chap. 18-Marcelo starts working for Wendell who leaves for his boat. Marcelo is to look through files in Robert Steely's office. Robert is about to be fired. Robert comes into his office and sees what Marcelo is doing. Marcelo finds it hard to understand the why Robert is being "canned." It seems sometimes the good guys finish last!

Chap. 19-Marcelo goes to Jerry Garcia's office. Jerry notices right away that Marcelo has autism. He explains to Marcelo that he was a classmate of his dad's in college. He shows Marcelo the letter he wrote his dad and his dad's response not to help. Jerry explains that the girl was in an accident with her mom and that the Vidromek windowshield shattered in the girl's face. Her mom and dad are now deceased and the girl lives with nuns. They want enough money to pay for reconstructive surgery for her. Marcelo has conflicting thoughts about his father because he can not believe his father would have responded that way.

Chap.20-Marcelo goes to Robert Steely's home to get him to sign an agreement to not disclose anything about what he was working on. Marcelo asks him about the picture of the girl. Robert gives Marcelo a clue about a missing folder of papers. This makes Marcelo want to know what is being hidden. He asks Jasmine to help.

Chap. 21-Jasmine found the missing folder. She shows Marcelo that his father and the firm knew Vidromek was creating faulty windowshield. She persuades Marcelo to go to Vermont with her to think about how he is going to handle this information. Marcelo is entering the world of deception, not believing his father is a part of it!

Chap. 22-Jasmine and Marcelo go to Vermont. Jasmine's father is very demented. He has land with cows and animals. She tries to help her dad bathe and takes him to the doctor while Marcelo stays on the land trying to figure out things in his mind. The place is different and calming with the animals which Marcelo likes.

Chap. 23-
Marcelo talks to Jonah, one of Jasmine's friends, while the others drink. Jonah asks Marcelo if he is in love. Jonah says he loves Jasmine, however he knows she does not feel the same way about him. This is what Jonah calls a "heart to heart." Jonah seems to accept Marcelo for who he is.

Chap 24-Jasmine and Marcelo go on a hike and later sleep side by side. They talk about Vermont not having the same troubles as Boston. Marcelo talks about Jonah being attracted to Jasmine-and how/why she feels comfortable sleeping so close to him. She tells Marcelo that he is always welcome in Vermont.

Chap. 25-Wendell knows about Marcelo's trip with Jasmine. In retaliation, he shows Marcelo the letter from Jasmine to Marcelo's dad. This tells of Arturo being unfaithful to Marcelo's mom with Jasmine. Marcelo can't believe it!

Chap. 26- Marcelo talks to the rabbi about how we know when you are doing the right thing. The rabbi without knowing particulars, talks about deceit with those you love, and having faith that you are doing the right thing. "Trust in the sense you have that you are traveling the right direction because, when it comes right down to it, that and the ability to tell the difference between a dried-up fig and a pomegranate is all you have." She explains that God will know how to use the hurt for His own purposes if someone is hurt from the decisions we make. I thought this was a powerful chapter and very insightful for people questioning their way in life.

Chap. 27- Marcelo goes to Jerry Garcia's office and gives him the information about Vidromek- knowing about the faulty window shields while they are still making them. Mr. Garcia asks Marcelo if Marcelo knows the problems Marcelo can face for bringing this to his attention. Marcelo explains that he is fully aware and as prepared as best as he can be for whatever is going to happen.

Chap. 28- Wendell accuses Marcelo of telling Jerry Garcia. Marcelo meets with his dad about this. Arturo gives Marcelo a 2 week notice. Marcelo understands this and the he will be going to Oak Ridge. Before Marcelo leaves, he hands his dad the letter Wendell gave Marcelo of Jasmine telling Arturo had badly she felt about their romance after drinking.

Chap. 29- Marcelo meets Ixtel. They talk about her life now and her upcoming surgery. Marcelo listens as she explains how she came to realize you have to accept the good with the bad.

