WLIRP+JennyY

=World Literature Independent Reading Project =

**BASIC INFO** Quarter 1 2009-2010 Note: In order for your book to qualify it must be by an author from a country other than the United States or the United Kingdom OR the primary setting must be outside of the United States or the United Kingdom.


 * Title: Waiting
 * Author: Ha Jin
 * Author’s Nationality:Chinese
 * Setting (only list the primary settings): China
 * Total Pages: 308
 * Original Publication Date: 1999
 * If your book is translated, who is the translator? If not translated write “NA”: NA
 * Do you currently have a physical copy of the book?: YES
 * If you do not have a physical copy, how soon can you get one? (Write “NA” if you have a copy.): NA

1. If you don’t already, obtain a physical copy of the book and bring it to class when instructed. 2. Become an expert on your book by the end of the first quarter. The quarter ends on October 15th, so you have about seven weeks to complete the book. Keep in mind that you will be reading this book in addition to assigned readings for class, so when the homework load is light read your book. This is also the book you should use for KIS Reads. 3. Read actively by taking notes in the book (use Post-its if it’s on loan), and make sure you understand the main conflicts, how the characters develop, and any major themes. 4. At the end of each weak, write a 100-200 word reflection about your reading. Use your notes or post-its for ideas. 5. Your book will be the basis of a writing project at the conclusion of the first quarter, so keep track of the book.
 * Directions:**

How many pages do you need to read per week to be completed by 15 October, 2009? Week 1: 31 August - 4 September: 0~50 Week 2: 7-11 September: 51~100 Week 3: 14-18 September: 101~150 Week 4: 21-25 September: 151~200 Week 5: 28 September - 2 October:201~ 250 Week 6: 5-9 October: 251~308 Week 7: 12-15 October: Finished : ) You must be completed with your book by Thursday, 15 October, 2009.
 * Once your selection has been approved, fill out the following:**

**REFLECTIONS**

Reflection Week 3
My world literature independent reading project is a bit messed up. I have started reading it, but I wish Mr. Stephens would give us time to actually take our time and enjoy it. Due to other assignments due for english and other projects in different subjects. So far, my book isn't too boring and I'm getting a bit curious. I can tell the theme is based on love and hurt. I really think I will enjoy finishing this book as my reading project. I am interested in a character that the main female character constantly goes to for help. The author seems to foreshadow that something will happen with him as the main female character constantly relates her life to his. I guess I can connect this book to Romeo and Juliet because one of the main themes are love. Already, the main character is deeply heartbroken as her love had abandoned her. She wanders around looking for someone to be able to soothe her wound and deep scar labelled in her heart.

**Reflection Week 3**
I am actually done reading my world literature book! I think the ending was way better than when I was reading the front. The beginning was a bit tedious and distracting. Now, towards the middle of the book, everything got so much more exciting and wondrous. It was the climax you see. Mana had just suffered from a huge love loss. She had leaned onto a man that she had truly loved with all her heart and soul. She had waited for him no matter what costs, but he left her cruelly leaving her shattered. She wandered around, lost, but she finally found a new love who could restart and mend her broken heart. However, she encountered more problems as she fell deeply in another interesting love yet again. She is a young, bright woman that is known for being beautiful. The man she loves is already married and even has a little girl! Obviously, Mana would want to distract this outgrown man and tries to seduce her in ways with her frank love. At the end of the book, it taught me a valuable lesson about waiting.

**PODCAST OUTLINE** **Introduction** The award winning novel, Waiting by Ha Jin Lee, takes place in China. It is about a female character waiting and getting abandoned from a few loved ones. The basic lesson taught is to never make someone wait. It can lead to one's own death.

-Similarities
 * Body**
 * main theme is considered to be love
 * have valuable lessons taught at the end of the story
 * people die
 * many characters become heartbroken

(explain actual details)

-Differences
 * setting - love story in Verona; love story in China
 * between two different family feuds - between two similar work places in a hospital
 * critical themes - waiting vs family oppositions
 * obstacle differences- parent oppositions; man was already married to another man and married
 * lessons: making a loved one wait can lead them to their own death; triggering family oppositions could lead other things to chaos or death

(explain actual details)

I really enjoyed this book very much. It was a bit overwhelming in the beginning because of all the new Chinese vocabulary words and I had to understand the Chinese way of military systems and hospital rules. This took place a few hundred years ago, so it was very different from the China we know today. Their laws were even more strict and severe then they are now. It was heartbreaking at times because the author's sincere writings would lead you to feel as though you were the character. The main character would be lead to hurt very many times. It was very confusing, as love is always ambiguous and perplexing. However, I would still like for my fellow classmates to try this book out because of the carefully thought out composition and intricate story designed.  **PODCAST : ) ** (PS Sorry about my hoarse voice, I'm sick and I tried my best to delete coughs and parts where I had to clear my throat...THANK YOU!)
 * Conclusion**