Story+of+a+Girl+2

//**~** First Meeting:// Laurel Christiansen-Person A (leader) Mallory Griffin/ Brittany Arigot-Person B (quote finders) Jess Van Saders-Person C (questions) Karina Curiel-Person D (summarizer)

__**Laurel (A)-**__ Deanna is a junior in high school. She has been trying to deal with issues and rumors related to the incident that happened to her 3 years ago. The incident was that one night her father caught her doing it with Tommy Webber in the back of his car. Ever since then her dad has been unable to look her in the eye or even talk or connect with her.The other characters in this book are Deanna's mother, Deanna's father , her brother Darren , best friend, Jason , Darren's girlfriend, Stacey , and their baby, April. In the story you are so drawn to Deanna because you try to see how she is dealing with this event that occured 3 years ago. She is a person our age, and dealing with struggles that could happen to anyone of us. This makes you wanna keep reading.

__**Mallory/Brittany (B)-**__
 * Mallory's Quotes:

=
"When I was with Darren and Stacey and April, I could picture us going on forever. I imagined coming home from school to where ever we all live-not at my parents' house, obviously- April would be waking up from a nap, maybe, and Stacey would say, Hey Deanna, thank God you're home. I need a break and you’re so good with April.... Would you watch her while I go get Darren from work? And I'd say Sure no problem, take your time. And I’d play with April, maybe, like an educational game so that she'd get smarter, and Darren and Stacey would come back and we'd eat dinner and I'd do my homework while we watched TV. I mean, I knew it wouldn't be perfect like that all the time, but it would be home” Page 15 ====== ~I think Deanna feels really bad about what happened 3 years ago but cant take it back. She just needs someone to give her a second chance.

=
" Once in a while, though, something little would happen, like they'd be walking down the hall at school holding hands and I'd see them but they wouldn't see me, and first I’d think, God are they cute together! And then it felt like I was watching something suprer private, something that he only has with her. I always thought I knew him better then anyone, but once they started going out it was like Lee was some kind of insider in a way that I wasn't" Page 10 ====== ~Deanna is always left out even when it comes to her friends, and wants someone be there for her. I think she deserves that and should look for someone who can make her feel that way.

"That was almost three years ago. My dad hasn't looked me in the eye or talked to me, really talked to me since." Page 2 ~ To me, this is one quote that shows us part of the conflict early on in the book.
 * Brittany's quotes:

"I mean, a senior getting caught with his pants down on top of an eighth grade girl, by the girl's //father// ("No way! Her //fathe//r? I'd just kill myself")" Page 2 ~ I think this passage really explains the conflict so we can now know what has happened, and the embarrassment and harassment she is getting from it.

"I heard that when her dad caught them, it took her forever to get out of the car because she was getting tied up. What a slut!" Page 17 ~ This shows what others think of her and shows what she is now going through in school.

1.) If Tommy was the supposed "friend" of Darren, why did Deanna say that Darren beat Tommy up? Darren beat Tommy up because Tommy was starting lots of rumors about 'the incident' with Deanna. 2.) Why isn't the Tucker/Julie story not as big as Deanna's story? Tucker/Julie's story isn't as big as Deanna's because both Tucker and Julie were extremely proud of telling that they got caught doing it. Julie told the story as much as Tucker did. 3.) From reading so far, what can you infer from Deanna's behavior around Jason? Deanna's behavior is jealous around Jason because she knows that he as a girlfriend. She wants to be with him, but Jason's girlfriend is also Deanna's friend. With all the rumors and stories about 'the incident' Deanna feels that her and Jason could never be together. Deanna wants to keep her only friendship with Jason, but she thinks that if she tells him, it might ruin their friendship. 4.) What does Deanna plan to do with Darren, Stacy, and April? Deanna plans to get her own place with Darren, Stacy, and April. She wants to get out of Pacifica and help take of April when Stacy and Darren might not be able to. 5.) Why do you think Deanna keeps referring back to the surfer girl? Deanna keeps referring back to the surfer girl because it's her in her own little world. The surfer girl has a big problem, just like Deanna.
 * __Jess (C)-__**

__**Karina (D)-**__ In the first three chapters, we learn about all the crazy rumors that people have made up of Tommy and Deanna. Her dad hates her,because he hasn’t looked at her or really spoken to her since the 8thgrade. Ironically her brother and his girlfriend, Stacey had a baby and live in their mothers basement. Deanna hopes to save some money up to get a place for her, Stacey, April, Darren’s child, and Darren where she can call home. She also writes about herself, but in a different prospective, as a girl lost out and in the sea, happy with her family, especially with her dad.

