Reading for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Fall, 2011

Ok girls! I just scored the only copy in Kannapolis! Let the reading begin!

I am still trying to find the book, I hope everyone else has had a chance to find a copy! I have looked at several libraries already...no luck!

I downloaded it for my kindle! I asked our librarian if she had read it and she hasn't so I'm looking forward to sharing it with her as well! Hope everyone can find a copy! May have to order it from Amazon or something.

I bought a copy for my kindle. I asked our school librarian if she had read the book and she hasn't so I'm looking forward to sharing it with her! Ordering from Amazon might be an option if you haven't found it.

I started the book lastnight. I like it better than I thought. I am not sure I am about the charcter Wendall. I can already tell I want Marcelo to stay away from him!!! I'm curious to see how this job situation turns out and how it not only changes Marcelo but his father and their relationship! Keep reading!

Lisa Boyd:
At first I was split between this book and Thirteen Reasons Why. I stopped by Barnes & Noble after class and of course they didn’t have Marcelo in the Real World but they did have Thirteen Reasons Why. When I read the back of the book, I wanted to change groups but decided I needed to check first. I found a copy of Marcelo… at Gaston County Library and checked it out. I will eventually read the other book but I’m glad I stuck with this one.
My interest in choosing this book was after hearing that it was about a boy with Asperger’s Syndrome and I want to know more about it because of a 2nd grade student I worked with in a group of five in the Reading lab at my school last year. He was with me for ¾’s of the year and then placed in our EC department after being diagnosed with A.S.
I love this book so far. The first chapter where it talks about his ‘IM’ (internal music) confuses me. At the doctor’s where I assume he was having an MRI or CT of his brain and they give you headphones to listen to music so the noise of the machine won’t bother you, I wasn’t sure if Marcelo ‘hears his own music in his mind’ while the regular music is coming from the headphones or what. I can understand his dad wanting him to take the summer job at the law firm (even though it can be cruel at first for someone that is considered “not normal”). Before I comment on the first several chapters, I need to express my anger at Mr. Holmes’ secretary, Juliet in chapter six when she hints that Marcelo will be Oliver Wendell’s “errand boy” because Oliver will be helping his father (a lawyer) with a litigation and looking straight at Marcelo she states that Oliver is not there to do “dummy work” emphasizing those last two words.
During the first few chapters it is apparent that Marcelo doesn’t want to work at the law firm. I’m certain it’s normal for him to be frightened and experience emotions we wouldn’t understand. I believe he is going to end up liking the experience and I’m looking forward to seeing how it ends. Other than the information given on the back of the book, I don’t want to read any reviews on the web about this book until I finish it.

During my undergrad program, I did a research study on Autism and worked with several students. I actually have worked one-on-one with an autistic student for 3 years now, and have learned so much about how they learn and process information. This is why I wanted to read this book as I thought it would add to my research and might have some more information about autism that I don't know. My autistic students are really good at art, music, and math. I found that one of my autistic students really got into reading last year which was very new for him- He loved the Series of Unfortunate Events. He wrote how it related to him, and his response was quite creative. If you take the time to get to know the main character in this book, you will be surprised how much you will be able to take away from the book that you can use in your classroom. Good Luck on reading everyone!!

When I started the book, the narration of the story bothered me, but the more I kept reading I like how Marcelo speaks and thinks. His relationship with his parents is very interesting to me. Also, his connection to Paterson is so loyal and in his comfort zone. When I finished chapter four I really wanted to see if the job in the mailroom was going to make or break him. I was nervous for him.

Just finished the first few chapters and stopped so I could blog, but I’m extremely anxious to finish and see what Marcelo thinks about his Dad’s proposition of working in the mailroom this summer. I think it’s interesting that Marcelo knows when to switch from third-person to first-person when speaking with his father. It bothers me that his father mentions that Marcelo is normal and the other students at Paterson are not. I know it’s only a few chapters in, but his father doesn’t seem very supportive of Marcelo and almost seems to be in denial. I understand that he wants Marcelo to be able to function in what he calls “the real world” and thinks this experience will help, but I’m not sure pushing Marcelo into that situation so quickly would be the best thing. I guess I’ll go read some more and find out!

As I continued to read chapters 5 through 7, my nervousness for Marcelo at the law firm went away. I thought his reactions to the others' verbal and nonverbal interactions were handled with ease. I believe the Paterson school has prepared him very well for the "real world." This situation reminded me of a child I had a few years ago, who was diagnosed with AS too. I hope our schools and myself are preparing him just as well. I am anxious to see what these new feelings that Marcelo is experiencing will bring to his life.

