Pages: 0-33
Prompt: Real or fake
Comments: Abdiel, Marisa, Steven
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| Alden Niel Barrett |
The story is based off the real life human being of Alden Niel Barrett. He was born on September 4, 1954 and died on March 13, 1971 at the age of 16 from a self inflicted gunshot in the right temple. He suffered through depression in his teen years and rebelled against the Mormon religion. Alden was a very intelligent person and enjoyed to write poetry. Jay's Journal follows his story but it added parts that left the family in shock. The story says that the it follows a story of drugs, Satanism and suicide. Not at all did Alden get involved with witchcraft or Satanism like the story says. I also learned that Beatrice Sparks only used 25 real entries out of the 212 that are in the "journal." I think that she shouldn't have said it was his story because it makes him and his family look terrible!
If this were an all fiction piece, I would say that it is a pretty good book. What I enjoy reading about this story is what "rebellious teens" did in the 60s-70s where this story takes place. How are kids now and back then different? I wouldn't say that much has changed. There are a lot of drug involvement between the teenage characters and I think that things are still that way.
I have noticed that recently you have been reading several realistic fiction and biographical pieces. To me this is very interesting, due to the fact that I find it very difficult to truly enjoy these type of writings. I feel that the way you speak of them in your blog, despite my previous sated feelings, allows them to truly be enjoyed. Through your blog I feel that the usual idea of non-fiction is somewhat stripped away, and you can truly begin to understand this type of genre. I love the fact that you were able to juxtapose between teenagers now and then I feel that it makes relating to those in different type periods much easier. Overall, I truly did enjoy your blog and I hope you enjoy the book!
ReplyDelete-Maria