Group+5-Per+8

Blue Is For Nightmares

Blue is For Nightmares was written by Laurie Faria Stolarz. The book is 283 pages long and is a young adult, paranormal fiction book. It was recommended to us by our peers. Many of our friends have read and given great reviews about the book on [|goodreads]. One critic says ".[|..I'll assume Ms. Stolarz other volumes featuring color are similar in that respect - Laurie faria Stolarz obviously writes for the young adult, although her writing captures mature attention as well. //Blue is for Nightmares// is a well-crafted murder-mystery, focused on teenagers. Ms. Stolarz knows the teenage mind and habits; she isn't that far from being one herself!]"

With our fascination with witchcraft, stemming from the Crucible, Blue is For Nightmares has a similar theme. The main character is a teenage girl who has the gift of prophecy. However, to save her friend she might have to expose herself. If she exposes herself, what would the world think? The theme of witchcraft is accompanied by an-edge-of-your-seat feeling while reading it.

This book has won Popular Paperback in 2007, American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers in 2005, and American Library Association Top Ten Teen Pick Nominee in 2004. This book, aside from having our friends recommend it, has won many awards geared to teen literature. Blue is For Nightmares is one that every teen can relate to in one way or another.

It was said that this book was, " [|blatantly poorly pieced together commercial rubbish based on supposed 'high interest' factors in teen reads]. " After reading many other review written by teens, we discovered that this book is a favorite among high school girls. The women who composed this quote was a middle-aged women, it appears that she was just not interested in this topic and compared this book to Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer, a book that this whole group had enjoyed.

Meeting 1: 2/4/11
 * //characters//**

Meeting leader: Christina Discussion questions: Jamie Summary: Christina Answering Questions: Cassie

discussion questions:
 * 1) What do you think is the significance of Drea hanging Chads shirt over the broken window? What does this say about their relationship?
 * 2) The shirt that was stolen from Chad by Drea symbolizes her love for him. Even though Chad doesn't love Drea back he thinks of her as just a friend.
 * 3) Do you think that it is a smart idea for Stacey to keep her bed wetting a secret? Even if it might be relevant to saving Drea?
 * 4) I don't believe that Drea's bedwetting is a secret. In her dream she simply got nervous and in reality wet her bed.
 * 5) Describe Drea and Stacey's relationship. Are they best friends or are they just tolerating each other?
 * 6) Stacy and Drea are friends, but only because they are both roommates. She is one of the only people who know about her prophecy ability making them come across as best friends.
 * 7) When Drea talks about Chad and their relationship she says, "never history," How do you think this idea will reoccur in the novel, do you think it will be a problem? (hint: refer to Stacey's crush on Chad)
 * 8) Stacy definitely still likes Chad because of the kiss they had shared together, but is too scared to show it when he comes to her window because she doesn't want to hurt her friend. This will most likely become a conflict in the novel. Maybe Stacy and Chad will share another kiss in future and Drea will find out (this will lead to Drea not talking to Stacy making Stacy not able to protect her friend).
 * 9) Why does Stacey keep Drea's card reading results a secret from her?
 * 10) She is afraid of freaking Drea out. She doesn't want to make inevitable.

Independent Reading Summary **-Mostly we discussed and answered Jamie’s questions this first meeting. We both decided that our favorite character is Chad and Drea. The reason for liking Chad is not only because we are three girls that find him attractive, but he is comical and intriguing. We feel like he has a lot behind him that is to come together in the future of the book. His relationship with Drea could cause a bumpy road between the both of them and her friend, Stacy. We all agree that Drea is dumb for not telling Stacy what is going on with certain phone calls from strangers that might be out to get her. Basically without Drea and her stupidity there would be no story. We like when she gets into trouble and receives secret letters saying, “I’m watching you” and “Only four days left.” Stacy’s prophecy dreams have made her a key role where she is bound to die. We really like the mystery of it all and we are sitting at the edge of our seats each chapter wanting to know what is coming next. The different possibilities of who might be out to get Drea is insane. Usually during mystery books you kind of have a sense of who it may be, but this time it is really unpredictable.** Meeting leader: Christina Discussion questions: Cassie Summary: Jamie Answering Questions: Group

**Questions** **1. What do you find to be the mood?** **The mood is nearing panic and full of suspense. Suspects are starting to emerge, but are soon replaced with others** **2. Do you think the author herself has a favorite character? If so why?** I feel that the author favors Stacy because she is not only the main character, but she is also the heroine and the receiver of powerful spiritual gifts. **3. What does Drea notice about Donovan's change in behavior?** She notices that he is watching her more intently. that before it seemed like a crush but now it 's transformed into someting more. **4. What is the purpose protection spell?** The purpose is give Drea strength because she is afraid of her stalker. The bottle is infused with all the lucky items and feelings that the three girls have. **5. "Love is funny" What does this mean to you?** **It mean that love is ironic. that it's supposed to be serious and mutual, but it doesn't always work out like that.**

Discussion: We discussed how the mood in the story is changing. It is going from calm to suspenseful as the characters try to find the "stalker". the situation is becoming more complicated and the author uses negative language and sarcasm, which people use in situations that they are confused and feel the need to be defensive in. Also more actions take place at night which add to the dark, scary, intimidating mood.

__**3rd Meeting**__

During our last and final meeting we discussed the overall book and if we all enjoyed it. Despite the cheesy ending we all loved the book in the end. A few themes we came up with was, ‘don’t believe in everything you “see,” ‘keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,’ and ‘Listen to your instincts.’ There were many symbols throughout the novel that played major roles such as the famous lilies of death, the letters she received from a secret someone that held death messages, her magic candles, her grandmothers necklace of strength, and the protection bottle she gave to her friend to protect her from harm.

__**QUESTIONS:**__
 * 1) Lilles play a major part in the book. How will the outcome of the story with the lilles affect how you see them in life
 * 2) lilles will no longer be just another pretty flower. they will instill a feeling of dread and make us think of death
 * 3) Do you believe that the dream of Stacy and Chad being together in a sexual way foreshadowing?
 * 4) the two of them seemed really close and i can see their feelings laid out for each other. in the next book i feel that they will be together and that he will have to protect her.
 * 5) What do you think about the death of Veronica?
 * 6) the death of Veronica is tragic, but not surprising. I believe that since she was pretending to receive the notes and that because she was pretending that she was in danger, the danger came to her; which is ironic.
 * 7) what is the significance of the blue candle?
 * 8) the blue candle is used by Stacy to ward off bad dreams. the blue candle wasn't used fully which might signify the fact that Stacy's nightmares may never end.
 * 9) What is the significance of the protection bottle?
 * 10) the significance is that if you believe in yourself and listen to your heart that they will lead you to the right place. Believing in yourself is also following your instincts. I believe that when Stacy found the protection bottle that she finally decided to follow her instincts which led her to Drea.