I am beginning to enjoy this book as I am able to compare Marcelo to one of my past students. It was confusing at first when Marcelo was switching from third-person to first-person, I couldn’t figure out what was going on. Once I realized what Marcelo was doing- I realized how brilliant he was! His father reminds me of so many students’ fathers in my classroom last year. From what I read, he is the typical father that won’t accept there is a struggle with Marcelo and just wants him to be able to survive in what his father thinks is the real world. I am quite interested to see if the mailroom job his father is making him do will make him a hard worker and make it out in the real world, or if he will just lose it all and hate it. More to read and looking forward to finding out!

Chapters 1-7
! I find myself trying to immediately place Marcelo in an educational category. Does he have Asperberger Syndrome? Is he autistic, and if so, where on the autism scale does he fall? Beginning the reading of this book with the mindset of a teacher trying to quickly assess a child’s abilities so that I may best understand him will not work. Instead of trying to “figure him out”, I will need to clear my head of education language and open my mind to the possibilities of Marcelo.
! The fact that Marcelo hears mental music in his head fascinates me. Is this the same as when I hear melodies in my head when I am relaxing? Because Marcelo has difficulty expressing his thoughts and feelings, I am not sure. I anticipate that the mental music will be a thread woven throughout the book.
! The author introduces the conflict between Arturo and Marcelo in these first chapters. Marcelo wants to attend the special school and Arturo believes it is time for his son to adapt to the “real world”. I was angry with Arturo at first. Why would he disturb Marcelo’s world if it is working? Then I looked at the situation from Arturo’s point of view. Arturo is the parent of a special needs child. His child is entering adulthood. Is Arturo in denial about his son’s capabilities, or is he trying to help him make a transition?
!

Chapters 8-14

These chapters are more than Marcelo learning how to deliver mail, meet deadlines, and interact with difficult secretaries. Marcelo’s dealings with Wendell (should have been named Weasel!) force him to go out of his comfort zone. Again, I question Arturo’s wisdom in putting his son in this environment. Surely Arturo knows how devious the Holmes family operates?! If I knew how toxic my work environment truly was, I would NEVER place my child in that environment! What is Arturo thinking?

There are four main threads in this novel: 1) Marcelo’s desire to succeed at his father’s work in order to remain at Paterson; 2)Marcelo’s relationship with Jasmine (can this become a romantic relationship? would that really happen?); 3) Marcelo’s relationship with Wendell (the weasel); and 4) Marcelo’s desire to help the girl in the photograph. Each of these plot lines is equally captivating. I think this is one reason why this novel is award winning - it is complex!

As I finished chapter 7, I was in tears! I love how Marcelo talks about his feelings and what he really thinks. It helps me relate to him or understand him better. The last few pages of chapter 7 talk about his experience in the mail room. He finally gets his laptop hooked up, and then as he is getting ready to go help Jasmine- another man tries to make him “look good” as according to that guy he must try to look good to see Jasmine. When Marcelo goes in, he gets a list from Jasmine- it is a schedule for the rest of the day. At first I was like, “This is great, exactly what he needs!” I know that y autistic students I have had in the past really function better when they have a set schedule. Then I went on to read Marcelo’s schedule, OUCH! At 5:00 it is time to head home, and you made it through camp mini-hell. Then she goes on to say basically that he would be better off staying at home. As Marcelo said, he has never cried before and he doesn’t have quite the same feelings as others do- but he does feel something. This time, he cries. He is hurt, and I think his father did not make a very good decision by placing him in the “real world” the way he did. Can’t wait to read more as I hope this mail room situation gets resolved and his situation gets much better!

I am getting into this book. The relegious connection is puzzling to me. I am curious to see how this fits into the story.I am fasicnated by these people. These are "educated" people working in a law firm with knowledge of harrassement, bulleying etc. Have these people never been around someone with a disablility. They are very callous and actually rude to Marcelo. I am glad that Jasmine is starting to help Marcelo and "watch out" for him. Wendell is a jerk!! I can't believe Marcelo's father would allow him to work with Wendell. Working with Wendell puts Marcelo at a disadvantage with "street smarts." I am not sure but this situation is going to back fire on his father! I will keep reading to find out how.

In chapters 8-11, it is fascinating to see how Marcelo starts to figure out more complex, adult emotions and people. He finds his place in the mailroom and Jasmine is more accepting of him. Her character is becoming more likable to me. His relationship with his father is developing more in the story. At first, the father seemed harsh and cold to Marcelo's condition, but as the story continues a heartfelt concern for his son develops.

