"Africa" by David Diop (Senegal)

This piece of literature was sad. It described the many struggles of the African culture.

They used to be a big beautiful rich country. But now thanks to the europeans

 robbing they are poor. It describes the hardships of the people

when they were conquered. Which changed their lives.

But they are overcoming their struggles

to once again become the great

beautiful country they once

were.

By: Rafael O.

"The Last Judgement" by Karel Capek (Czechoslovakia)

This story is mainly about a serial killer who gets sent to heaven. But he is there to be judged. The witness that the judges cal is God. He tells them all of his sins. To me this story tells me that Czechoslovakian people are really into all that heaven and hell stuff. But they believe that God doesn't judge you. For if he were to judge you it would make it difficult since he knows all of your sins and your good deeds.

I think that the consequences for living a bad life is being sent to hell. You shouldn't have to be judged if your a criminal, just get sent to hell right away. My opinion on "final judgement" is that it really isn't necessary. I kinda do believe in Karma. What goes around comes around, it's the way the world keeps it's balance. Humans shouldn't be mean and inhumane to other humans because it's wrong.

By: Rafael O.

“First Confession” by Frank O’Connor (Ireland)

This story is about a little boy that is about to do his first

 communion. But first he has to do his first confession. What I learned from this piece of literature is that people from Ireland are really religious. They care a lot about being Catholic. Some can also be two-faced such as Nora, who is the main characters older sister.

When I go to church we have to usually stand up, kneel down, then stand back up a lot. For every holiday they have a little party in the basement. They usually have some sort of singing or dancing competition. During the service no one talks other than the priest. The church I "go" to is all Catholic.

By: Rafael O.

"Night" by Elie Weisel (Germany)

This book explains the life of Elie Weisel during the holocaust. It is very detailed which makes it that much more difficult to read. The images that you get in your head while reading the book are just horrifying. Practically the book tells me that Germany is not somewhere you might want to visit. It also describes the concentration camps where him and his father were sent too.

I might remember everything that happened in the book. The images that will always stick with me are the babies being thrown in to fires. This book made me change my way of thinking. The saddest part was probably where the guy had to throw his own father into the furnace in the Crematory. The most horrifying and angering part was when the babies were thrown into the fire.

By: Rafael O.

"Central Station" (Brazil)

From the movie I think Brazil has really strict rules. For stealing you may lose your life. But there are also a lot of scammers. They lie about doing a service for you just to get your money. There are also people willing to sell kids. Most people only depend on themselves which is why they steal and lie a lot

At the beginning Dora and Josue had a bad relationship. But as the movie kept going their relationship got better. Family is very important. They are the people who will always care for you no matter what. Families should "stick together", because if they separate it would set a heavy burden on the kids.

By: Rafael Ortiz

"The Youngest Doll" by Rosario Ferre (Puerto Rico)

What this piece of literature says about Puerto Rico is that some people there care only for themselves. They will do what they have to do in order to survive or just make money. An example from the story is when the doctor tells his son that the only reason he didn't remove the prawn, was so that he could get some of their money. According to the piece of literature some people are also greedy.

The scariest movie I've ever seen was Paranormal Activity. It was scary because they used real life footage for the movie. The characteristics many horror films share is the music and sound effects. They are used to create suspense and fear.  

By: Rafael Ortiz

"No Dogs Bark" by Juan Rulfo (Mexico)

I learned that Mexico could have very dry land or wet land depending where you are and the season. Some of the kids there often go against their parents wishes. They turn to a life of drugs and crime. Due to the bad relationship the kid and his dad had in the story the kid ended up dying. One problem in Mexico is the lack of medicine. If you have an infection it might be hard for you to find the medication you need for it.

If I become a parent, I'm going to be a good one. I would give my kids anything they want because I don't want them to think I'm a bad parent. If he/she where to misbehave I would deal with them in whatever way seems best at that time. I would not be like Ignacio's father due to the fact that they had are a very bad relationship.

By: Rafael Ortiz