Some final thoughts for Mr. Sonnenblick

Now that we're done with the novel, spend a few moments sharing your final impressions with Mr. Sonnenblick. Tell him what you thought of his book. What did you like? What did you dislike? Would you like to read any of his other books?

Final Reflection

At the beginning of the novel, we discussed what made a great novel. In your opinion, is Notes from the Midnight Driver a great novel? Why or why not?

Coda

At the end of the chapter, Alex reflects on his year. "...somewhere in the course of this year--my junior year of high school, my senior year of childhood, Sol's last lap around the sun--I figured out that we're all free, in the only way that matters anyway. We're all free to choose some people to love, and then do it." (259)

What does this mean to you? Translate this into your own statement about life.

Lastly, which is the most important single word in the above passage. Why?

The Work of Breathing

After watching Solomon struggle to breath as he played the blues, and after having seen Solomon's treasured memories of his daughter Judy, Alex goes to Laurie's house where he encounters a different Laurie than he is used to. Suddenly the roles are reversed and Alex is the one providing encouragement. As he attempts to comfort her, we hear him use the following words, "You know, I just think a child and a parent should speak with each other, that's all." (p235)

Explain the importance of these words to the overall plot/theme of the book. Be sure to refer to every situation in which those words hold significance. Has Alex's attitude changed since we first met him at the start of the book?

Another BIG Idea

We just looked at this passage in another blog entry.

"What is it?"

"Alfredo. It's a creamy cheese sauce."

"Since when do you know how to make ANYTHING, much less a so-called 'creamy cheese sauce'"

"Oh Alex. Gimme a break. People can change, right? Now, taste it already."

"I don't know, Dad. I've been burned before."

What BIG idea does Sonnenblick want the reader to take from this passage? How is this BIG idea developed throughout the novel up to this point. Support your answer with SPECIFIC details from the text.

A Resentful little Metaphor!

Alex continues to battle his confusion towards life in general. From his parent's struggles at the beginning to his newfound attraction to Laurie, his life is a jumble of emotions. We see his conflicted emotions emerge on page 212-213 when talking with his dad.

"What is it?"

"Alfredo. It's a creamy cheese sauce."

"Since when do you know how to make ANYTHING, much less a so-called 'creamy cheese sauce'"

"Oh Alex. Gimme a break. People can change, right? Now, taste it already."

"I don't know, Dad. I've been burned before."

What does this exchange tell you about Alex's feelings towards his father? Are things any better with their relationship? Do you agree with Alex's feelings, or do you think he should lighten up a little? Why or why not?

The Mission

In our class discussions, much has been made of Alex's gradual change from self-centeredness to a more selfless attitude. His focus is less on himself and more on those around him. Yet just when we think he's changed, we see him complaining, "I can't believe you set this up without asking me...You're not asking, you're telling me. And the answer is no. I don't want to be embarrassed again." (p211)

What does this response reveal about Alex? Do you think he has really changed, or does this most recent incident reveal something else. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

A Study in Themes

After last night's chapter, which of the following statements of advice do you think Solomon would want Alex to learn from his own personal experience involving the loss of his wife?

1. Your life should not revolve around music.
2. There are consequences (both good and bad) for every decision you make.
3. A person must take responsibility for his/her actions
4. Life does not revolve around "I" or "Me"


Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Darkness

To this point in the novel, Alex and Solomon have been seperated by a gulf of many decades. Alex is just beginning his adulthood years as Solomon endures his final chapter. Yet despite the generational gap, their lives share many parallels.

As Sol pours out his heart to Alex, he emphasizes his daughter by saying, "Anyway, we had a daughter--Judy. Cute, with a smart mouth. Always with the smart mouth. I was gone too much playing the damn guitar, but I spent enough time at home to know Judy was going to be SOMETHING someday." (172)

For what purpose do you think Solomon would have shared this detail about Judy with Alex? Did he want Alex to take something from that comment? What and why?

A Night for Surprises

What surprised you about what happened in this chapter?

Now that you know about Solomon, reflect back on the previous portions of the book. What details actually foreshadowed what happened at the concert? BE SPECIFIC!

Alex + Laurie = ????????

On page 146-7 Laurie and Alex engage in a conversation.

" I dunno. Steven just looks at her like she hung the moon or something. I think it would be great if a guy looked at me that way. I could see staying together for life with somebody who cared about me that much."

"I care about you that much..."

"Yeah, but I mean a real guy....I mean, you're a real guy, and you're good-looking and nice to me and funny and...umm...I dunno, great. But you're my ALEX. You know?"


Based on this conversation, where do you think their relationship is headed? Is something more going to happen between them, or do you think Alex is going to hear those heart-breaking words every guy experiences at least once in life, "Let's just be friends?" Be sure to use text to support your inference/prediction.

A Deeper look at Alex

After Alex dreams up his plan for a benefit concert, on page 127 he mentally lists 5 reasons why it would be a good idea. What do these 5 reasons reveal about Alex? Has he changed from the beginning of the novel or is his attitude still much the same? Be sure to use text to support your thoughts and observations.

Enter the Cha-KINGS

Throughout this chapter we find a variety of figurative language techniques including imagery, similes and especially hyperbole. For what purpose did Sonnenblick emphasize these strategies so much in this chapter? What effect do these strategies have upon the novel and the character development of Alex? Be sure to use text to support your answer.

Midpoint Reflection

At the halfway point, what do you think we are to learn about life from reading Notes from the Midnight Driver? Explain using specific examples from text.

Author in da House!

***EXCITING NEWS!***

Mr. Sonnenblick is thrilled at your interest in his work and has decided to occasionally stop by and join the discussion. Use this entry to post any questions, comments or observations you have to which you would like Mr. Sonnenblick to respond.

Alex's Mom

I think Alex's mom...(finish the statement)

Explain your opinion? Use text to support your thoughts and impressions.

Alex's Dad

I think Alex's dad...(finish the statement)

Explain your opinion? Use text to support your thoughts and impressions.

Judge Judy

I think Judge Judy...(finish the statement)

Explain your opinion? Use text to support your thoughts and impressions.

"Solomon"

After spending a few hours with Solomon, Alex makes his case to the judge that he should have a different community service assignment. The judge promptly denies his request. At this point, whose opinion do you support? Why?