Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; Heather (part two)

During the second part of Coupland's third part, we see how Heather continues to desperately seek the help of the psychic Allison . Heather discusses what she believes of herself and the world as well, she comes to a decision and chose to quit her job as a stenographer. Next, Heather continuously calls ALlison for any messages from Jason. However, once ALlison realized how desperate and needy Heather was, she began taking advantage of her and draining her bank account. Allison not only made her pay for meals, car repairs, but thousands of dollars for these "messages." Heather saw that she was being controlled and made a move and began to investigate who this psychic was. One day she went to ALlisons home and spied on her and saw what seemed to be an argument between Allison and her daughter. Later that night, Heather went to Reg's home and told him all about it. Reg explained his point of view which lead her to believe that ALlison's daughter had been seing JAson as well. Heather furiously followed JEssica, ALlisons daughter to put an end to her questions and doubts. Sure enough, Jessica politely told her that her mother was lying to her, that weeks before Jason's disappearance he left her a paper with things to say to Heather to make her happy. With the truth discovered, Heathe flew the scene and went to confront ALlison. With threats and physical confrontation, Heather was able to get the truth out of ALlison and she demanded to give her "that" paper. Once all of this was resolved, Heather came to her senses and realized Jason was dead but for some reason after weeks of desperation and frustrating nights, Heather was finally able to sleep in peace.

I thought this part of the book was so breath taking! It was so interesting to read this especially the scene of her findin out the truth about the messages. In my opinion, Allison was very harsh in taking such advantage of this poor woman who all she wants is to find her boyfriend. I'm even more surprised of HEather that she was willing to pay such a huge amount of money to some stranger. I guess that when people are so desperate they will do anything! Also, I found it interestig about how she felt about CHeryl. She had no reason to be jealous of her especially because she was dead but yet she was. Overall this part was truly eye catching!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; Heather:2002

In the third part of "Hey Nostradamus!" by Douglas Coupland, the third character Heather is introduced. Heather is Jason's former girlfriend who is a a court stenographer. Jason and Heather met at a Toys R us, she says that she noticed how Jason seemed sad and therefore was surprised when they had this long conversation over a giraffe which holds great significance towards the end. Soon Heather and Reg often discuss their grief and worries over Jason's mysteriously disappearance. It remains unknown whether Jason is dead or alive but with a very optimistic attitude Heather one day calls Chris for a favor. Chris who's now married to Barb, looked through the governments face data system to find Jason's analog. Then since she and Reg spend a lot of time together she confesses to him that she visited the analog but was worthless because it just made her more anxious to find Jason. After, Heather receives a call from a psychic; Allison and she tells her about these words " Oh I say" (168) that in some form relate to Jason. Both agreed to meet and talk but Heather ends up very disappointed because Allison has no answers for her and she thinks she's just some crazy lady. In the end, Heather finds herself in an unhealthy state of being, she believes she has gone crazy and little by little is loosing faith on finding Jason.

I am glad to see that after all this time Reg seems to slowly come to his senses and is beginning to change for the better. I see that people do really change all they need is time and someone to understand them. I think it's great that Jason found himself a girlfriend, he really deserved to find someone who made him happy after all that he's faced. Heather appears to be a good person especially since she's so worried for Jason. It's sad that she starts to loose it a bit because then again that would be another tragedy! I am curious to know what's going to happen with the twins and if the truth is ever going to come out for all of them to know. I liked this section, i thought it gave a lot of important information to clear the understanding of the whole massacre and the characters' life's.

Hey Nostradamus! ; Jason (pgs. 44-146)

In the second half of the Jason's narration in Coupland's novel, "Hey Nostradamus!", Jason continues to present events from his life. First, Jason's father Reg fell in his kitchen and was hospitalized due to his injuries. Then, Jason is asked to bring some personal belongings to his father by one of the nurses and as he goes to the apartment to gather them, Jason observes in depth Reg's apartment. As Jason goes to the hospital he is doubting whether to go in and see his father or not because he hasn't had communication with him for some time now. However, he enters the room and has small talk with Reg but then finally, Jason confronted Reg on why he had accused him of a murderer years before. Reg replies to him, "Your soul was perfect. If you'd died in the cafeteria, you'd have gone directly to heaven. But instead you chose murder, and now you'll never be totally sure of where you're headed." (101) and Jason frustratedly leaves. Also, Jason mentions that he began to receive letters from Cheryl's mother, father, and her brother Chris which involved "fake words" according to Chris. The letters talked about the massacre, many apologies, the Youth alivers, and last Cheryl's funeral but Jason didn't pay much attention to the letters. In addition, as Jason's still writing the letter to his nephews, he mentions in it a time when he and a few friends got drunk and somehow was almost killed by a Russian named Yorgo but then Jason had the opportunity to kill Yorgo with a rock just like he did in the massacre but Jason realized that he was a man with a good heart and not a killer, he wasn't going to win much by killing again. Then at the highest point in this chapter, Jason reveals that when Kent died, him and Barb flew to Vegas to marry because that was the condition he proposed to Barb if she wanted him to do her the favor of getting her pregnant. Ironically enough, they ran into an old high school friend which sadly Barb had to kill because he had witnessed their presence in Vegas and also, Jason somehow had a connection to Reg because she killed him. Hence, to end the chapter Jason's mother calls him announcing the great news that Barb was pregnant which appeared to be his sons. Jason lived a troublesome life.

