tariq56's Blog

Tariq F.

5-6

Books: Zombie Survival Guide/Zombie Nights/Percy Jackson’s: The Lightning Thief

Author(s): Max Brooks, Tom Lichtenburg, Rick Riordan (respectively)

I think Max Brooks wrote the book mainly to entertain the reader with a humorous book about zombies, turning a growing subject into a funny, tongue-in-cheek, how-to plan about fighting the undead.

I think Tom Lichtenburg wrote the book to counter many zombie stories, as most center around a group of lone survivors this book is about a guy whose life was turned inside-out when he awoke at the bottom of a grave. It displays a living dead man, but he’s not a bloodthirsty flesh-monger like typical zombies. In fact, this guy doesn’t have to eat at all. His human necessities are no longer existent. This book shows a dead man settle into his new life, and maybe find out his forgotten past and how he just ended up in that grave.

Now Rick Riordan’s book involves no zombies whatsoever. His book is a blend of greek mythology and modern pop culture that makes a engaging Harry Potter-esque series of books. He wrote the series to show that even the grandest of heroes can have flaws, as Percy has both A.D.H.D. and dyslexia. This young hero becomes an epic hero despite his doubts, this book shows that enough passion and emotion can move the tallest mountain. It shows that human nature is both dangerous, and beneficial.

I rate The Zombie Survival Guide a 9, Zombie Nights gets an 8, and The Lightning Thief gets a perfect 10. The Zombie Survival Guide gets a 9 because of its detail, humor, realism, and because I honestly love the zombie genre. Zombie Nights gets an 8 because as entertaining as it was, it really ended on a low note, the ending felt rushed and could have played out better. The Lightning Thief gets a 10 because of its powerful story, varied range of characters, epic scenes, well written character development, and that it paves a road of gold for its equally amazing later books in the series to follow

Author: Tariq F.

LAP: 7

Period 5-6

Introduction

Every day, maybe even as I type this report. A teenager takes their own life. It saddens me but this is the reality we live in, I wish for a way to change it, but what can we do to stop it? It may not seem like it but we can at least influence a poor teenager to keep his own life, which in turn might save it. It may take a single day, it make take weeks, months, years, but we as people should not stand around and let young men and women and even small children take their own lives. Even the famous pair of Romeo and Juliet can be a legitimate example. The friar, Romeo’s go-to guy was trying to alleviate Romeo of his love, as it only took shape because of Juliet’s mutual feelings. Had the parents intervened in this situation, the pair might have lived to the end of the play. Now what are the most obvious signs? Obviously that should be a rhetorical question but it’ll be answered anyway. What are small signs that can be classified as unnoticeable? That will be answered as well as we take a look at the disturbing topic of teen suicide.

It may be a troubling thing to talk about but teen suicide is a serious problem and must be dealt with. One of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers is suicide. The Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. Even more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14. It’s a horrible fact but a fact nonetheless. There are many causes that can lead to teenager taking their own life.

What makes a Teen Suicidal?

Violence, depression, anger, jealousy, confusion, humiliation. These are some of the things that causes young teenagers to commit suicide. Some young people suffer to such extents, that it takes a serious toll on their minds, their sanity becomes corrupted and they view suicide and even murder as the key to their happiness. Teenagers are under constant critique and less often than not praise. Whether it’s by their peers, parents, or teachers, teenagers are always judged. Physical appearance, mental capabilities, and other things are always being compared to by a person’s peers. Family often pushes the teenager to achieve a certain goal, although it may be helpful in most cases, sometimes it stresses the teenager out. Take the famous Romeo and Juliet for example, Romeo showed signs of depression and dependency early into the story when he was so caught up in loving the rejecting Rosaline. His near-obsessive feeling for the Juliet was only brought on by her return of affection. Their “love” ended up costing them their lives, as they thought they couldn’t live on without each other. This type of strong feelings are common in teenagers and this exact situation did exist in the real world.

How do we know what to look for?

Teens often show signs of a troubled mind, and of course, suicidal intentions. These signs include drastic and quick changes of mood, giving away personal possessions, depression, and low self-esteem. Like the famous Romeo from Shakespeare’s play. He showed definite signs of depression and even suicidal thoughts in the story, such as when he was banished from his hometown. Although some teenagers don’t show any signs at all, some seem perfectly happy and don’t give off a single hint of suicidal thoughts. They may seem to be even joking about the topic of killing themselves, but take every statement seriously. One must be careful and vigilant when dealing with someone dealing with these mental problems as anything can worsen their condition.

How can we help?

One can prevent suicide of a teenager by simply being there for them. Give them a shoulder to lean on, a friend to talk to. Let them know they’ ll always have that one person to talk to no matter what. Teach them how to properly handle problems. Counsel them, show them that there is another way to handle their personal dilemmas. Sometimes even medication and residential treatment is a necessary solution as it can be a serious mental condition that leads to suicide.

Can Shakespeare prepare us?