//**~** 2nd Meeting:// Karina Curiel- Person A (Leader) Laurel Christiansen- Person B (Quote Finder) Brittany Arigot/Mallory Griffin- Person C (Questions) Jess VanSaders- Person D (Summarizer)

In the novel Story of a Girl, it is easy to read. Most of itis dialog between characters and it’s really descriptive. Story of a Girl has vocabulary that we can comprehend. This book can be age appropriate for grades7th to 10th because its trying to send out a message to younger girls about their sex life and how it can affect their reputation as well as their relationship with family or friends. Also, the language is extremely descriptive.
 * __Karina (A)-__**

__**Laurel (B)-**__

" I keep my mouth shut i didnt get involved in their fights.Its pointless and anyway if it takes sides my dad starts saying everyone is against him and it just makes things worse."

~Deanna feels like she its pointless to say anything anymore to her dad.She thinks its pointless to think her dad will ever forgive her.

"Excuse me ," said dad " i have better things to do then this"

~Deanna again feels like her dad doesn't care. When he says he has better stuff to so then to deal with her it shows.

" Is Tommy here every night? "

~This may not seem important but it is. Tommy is always on Deanna;s mind. whether she can help you or not her and Tommy's actions 3 years ago truely affected her life heavily.

"Michel waited outside with me after Tommy left Darren was supposed to pick me up at 10:30, it was 10 to midnight and Darren never showed"

~Deanna wonders sometimes what her and her brothers bond mean to eachother and how it affects their lives.

__**Mallory/Brittany (C)-**__ 1.) Do you think Tommy is being nice to "Dee Dee " or being obnoxious when he sees her at the restaurant? Tommy is being obnoxious because he only wants someone to fool around with. He knows talking to Deanna is bothering her so he's just trying to be annoying.
 * Mallory's Questions:

2.) How does Deanna react when Darren tells her they're saving money for a house? Deanna's upset cause it was her plan to save up for a house, so that Deanna could live with Stacey, Darren and April. She knew she couldn't get upset him or the idea because she never told anyone about it in the first place.

3.) Why would Deanna believe that Michael is gay? Deanna probably thinks Michael is gay because he touched her and acts really sweet to her. He offered to look out for her on the days she works with Tommy.

4.) Do you think Deanna's dad is being to harsh on her? Do you think his attitude is right for the situations he is put in? Deanna's dad should realize it was 3 years ago when his daughter made a mistake and he needs to get over himself. He didn't ask her about it nor did he he even want to hear how she felt and what really happened.

1.) How do you feel Deanna’s mom felt when she said to Deanna, “Most people your age would ask, wouldn’t they. But you and Darren… You have always done what you wanted.”? Deanna and Darren have always done things independently and they have always made hard decisions that have not always been good ideas.
 * Brittany's Questions:

2.) Why didn’t Deanna tell any one that Tommy works at Picasso’s? Deanna didn't tell anyone because everyone would tell her to quit and even more rumors would spread.

In the next few chapters, we find out more about how Deanna feels about Jason and Lee being together. She is very jealous of their perfect relationship and that she is labeled "eighth grade slut" forever. When Lee asks Deanna for boyfriend/girlfriend type of advice, Deanna cannot deal with it considering she sort of likes Jason. Deanna even says that although she really wants to help Lee, she knows that she just cannot be the friend Lee is looking for. We also learn that Deanna gets a job at a pizza parlor, Picasso's. However, it's not the ideal job she wanted to save up money for a house for her, Darren, Stacy, and April. Not to mention that THE TOMMY works there. Of course he tries to bring the 'good ol' days' back up, but Deanna doesn't want to hear it, and of course seeing him brings back some quite graphic memories. Stacy and Deanna's father still fight, and Deanna's dad also keeps bringing up 'the incident' to his wife. In conclusion, Deanna and her father still do not get along, and Deanna realizes that although her mom tries to put the family back together, nothing will ever be the same.
 * __Jess (D)-__**

~3rd Meeting

Jess VanSaders- Person A (Leader) Karina Curiel- Person B (Quote Finder) Laurel Christiansen- Person C (Questions) Brittany Arigot/ Mallory Griffin- Person D (Summarizer)

**__Jess (A)-__** The mood of this book is melancholy. It is not a happy of exciting book, but a sad, struggling story. The overriding emotion is gloomy. For example, Deanna does not get along with her dad. Her dad, Darren, and Stacey are always fighting. Deanna and Lee got into a fight because Deanna cannot be the friend that she needs. Tommy and Deanna have quite a history and him trying to get with her again is not making anything better. Now that Stacey has ran away, April doesn't have a mother.

