When reading the first half of the novel Holes, I found that the author goes back and forth a lot. He explains the past involving Kissin' Kate Barlow with Stanley's great-great grandfather as well as progressing through the present situation of Stanley in Camp Green Lake. There are many problems found: racism, family-history, the characters finding themselves, disrespectful adults, and low self-esteem. I always find myself wondering why Stanley never fights back. He was found guilty for something he didn't do and takes the fall for others in the camp for more crimes he doesn't commit. I don't know why he won't stand up for himself. Also, Stanley is the protagonist and think the adults he deals with in the camp will become the antagonists. So far, I am enjoying this book.
This book is a “problem novel.” One problem that is shown in this story is bullying. Stanley is constantly picked on for his weight by peers and sometime teachers. Yet we never see him defend himself, nor do we see anyone else defend him. Stanley’s passive aggressive behavior can be somewhat frustrating to readers; I keep feeling the urge to grab him by the shoulders and say, “Buddy. Stand up for yourself.” However, I feel like this is adding to the suspense of the book because readers get the feeling that at some point he will stand up for himself. A few other problems that are in this book are: abuse, personal failure, family issues, poverty, and illiteracy, just to name a few. Sachar does a good job of thoroughly explaining the connections each of the characters’ stories have with each other. Though Stanley is obviously the protagonist and his story is more developed than some of the others, we also see into the lives of Elya, Kate Barlow, and things about Zero were continuing to be revealed where we left off in the reading. These characters are likely there to serve as foils for Stanley. Even more than that, though, we see how each of these characters is connected in a strange way.
Well, I typed a whole big thing and then it didn't post, so I'm going to make this one substantially more concise...
I've read, listened to, and seen Holes as text, audio, and film, respectively. However, rereading it after so many years has really opened up some of the subtlety.
One really neat moment came quite early when I was reading the description of the Warden's cabin in the setting of the camp as a scene. Sachar describes the two trees that offer the only shade from horizon to horizon. In a really cool statement that I never caught before, he writes that, simply put, "the Warden owns the shade." He talks about how dangerous it is for someone to dare to go near the trees, much less in the hammock that hangs between them. Transcendent ownership of this kind, possessing something so intangible sets up the Warden as a really good villain. From the opening description, the reader HAS to see this Warden but won't, not for over a dozen chapters. When she finally does appear, she doesn't disappoint as she thoroughly, exhaustively exerts her dominance on everyone around her...because she owns the shade.
While reading Holes the first thing I noticed was that the author would write about Stanley IV in the present then mid-story would write about characters whose actions from the past would later on affect Stanley. He wrote about Stanley's great grandfather Elya and Kissin' Kate Barlow. He tried to make the audience believe that Stanley and his family really were cursed because Elya forgot to follow through on his promise to Madame Zeroni. There were some key world issues addressed such as bullying, racism, greed, feminism, friendship, and child abuse. Something interesting I saw from the reading was that if Stanley would have kept the lipstick tube for himself they would have found the whatever the Warden is looking for and there would be no story about Stanley befriending Zero and reversing the curse finding the money that is rightfully his, and being cleared of all criminal charges.
After reading the first half of Holes, there is one sentence in particular that stood out to me: "If Stanley and his father weren't always hopeful, then it wouldn't hurt so much every time their hopes were crushed". It's amazing how much disappointment Stanley has experienced in his life, and how he simply accepts it. I noticed throughout the story how he is constantly thinking of the "if only's", yet not taking action to better his life in order to change those thoughts. On the other hand, it is admirable how Stanley pushes through and never gives up. Furthermore, he undergoes the hardship without complaint and does not blame others. Having never read this book before, I predict that Stanley's good character and perseverance will be rewarding in the end. I also feel that the novel is building up to a point where Stanley will learn to stand up for himself.
After reading the first part of holes I realized that Stanley seems to like it more at the camp than at home. When he is home bad things are always happening to him and he gets bullied. But when he is at the camp he feels like he is apart of something. The kids there have accepted him into their group and even gave him a nickname. I don't understand why the author switches back and forth between the past and present story. Why doesn't he just tell tell the whole past part of the story at once? I also don't understand why Stanley doesn't tell the warden where they really found the lipstick tube. If he tells her where they found it he might also get the day off and they would find what they are looking for.
