strangeriswatching

Person A: Casey Rodenberg Person B: Nicole Guadagno and Liza Peressini Person C: Michelle Melkonian Person D: Kalyn Herburger
 * Week 1**

Person A- Casey Rodenberg Nina Peterson was killed about two years ago by a boy about seventeen years old, Ronald Thompson. Sharon Martin and Steve Peterson met because of his wife's killing, the boy who killed her is being given the death sentence and Sharon feels strongly against it but Steve does not. Sharon and Steve are dating and a huge problem on their relationship is their views on the death penalty. Also, Sharon feels Steve's son Neil hates him. Lastly, the kidnapper takes Sharon and Neil from Steve. One character I can't stand is Sharon, she says she loves Steve but she doesn't know if she can be with him because of his beliefs. You don't see him questioning his love for her just because she believes in something different. Also, she says that Neil doesn't like her, but she has to understand that he was just a little boy maybe only five when he saw his mother being killed. The little boy doesn't want to get hurt again like that and also who wants their mother to be replaced? Boy's from school are telling Neil that no adult wants someone else kids, Neil is only in first grade so of course he is going to believe that. I would mostly say that I feel bad for Steve, he just lost his wife less than two years ago and now he might be loosing his son and Sharon and if it wasn't for Sharon he might have already lost his son.

Person C-Michelle Melkonian Questions: 1. When and Where does the story take place? - This story took place in Grand Central New York, present day.

2. Who are the main characters in this novel? - Sharon Martin, Ronald Thompson, Neil Peterson, Steve Peterson, Nina Peterson

3. What was the main idea within these pages? - the kidnapper kid napped Neil and Sharon

4. What is Sharon's role in this book? - Sharon is dating Steve, she knows he maybe guilty but still defends Ron. She doesn't believe in the death sentence

5. What is Ronald being charge with? - Ronald is being charge with murder of Nina. She was wearing a scarf and he choked her to death.

Person B1 Nicole Guadagno

Quote 1- "It will help clear my head. Oh Steve, how can you be so positive...so sure.... so relentless?" Sharon Quote 2- "He remembered that the sharp breeze was pulling the first dead leaves from the tree and the setting sun accentuated the deep blue of the autumn sky." Quote 3- "Steve frowned. It was hard to remember that at one time Neil had been such a vibrant, happy-go-lucky kid. Nina's death had changed that. He wished that Neil and Sharon would get closer. SHaron was trying, really trying, to break through Neil's reserve, but he just wouldn't give an inch. at least not so far." Quote 4- "Tonight Sharon Martin and the boy would be here with him. Grand Central Station. The world's busiest railroad terminal. The best place in the world to hide people." Quote 5- "But out there with the money...and the eyes gone... and if Sharon Martin was in love with him, he'd bring her with him. "

Person B2 Liza Peressini Quote 1-"This one . . . listen . . . //Connecticut Tests Electric Chair//, and this . . . //19-Year Old Dies Wednesday//, and this, //Doomed Killer Protests Innocence//." Quote 2-"Steve frowned. It was hard to remember that at one time Neil had been such a vibrant, happy-go-lucky kid. Nina's death had changed that. He wished that Neil and Sharon would get closer. SHaron was trying, really trying, to break through Neil's reserve, but he just wouldn't give an inch. at least not so far." Quote 3-"That was when this room was used by the Oyster Bar." Quote 4-"Did she love Steve? Yes. How much? Very, very much. Did she want to marry him?" Quote 5-"He turned the handle of the door and was starting to pull it open when it was pushed in with violent force, slamming Neil back against the wall. Stunned, Sharon watched as a man step into the foyer and with a lightening-quick movement closed the door behind him. Gasping, Neil fell to the floor. Instinctively, Sharon ran over to him. She helped him to his feet, and keeping one arm around him, turned to face the intruder."

