Amelia Fattore

Amelia Fattore

Thwonk

Joan Bauer

Realistic Fiction

Holiday

Page 42

1. What is going on in your book?

I just started this book and I am meeting the main character, A.J. She is a dedicated photographer trying to make a living from it even though her father disapproves. The King of the Hearts Dance, the biggest event other than prom, is coming up soon and she is determined to have Peter Terris as her date. In addition to getting Peter as her date, she must please Pearly Shoemaker with an amazing picture for the Valentine’s Day cover of the school newspaper, which is described as the most important issue of the year. While driving home from the pizza parlor with her best friend, Trish, she sees a pile of cardboard boxes. Trish urges her to continue driving, however, she stays to look through it. The cliffhanger of this chapter is A.J. spotting a cupid doll in one of the boxes.

2. How do you feel so far about the book?

I have really enjoyed this book so far, however, it is too early to decide for sure. I LOVE the way Bauer describes A.J.’s art. It illustrates a beautiful image in my head every time. In addition, I am amazed at the way she uses A.J.’s photographing as a way for an outsider to have a glimpse into the inside. A.J. takes pictures of Peter, her dream boy as a way to save the moment and cherish him even though in real life he probably doesn’t even know her name. Overall, these first 42 pages have really hooked me and I cannot wait to see what unravels in the next few chapters!

3. What is a theme in your book so far?

Although I am only three chapters into this story, I am seeing a prominent theme of hope. A.J. hopes that she can go to the King of Hearts Dance with Peter Terris, the most popular boy in the school. Although it is not stated, it is also hinted that A.J. inspires to fit in at school yet being herself at the same time. A.J. hopes that she can make a career out her favorite hobby even though her father constantly discourages her. In addition, Trish, her best friend, hopes A.J. doesn’t get her hopes up about the dance as Peter already has a girlfriend and she doesn’t want to help A.J. get over her disappointment. In conclusion, I am surprised to see a theme so early on in the book; however, it makes the book extraordinarily interesting.

4. Who is your favorite character?

Right now my favorite character is A.J.’s dad. Although he has only been in one scene, I take pleasure in his protective manner. A.J. doesn’t realize that her father isn’t saying that her art is bad when he says she should get a real job; he is concerned for her. When he was young he thought the way she is, jumping into the photography business. Unfortunately, he came out a loser, landing in advertising. From the snip-it of the book I have read, I really enjoy A.J.’s father’s role and hope A.J. realizes his objective.

5. Who is your least favorite character?

Although Peter Terris has not physically taken part in any of the book so far, he is my least favorite character. In my opinion, he is described as a selfish, gloating person who walks the school like he owns it. And sadly, this causes girls like A.J. to adore him. He may be good looking and have tons of friends but to me he is a self-centered person who doesn’t care about “lower people” like A.J.

6. What do you think is going to happen next?

I believe that A.J. is going to use the cupid doll she found at the end of the chapter as part of her cover for the Valentine’s Day edition of the school newspaper. This will catch the eyes of self-centered Peter Terris and he may at least talk to her. However, I hypotheses that she will get her hopes up about being asked to the dance and will be completely devastated when he chooses his girlfriend over her. Then, of course, Trish will be left to pull A.J. back together.