Chap. 30- Marcelo tells Aurora that he knows that Oak Ridge is the place for him. He seems to now be content with the idea.

Chap. 31- Marcelo gets a letter from his dad which tells how his dad knows how wrong his actions with Jasmine were. He realizes how bad his lack of judgement was. He still disagrees about the decision Marcelo made about Vidromek. Marcelo tells Jasmine he wants to go to Oak Ridge and then college to become a nurse. He then wants to live in Vermont and to help children with disabilities by raising animals. Marcelo wants Jasmine's dad to help him with this venture. She likes the idea. He also tells her he knows about her relationship with his dad. She explains how she knows that was wrong. I thought this was an excellent book. I was not expecting the twist of Arturo and Jasmine, however, it added to the many insights Marcelo came to realize, such as forgiveness. The book also gave some questions on if it is good for children with disabilities to be in a self contained setting. Marcelo really matured more and quicker in "the real world."

Chapter 17: While Jasmine appears upset at losing Marcelo's help in the mailroom to Wendell, it seems to me she is more upset about not having Marcelo, her new friend, in the mailroom. Marcelo's obsession about the girl in the picture is growing and has ingnited curiosity in Jasmine as well. They become partners in finding out more information as their friendship deepens.

Chapter 18: The work environment of Marcelo's new position becomes more complicated and confusing as Wendell's secretary, Juliet, seems defensive and annoyed with being responsible for Marcelo. He learns being meek and "soft" does not make a good lawyer. Marcelo's desire to find the girl becomes paramount to anything else he is doing.

Chapter 19: Marcelo's search takes him on a subway to a law office. After waiting for several hours he learns the lawyer is an old friend of his father and his father has refused to help the girl in the picture. I think its empowering that he wants to help this girl more than remain loyal to his father.

Chapter 20: As Marcelo returns to the office, he is given the assignment of going to the fired lawyer's home to obtain a signature. He learns more about the case against Vidromek with a missing box of documents and that his father knows about Ixtel. Marcelo is nervous about getting close to helping the girl and feels overwhelmed with emotions but remains determined. Marcelo has defintely left his safe, protected world.

Chapter 17

In Chatper 17 Marcelo has been reassigned to work for Wendell. Jasmine is not happy about the transition at all. Marcello is extremely curious about the girl in the picture and Jasmine is going to help him solve the mystery. There friendship is continuing to deepen.

Chapter 18
Marcello is not happy about working for Wendell and Juliet is not happy about being responsible for Marcelo. Marcelo has been assigned to work in the office of Robert Steely because he is about to get fired. He is so interested in finding out any information that he can about the girl in the picture that as he is looking through things he does not even realize that Robert has come in. He finds some information and asks Juliet to help him locate where Taquerio is, this is the beginning to solving the problem of who the girl in the picture is.

Chapter 19
Marcelo does something very brave in this chapter, he takes the subway all by himself to Jerry Garcia’s office. Jerry Garcia is the lawyer in the case of the girl in the picture. Jerry has offered to help him in the case. Marcelo finds out that Jerry asked his father to pay the cost of the reconstructive surgery. Arturo refused to help. Jerry wants to help Marcelo in the case if Marcelo wants to continue pursuing it.

Chapter 20
Marcelo is asked to take a letter to Robert Seely to have him sign personally. When he gets to the house he asks him about the pictue of the girl. Seely tells him about a hidden folder that could help his case. When Marcelo gets back to the office he asks Jasmine to help him find the folder.

Chapter 21
Jasmine helps Marcelo find the folder showing that Vidromek knew that the window shields were faulty but that they decide to make them anyways. Instead of jumping right in Jasmine encourages Marcelo to go on a camping trip with her to Vermont to think about it before he makes a decision. Marcelo agrees to go with Jasmine.

Chapter 22
Jasmine and Marcelo go to Vermont to get away for a little bit. It gives Marcelo a chance to really think about his decision. He really likes Vermont and the peace that it has.