Chapters 15-21
Wendell is getting on my nerves! I do not like this "bond" it is more like black mail. You do for me and I will "help" you. He does not care about Marcelo. I think this picture of the girl is going to cause serious issues with his dad! I like the way Jasmine helps him find Jerry Garcia's office. He goes all by himself!! Jerry was probably thinking "wow his son is going to help me finally the little man wins." I'm curious about Jasmine and Marcelo going to Vermont together! Until next time!

Chapters 8-14:
Sorry it's taken me so long to read and post, like everyone else that works in the school system and has family, this time of year is tough!

I'm getting more interested as I get further into the book. I can't say that I blame Marcelo's father for wanting his intelligent son to experience the other side of the world that he is not accustomed to. I'm sure that his father didn't realize or even think about Wendell using his son in such a cruel, demeaning, evil way. We all face bad people and at least Marcelo is intelligent enough to realize what is happening and smart enough not to give in to Wendell. Right now, Marcelo still feels he wants to return to Patterson, but I feel Jasmine is going to impact Marcelo in such a way that he just might change his mind. As far as Wendell, i think he is going to get what he deserves. I can't wait to be able to pick back up and continue.

I am so glad to read how Jasmine is nicer to Marcelo and finally seeing him as a human being. For a while, I was not very pleased with her reaction and how she treated Marcelo. Even though his father is become a bit nicer and understanding as I read more, I still am not very happy with how mean he was to his son in the beginning. Myself struggling in life with my reading disability, I completely relate to this with how my father treated me. Since teachers said I was lazy, instead of trying to see if I had a real problem like a learning disability (which I didn’t find out until I was 21), my father was always so hard on me and it was all because of my teachers. I feel that I can relate to Marcelo and his frustrations, but even though is father is changing, I still am not quite sure about him. Wendell seems a little mysterious to me, I haven’t quite figured him out, but I am not sure if Marcelo should trust him at all. Well, off to do more reading…until next time!

I agree with you ladies about Wendell! He is extremely annoying, just like his father! Wendell’s father calls Marcelo “Gump” and Marcelo corrects him. I’m glad Marcelo sticks up for himself instead of walking all over him. Wendell is changing the way Marcelo thinks because of his “special interest” in women. This reminds me of the real world that Marcelo’s dad is so interested in him becoming a member. Also, why is Arturo so adamant that Marcelo follow the real world rules such as religion needs to stay secretive? I know it doesn’t embarrass Marcelo to say the Rosary, so I can only assume it embarrasses his father. It’s funny that the real world rules are almost made up as you go along. I’m sure there are plenty of real world rules I break each day without even realizing and I can empathize with Marcelo on that fact. There was one quote that I wanted to mention where Marcelo is explaining to Jasmine "what is wrong with him." He states that, “I have learned through the years that it is not helpful to view myself or the other kids there [Paterson] that way. I view myself as different in the way I think, talk, and act, but not as someone who is abnormal or ill.” Marcelo understands, but like anyone he is hesitant to talk about what he sees as different. I hate that people label themselves, because we are who we are and I feel Marcelo understands but just doesn’t know exactly how to describe it to others. I’m interested to see where Marcelo’s faith and special interest come from because it seems that his parents are very religious. His grandmother may have influenced it, but I want to see where the author goes with this.

I wonder why Marcelo’s dad wants him to be such good friends with Wendell? If he doesn’t get along with Wendell’s father, why is he pushing Marcelo to be friends with Wendell? Is there some underlying motive his father has for having Marcelo talk to Wendell? It’s interesting that Marcelo and his father don’t have “large talks” and when his father takes him to the gym their conversation is about four or five sentences long before his father goes off on his own. Marcelo talks about how he wants to have any type of conversation with his father but it is difficult for both of them. I wonder if it is because his father has such high expectations for him and there is that fear in Marcelo that he won’t live up to it. Wendell seems to be such a horrible influence on Marcelo although Marcelo is able to think through what it is Wendell is trying to get him to do. I’m glad he sticks up for Jasmine and tells Wendell no. I don’t think he fully understands what Wendell is trying to get him to do. Marcelo mentions that it is getting harder and harder for him to hear his IM as well as to turn off his thoughts in his brain. Perhaps because he has more things to concentrate on and think about it out weighs his IM? I’m so glad that Jasmine came to get Marcelo when he was lost and then shared her piano playing with him. Marcelo talks about how he once tried to learn to play but was unable to read the music and make his hands move at the same time. I want to see how Marcelo and Jasmine’s relationship develops.

