Journal Response #1

What is your initial impression of the novel after reading the first pages? Does this seem like a novel you will relate to? What has sparked your interest so far?

This novel began in a way that sparked my interest on the first page. I could relate to many of the points that were disscussed, even in the first paragraph. I could imagine how he felt when he talked about his parents being in a bloodless battle about his future or how everyone discovers their own truths. It reminded me of how unsure our futures are and how we can choose to be what we want. I like that this novel is written about the life of a teenager, something we can all relate too. Homer H. Hickam Junior was a normal person but through his hard work he became something greater- an inspiration.

This novel is a mix of all the ups and downs of life. It teaches to have hope and confidence in ourselves and it shows us that hard work always wins out in the end. I found this message very inspiring because of its signigicance in my life. I learned that no matter what anyone says it doesnt matter because I have the power to control who I am. By making excuses or giving into the pressure of others we stop progressing. I want to be the one controlling my actions and living my life. Sonny's experience helped me look ahead to what I can be in the future and who I want to be.

Sonny's friendships with Roy Lee, Sherman, Quentin and O'Nell really impressed me. Through all of their differences they always stuck together. The cared less about what everyone else thought about their group than about sticking together. They adopted Quentin without protest and they believed in Sonny. They cared about their successes and failures but they stayed focused on their goals. Their personalities were opposite and still they found a way to connect and make life long friends. The way Sonny described each of them taught me about each persons individual worth and the importance of sharing our lives with others.

October Sky has taught me a lot about going forward with confidence and faith in myself. From Sonny's dedication and his mother's support I learned that failure is a barrier we have to push through. I learned that building on the gifts we are given is the only way to move forwards and improve. Wishing we are someone else will not get us anywhere, but like Sonny we have to grab on to a dream and never let it go.