Chapter 23
Jonah, one of Jasmine’s friends has a “heart to heart” with Marcelo. Marcelo did not know what to expect as he has never had a heart to heart. Marcelo asks if Jonah loves Jasmine and Jonah does. Jonah tells Marcelo all about Jasmine’s studio and her plans to live there some day. Jonah seems to like Marcelo.

Chapter 24
Jasmine and Marcelo hike up to the lake together. Jasmine and Marcelo spend a lot of time being quiet on the lake, giving Marcelo time the think about things. That night Marcelo realizes that he has to sleep next to Jasmine. He is very nervous about it as he has never done anything like that before. While they are lying down Marcelo tells Jasmine that Jonah loves her, but she does not. She likes him like he is her older brother and nothing more. Marcelo stays awake listening to Jasmine fall asleep.

Chapter 25
Marcelo is sitting in the park when Wendell comes over to talk. Marcelo tells Wendell that he will not ask Jasmine to go on the boat with him. Wndell gives Marcello a “gift of truth” a letter that Jasmine had written to Arturo apologizing for what happened a night they had both had drinks after a Christmas party. Marcelo could not believe what he had read.

Chapter 26
Marcello talks with Rabbie Heschel about when to know you are doing the right thing. Marcelo has a very hard decision to make and wants to make sure that he is doing what is right. Rabbi Heschel tells him to “trust the sense you have that you are traveling in the right direction…”

Chapter 27
Marcelo goes to Jerry Garcia’s office and tells him that he has a quality control memo. Jerry only asks for the date of the memo because he can just call and ask for the memo dated “June 21, 2005” Marcelo tells Jerry that he knows that lots could happen because of the actions that Marcelo is taking.

Chapter 28
Wendell accuses Marcelo of calling Jerry Garcia Wendell goes through Marcelo’s backpack to find out that he had the exact document that Jerry was looking for. Arturo then talks to Marcelo and tells him that his time is finished. Marcello understands that he will be going to Oak Ridge in the fall and so he will use the time to prepare. On his way out the door Marcello hands Arturo the letter that got from Wendell.

Chapter 29
Marcelo goes with Jerry and meets Ixtel. Marcello tells Ixtel that she is a very beautiful girl. Ixtel talks to Marcelo about what she has all been through and how she is working hard to fix what happened in the past and how she is trying to stay clean.

Chapter 30
Marcelo tells Aurora that it is better for him to go to Oak Ridge High. He is not upset about it. He said that it will be harder and he will not like it but that it will be better for him. He starts thinking about all of the preparations that have to be done to get ready for school to start. Marcelo did not tell Aurora that going to Oak Ridge will help him be like her. He wants to be a nurse in Vermont..

Chapter 31
Marcelo got a letter from his dad explaining how he knew that what he did was wrong and that it he just realized the extent of his last of judgment recently. Marcelo talks with Jasmine about all that has been going on and that he has decided that he wants to be a nurse in Vermont. Jasmine is very supportive of everything that Marcelo says. Marcelo also explains to Jasmine that he knows all about what happened between her and his dad. She explained how she knew that it was so wrong of her

I thought that this book was amazing! I did not think it would turn out the way it did. I thought that Marcelo would end up back at Patterson. It really shows those who have disabilities can be in a “real world” setting and succeed. You need to make sure that you do not throw them in without some help but with the right guidance students with disabilities can make it in the “real world” just like everyone else.

I’m really getting into the story, so I have been forgetting to blog about it.

Chapter 17

I don’t like that Marcelo is going to work with Wendell. I wish Arturo would have taken the time to truly Wendell wanted Marcelo to work with him. But this does give Marcelo the opportunity to learn more about the girl in the picture. I also feel really bad for Jasmine, she finally got use to working with Marcelo and now she has been left high and dry. In this chapter, Marcelo shares what he has found with Jasmine. The two of them want to figure out if the girl has anything to do Vidromek case and why was the picture in the trash.