I again mention the play Romeo and Juliet as an example in this report because of the sheer potency of its connections into this topic. The feeling of death is always lurking in that play, even when the two first meet there is a sense of “those two are going to die” lofting in the air. Those two show obvious signs of dependency of each other and stating that they’ll kill themselves if they cannot meet. This behavior as flattering as it may seem, is very dangerous. Sadly, those two couldn’t escape fate’s grip and they ended up dying next to each other, both victims of suicide. I hope that this tragedy never manifests itself into a similar situation in reality, as it pains me to say…again. Yes there have been instances of star-crossed lovers dying because of their love.

In conclusion, I hope that suicide ends up as a nonexistent yet tragic history. I hope this report helps you, whether you’re a teenager or an adult. I make a wish as I type this ending, that this report has some impact on reducing suicide, as little as it can be, I wish that it makes a difference.

Emanated: to send forth; emit.

Retribution: Revenge; Action on someone who wronged you

Impartial: Without bias

Aesthetic: Visual; For looks

Moiety: Indefinite part, portion, or share

Leaning on an alley wall

Don’t know what’s behind me, Don’t care what’s going on

I close my eyes and take a break from reality

No mock, no torture, no more making fun of me

I don’t know where tomorrow leads, just 24 hours until somebody bleeds

If that, where the Paramedics at? No one cares about the old guy whose head just met a bat

Insurance money, just the vile honey that irritates the killer bees, brings entire families to their knees

To be honest though, I’m kinda scared on the inside cause when the shots pop…

Outside, it’s run or ride

But the only ride that comes is a hearse, a crying mother, the lady can’t even cling onto her purse

Isolation, may as well be violation of the sanity, I walk in the room

They all stare, just walk away from me

Why?

It was self defense, not my fault your older cousin died

Darkness in the deepest pits of my soul

No knowledge of when I find the last piece when I become whole

When that happens, the darkness will have an enemy, no time to flee…bye…see?

All I needed was someone to find a friend in me.

Ulrich and Zaroff can be compared in many different ways. They both hold high points of respect from their peers. They fear no violence and will kill to protect what in their mind’s are dear. They both have henchmen willing to do their bidding. However, Zaroff kills men because he feels there is no distinction between death and murder. The loss of a life is a loss indeed, whether it’s from a human being or natural means bear no difference to him. Unlike Ulrich, who is conscious of the act of murder, and recognizes it’s difference from natural means. These two men are no so different, but they definitely aren’t equal. One treats men as game, simple hunting material, while the other recognizes lives for what they are.

I think if Roger never met Mrs. Jones, her life may not be so different but his could’ve took a turn for the worse. He could’ve went into a deep life of crime, much worse than a simple purse snatching such as drugs to extortion, human trafficking to prostitution, anything. His desire for inanimate objects could’ve gotten so serious that he would become a violent murderer, burglar, and criminal. His life could have ended in a violent death should he be so unfortunate to try and steal from a killer. I think he was lucky to meet Mrs. Jones, his life could be way worse

Darkness, I know that there is such a thing. The result of much too many evil human beings, it is tragic. The smell of death, disgusting. It is sad how bad this little world’s becoming. My life is dead, and my soul is filled with dread, the blood of violence, turning it from white to red.

All the sorrow, all the pain is starting to borrow my sanity, but worse part is that I never get it back. The rage is beginning to attack what I lack all I’m doing is becoming a plaque with no back. Useless. Nothing there to hang on the wall, I’m tried to see but the black grass became too tall.

I stand on a cliff all I see on this coast is pain, tuberculosis caused the psychosis. Vain, the attempts to bring world peace. The violence rises up like an oven filled with yeast. Psychotic, can be a word to describe how I feel I am sane but my mind is blocked by cage. Its raining, yet all of the water is draining, each drop that hits my mind is like a tie that binds to what I am inside which smothered by mortal strife. What am I? Certainly not a normal being as only confusion, excitement, and question is what I’m seeing.

Standing a million roads I don’t know where to go. I see Dante but there’s no inferno. Can one escape from the pits of hell? If so, who would be sane enough to try and tell? If an angel felt envy could he become a hell-spawn? Or if he died could he ever see the dawn of eternity? Questions, they are very useful things. These poems I wrote are the child of pessimism, yet new ideas spark the idea of optimism. For who could dislike a new idea? Certainly not a normal being. The image is fleeting, I am not the one speaking but it is my mind. Something that’s not with me all the time. Trying to find a rhyme, the frustration can be the origin of crime. Madness from the darkest pit the foulest creatures inhabit it along with sin. Now where else can I begin?…

Turn a B on its side and what do you see?

I see proud hilltops.

The eyes of a evil cartoon character.

Make it lowercase and it becomes a d

There many things a B can be, see?

Use you imagination and it can be anything

The wings of a bee or dragonfly,….batwings?

Come to think of it this is pretty hard..

I could think of so many things of my mind wasn’t barred

Writer’s block they call it, it’s making the subject change

From a B, to me. Man, isn’t that strange?

What annoys me…

Pessimism

Hypocrites

Betrayal

Envy

Racism

Anger

Hate

Lies

Deception

Death

Tears

Prideful Rejection

I am a writer

I am a quiet learner

I am a Freshman

I am a poet

I am a gamer

I can quite random

I listen to different types of music

I am a teenager

I am Tariq F.