Welcome to this Blog Site. Please make TWO postings here; one orginial posting about the content of the book and one directly linked to a classmate's posting.
So far, I think this is an okay book. I don’t think it’s very realistic, due to the fact that all the homeless people are carrying around weapons, with then, also, that he threw the jacket in the trash bin, when the teenagers gave it to him. I thought he would have kept it, but he threw it out. Is I were I that state, I would have kept the jacket. Also, the Mac person didn’t want help most of the time. If I worked there, I would want all the help I could get.
Throughout the novel, Shattered, I was continually impressed by many aspects and illustrations that Eric Walters implied. I admired how the author brought many unexpected characteristics to life in Will’s actions throughout his civics class in Grade 9. For example, when Will first started to volunteer at the “The Club,” Will attained an attitude of simply getting his hours done and leaving. However, throughout the novel Will’s attitude drastically changed to the point of sending a homeless, retired soldier through detox and stopping his harmful drinking habits. ”When you first came here I wouldn’t have bet a plugged nickel on you even showing your face a second time,” Mac recalls after celebrating Ian’s 16th birthday. This occurrence can be reflected in my own personal doings as I try my best to help others, and give all people fair opportunity. As you can see, Shattered, an eye-opening non fictional account written by Eric Walters, truly changed my life and hopefully influenced the lives of others.
I think that Shattered is quite a good book. In my opinion, I think that it is not very realistic. For example, most soup kitchens are run by more than one people and do not have someone living in it. I also found that this book is like a text book, because quite a bit of the book is talking about Rwanda, Canadian prime ministers, and other things. I do find this book pretty good because it does talk about homeless people and how serious the situation actually is and that they are actually not that bad of people. One of my favourite parts of the book is when Jason said “Jack is a bum?” And Ian stood up for him when just a week ago he thought he was a bum. To conclude, I think that Shattered is a good book and you should try reading it.
In response to Justin’s comment: Excellent entry Justin! I think you highlighted the main points of the novel and addressed your thoughts; ones which I happen to agree with. I too was impressed by the themes of the novel and admire the characters changes throughout the novel, which happen to be very realistic. Ian’s actions not only create a decent plot but also build a connection between the reader and Ian as his thoughts and actions reflect what most reader’s thoughts (and actions) would be if they were experiencing this. Ian’s inner hero begins to shine nearing the end of the novel as he takes risks and actions that show a more caring side of him. This continues to create a stronger relationship between the reader and Ian. The rather fast ending was rather abrupt and left a few questions unanswered but was pleasing to read and left you with a sense of happiness and hope. Finally, I agree that this was an eye-opening book which causes you to reflect on your own life and wonder how you could improve the lives of others.
I agree with justin completely, i liked how just wrote strong points and involved how she added new characters. I also think that justin picked a good quote.
Recently I have just finished reading the novel Shattered and overall was pleased by not only the ideas illustrated throughout the novel but also the story as a whole. The novel captivated my interest with the clear message of the power of one which was presented with powerful words and deep personal connections. An excellent quote that illustrates and represents the themes of the novel is this excerpt from a story Ian tells about a man walking along a beach who sees millions of starfish beached and sees a boy throwing them back in the water, one by one: ‘“You know son what your doing is very nice’ the man says, ‘but look around. There are millions and millions of these starfish. What you’re doing it doesn’t make a difference.’ The boy picks up another starfish, tosses it into the water and then turns to the man. ‘It made a difference for that one.’ He picks up another starfish. ‘And that one.’ And picks up another Starfish. ‘And that one’. Pg 201 Shattered This is an excellent message because it shows that even though what you are doing may not fix everything it is still making a difference and the positive actions that you take can improve other lives. Therefore, if you feel like you have not solved what you could have, like Jacques does about Rwanda, do not focus on the negatives but instead focus on the positives and the people you have helped. If everyone was to do this not only would they be able to continue to spread their hope and help but also to continue what they were originally doing without giving up. This is why I believe Ian has had a positive impact on the homeless people he has helped provide food for and as a result had a positive impact on his community. To conclude this message I believe an individual can make a huge difference in the world if he focuses on the positives of life, but also addresses the negatives. “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” –John Wesley Shattered Pg 211
Cauting: Ending spoiler At the beginning I did foresee the change in character of Ian and the idea that he would continue on after the project was finished but other than that the turns the story took, though quite predictable, were enjoyable and a few crept up on you. Such as the time when Ian is attacked in the park, though it kept you on the edge I predicted that the man he had given money to before would come back and help him. Also, another turn that was rather easy to predict was that Berta had lost family in Guatemala and that had been the reason she had moved to Canada.