Chapter 18

Wendell gives Marcelo a note telling him that he won’t be in town for a week, which leaves Marcelo to do a lot of busy work. I think it’s funny that Marcelo asked Juliet if she has seen his boat. I know that she has been, I think she’s made that she couldn’t go like the others girls can. Juliet sends Marcelo into Mr. Steely’s office, where he quickly learns that Mr. Steely is going to be fired. While in Mr. Steely’s office, Marcelo looks around, he soon finds a magnifying class and he begins to relook at the picture of the girl. Finally he notices a calendar in the background and he knows that this is the first clue. As he is getting excited about what he has found, Juliet and Mr. Steely burst into the office. All are surprised as Mr. Steely suddenly has to go visit Arturo to be officially released. During all of the madness, Juliet sends Marcelo to the mailroom to go get boxes for Mr. Steely to pack up his things. While there, Marcelo did everything he could to update Jasmine on what he has found. Jasmine continues to learn more about their first clue as Marcelo returns back to his “new” off to do busy work.

Chapter 19

After Jasmine and Marcelo have tracked down the location of the lawyer’s office, they figure out a plan. Jasmine takes Marcelo to the subway, where he will begin his quest to find more answers. Braving the city’s subway, and a completely new neighborhood, Marcelo makes his way to Jerry Garcia’s office. Jerry’s office is packed, but Marcelo waits patiently. Marcelo and Jerry, have a long conversation and they ended up talking about the picture that Marcelo has been carrying around. He learns that Mr. Garcia not only send the picture of the girl to Arturo, but that he sent a personal letter the Arturo, an old dear friend and that Arturo turns down any opportunity to help Ixtel. Mr. Garcia is excited that this case/this photo has finally found meaning to someone. He suggests that Marcelo should meet Ixtel. I do feel like Mr. Garcia is trying to manipulate Marcelo to help him. He should know that Marcelo has no legal standing to help Ixtel and for him to ask him to find out if Vidromek knew that their windshields were defective is illegal.

Chapter 21: As Marcelo finds out more about Ixtel's case and his father's reaction to the request made by Jerry Garcia, he finds contradiction in the father he has always resected. As things become more complicated, Marcelo agrees to go camping in Vermont with Jasmine to think clearly before making any decisions.

Chapter 22: Although Marcelo's mother approves of the camping weekend with Jasmiine, Arturo's strange objection confuses Marcelo. Their arrival at Jasmine's childhood home in the country is descriptive and provides a lighter mood to the seriousness of Ixtel and the law firm. Amos' comical antics and the serene environment relaxes Marcelo. For me, it was a nice break from the harshness of the people at the law firm.

Chapter 23: When Jasmine's childhood friends, Jonah and Cody Schackleton, arrive at the house with their father, we learn more about Jasmine's family and their protectiveness of Jasmine. Although their rural lifestyle is very different than Marcelo's middle class family near the city, they accept Marcelo and his friendship with Jasmine. Marcelo is very fond of the house and the country. Its nice to see Marcelo so content and at ease.

Chapter 24: Jasmine and Marcelo leave for Hidden Lake for some fishing and camping outdoors. As Marcelo canoes and fishes with Jasmine, he continues to ponder Ixtel and his father's actions. He tries to hear his IM but its been replaced with the sounds of the lake and outdoors. It seems to me that Marcelo's mind has become too cluttered with his "real world" conflicts, including his sexual feelings towards Jasmine, and he no longer can hear the IM.

Chapter 25: When Marcelo returns to work, he confronts Wendell about his plan to get Jasmine on the boat. Wendell's reacts by kicking a bird and then showing Marcelo a letter from Jasmine to Arturo about an inappropriate encounter in his office. He is hurt by her weakness and his father's betrayal. He experiences new feelings of disappointment, jealousy and revenge.