Person D: Kalyn Herburger

During book club we went over qestions quotes and discussed many topics about the book. We talked about the setting, time and place. We discussed if Sharon really loves Steve for a while. Also we discussed if we believed if Ronald was really guilty. We talked about the relationship between Neil and Sharon how complicated it is and how many outside factors affect them from getting close. We debated whether it was right or wrong regarding the death sentence. We discussed how hard it is for a yound child to witness the death of his mother and the effects it has. Also, for a while we debated whether Ronald Thompson is a main character or not. He is being accused for nina's death and we were discussing whether or not he would be in the book and a main character moving forward. We talked about the format of the book. All of us said the beginning was kind of hard to understand because every chapter is written from different peoples perspectives. Overall we decided that it it gives us a better understanding of the book this way. For a while we talked about what we think will happen next in the book regarding Sharon and Neil being Kidnapped.

Person A: Kalyn Herburger Person B: Liza Peressini and Casey Rodenberg Person C: Nicole Guadagno Person D: Michelle Melkonian
 * Week 2**

Person A Kalyn Herburger The writing in this book is easy to understand because it is conversational writing. It is easy because we can relate to the writing because it is like the author is having a conversation with us. There are a couple of word in the book thus far that I did not understand but after read in context i was able to get the gist of the word. I think this book is written towards the 8th-9th grade level. I think this because there are many things in this book that need a certain maturity level that is not present at younger ages. Since, this book is revolved around murder and kidnapping the reader has to be able to understand the emotional effects of these tragedies and what effects they have on a family. Also, the writing is easy to understand and wouldn't be much of a challenge for older teenagers.

Person B Liza Peressini Quote 1-"Over the army cot, three enormous pictures were taped to the wall. A young woman running, hands outstretched, looking back over her soldier, terror stamped on her face . . . her mouth a twisted, screaming arc. a blond woman lying by a car, her legs jackknifed under her. A dark-haired teenager with one hand reaised to her throat, a look of puzzled detatchment settling into her staring eyes." Quote 2-"A thrift coat and those boots. Now fully interested, she watched the couple cross the terminal. The bag the man was carrying seemed pretty heavy." Quote 3-"'If you want your kid and girlfriend alive, wait for instructions.' The next three words were heavily underlined. //'Don't call police//.' The message was signed 'Foxy.'" Quote 4-"He was going to attach that wire to the door. Then if anyone happened to come in here, the bomb would be triggered." Quote 5-"Tell Steven Peterson if he wants his son and girlfriend back to be in the telephone booth of the Exxon station at exit 22 of the Merritt Parkway tomorrow morning ar eight o'clock. He'll get instructions of the ransom."

Person B2. Casey Rodenberg Quote one- " Neil gasped, clawing for air, his breath harsh and sobbing. She heard the wheeze in his breath, felt the jerking of his chest. Supporting his head with her arm, she began to tug at the blindfold. "Leave that alone!" The order was sharp, violent. " Quote two- " Funny combination she thought. A thrift coat and those boots. Now fully interested, she watched the couple cross the terminal. The bag the man was carrying seemed pretty heavy. " Quote three- " Thompson's picture was next to hers. A nice-looking kid. Hard to believe he'd been capable of cold blooded murder." Quote four- " How long are you going to keep us here? " "Until Wednesday, Sharon don't as me questions I'll tell you what I want you to know. " " I'm sorry I just don't understand. " " I can't let anyone find you. But I have to be away. So if the door is wired and someone tries to come in... " She was not here, she was not hearing this. This could not be. " Quote five- " I know Kath, why'd we get into law anyhow? Maybe we should have been smarter this tears your gut out. "

Person C Nicole Guadagno Question 1- In the 12th chapter why do you think that the kidnapper was rushing Sharon into the chamber? Didn't want to get caught by a by-passer Question 2- In chapter 13 what is Lallys thought about when she used to teach Phantom of the Opera? What is it an example of? it is an example of foreshadowing because Neil and Sharon are trapped underground under a famous train station Question 3- In chapter 18 why was Rodger so worried about Glenda talking to the FBI agent?Why would she be so upset? Shes not mentally stable, already sick so she couldn't handle it. Question 4- Why do you think the author decided to write in third person? Because there are so many different points of views from the characters. She wanted to get everyones story Question 5- What do think will happen next and why? SOmething will happen with the bomb, the bomb will go off, foxy will find out the the FBI was contacted,Glenda willl figure out who foxy is, someone will die

