Staircase of a Thousand Steps

Title of the Book: Staircase of a Thousand Steps

Author: Masha Hamilton
Date of Publication: May 7, 2002
Publisher: Blue Hen Trade

The novel, "Staircase of a Thousand Steps", by Masha Hamilton was a serious and eye-opening. The book is written in the point of view of all the main characters. The main character, Jammana, witnesses many situations, but is ignored or sent away because of her age and gender. Even though she has the power to seen into the past, where she witness others memories like they are her own, she is still ignored. Harif, the second man character, is shunned by his village because he has visions of the future,that is sometimes unclear. The villagers blame him for many bad things that happen. Faridah, the third main character, is also shunned because she could not be with child.

Throughout the novel all three of the main characters are put through many situations. They involve many people, but mostly Rafa, the mother of Jammana and the daughter to Harif. It also involves Jammana's father. In the end some of the characters dies. Another goes to the United States. While the final character stays in the village, even though the village had an disaster. In the end all three of the characters learn a valuable lesson that they remember always.

Quote

“We deserve forgiveness-all three of us. May we be joined on the other side as we never were on earth.” (Hamilton, pg 274)

Before this quote was said Harif is on his death bed and is talking to Jammana. When Harif said this line I thought that old people are the wisest of people and we should respect them, because they hold the knowledge we do not. I thought that Jammana should listen to what he said and fhope that it comes true.

Scar Tissue

Title of the Book: Scar Tissue
Author: Anthony Kiedis with Larry Sloman
Date of Publication: October 6, 2004
Publisher: Hyperion

The book, “Scar Tissue” by Anthony Kiedis was interesting. The setting of this book takes place everywhere, including the Dame Lamas house. Through the book,
you learn about his life and his hardships. In the book you find out that Anthony was a thief, a pickpocket, and a drug addict at age 11. He lived with his mother for a little bit, but stayed with his dad most of the time. He partied throughout his life. He lost his virginity at the age of 12. He became an actor with his dad. Most of his hardships happened throughout his 20s.
He started the band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, just for fun. The band took off on night at a club. After that the band became huge. They had many tours, many
performances and many girls. They were never bored. They had many band members but they always got a new member right away. They created many albums and were known around the world. Anthony went to rehab many times in his life but the final time he stuck with the things that taught him and became truly sober. This book is truly an eye opener; it shows you a life of a drug, before, during and after. I recommend this book for someone who needs or wants to understand any drug addict’s life.



Quote:
“But anyone who comes in like I did in the past and picks and chooses and thinks, “I’ll do it some days, I won’t do it others. I’ll work some steps, but I won’t work the others. I’ll take the call sometimes, but sometimes I’m too busy,” is doomed to failure."

Before this quote Anthony was in rehab for the last time and he thought this after his time in rehab. This quote was what made me enjoy this book, because Anthony was right about what he said, and he got me thinking about my life and I found out that I didn’t put myself fully into certain projects. This quote helped me understand myself and this is why I enjoyed “Scar Tissue” by Anthony Kiedis.