Literature Circles Meeting 7

Today in the literature circle we discussed chapters 37-44. I feel I contributed well as a group member. I contributed good topics of discussion, cleared up confusing spots for my fellow classmates, and helped keep the group on topic/moving forward.

My first contribution was in the form of the answer to a question. Alyssa was confused about how Katie "cashes in" her children's insurance. I explained that she no longer wants to have insurance for her kids and their insurance is worth something. Katie needs the money so much that she is willing to give up her children's insurance.

Next I contributed a comparison. Andrew asked about why Katie would tip the waiter at the ice cream shop so much money if she didn't have to tip him more than a nickel. I related it to when Katie lets Francie pour out her coffee to explain that it makes them feel good to be able to waste/give away something.

I didn't just help other though, I had a few questions of my own, too. First, I asked what Katie means when she tells Francie and Neeley that she's going to be their mother and their father. Ariel suggested that maybe Katie will try to treat them the way Johnny did in addition to the way she always has. Maybe Katie will try to show the compassion for Katie that Johnny always has and still love Neeley unconditionally.

Next, I asked about Katie turning down Mr. McGarrity's help. He offers to pay Neeley and Francie in advance to help out the Nolans since they are so tight for cash, but Katie turns him down. I didn't understand this because it wouldn't really be charity considering Francie and Neeley will work for it. Andrew explained that it still feels like charity to Katie and she simply won't have it.

When I shared my passage, Alyssa agreed with the meaning I said it conveyed. My passage tells about how deep Johnny really is and how he notices the little things and really appreciates them. It also tells about how, even though Francie and Johnny have always been their own little "team" in the family, Johnny still kept little things from Francie; I found that surprising.

Once we were finished discussing my questions and passage, I continued to help the other members with their questions. Andrew asked about why Mr. McGarrity tries to talk to Francie and Neeley. I explained how Mr. McGarrity enjoyed hearing stories from Johnny about his kids and his wife and that Mr. McGarrity wanted to have that again with Johnny's kids.

Andrew also asked about Floss Gaddis and why she asked her mom the question about childbirth. Floss asks her mom if having children is worth the pain because she hears Katie's screams of pain while she is giving birth to Laurie.