**__Karina (B)-__**

**__Laurel (C)-__** 1.)How does not having a good relationship with her father affect Deanna's relationships with others? She is afraid to meet new people and thinks that everyone knows her story. She also is afraid that she will never be liked.  2.)Do you think Tommy truly cares about Deanna? Why does she think he raped her? She says he raped her just to get an apology out of him. We think somewhere deep inside he really does care about her and only told the story to everyone to get attention, not to ruin her life. 3.)Why did Stacey run away? Stacey ran away because Darren only thought that she looked 'alright' when she died her hair. Although he said it looked nice, you could tell the Darren didn't really care much. She also ran away because she had too much on her shoulders.  4.)At this point in the story, what does Deanna want from Tommy? A relationshp? Deanna wants a relationship with Tommy because they have been through everything together. However, she does not want to go through any more trouble again. She is afraid everything will happen all over again. 5.)Do you think Deanna wants to be with Tommmy or Jason more and why ? She wants to be with both and by getting back with Tommy, Jason will be off her mind considering he already has a girlfriend. She does want Jason more though because he believes in her and would truly love her for her.

**__Mallory/Brittany (D)-__**
 * Brittany's Summary- In this passage, Deanna sees the realization of what living with Darren, Stacey, and April will be. She thought life would be fun once they got all their money together to buy their own place; however seeing what her future might look like with them is not looking too positive. After Stacey running away, Darren’s and Stacey’s future wasn’t looking too good.However, on a positive note, Deanna has started talking to her Dad more often. This will hopefully lead to a positive outcome to the story.
 * Mallory's Summary- In this Chapter of Story of a Girl, Deanna begins to realize what's happening with her job, friends, and her family. Deanna finds out that she really wont be able to move out with Darren, Stacey, and April after all because they want to do this on there own. She also starts to see how her dad is slowly starting to change and warm up to her. Deanna knows her mistakes with Tommy and is trying not to go down the same road and her dad is beginning to call her by her name and not just "her" or "it". The changes in these chapters will effect the rest of the story because now we know how Deanna feels about her relationship Stacey, how hurt she still is when her dad doesn't even look at her, and how she feels about Jason.

~4th Meeting Brittany Arigot/ Mallory Griffin- Person A (Leader) Jess VanSaders- Person B (Quote Finder) Karina Curiel- Person C (Questions) Laurel Christiansen- Person D (Summarizer)

**__Brittany/ Mallory-answered together- (A)-__** 1.) What are some of the themes and images that are used?
 * The book, Story of a Girl, contains many themes and images that were presented throughout the book. Some themes include forgiveness, loyalty, be careful of your actions, and you cant forget the past.

2.) What do they seem to represent?
 * They represent the maturity of relationships as young adults.

3.) Why do you think the author uses these images to convey his or her meaning?
 * Most of what the book is about relationships. Almost every character has problems such as Lee and Jason, Mom and Dad, and Darren and Stacey, Deanna and Tommy. I think the author is using descriptive writing to show how each character is feeling. The author is forcing the reader to picture and think about the real situation and emotions of each person.

**__Jess (B)-__** 1.) pg. 130- “ I woke up to an empty house, which normally I wouldn’t mind. Normally, that would be preferred method of entry to any given day. But nothing was normal.”  This quote means that although Deanna wishes she could avoid everyone in her family every single day, she still misses not seeing them. She also feels bad that her family is not a ‘normal family’. Everyone fights all the time and hate each other.  2.) pg 136- “ ‘Good idea,” I said, but hesitated before selecting the amount of withdrawal. What if Darren had changed his mind? Maybe he still needed me.” In this quote, Deanna is still hoping for things to change between Darren and Stacey. She wants them to get past their problems and then they could all move into a house together. 3.) pg. 140- “Tommy was Tommy,” I said. “I was me”.’  Deanna is realizing that Tommy was not the best boyfriend material, but she is now realizing she was stupid and did all of those things with him. However, because she realizes this, she feels like a tramp.  4.) pg. 147- ‘If I ever met the girl on the waves, this is what I’d tell her: Forgetting isn’t enough.’ Here, Deanna is saying that she knows no matter how hard she tries to forget or how long ago her ‘big mistake’ was, forgetting is not enough. In other words, there will always be someone, or something somewhere that will remind her of what she did with Tommy. Also, many people she knows always bring up the situation. 5.) pg. 148- ‘ “Did he quit or what?” I asked. Michael looked up and slid his glasses down to the tip of his nose. “Who, Tommy? I hope not. He said he was sick.”  When quoting this to Michael, Deanna really hopes that Tommy is okay considering he did not come to work. However, the only reason he did not is because of what words between him and Deanna that were exchanged just the night before. However, Deanna does not want to show affection for Tommy in anyway towards Michael. Therefore, saying what she said makes it seem that she hop Tommy quit when deep down inside, she doesn’t.