But a question I feel was unanswered throughout the book was the age of Jacques, he seems rather old in his heavy heart and personality but he was very light and quick when he helped Ian in the park. There were also other parts in the story I consider to be holes: If Jacques was in need of money, clothes, or food why didn’t he keep the jackets of the thugs and if he didn’t want them why didn’t he sell them for money or food? Is it really realistic for the homeless not to accept help from Mac when they need it or want it? Mac is constantly saying he doesn’t like “some crap about helping the poor” but isn’t that just what he is doing? Wouldn’t it be better to give the homeless healthy alternatives that are appealing instead of cigarettes and drinks which is usually the reason they are homeless to begin with?
Finally I also would have considered a better ending to be if Ian took over at the Soup Kitchen a few years later when Mac retired or died and if Berta or a friend of Ian’s joined him.
Although I am only on chapter 17, I agree that it is not realistic. I have no quotes right now, Sorry about that, but I am thinking at Ian, Will make a big difference to Jack near the end, but I am not sure how. But I think that Jack has made a difference to Ian, for example he made Ian feel for Rwanda, But I also liked the part when Ian stood up for Jack, when Jason made fun of him, "Hes a Bum," And Ian gets really angry at him. From where I am right now it is an ok book, but I think will get better.
I’ve only gotten to chapter 11 but I think that the plot is not realistic at all. First of all, at the soup kitchen, there has to be people helping and not just one person running the whole thing. I disagree with this quote, “Mac made no secret to me of what he thought of those volunteer ladies and their Jesus buttons.” You always need volunteers to help with the soup kitchen because I have experienced that first hand. We had to go to a soup kitchen and help and it was so fun. Also there were tons of other people volunteering there unlike “The Club.” Also, I think that Mac living in the soup kitchen is a bit far fetched. I completely agree with Sean; there are parts that are dragging and bland and I don’t like that. Overall I would say that this book would be Ok.
I agree with Kevin and Sean completley, the plot is unrealistic at times, for example Mac living at the soup kitchen thats really weird, also although ive never gone to a soup kitchen, I think that there would be many volunteers! Great Post Kevin and Sean
From where I am right now on shattered it is a pretty decent novel, although sometimes very unrealistic, its got me hooked to know what the ending is going to be like. I find the book interesting at times for example when I learned that Mac used to live on the streets I was shocked but not as much as I would have been because I figured out the foreshadowing, when Ian and Mac are looking for homeless they see a couple of guys sleeping in a furniture factories dumpster and Mac says, "Pretty Decent place to sleep," Or something along the lines of that. Also he was very attached to the homeless, he would hug them, personally I wouldn't want to hug a homeless person... I know that is rude but I would not feel comfortable. I think Mac actually is making a difference in this book, For examples: He owns a soup kitchen He gives homeless FREE cigarettes lol He tells the homeless where to sleep He is making a difference to the world... where I am at more than Ian.
Lauren and Justin, I believe that you have nailed the points right on. The themes of the novel were moving and powerful. Lauren you said it. The power of one is important and we all need to know that we can make a difference in the world no matter how small or big. Remember, as our actions pile ontop of each other, we can achieve great things.
I agree with Robby. Mac is making a difference. He provides moral support and physical support which i think is fantastic. Mac is a do gooder on a regular basis and we can all learn from his actions.
In my opinion this book isn’t exactly about how one person changed a part of the world; but how other people in his life change small parts of the world. Those people could include Mac, Eduardo, Berta, or even Mrs. Watkins. Mac runs the soup kitchen. He said a really good quote, but unfortunately I don’t have the book with me. Here’s the point where the quote would be though. It’s when Ian asked Mac about Mac’s work, and why Mac doesn’t take a day off of his work; the reply was about how if hunger doesn’t take a day off then Mac won’t either. Jack is one of the exceptions because in the end Ian helps Jack. Ian helped change Jack’s life. Berta sends money to the orphanage from her hometown where Eduardo runs the orphanage. Eduardo was even one of the people who helped Berta out of the country. “He’s a shoemaker? I though you said he was a hero?” (Ian) “You can be both” (Berta) ~ (Both page 174)
“But, but, he’s (Eduardo’s) so old… and small.” (Ian) “Do you think somebody has to be big to be brave?” (Berta) ~ (Both page 175)
I think that these quotes are important because it’s saying how anyone can be a hero, or be brave.
“I think it’s important to know about the world around us… the larger world beyond MTV and the mall.” (Mrs. Watkins) ~ (Page 121) This is what Mrs. Watkins said in one of her classes. Mrs. Watkins’ quote is talking about how we need to know more about the world around us, more than just our everyday life. I think that this book is one of the strongest out of the six books about our theme question.