Person D Michelle Melkonian:

During Fridays book club we had to read up to page 99. We discussed the lady at the train station, Lally who lives there. We foudn this lady interesting because "her room" is where the kidnapper hid Neil and Sharon. We also discussed Foxy, the kidnapper and if we believe that he was truly the kid napper and if he was alone with his crime. Another topic that was brought up was the call to the Perrys form Foxy. Foxy called glenda, the neighbor and made a deal with her to tell steve to meet him at the exon station booth for ransom. He was discussed a lot in this session. Also discussed in this session was Neil. We all felt that Neil went through a lot watching his mom die and the side effects of it. Also we discussed how Rodger did not want his wife talking to the FBI because he felt that she was over whelmed and not mentally stable. We also believe that there is going to be a death in the near future, we believe that it was going to be Ron. Overall, through out these chapters we felt that there was a lot of foreshadowing and cant wait to see whats going to happen next.

Person A: Michelle Melkonian Person B: Casey Rodenberg and Kalyn Herburger Person C: Liza Peressini Person D: Nicole Guadagno
 * Week 3**

Person A Michelle Melkonian The mood or tone of today’s discussion was mainly mystery and a little eerie. At this point in the book the author has really built up the plot and is ready to let out the climax. We were all very excited to find out what was going to happen next and we did a lot of foreshadowing that there was going to be a death in the near future. The eerie discussion that we had lead to talk about things such as what we thought Lally would do when she opened the door to “her room” which combines foreshadowing and the mystery. Also, who Hugh believe kidnapped Neil and Sharon which was a good topic ot discuss and everyone gave there different opinions.

Person B Kalyn Herburger

"We have to, Mr. Perterson. How much did that disagreement affect you personal relationship?"

How would you feel if it was your only son, how would you feel? And then she walked away.

With somewhat uncertainty she pulled up beside the Mercury taking care that her didnt block access to the garage?

"Wednesday morning you and I are going away and Ill leave word where to find the boy."

Was this the way Ronald Thompson's mother was feeling right this minute? Even when it was over for that boy ,shed go on suffering the rest of her life.

Person B2. Casey Rodenberg 1. "He listened. Sharon sounded as though she really meant." 2. "The man ahead of her at the take out counter look vaguely familiar. Why, he was the one who spoiled her plans last night by going down to the Mount Vernon platform with the girl in the gray coat!" 3. "Sharon that man, the bad man who tied us up..." "Yes dear, don't be afraid, I'll take care of you." "Sharon that's the man who killed my mommy." 4. "Don't get too comfortable in there, missy." She thought, "you're going to have company real soon." 5."Because I know the person I spoke to last night, I know him."

Person C Liza Peressini Question 1-Why do you think Foxy likes listening to his victims scream for mercy before he falls asleep? he feels like hes in control. he thives on control. he might have been bullied when he was younger so now he wants control. Question 2-How do you think Marian and Sharon are alike (personality, looks, etc)? they try to please everyone. they aren't anything alike Question 3-What do you think will happen when Steve finds the ring on Marian? they are going to accuse Marian and her husband and Foxy will get farther, but then they will realize their car was stolen Question 4-What do you think will happen when Lally opens the door to "her room?" the bomb will start to go off. she will get Neil out before its too late, it can go off, there might not even get a bomb, someone is going to die Question 5-Who does Hugh believe kidnapped Neil and Sharon? he thinks Sharon did it, like a conspiracy, he think Sharon knows about the money in the Neils bank account because Foxy asked for $82000 which is 200 dollars off what is in the account

Person D Nicole Guadagno During this week we had great and intense discussions about the chapters we were reading. We read up to page 163 and in these pages not a lot happens except the author really build up for the climax. In the beginning we had fun answering liza's questions and stating our own opinion. Everyone got a chance to talk which really stirred up the discussion and made it interesting. Although we might have gotten off topic once in a while, for the most part we did fine. When it came to the questions Kalyn had a lot to say but Michelle disagreed a few times. Casey spoke a little, her quotes were great and Liza talked a lot about what Casey quotes meant. The food was delicious as always and we had fun while staying on task.