chapters 22-31 I like how Jasmine helps Marcelo with his struggle of what to do about the girl in the picture by now telling or giving "advice" but giving him space to figure out on his own.I like that nothing sexual happend with Jasmine and Marcelo on the camping trip.
I am disappointed that his Father did not make more effort to talk with Marcelo about his relationship with Jasmine. I wonder if his father regrets giving Marcelo the summer job? I was hoping that Marcelo would have a chance to expose or tell Wendell off before he left the job! I am so glad he did not hook up with Jasmine! Overall I enjoyed this book, it did not end the way I thought it would but that is ok.

After our book club discussion during the last class meeting, I went back and re-read Chapter 24. This is the chapter where Jasmine takes Marcelo fishing and they camp out. I wanted to see if I missed something. What exactly was the relationship between Jasmine and Marcelo? After further examination, I think that they were more than "just friends" as I originally thought. I think Jasmine and Marcelo felt safe with each other, both physically and in confiding things.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There were so many conflicts. It kept me anticipating the next turn in events. Would Marcelo's father ever "wake up and smell the coffee"? I wanted him to improve his relationship with Marcelo! What about the weasel Wendell? Even though Marcelo sees through Wendell and pities him, I wanted revenge!
The only thing I was disappointed in was how things were built up and the ending was so anti-climatic. I wanted more from the meeting between Marcelo and Ixtel. Maybe this was the author's intent, but there were too many loose ends. Maybe that's because the "real world" isn't neat and tidy like a tv sitcom!

I'm very excited that Jasmine is so nice to Marcelo! It also seems that he is able to function much better in the "real world" based on his trip to visit Garcia and the “improvising” at the lawyer’s house asking for help. I know Jasmine must care for Marcelo, because she puts herself on the line by finding the missing box from the case. I don’t understand why Marcelo’s dad is so opposed to his relationship with Jasmine, even if it’s just a friendship. He keeps pushing Marcelo towards Wendell and like Tonya said, Wendell’s idea of their “bond” is more like blackmail. If Wendell’s father and Marcelo’s father hate each other, why is Marcelo’s father so adamant Marcelo hang out with Wendell? The camping trip seems more like Marcelo and does give him an opportunity to reflect on all that is happening and make his decision. I like that Jasmine is so strong in helping Marcelo, but never really telling him exactly what to do. I’m anxious to see what happens next!

Wendell is not a fan of mine. After reading Lena’s questions about Wendell, I agree with her. If Marcelo’s father doesn’t get along with Wendell’s father, why is he pushing Marcelo to be friends with Wendell? Is there a motive? I hate reading about how people bully someone who is clueless it is even happening. Wendell was just using Marcelo, and Marcelo just wanting to please people and do a good job would do what he said. This reminds me so much of one of my past students who is also a high-functioning autistic boy. People would bully him and he never saw through it. He would always smile and keep on going. He was a people pleaser, and tried to help anyone that needed it- especially with academics. I can relate to the short sentences of conversation that Marcelo has with his father. My dad and I were the same when I grew up. My dad never understood my reading disability, nor did he really know I had one. He just thought I was lazy and should be just like everyone else. I wanted so much to just be able to speak to him and have a good conversation like I always had with my mom.

I like how Marcelo sticks up for Jasmine. I think they have something special, even though Jasmine is his boss. I think Jasmine is the one that will “cure” Marcelo, and get him to where he could be ready for public school. Not that you can cure autism, but the idea of getting him to be able to function well enough for the “real world” that Marcelo has tried to do through this whole book. I think that his IM is fading and harder to hear because he has more on his mind, something else to truly focus on- Jasmine.
Jasmine and Marcelo make a great team- they help one another continuously. When Marcelo gets so set on wanting to help the girl in the picture, Jasmine decides to help Marcelo and gives him his space so he can think and figure it out himself. By doing this, he will be able to possibly accomplish something so great- and he could take all the credit which would be huge for Marcelo. On the camping trip I figured something would happen with Jasmine and Marcelo, but nothing sexual happened. I was taking bets too!! I just assumed with how close they were and how they understand one another that something would happen.