**__Karina (C)-__**

**__Laurel (D)-__** These couple of chapters were very interesting. One thing Deanna did that was interesting is that she kissed Tommy. After kissing Tommy, he was not at work the following day. Tommy’s friends touched her inappropriately also. She was very upset by this. Deanna decided to kiss Jason, too. After they kissed Jason asked her to leave, not in a mean way but in an "I don’t know what to say this is awkward way". Finally, Stacey came home. Darren told Deanna to tell Stacey to leave. He didn’t want her there anymore. Deanna told Darren that she wasn’t going to get involved. Everything with her dad stayed the same, nothing happened or progressed.

~5th Meeting Laurel Christiansen- Person A (group leader) Brittany Arigot/ Mallory Griffin- Person B (quote finders) Jess Van Saders- Person C (key questioner) Karina Curiel- Person D (summarizer)

__**Laurel (A)-**__ Our group discussed the final reflection on the book today. We all agreed that we would recommend this book to our peers. We would recommend it to peers because its a good book and it can relate to kids our age. There are some books that has the same topic discussed in other books we jut haven't read them.We think that this book should be considered a part of the school district because it is a book that can relate to kids and be used as guide sort of to kids in similar situations.

__**Brittany/ Mallory (B)-**__ Mallory's Quotes

"Ray," Mom said, turning to Dad, "say something." "What? What am I supposed to say?" Darren and i watched Mom, me trying to stifle my sobs to something less animal-like. "Tell her you love her," Mom whispered. "Tell her." "I...of course." Dad looked at me. My dad, my father. He wanted to say it, I knew. "It's....." His hands dropped to his sides, and he walked out of the kitchen. A few seconds later we heard the front door open and close, then the sound of the car starting pulling away."

-page 159- This quote shows how Deanna's dad is trying to forgive her and is trying to forget why he was mad at her. This helps break the silence between them and gives them more of a reason to grow closer. Lee came back and sat at the table. Her eyes welled up.

"Lee...," I started, helpless. "Don't," she whispered. "Just don't say anything." She lifted her head, looking right at me. "It's okay," she said, quietly. "It's okay." She wiped her sleeve across her face. "Let's get some of those cinnamon thingies. I'm still hungry."

-page 178- This shows how much Lee is trying to be okay with Deanna's mistake. She knows that Jason and Deanna kissed and shes trying to let it go and move on because they're both her best friends. Lee is trying to take her angry out on everything but them which makes her seem like shes really going through something tough for her.

Brittany's Quotes

Page 157- ““I don’t think it’s funny,” I said. “I think it sucks. I think it sucks that you think I would actually sleep with my forty-six-year-old boss. It sucks that’s what you think!” I’d started crying, of course.” ~ This shows how Deanna sees how her father assumes how she would do inappropriate actions with her boss.

Page 179- “I gotta go.” I hung up on Jason and sat on my bed. How could she do that? What kind of a person just said, Yeah, okay, you kissed my boyfriend. It’s cool. What did it mean? Were we still friends? We couldn’t be, I thought, there was no way. Not now that she knew the truth.” ~ This passage shows that Deanna can’t be true to her friend. She want to tell Lee herself but Jason already told her.

__**Jess (C)-**__ 1.) If the book had more chapters and continued, what do you think would have happened with Deanna and her dad? 2.) Did you feel that the book should have ended with Darren, Stacey, and April moving out without Deanna? 3.) What made you KNOW that Lee knew that Deanna kissed Jason before Deanna told her and before we found out that Jason told her? 4.) Do you think Tommy really does feel any different since Deanna said that she forgives him? 5.) Why did the book end the way it did? Did you like it? If yes, state why, if not, also state why.

__**Karina (D)-**__ In the last few chapters we find out that Darren and Stacey move out. Deanna's relationship with her father also is getting better and better, little by little than it was in the beginning of the chapter. Lee also finds out that she kissed Jason and is upset but tries to act like it was okay even though it killed her inside.