Person A: Nicole Guadagno Person B: Kalyn Herburger and Michelle Melkonian Person C: Casey Rodenberg Person D: Liza Peressini
 * Week 4**

Person B: "twenty minutes is a lot when you only have 3 hours and 53 minutles left to live Mr. Taylor" pg. 226

"That was when he knew he had to kill Neil Before he left Carley" Foxy thought.

Sharon. She'd made him come alive again. Because of her the numbness and pain had dissolved like ice gradually melting in a spring thaw.

The whole day had seemed interminably long and an agonizing one at that.

They were coming to close. It was too dangerous. That was when he left New York.

Person B- Michelle Melkonian “He was still protesting when Steve heard the unmistakable sound of the dial tone, Hugh let the phone drop. The “execution is on,” he told them flatly.” Pg 227 “Rodger watched helplessly as Glenda shook her head. Alarmed, he saw that the vial of the nitroglycerin tablets on her table were nearly empty. It had been full only this morning.” Pg 190 “Lally was so upset over the intruders that when she met Rosie in the main waiting room she blurted out the story to her and immediately was sorry.” “The doctor wanted to give her a strong shot, but Roger knew shed never forgive him if he okayed it. Now watching her ashen pallor and the telltale purplish blue lips, were doing everything we an, Mr. Perry, its touch and go…it might be wise to send for your brothers.” Pg 191 “He could hear the high-pitched under current in the voice. The man was violently nervous. If he panicked and ran of without the money he might kill Sharon and neil. With fumbling hands Steve wrenched the neat packets of money from the suitcase, jammed them into the duffle bag.”

Person C- Casey Rodenberg 1. Why do you think Steve would have let Neil talk to that doctor? He thinks it would be good for Neil to let things out and to start to forget things. 2. Why do you think Foxy put a recording of Nina's voice on the tape he gave Steve? It could have been a warning that he was going to kill Sharon and Neil. 3. Do you think Steve thinks Ron is innocent? Yes, we think Steve is starting to think it was Foxy who killed his wife, not Ron. 4. What do you think is going to happen with Lally? We think she is going to open the door to her secret room and set the bomb off that ends up killing everyone including Sharon and Neil. 5. Foxy said no one should notice he's gone but when we find out his real name is Arty and that he is a regular at the local bar how does he think he is going to disappear with Sharon? The guys at the bar might wonder where he is but not worry about it too much but since the FBI is involved they might take notice to his disappearance.

Person D Liza Peressini

During our fourth week of book club, we talked about that foxy, the kidnapper and true murderer, true name is Arty. When Arty got the money from Steve, he made Steve look away so he wouldn't see his face. Steve asked him if he killed his wife, but foxy didn't answer. When foxy gave Steve the cassette of Sharon and Neil, he also put a women screaming and begging for mercy at the end. We believe this was another reason for Steve to belive Sharon was the kidnapper. It is also growing on him that Ron is innocent. We believe that Neil and Sharon will escape and when Rosie comes to scare Sharon off, the bomb will explode and kill everyone in the station. The ring represents forshadowing in the hope that Neil and Sharon will be found. The voice on the cassette was just a recording to some people, but meant much more to Steve. Also, the room means so much more to Lally because she thinks of it as her only place to be alone, her home. The governement does not want to stop the execution even thought they believe they have enough evidence to prove him not guilty. During this weeks discussion, Kalyn talked the most, Michelle did not want to sound like an old lady bu tlaking about the book, Nicole kept us on topic, and wrote down and asked us her questions.
 * Week 5**

Person A Liza Peressini

We would recommend this book to peers because at the beggining of it, you don't know if you like it or not, but at the end it keeps you suspense. It's a great book that kept you wanting to read it. The topic of idnapping is discussed less effectively in other book because this one goes over the top trying to keep the kidnapper not caught till the very end. It shoudl be part of the school's curriculum because it would make the student want to keep reading till they finish the book. Also, it is appropriate for both boys and girls and does not favor one side more than the other.