With all this read, I came to a greater understanding of not only Jason's action but also I was able to understand a bit more of where Reg was coming from. I thought it was great that Jason tried to connect to his father once again and also that he didn't kill Yorgo because that really shows that Jason is a good and pure hearted man. I can also say that once again the saying "Don't judge books by it's cover" was right because at first I didn't have many great things to say about Reg i thought he was a heartless man but now that I continued to read I realized that I was wrong. Reg is not so bad after all he's just like any person in need of a lot of help, understanding, and companionship. This made me take in mind to always get to know people better before one can make judgements about them, jumping to conclusions is not a good idea! Also, I was extremely shocked to hear that the twins are Jason's kids and not Kent's. I think this was a pretty cynical thing to do but I guess sometimes people act impulsively and don't think about things twice. I think both Barb and Jason did this desperately because they didn't want to end up alone. Again, this novel continues to impress me!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; 1999: Jason (pgs.43-92)

In the first half of the the second chapter of Coupland's novel, "Hey Nostradamus!" one of the main characters, Jason describes what his life has become years after the Delbrook massacre, and also allows the audience to receive a better understanding of what happened the day of the shooting by narrating how he experienced the awful incident. We are able to see the issues he is dealing with such as those of his view on humanity, the hypocrite people,his terrible relationship with his father Reg and lastly, the death of his brother Kent and how poorly he coped with them leading to an unsuccessful pitted life. Jason tells his story in his truck alongside the beach with his adopted dog Joyce while writing a letter to his nephew's and reminiscing on events from the past hat highly impacted his life. Moreover, the day of the massacre we see that after Jason killed the head shooter, he struggles letting go of Cheryl and accepting her death but is forced to be separated from her. He then goes to the lot and lays on her truck covered in her blood, soon after he is awaken and escorted home. Once Jason arrives home, his mother is shaken and worried about his being and the cops explain the incident and how he was a hero however, Reg had shame and called his son a "murderer" causing the authorities and people to question Jason. After Jason is proven innocent, he goes in depth about all he has had to dealt with Reg. Reg's attitude towards Jason was extremely negative and the cause of an end to their relationship. Hence, at the end of this first part, after questioning attending his brother's memorial he decides to go to support Barb and after the service gets drunk to escape all the phony conversations. Also, Reg states that one of the twins doesn't have a soul and Barb furiously kicks him out of her house. Clearly Jason has not a had a pleasant life overall but the fact that he is still standing and living day by day shows that he wants to do something with himself.

I thought that this chapter was very helpful to my understanding of why Jason appeared so odd in Cheryl's story. I felt sad because Jason seemed like a good person and the fact that he struggled more than a usual person has makes me think about how my whining sometimes is extremely ridiculous and unnecessary. I really liked that he talked about his father a lot because it made me think how it's sad that there are people out there just like Reg that use religion for the justifications of one's bad actions. I think this man is crazy however i think that instead of being left alone someone should have tried to talk to him and talked some sense into him and made him understand how much religion was affecting others but mainly himself. As i continue to read, i keep wanting to continue because i find it really interesting. I enjoyed reading Jason's part of the story and getting a better understanding of the massacre and his life in general.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; 1988: Cheryl

 In the first part of the novel Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland, we see through the character Cheryl Anway's point of view what occurred the day of the tragedy at her high school cafeteria.Cheryl was an ordinary religious girl living in Vancouver, part of the Youth Alive! group who lived a doubtfully and secretive live who would've never imagined that on a usual routined day, her life was about to come to an end. As she narrates the scenery of that very awful day, Cheryl also discusses what was occurring in her life. Cheryl had recently flown out to Las Vegas to elope with her high school sweetheart Jason and the morning of the incident they discovered that she was pregnant. With all this in mind, while in math class Cheryl scribbled on her binder the words, "God is nowhere/ God is now here" (9) which appeared to be her last will. Suddenly it was lunch time and like every other day she met with her lunch bunch group in the cafeteria in the table causing most attention the centered table. Then it all began; the end to the life's of thousands of students. Three students shot kids for no apparent reason  and just like everybody else Cheryl and her group hid under the table with fear and as quiet as possible. Unfortunately, her friend accidentally moved a can making noise which brought attention to the table and that was it for Cheryl Anway. She was shot and left to die slowly leaving behind her loving husband and an unborn baby joining the other souls in heaven.