While reading the novel Holes, I noticed that Sachar did an excellent job of transitioning between the different story lines in the book. As the reader I was interested in reading about the stories of Elya and Kissin' Kate Barlow to better understand how they interlaced. I got caught up in the different worlds and found myself lost in the book. I realized that without the flash backs the novel would have no real plot. In class we talked about Holes being a middle grade novel. However, I found that it has some young adult tendencies. For example, the adults are found to be greedy, untrustworthy, and lacking compassion towards the boys at Camp Green Lake. Also, the book is rather edgy. It talks about racism, bullying, illiteracy, murder, etc. These facts lead me to argue that it is a problem novel.
Halfway through this section, i really grew confused one a few things. First, towards the beginning of the of the book, while Stanley was digging, there would be these random back stories to his great-great grandfather. which, by the way, i see how it explained how his family was cursed. However, what does the new back stories with Kate Barlow have anything to do with what's going on? what do either of the back stories have to do with anything going on in the book. On a different note, i feel like the reaction Stanley had by simply telling Mr. Sir that he stole the sunflower seeds is the unfortunate truth for many people today. I'd like to think that i would have stood up for myself in that situation, but i don't think i would have. I can't wait to find out what the Warden is looking for!
Through the second half of the book, the biggest aspect I notice is that Stanley's character changes. Instead of acting passive and taking the fall for others, he acts out by driving Mr. Sir's truck into a hole and runs after Zero. I notice that violence has become a large theme. The violence of the town of Green Lake causes Kate Barlow's actions of robbing as well as the taunting that Zero continues to get causes him to act out in violence. However, after this friendship becomes the main focus. Stanley and Hector's relationship is definitely evident and important. I find it very funny and ironic that Camp Green Lake gets re-opened to be a Girl Scout Camp since the entire book Mr. Sir reminded the boys over and over that it was not a Girl Scouts Camp. This book was very well done everything seems intertwined and explained at the end. A happy ending!
My favorite part of the book is when Stanley is laying awake because "he is too happy to fall asleep". There he is in the middle of a desert with only onions and water to survive on and he is happier than he can ever remember. Stanley had finally made a decision of his own to impact his and another's life, and although it had been very difficult, he had succeeded by saving Zero and himself. I believe this is a huge cause for Stanley's happiness and a reason for why he liked himself now.
There was a point in the story that I think adds to Stanley's confidence, this being when he went back to find the shovel and jars and they were there side by side in perfect shape. He is amazed by this, and although this a small thing, every small thing always seemed to go wrong for Stanley in the past. I can see how this would be a turning point for his perspective and possibly help him to realize that the world was not always against him. Therefore, this changed his attitude and gave him the idea and courage to sneak back to Camp Green Lake and dig for the treasure, which of course altered his life significantly and changed it for the better.
I read this book a long time ago and am just now getting back to it. I love how the author transitions from Stanley's time back to his great grandfathers time. It makes you more interested and keeps you up to sped on both parts of the story. I think Stanley is very relatable to many kids that are in the age range in which this book was created to target. I can't wait to finish this book!
The second part of this book was even better. Even though I have seen the movie and knew most of what was going to happen I was still trapped in the story. I like how Stanley continued to teach Zero how to read. I especially like when Zero finally got his revenge on Mom and smacked him with that shovel. I was amazed at how luck Stanley was to have found Zero all the way out in the desolate plains of that desert and that they were able to find refuge on God's thumb which was said to have been a made up place by man who was out of his mind. I think the story's ending was perfect how it tied up the present with Stanley and Zero with the past with Elya and Madame Zeroni. I am definitely going to make sure my younger brother reads this book when he becomes of age.
First!
