1: Yes as a lot of scenarious is not within our expectations. We would never thought of that.
2: The author would to emphasize on that some people don't succeed in life but they don't need to end their life cause of this as there is still a lot of wouderful things to happen.
3: No, because the mother is a spirit in the story, so I don't think its real.
4: I think that when the author was about to commit suicide of that moment where he say his mother was very unforgottable as I think that when the author was about to commit suicide the person he want to see the most is his mother.
5: I have learn that everyone's life is different, some may have succeed in life but some may not. No matter waht we have to be courageous and face it and overcome all obstacles.

Do you find the book engaging? why?
I find the book engaging as the author to directly write like what the story is like from the begining and gives me the urge o continue reading to find out more.

What specific theme did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?
I think that throughout the whole book the author emphasized about kinship, a mother's love and life. I think that he is trying to tell the reader that your life is very importantand you must treasyre it and that mother's love is very noble. Also the fact that your parents are the one with you throughout your ups and downs so we should treasure and be filial towards them.

Did the characters seem real and believable to you? Are you able to identify with them? To whgat extend do they remind you of yoursefl or someone you know?
I think that the characters were rather believable. When they talked about the mother helping the son after she died, i thought that it really happened to the author. It kind of reminds me of a friend she had togo through alot of tough moments in life but however was still very strong.

Did certain part of the book make you feel unfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life that you never thought of before?
I did not feel comfortable when the author have not been able to stand up for his own mother, even when the mother had done so. I think taht this is how I treated my parents, I have never been thankful about anything my parents had ever done for me, I think that the book tought me to be more appretiative of the things that my parents have done.

What have you learnt from the book?
I have learnt that i should treasure every moment woth my parents and that my life is very precious.

Do you find this book engaging? Why ?
I find this book very engaging to read because the writer always keeps the reader in suspense. That way, i will always want to continue reading the book so that I can find out what happens in the end.

What specific themes dud the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?
Throughout the book, the author emphasized on the meaning of life and a mother's love. I think that he is trying to tell his readers that we must always treasure life and those around you. He is also trying to tell us that there should be mothing more important to you than your own parents because even when everyone else looks down on you, they are the ones who will always be there for you.

Did the characters seem real and believable to you? Are you able to identify with them?/ To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know ?
I think that all the characters in the book are very believable. Even when the author talks about a mother who comes back after dying to help her son, i still think that that was really hapening to the main character. I think that the main character reminds me of a friend of mine because just like the main character, he was also going through tough times in his life and still managed to get through those hard times.

Did certain parts of the book make you feel uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
I did feel uncomfortable when the writer talked about the times when the main character did not stand up for his mother. And even though there were many times the son did that, the mother still stood up for her son. i think i felt that way because it reminded of times when i did not appretiate what my parents did for me. I think that it made me understand that my parents will always be the one who knows me best and helps me in whatever way they can.

What have you learnt from the book?
I have learnt that there should be nothing more important to you than your parents and that we should always treasure our life.

My childhood memory is when I was 7 years' old. That day was Chinese New Year, family members were gather, we made the dumplings together, have a whale of a time. After a few minutes, my family members had just treated me to a sumptuous dinner for celebration. To complete the celebration, we borrowed a hilarious movie from the video library to watch when we returned home. At China, there are fireworks display during the Chinese New Year. It is a pleasant and enjoyable evening which make indelible in our mind.

When i was eight during the end of year holidays my family and i went to Australia for a holiday. We took the morning flight. I remember that we took a huge cab where more than the Seven of us can sit in the cab. I could not sit still in the cab. I also recalled that the cab had a video player and we were watching 'stwert little'.
When we reached the airport, i could not wait to check in and board the plane. When i stepped into the plane i was so excited. The first thing i did was to on the television set. I was watching Dora the explorer and America Dragon. By then everyone in the plane was sleeping except me. When we arrived in Australia, we went to Movie World, Sea World, Hard Rock Cafe, beaches and many more it was so exciting. We went to a vineyard. I got to feed some sheep's there as the owner had kept some sheeps of his own at the back of the vineyard.
It was the most memorable childhood memory,' the first time i sat on Singapore Airlines'.

My most memorable childhood moment was my 7th birthday. I would usually feel very happy and exited even if my birthday was still a few weeks away. But this time, it was different.
Just three weeks before my birthday, my father told me that he had to go overseas for work for a month. When I heard this, I felt very sad. Every year, without fail, both my parents will always celebrate my birthday together with me. I tried to persuade my father not to go but he told me that his trip was already scheduled to leave the following week. The day before his flight, I could not sleep the whole night. I kept on crying not only because he would miss my birthday, but because i would not be able to see him for a whole month. Weeks passed by and my birthday was getting closer and for the first time, I was not looking forward to it. On theday of my birthday, my mother woke my up early in the morning. She told me to get changed as we were going somewhere. Lethargically, I did what she said. As we got into the car, my motehr smiled to herself. Although i noticed it, i did not bother to ask why. After awhile, i started to notice that we were on our way to Changi airport. After parking the car, we went to the arrival hall of terminal 2. Suddenly i caught a glimps of someone walking towards us. When I turned around, I was suprised to see that it was my father! Without hesitation, i ran towards him and hugged him. I could not believe that he would make it back in time for my birthday.
It was really a memorable day.

SHAKILA,COLLEEN,DUAN LIAN Hi! We are a group of cedarians called joy givers. Hope you enjoy your stay at our blog.