Though I have read very few works I must say this novel is one that I definitely enjoy reading. After reading this first part i felt very intrigued by it, it made me want to continue reading and search for more answers. I love the techniques that Coupland uses such as the great amount of analogy's and all the visual work he uses. As i read i was able to paint a clear image of the scenery and everything that was happening in the cafeteria which i really liked. Also, I found some of the points that Cheryl brought up to be fairly interesting because they made me think a lot and made me really think about the world and everything that goes on in my life. For instance, she points out how much religion had to do in my life and how sometimes people only pray when they need from god. Her story itself was interesting, I feel like many can relate to it because it's a young love sort of thing. Hence, it made me sad and angry to think that there are actually heartless people who would have the guts to do such a thing and take away the lives of so many young people who have their whole life ahead of them. Makes me wonder how bad their lives must be to do such a cruel act. Over all I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to continue reading.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Library Card

In "The Library Card" the author Richard Wright, one day came across an article catching his attention because of a harsh statement made about H.L Mencken. It made him wonder what he had done for him to be so harshly criticized, so he decided to take interest and check out a few of his books to learn more of this pitted man. However, since he was black it was not permitted for them to check out books. After having trouble on asking for a library card, a Pope let him borrow the card. With that taken care of, Wright made several trips to the library after having read the Mencken books. He not only learned a lot about the view on blacks through the books, he began to feel something different and he developed a passion for reading and learning about the world. Though he once tried to write, he failed but didn't give up his reading because he said he wanted to keep reading and feeling. Sadly, it was unknown what happened with this man's life but it was great that through these books he gained a lot of knowledge on the history of the blacks but helped him gain a different perspective towards the world. Wright chose to head South and surely he will seek a better life.


I absolutely found this piece fascinating. It made me feel bad because i can only imagine how terrible the experiences must have been for colored people during that era. It also makes me realize that sadly even though racism is supposed to be abolished in some places it is still present. The circumstances they were put through was awful and harsh i believe no one should ever have to face such treatment. Also, i was  impressed that Wright instead of following the crowd, he decided to read and learn about what was going on in the world. He took initiative and that simple move of getting a library card might have changed his life completely for the better. It makes me think and imagine all the possible things there are that we can do to progress in our lives and just like Wright it might begin with reading a book. I received a better understanding of what was dealt with during that time and i must say i am glad that i have not experienced a situation like him. This story was very interesting to me.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

"Only Daughter"

In the essay "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros, the author shares the issue she faced of  being the only daughter in a family of six sons and her battle to win her dad's approval, respect, and simply some attention. Being an only daughter forced her to spent much of her time alone, which she used wisely to think, imagine, and to prepare herself. After 6 years of  school, instead of her father being proud of her, he disappointingly shook his head because after all that time she was still left with no husband. Sandra continued to desperately try and make her father be proud of her but even with outstanding awards after ten years of professionally writing, her father took no interest in her not knowing that everything she wrote was for him. One Christmas she flew home excitedly to show her dad a book of hers that had recently been published in Spanish. After her father was done reading it, he stated "Where can we get more copies of this for the relatives?" those words meant the world to her. Sandra Cisneros had accomplished a big goal in life; she won her dad's approval but most important she stopped being an outcast from the family and became the only daughter, a writer.

This essay made me reflect on experiences I have faced in life. Besides it being interesting it had many good points. I liked how she talks about her family and culture and where she comes from because I feel like I can relate to it. It made me think of what she must have felt like because in a way it's the same for me, except that it is expected a lot from me from my father because I am the only girl and the eldest too. It also shows how sometimes it's the small things that matter in life, and how something simple can mean so much to a person. Like she states when her father read her book, "Of all the wonderful things that had happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful." It inspires me to always try and better myself and to continue to try and built a stronger relationship with my father.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me

In "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" by Sherman Alexie, we are able to see a variety of interesting points. Sherman Alexie demonstrates his passion for books and how they played a very important role in his life; they were an extreme contribution to his career and life. At the beginning of the essay, the author provides plenty of background information.Though financially challenged, his father managed to continue addingbooks to his collection. Those books came in hand for Alexie because through those books he learned to read, write, and now share with the world his appreciation and devotion to books with the world. Also, the author mentions a lot what a paragraph is and how he came to a clear understanding of what it was, he learned by making a few comparison's like "my family's house" and "each family member existed as a separate paragraph..." Furthermore, Alexie states that he learned how to read with a "Superman" comic book. He made assertions of what the characters were saying in the pictures and continued to do so until he learned to read. Lastly, he says how even though it was expected for Indians to do poorly academically, he refuse to be a part of that statistic and instead aimed high and succeeded in his studies. Now we see that all those factors in his life helped him become the writer that he is now. Just as Sherman Alexie learned to read with a comic book anyone can be as successful by taking one step at a time.


I thought this essay was very interesting and intriguing. Unlike many of the things I read, this made me want to keep reading it. I found it interesting how he compares it to the house and his family members. It not only made me understand a paragraph better but it influenced me to find examples that will help me understand things in general better. His essays is very straight forward which i liked, I did not have to stop often to look up words and stuff. Hence, i believe it gives a glimp of hope to many and inspires them to not give up and pursue their goals.