ReplyDeleteWhen reading the first half of the novel Holes, I found that the author goes back and forth a lot. He explains the past involving Kissin' Kate Barlow with Stanley's great-great grandfather as well as progressing through the present situation of Stanley in Camp Green Lake. There are many problems found: racism, family-history, the characters finding themselves, disrespectful adults, and low self-esteem. I always find myself wondering why Stanley never fights back. He was found guilty for something he didn't do and takes the fall for others in the camp for more crimes he doesn't commit. I don't know why he won't stand up for himself. Also, Stanley is the protagonist and think the adults he deals with in the camp will become the antagonists. So far, I am enjoying this book.
ReplyDeleteMandy Jacques
This book is a “problem novel.” One problem that is shown in this story is bullying. Stanley is constantly picked on for his weight by peers and sometime teachers. Yet we never see him defend himself, nor do we see anyone else defend him. Stanley’s passive aggressive behavior can be somewhat frustrating to readers; I keep feeling the urge to grab him by the shoulders and say, “Buddy. Stand up for yourself.” However, I feel like this is adding to the suspense of the book because readers get the feeling that at some point he will stand up for himself. A few other problems that are in this book are: abuse, personal failure, family issues, poverty, and illiteracy, just to name a few.
ReplyDeleteSachar does a good job of thoroughly explaining the connections each of the characters’ stories have with each other. Though Stanley is obviously the protagonist and his story is more developed than some of the others, we also see into the lives of Elya, Kate Barlow, and things about Zero were continuing to be revealed where we left off in the reading. These characters are likely there to serve as foils for Stanley. Even more than that, though, we see how each of these characters is connected in a strange way.
-Sheridan Weinbrenner
Well, I typed a whole big thing and then it didn't post, so I'm going to make this one substantially more concise...
ReplyDeleteI've read, listened to, and seen Holes as text, audio, and film, respectively. However, rereading it after so many years has really opened up some of the subtlety.
One really neat moment came quite early when I was reading the description of the Warden's cabin in the setting of the camp as a scene. Sachar describes the two trees that offer the only shade from horizon to horizon. In a really cool statement that I never caught before, he writes that, simply put, "the Warden owns the shade." He talks about how dangerous it is for someone to dare to go near the trees, much less in the hammock that hangs between them. Transcendent ownership of this kind, possessing something so intangible sets up the Warden as a really good villain. From the opening description, the reader HAS to see this Warden but won't, not for over a dozen chapters. When she finally does appear, she doesn't disappoint as she thoroughly, exhaustively exerts her dominance on everyone around her...because she owns the shade.
Mason Trupe
While reading Holes the first thing I noticed was that the author would write about Stanley IV in the present then mid-story would write about characters whose actions from the past would later on affect Stanley. He wrote about Stanley's great grandfather Elya and Kissin' Kate Barlow. He tried to make the audience believe that Stanley and his family really were cursed because Elya forgot to follow through on his promise to Madame Zeroni. There were some key world issues addressed such as bullying, racism, greed, feminism, friendship, and child abuse. Something interesting I saw from the reading was that if Stanley would have kept the lipstick tube for himself they would have found the whatever the Warden is looking for and there would be no story about Stanley befriending Zero and reversing the curse finding the money that is rightfully his, and being cleared of all criminal charges.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn Bevel
After reading the first half of Holes, there is one sentence in particular that stood out to me: "If Stanley and his father weren't always hopeful, then it wouldn't hurt so much every time their hopes were crushed". It's amazing how much disappointment Stanley has experienced in his life, and how he simply accepts it. I noticed throughout the story how he is constantly thinking of the "if only's", yet not taking action to better his life in order to change those thoughts. On the other hand, it is admirable how Stanley pushes through and never gives up. Furthermore, he undergoes the hardship without complaint and does not blame others. Having never read this book before, I predict that Stanley's good character and perseverance will be rewarding in the end. I also feel that the novel is building up to a point where Stanley will learn to stand up for himself.
ReplyDeleteMarianna Mercer
After reading the first part of holes I realized that Stanley seems to like it more at the camp than at home. When he is home bad things are always happening to him and he gets bullied. But when he is at the camp he feels like he is apart of something. The kids there have accepted him into their group and even gave him a nickname.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why the author switches back and forth between the past and present story. Why doesn't he just tell tell the whole past part of the story at once?
