Fiction Reading Response on, The Glass Castle", by Jeannette Walls

Everybody has had the epiphany that your parents may have flaws and make mistakes, and not keep their promises. Parents are humans, and they are bound to mess up just like everybody else. As a child, you see your parents as idols and perfect people, but they are not.

The book, "The Glass Castle",  by Jeannette Walls is a remarkable memoir that takes a look into a dysfunctional, uniquely vibrant  family. Jeannette's mom was a  free spirited person who did not want the responsibility of raising a family or taking care of a drunk of a husband. Despite his dishonesty and his foul behavior, he seemed imaginative and fearless to his children until they grew up and saw what a monster he was.  Their mother on the other hand was soon seen as immature and irresponsible. Jeannette and her siblings learned how to take care of themselves and protect each other from the many harms of the world and their situation. Coming to the point where you start to see your parents flaws is very hard to comprehend. 

You may sometimes feel hate, disgust and disappointment towards your parents. Jeannette and her siblings faced many of these emotions because of their parents actions. Jeannette and her sister saved up a lot of money so they could escape and go to New York. Their father stole it, and lied about it. Her sister was furious and refused to talk to him. Her and her sister experienced anger. The countless times Jeannette's dad gets drunk and her mom stayed in bed all day she felt disgusted that her they  are this way. Also when they decided to live homeless in NY Jeannette felt  grossed out by them and ashamed. Lastly when Jeannette's father broke a promise or her mom quit a job, she felt disappointed. She feels like her parents should be more responsible and mature. They should think about their kids well being and their future.

Parents can become very disappointing, and you may not always agree with them and their choices.  Your teen years are the peak years for truly getting to know who your parents are. It may seem tough to cope with them, but they are your parents,and you can't make them change. It is important to understand that just like you, your parents will make mistakes. Also if it seems as thought they don't care for you, don't worry because there is someone out there who will.

Nonfiction Reading Response :)

In the article "Food Fight" by Unknown, tells readers about the powerful protest that happened in the Netherlands. 1000 dutch teens spent an hour or so of their day pelting each other with tomatoes. They did this to show Russia that they are mistaken for thinking they can boycott fresh produce from Europe. The Boycott caused way more overripe fruits and veggies then the Netherlands needs. Although this was a protest most people were having the time of their life flinging tomatoes at their friends. The unknown author wanted to make the readers side with the Netherlands.

The author explains how Europe and the United States imposed trade sanctions on Russia for annexing crimea and supporting Russian rebels. This piece of information was used to make people dislike Russia and dislike how they run their country. Therefore making them supportive of the Netherlands, Europe, and the USA. Also the author made the little tomato protest seem pleasurable and exhilarating. This makes the readers feel the urge to join in too. This feeling of exuberance will ultimately make the reader think that the Netherlands  are correct in having a protest, what they think, and therefore side with them.

After I read the article I realized that other countries other then the USA are having struggles with each other. I also realized that Russia and Europe trade. One thing that I thought when reading was... what are they to do will all the smooshed tomatoes? As I kept reading I learned that the leftover sludge was going to be processed into organic renewable fuel. I did not even know that was possible. All in all, I side with the Netherlands due to the great way the author wrote this article.