19 comments:
So far, I think this is an okay book. I don’t think it’s very realistic, due to the fact that all the homeless people are carrying around weapons, with then, also, that he threw the jacket in the trash bin, when the teenagers gave it to him. I thought he would have kept it, but he threw it out. Is I were I that state, I would have kept the jacket. Also, the Mac person didn’t want help most of the time. If I worked there, I would want all the help I could get.
Caution: Ending revealed!
Throughout the novel, Shattered, I was continually impressed by many aspects and illustrations that Eric Walters implied. I admired how the author brought many unexpected characteristics to life in Will’s actions throughout his civics class in Grade 9. For example, when Will first started to volunteer at the “The Club,” Will attained an attitude of simply getting his hours done and leaving. However, throughout the novel Will’s attitude drastically changed to the point of sending a homeless, retired soldier through detox and stopping his harmful drinking habits. ”When you first came here I wouldn’t have bet a plugged nickel on you even showing your face a second time,” Mac recalls after celebrating Ian’s 16th birthday. This occurrence can be reflected in my own personal doings as I try my best to help others, and give all people fair opportunity. As you can see, Shattered, an eye-opening non fictional account written by Eric Walters, truly changed my life and hopefully influenced the lives of others.
I think that Shattered is quite a good book. In my opinion, I think that it is not very realistic. For example, most soup kitchens are run by more than one people and do not have someone living in it. I also found that this book is like a text book, because quite a bit of the book is talking about Rwanda, Canadian prime ministers, and other things. I do find this book pretty good because it does talk about homeless people and how serious the situation actually is and that they are actually not that bad of people. One of my favourite parts of the book is when Jason said “Jack is a bum?” And Ian stood up for him when just a week ago he thought he was a bum. To conclude, I think that Shattered is a good book and you should try reading it.
CAUTION!
Ending spoiler!
In response to Justin’s comment:
Excellent entry Justin! I think you highlighted the main points of the novel and addressed your thoughts; ones which I happen to agree with. I too was impressed by the themes of the novel and admire the characters changes throughout the novel, which happen to be very realistic. Ian’s actions not only create a decent plot but also build a connection between the reader and Ian as his thoughts and actions reflect what most reader’s thoughts (and actions) would be if they were experiencing this. Ian’s inner hero begins to shine nearing the end of the novel as he takes risks and actions that show a more caring side of him. This continues to create a stronger relationship between the reader and Ian. The rather fast ending was rather abrupt and left a few questions unanswered but was pleasing to read and left you with a sense of happiness and hope. Finally, I agree that this was an eye-opening book which causes you to reflect on your own life and wonder how you could improve the lives of others.
I agree with justin completely, i liked how just wrote strong points and involved how she added new characters. I also think that justin picked a good quote.
i rate it 10/10...lol
Recently I have just finished reading the novel Shattered and overall was pleased by not only the ideas illustrated throughout the novel but also the story as a whole. The novel captivated my interest with the clear message of the power of one which was presented with powerful words and deep personal connections. An excellent quote that illustrates and represents the themes of the novel is this excerpt from a story Ian tells about a man walking along a beach who sees millions of starfish beached and sees a boy throwing them back in the water, one by one:
‘“You know son what your doing is very nice’ the man says, ‘but look around. There are millions and millions of these starfish. What you’re doing it doesn’t make a difference.’
The boy picks up another starfish, tosses it into the water and then turns to the man. ‘It made a difference for that one.’ He picks up another starfish. ‘And that one.’ And picks up another Starfish. ‘And that one’. Pg 201 Shattered
This is an excellent message because it shows that even though what you are doing may not fix everything it is still making a difference and the positive actions that you take can improve other lives. Therefore, if you feel like you have not solved what you could have, like Jacques does about Rwanda, do not focus on the negatives but instead focus on the positives and the people you have helped. If everyone was to do this not only would they be able to continue to spread their hope and help but also to continue what they were originally doing without giving up. This is why I believe Ian has had a positive impact on the homeless people he has helped provide food for and as a result had a positive impact on his community. To conclude this message I believe an individual can make a huge difference in the world if he focuses on the positives of life, but also addresses the negatives.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” –John Wesley Shattered Pg 211
Cauting:
Ending spoiler
At the beginning I did foresee the change in character of Ian and the idea that he would continue on after the project was finished but other than that the turns the story took, though quite predictable, were enjoyable and a few crept up on you. Such as the time when Ian is attacked in the park, though it kept you on the edge I predicted that the man he had given money to before would come back and help him. Also, another turn that was rather easy to predict was that Berta had lost family in Guatemala and that had been the reason she had moved to Canada.
But a question I feel was unanswered throughout the book was the age of Jacques, he seems rather old in his heavy heart and personality but he was very light and quick when he helped Ian in the park. There were also other parts in the story I consider to be holes:
If Jacques was in need of money, clothes, or food why didn’t he keep the jackets of the thugs and if he didn’t want them why didn’t he sell them for money or food?