Chapter 26: Marcelo visits Rabbi Heschel to make sense of what is happening. His world has been turned upside down and he fears the IM is gone for good. He seeks interpretation of
God's will as he tries to decide what to do about Ixtel. I love the candid talks he has with the Rabbi because he feels safe and guided by God.

Chapter 27: Marcelo makes his mind to give Jerry Garcia a clue to proceed with Ixtel's case. Afterwards, he recalls his memory of Hidden Lake. The symbolism of peace and tranquility come over Marcelo as he makes his choice between doing what is right and honoring his father.

Chapter 28: As Wendell reacts to Marcelo's betrayal to the firm, Arturo confronts his son's actions. He is furious because Marcelo does not understand the rules of survival in the real world. Marcelo understands the consequences of attending Oak Ridge but does not seem to care. At the end of the chapter, as he leaves his father, he shares the letter from Jasmine with his father.

Chapter 29: Marcelo visits Ixtel at the convent where she lives. He learns about the difficult life she has had including the drug abuse and losing her parents. I think meeting Ixtel made Marcelo believe he made the right choice because he was able to meet the real person behind the picture and realized she needed his help.

Chapter 30: Marcelo reflects on how the summer working at the law firm and his decision to help Ixtel has made him strong enough to attend Oak Ridge. He wants to be like his mom and help others so he is at peace with what has happened and having to attend Oak Ridge. He thinks about preparing for his senior year and feels courageous about entering the real world to meet his goal of becoming a nurse like his mom.

Chapter 31: Arturo's letter to Marcelo attempts to explain his lack of judgement with Jasmine. Marcelo leaves the law firm as they scramble to repair the damages of Marcelo's actions. He tells Jasmine of his plans to go to school in Vermont and receive his nursing degree so he can provide hippotherapy to disabled kids using the ponies. This makes Jasmine happy as it is obvious she has grown very fond of Marcelo. At last, he "hears" the music once again.

I really enjoyed reading this book and watching Marcelo follow his heart while trying to adjust to a completely different environment filled with both kind and unkind people. Regardless of their opinion of his intelligence, he proved to be smarter than all of them because he was true to himself.

Chapter 20

I felt kind of bad for Marcelo in this chapter, he learns that his father may not be the same man that he always thought he was. Marcelo is also dealing with the conflict over what to do with Wendell. He knows that he doesn’t want to help him, but he still feels compelled to work with the Vidromek files. I still don’t like Wendell, he uses Marcelo to do his dirty work, by sending Marcelo to Mr. Steely’s house to have him sign the confidentiality letter. I think Marcelo has grown a lot during the story. In the past few chapters Marcelo’s AS has not kept him for doing so many new and unplanned task. He’s even learning to improvise. He shows this by asking Mr. Steely questions about the Vidromek case, although initially hesitant, Mr. Steely gives Marcelo another clue. When Marcelo gets back to the office, Jasmine rushes up to him. She is still worried about him. Marcelo informs her about his day and he ask her to look for the missing box of files.

Chapter 21

Marcelo has been dying to go to the mailroom in this chapter. He just wants some time to talk to Jasmine to see if she found the missing file. Although Marcelo is unable to see Jasmine until noon, there plan is almost ruined because Arturo stop Marcelo to question about his day. I liked the Marcelo showed some aggression and passion with his father, as he decided to walk away. Jasmine and Marcelo are finally able to talk about what she found. She tells Marcelo that he seriously need to think about what he is about to do. She understands the repercussions that can take place in a fall out. This leads to Jasmine inviting Marcelo to Vermont where he will be able to think.