This book overall was a great book. I like the adventure it took me on, but at the same time it was really frustrating for me to read about Marcelo’s struggles and his relationship with his father. For me it was personal, and I could really relate to his life. When I was growing up, that’s all I tried to do- to function in the real world with my huge struggle to read. Nothing for me was “normal” and I was always the slow person who did things the wrong way. I wrote backwards, read backwards, and never could spell or read correctly or at an average speed. I hate that his father never made more of an effort to talk with Marcelo- but my father was the same until I was 22. Once I confronted my father with what was really wrong with me and that I couldn’t help my disability that is when things finally started to change. He finally understood I wasn’t lazy, and if anything, I had to work harder than anyone else. He told me for the first time since I was like 10 years old that he loved me, something that I haven’t heard in so long. Our conversations and father/daughter relationship has now gotten so much better, especially as he is seeing me succeed in my academics for the first time ever. He is proud, and he does let me know which is huge for him to overcome- accepting he made a huge mistake. I almost wish there was a part two to this book. I just wish his father would understand like my dad finally did. I would love to hear his expression when his father finally understands and speaks with him like a normal person who has great conversations.

Lisa Boyd: Chapters 15-21

I’ll start with a statement from chapter 20: “Be in the world but not of the world.” It’s easy to understand why this Godly scripture never enters the minds of those that are completely self-centered without a conscience. I say without a conscience for these people because there are many of those that do have a conscience and realize they do things they know are wrong but have to for whatever reasons usually with good intentions for their actions. In my opinion, the Vidromek CEO and VIP’s are the self-centered-no conscience types for any wrongdoings. Arturo, although knows that covering up evidence that would destroy the law firm he works for to support his family, has a conscience but also the financial burden of being able to provide Marcelo support for his autism because Arturo, like any loving parent wants the best life possible for their child(ren).

Wendell is simply the result of a spoiled rich kid with no conscience for his actions. He believes he should get what he wants because of status. Fortunately, there are people in the world that are brave and righteous enough to do the right thing-without worrying about being what some call “whistleblowers.” Marcelo and Jasmine are not trying to blow the whistle for their gain, but to those families that have been wronged. I can’t wait to see how this all goes down. It reminds me a little of the movie with Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich.

Lisa Boyd: Chapters 22-31

I loved the weekend trip Marcelo took with Jasmine. They learned even more about each other and I think the serene setting helped Marcelo 'think' easier. I was surprised by his father's reaction that he was going to go with her. But later near the end, I understand.

The session between Marcelo and Rabbi Heschel was powerful. I believe Marcelo left knowing that his plan to reveal the document to attorney Garcia was indeed the right thing to do. I liked the way Garcia protected Marcelo by asking only one question that would let Sandoval & Holmes (where his father worked) know he had proof of evidence that Vidromek was told about the faulty windshields but continued to use them anyway.

The author could have ended this story in an ugly way for all involved but instead it was such a pleasant ending for the ones that deserved it. Jasmine has helped bring the IM back to Artelo which he describes as "the most beautiful of melodies." The author's note at the end was moving and while there are lots of self-centered people in our world, there are also kind, loving, and unselfish people that put others' needs before their own! A very good read.

What a great book! I agree with Linda about the meeting between Ixtel and Marcelo, it did seem rather quick and I felt there would be more to it. Like Linda said, the real world is not so neat and tidy and together. I guess the reason Marcelo’s father was so pushy about Wendell was because he would rather Marcelo hang out with Wendell than Jasmine because of what happened between them. I was a little blown away, but surprised Marcelo handled the information the way he did. It bothered me that he realizes then that Wendell wasn’t ever his friend. I hate that some people, ahem Wendell, are so conniving; only doing things to blow their own whistles like Lisa said! I feel that in the end Wendell didn’t get reaction from Marcelo he was hoping for, making things a little better and it was good to see that Marcelo knew not to give the reaction. Marcelo is really learning how to live and react in the real world. I love that at the end after he thought he had lost his IM, it returns after his conversation with Jasmine about moving to Vermont. The book sure did end on a good note. :)

In chapters 12 - 20 the plot really begins to thicken and feelings in Marcelo start to develop. I love the interest he has taken in the Vidromek case. He really obsesses about the case. I really didn't think he could have that strong of feelings about something. Marcelo surprised me! I really like his relationship and trust he has with Jasmine. I can not stand Wendell either. I can not wait for Marcelo to tell him that there is not going to be a boat trip, or at least I hope he does.

I pretty much guess that my blog on chapters 21-31 did not post. I'm still getting used to doing this. I was very satisfied of how the book ended. I loved watching Marcelo grow throughout the story. The complex relationships he had were very interesting and how he reacted to them was even more interesting. Can't wait for our book talk on Wednesday.