Is it really realistic for the homeless not to accept help from Mac when they need it or want it?
Mac is constantly saying he doesn’t like “some crap about helping the poor” but isn’t that just what he is doing?
Wouldn’t it be better to give the homeless healthy alternatives that are appealing instead of cigarettes and drinks which is usually the reason they are homeless to begin with?
Finally I also would have considered a better ending to be if Ian took over at the Soup Kitchen a few years later when Mac retired or died and if Berta or a friend of Ian’s joined him.
A good bit of discussion in this group! Have a good weekend, Grade 7.
Thank you for your thoughts on my posting Lauren and Sean!
Although I am only on chapter 17, I agree that it is not realistic. I have no quotes right now, Sorry about that, but I am thinking at Ian, Will make a big difference to Jack near the end, but I am not sure how. But I think that Jack has made a difference to Ian, for example he made Ian feel for Rwanda, But I also liked the part when Ian stood up for Jack, when Jason made fun of him, "Hes a Bum,"
And Ian gets really angry at him. From where I am right now it is an ok book, but I think will get better.
I’ve only gotten to chapter 11 but I think that the plot is not realistic at all. First of all, at the soup kitchen, there has to be people helping and not just one person running the whole thing. I disagree with this quote, “Mac made no secret to me of what he thought of those volunteer ladies and their Jesus buttons.” You always need volunteers to help with the soup kitchen because I have experienced that first hand. We had to go to a soup kitchen and help and it was so fun. Also there were tons of other people volunteering there unlike “The Club.” Also, I think that Mac living in the soup kitchen is a bit far fetched. I completely agree with Sean; there are parts that are dragging and bland and I don’t like that. Overall I would say that this book would be Ok.
I agree with Kevin and Sean completley, the plot is unrealistic at times, for example Mac living at the soup kitchen thats really weird, also although ive never gone to a soup kitchen, I think that there would be many volunteers! Great Post Kevin and Sean
Thanks Robby. I agree with you completely. Eric Walters should have done a better job.
From where I am right now on shattered it is a pretty decent novel, although sometimes very unrealistic, its got me hooked to know what the ending is going to be like. I find the book interesting at times for example when I learned that Mac used to live on the streets I was shocked but not as much as I would have been because I figured out the foreshadowing, when Ian and Mac are looking for homeless they see a couple of guys sleeping in a furniture factories dumpster and Mac says, "Pretty Decent place to sleep," Or something along the lines of that. Also he was very attached to the homeless, he would hug them, personally I wouldn't want to hug a homeless person... I know that is rude but I would not feel comfortable. I think Mac actually is making a difference in this book, For examples:
He owns a soup kitchen
He gives homeless FREE cigarettes lol
He tells the homeless where to sleep
He is making a difference to the world... where I am at more than Ian.
Lauren and Justin, I believe that you have nailed the points right on. The themes of the novel were moving and powerful. Lauren you said it. The power of one is important and we all need to know that we can make a difference in the world no matter how small or big. Remember, as our actions pile ontop of each other, we can achieve great things.
I agree with Robby. Mac is making a difference. He provides moral support and physical support which i think is fantastic. Mac is a do gooder on a regular basis and we can all learn from his actions.
Kevin, Thank you for agreeing, Now that I thought of it Mac really turned his life around and is a great role model for the homeless
In my opinion this book isn’t exactly about how one person changed a part of the world; but how other people in his life change small parts of the world. Those people could include Mac, Eduardo, Berta, or even Mrs. Watkins. Mac runs the soup kitchen. He said a really good quote, but unfortunately I don’t have the book with me. Here’s the point where the quote would be though. It’s when Ian asked Mac about Mac’s work, and why Mac doesn’t take a day off of his work; the reply was about how if hunger doesn’t take a day off then Mac won’t either. Jack is one of the exceptions because in the end Ian helps Jack. Ian helped change Jack’s life. Berta sends money to the orphanage from her hometown where Eduardo runs the orphanage. Eduardo was even one of the people who helped Berta out of the country.
“He’s a shoemaker? I though you said he was a hero?” (Ian)
“You can be both” (Berta) ~ (Both page 174)
“But, but, he’s (Eduardo’s) so old… and small.” (Ian)
“Do you think somebody has to be big to be brave?” (Berta) ~ (Both page 175)
I think that these quotes are important because it’s saying how anyone can be a hero, or be brave.
“I think it’s important to know about the world around us… the larger world beyond MTV and the mall.” (Mrs. Watkins) ~ (Page 121)
This is what Mrs. Watkins said in one of her classes. Mrs. Watkins’ quote is talking about how we need to know more about the world around us, more than just our everyday life.
I think that this book is one of the strongest out of the six books about our theme question.
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