I also don't understand why Stanley doesn't tell the warden where they really found the lipstick tube. If he tells her where they found it he might also get the day off and they would find what they are looking for.
While reading the novel Holes, I noticed that Sachar did an excellent job of transitioning between the different story lines in the book. As the reader I was interested in reading about the stories of Elya and Kissin' Kate Barlow to better understand how they interlaced. I got caught up in the different worlds and found myself lost in the book. I realized that without the flash backs the novel would have no real plot.
ReplyDeleteIn class we talked about Holes being a middle grade novel. However, I found that it has some young adult tendencies. For example, the adults are found to be greedy, untrustworthy, and lacking compassion towards the boys at Camp Green Lake. Also, the book is rather edgy. It talks about racism, bullying, illiteracy, murder, etc. These facts lead me to argue that it is a problem novel.
MacKenzie Woods
Halfway through this section, i really grew confused one a few things. First, towards the beginning of the of the book, while Stanley was digging, there would be these random back stories to his great-great grandfather. which, by the way, i see how it explained how his family was cursed. However, what does the new back stories with Kate Barlow have anything to do with what's going on? what do either of the back stories have to do with anything going on in the book. On a different note, i feel like the reaction Stanley had by simply telling Mr. Sir that he stole the sunflower seeds is the unfortunate truth for many people today. I'd like to think that i would have stood up for myself in that situation, but i don't think i would have. I can't wait to find out what the Warden is looking for!
ReplyDeleteJacob Poettker
Through the second half of the book, the biggest aspect I notice is that Stanley's character changes. Instead of acting passive and taking the fall for others, he acts out by driving Mr. Sir's truck into a hole and runs after Zero. I notice that violence has become a large theme. The violence of the town of Green Lake causes Kate Barlow's actions of robbing as well as the taunting that Zero continues to get causes him to act out in violence. However, after this friendship becomes the main focus. Stanley and Hector's relationship is definitely evident and important. I find it very funny and ironic that Camp Green Lake gets re-opened to be a Girl Scout Camp since the entire book Mr. Sir reminded the boys over and over that it was not a Girl Scouts Camp. This book was very well done everything seems intertwined and explained at the end. A happy ending!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of the book is when Stanley is laying awake because "he is too happy to fall asleep". There he is in the middle of a desert with only onions and water to survive on and he is happier than he can ever remember. Stanley had finally made a decision of his own to impact his and another's life, and although it had been very difficult, he had succeeded by saving Zero and himself. I believe this is a huge cause for Stanley's happiness and a reason for why he liked himself now.
ReplyDeleteThere was a point in the story that I think adds to Stanley's confidence, this being when he went back to find the shovel and jars and they were there side by side in perfect shape. He is amazed by this, and although this a small thing, every small thing always seemed to go wrong for Stanley in the past. I can see how this would be a turning point for his perspective and possibly help him to realize that the world was not always against him. Therefore, this changed his attitude and gave him the idea and courage to sneak back to Camp Green Lake and dig for the treasure, which of course altered his life significantly and changed it for the better.
Marianna Mercer
I read this book a long time ago and am just now getting back to it. I love how the author transitions from Stanley's time back to his great grandfathers time. It makes you more interested and keeps you up to sped on both parts of the story. I think Stanley is very relatable to many kids that are in the age range in which this book was created to target. I can't wait to finish this book!
ReplyDeleteThe second part of this book was even better. Even though I have seen the movie and knew most of what was going to happen I was still trapped in the story. I like how Stanley continued to teach Zero how to read. I especially like when Zero finally got his revenge on Mom and smacked him with that shovel. I was amazed at how luck Stanley was to have found Zero all the way out in the desolate plains of that desert and that they were able to find refuge on God's thumb which was said to have been a made up place by man who was out of his mind. I think the story's ending was perfect how it tied up the present with Stanley and Zero with the past with Elya and Madame Zeroni. I am definitely going to make sure my younger brother reads this book when he becomes of age.
ReplyDelete