Chapter 22

Jasmine arrives to pick Marcelo and Namu up for the trip to Vermont. I was surprised that Arturo wasn’t happy about Marcelo going to Vermont. I wonder if he was afraid for his safety, or if he didn’t trust Jasmine. To me this is a huge step for Marcelo. He is going complete out of his comfort zone and he is essentially abandoning his schedule. I like this chapter for the simple fact that we are getting to know Jasmine. I think it’s cute that Jasmine actively talks to the animals on their farm and the way that Francisco Stork describes Amos. By the end of the chapter Marcelo is allowed to stay at Jasmine’s house alone while she takes her father to the doctor.

Chapter 23

Marcelo meets Jonah, Cody and Mr. Shackleton. Jonah and Marcelo have a nice heart to heart conversation in the barn. It was funny seeing how blunt Marcelo was with his questioning and how defined he responses were. I think that Jonah found a good way to check out his “competition.” It does make me wonder how Jasmine thinks of Marcelo. My favorite conversation in this book so far has been between Mr. Shackleton and Amos! There are some quotes that I think are worthy of repeating.

Chapter 24

Marcelo wakes up early and does his daily lifting. He and Jasmine hike up the hill to go stay near the lake. During this time Marcelo has a lot of time to think. He wonders why he has been so fixated on Ixtel. He is enjoying the peace and quiet of the outdoors. This also gives him and Jasmine a time to talk. Marcelo wonders why Jasmines feels so comfortable with him and he shares Jonah’s feelings for her. Marcelo also opens up about his IM’s and tells her how hard it is from him to find them. I love that fact that Marcelo is developing butterflies, especially when he having to lay close to Jasmine.

Chapter 25

Wow, Wendell just dropped a bomb on Marcelo when he gave him the letter that Jasmine wrote to Arturo. I know this really has Marcelo confused. He doesn’t know what to think about Jasmine or his father. It is almost the sense of ultimate betrayal.

Chapter 26

This was a powerful chapter to me. Aurora forces Marcelo to go visit the rabbi. He is resistant because he feels as though he is at a loss for words. He tells her that he doesn’t hear the music anymore and that he is confused. He wants to know if he is doing the right thing. He doesn’t go into detail but he does tell the rabbi that the information he holds can hurt the people he loves/cares about. She tells him to have faith. That faith is simply “following the music when we don’t hear it.”

Chapter 27

Marcelo did it! He told Mr. Garcia about the Vidromek memo. Mr. Garcia is extremely thankful and he promises that he will try his best to ensure that nothing bad will happen to Arturo, as long as he plays ball.

Chapter 28

Everything hit the fan in this chapter. Wendell being his wonderful self, figured out that Marcelo had leaked private information to Mr. Garcia. Understandably Arturo was extremely upset. He calls Marcelo into his office and basically gives him a piece of his mind. He asks Marcelo if he knows what will happen, and Marcelo tells him yes. That he knows he will be attending a regular high school, and that if he had the chance to do it again he still would. By now Arturo was fuming and he tells Marcelo that at the end of the week, he will no longer be needed at the office. Before walking out, Marcelo hands Arturo the letter that Jasmine wrote to him after the Christmas party.

Chapter 29

Aww, Marcelo finally got to meet Ixtel. They are so cute together, both with their awkwardness and questions. Marcelo got the chance to see how to lived and to try to understand her. He saw her home as a prison, where she saw it as a safe haven that saved her from the streets. I like their discussion about how to do with the inner hatred that we sometimes feel. It is something that can tear you apart.

Chapter 30

Marcelo comes home and Aurora tries to talk to him, to see what is on his mind. Marcelo wonders if Arturo’s ugly side is uglier than his. I like that Marcelo is seeing the ways that Oak Ridge High School will help him in the future.

Chapter 31

That was the perfect ending to the story. Marcelo comes back to the office for his last day of work. Waiting for him is a note from Arturo that explains his thoughts and reactions to his past indiscretions. Eventually Jasmine comes in to question Marcelo. She wants to know where he has been and why he hasn’t told her that he was fired. They talk about what has happened and even about the future. Marcelo has decided to find a way to live out his special interest in such a way that keeps him near Jasmine. They are too cute!