Person B- Michelle Melkonian “She should have taken a chance and screamed when they were going through the terminal. Better to have risked it then. What time was it? Time didn’t exist. Monday night. Tuesday. Was it still Tuesday? Was it Wednesday yet?” pg 227

“The question. Flat. Direct. Steve felt his mouth go dry. It’s only a hunch, he told himself. It’s probably irrelevant. If I begin this, I can’t stop it. It may cost Neil and Sharon their lives” pg 222

“Neil. She could hear the rasping breath close to hers. He was trying to breathe slowly, trying to obey her. He was trying to breathe slowly, trying to obey her. Sharon heard the moans coming from her lips, tried to bite them back.” Pg 227

“There was nothing to do except wait. Steve and Hugh sat silently in the den as faint, watery light began to filter through the window,. Steve tried to pray, could only think Dear God, they are so young, all three so young, please…” pg 225

“The pain. It was so hard to think about with the pain shooting up through her body. If she could only un - zip her boot. Her ankle was a mess of burning concrete, swelling against the biting twine.” Pg 227

Person B2-Nicole Guadagno

"How would you feel if it were your only child? How would you feel......" It is my only child, Mrs Thompson, he thought"- 222

"Steve. "The warden's been in his office all night, just in case the goveror decided to call. They're shaving the kid now""- 224

"She felt Neil slidding closer to her, trying to comfort her. Neil would be so like Steve when he grew up. If he grew up..."- 228

"He was bending over her. "I could have loved you very much Sharonas i think you could have loved me""- 231

"Hugh waited a long minute after answering. When he did his voice was infinitely weary. "The mortician in Carley who handled your wife's funeral arrangements" he said. /it was 9:35 A.M."

Person C: Kalyn Herburger

Do you think Sharon and Neil would have been saved if Lally had died right away? They probably would have because Lally was the reason they were able to get untied and the door opened.

What do you think sharon felt after making sure Neil got away but then seeing Foxy in the doorway? Terrified, and wondering if Neil had made it out without running into foxy.

Did you think this was going to be the outcome of the book when you first started reading it? If so how did you know? Some had a feeling Lally would die. Knew someone was going to die and she also had a key to they room Others didnt know lally would die but had a feeling someone did.

How would you feel if you were Ronalds mom finding out he was saved? Probably wouldve fainted just like her. would have become so overwhelmed.

What effect do you think this whole experience will have on Sharon, Neil, and Steve's relationship? Sharon and neil will be much closer. Neil and Steve's relationship will grow and neil will open up more to his father. Sharon and Steve will understand each other more and learn they really do love each other and would do anything for the other.

Person D- Casey Rodenberg. During our last book club on Friday we discussed the ending of the book. We discussed how when Sharon pulled the knife out of Lally and used it to untie Neil and told him to go find help on his way out he ran into Foxy but managed to get away from Foxy and find his dad. We also said we weren't sure if Sharon was going to make it at that point because Foxy went back into the room to kill her but Steve and the FBI agents came and fought Foxy back and got Sharon out of the way. It was too late for Lally but she got her wish to die in her room. We also mentioned how Lally is going to get a plaque put up in the train station for being a hero of the day. Also, some of us weren't sure if Ron was going to make it but in the end enough evidence was shown to set Ron free from the death sentence. We all can say from reading the book that Neil and Sharon are going to be so much closer after going through all of that together. We all weren't sure if we liked the book in the beginning but as we continued to read it became harder for all of us to put the book down and we all would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.