Reading Skills: Misery

     The book I've been reading is Misery by Stephen King. This book is about a well known author, Paul Sheldon, who is help captive by his crazed "Number One Fan", Annie Wilkes, after she breaks both his legs with her car. Wilkes soon gets Sheldon addicted to powerful pain medications and uses this as power over him.

     Predictions: I believe that throughout the course of the book the conflict between Sheldon and Wilkes will escalate violently. Sheldon will attempt to stop taking the medication even though he is hooked on them because of the power it gives Wilkes. The relationship between Sheldon and Wilkes will  develop into a dog-eat-dog one. I predict the book will end with one of them dying.

     Questions: Why does Wilkes have such a fixation with Sheldon? What did Wilkes do before? Is Wilkes mentally ill? Will Sheldon escape? Will someone report Sheldon missing? Will Wilkes allow Sheldon to leave? Was Wilkes stalking Sheldon? Will one of them end up dead? Is Sheldon being held for ransom?

     Text to world connections: In the news we often hear stories about celebrities being harassed and threatened by fans. After witnessing what I have titled "The One Direction Craze of 2012-2013", the events of Misery seem extremely plausible. As a society, we are all absolutely obsessed with celebrities. I believe Wilkes may have celebrity worship syndrome because of how much she knows about Sheldon (celebrity worship syndrome is characterized by obsessing over the details of a celebrity's life). This causes me to believe that she may have other forms of mental diseases and should be recieving medical care.

     Text to Text connections: In an episode of CSI: New York, the son of a well known wealthy business man is kidnapped and held hostage for ransom. He was targeted because of the wealth his family has. I believe this could also be a factor in Sheldon's kidnapping.

     Text to self connections: I relate to Sheldon in the fact he is almost completely helpless and has no control over the situation he's in. He has to rely on Wilkes for survival and the pain medication he is addicted to. This is part of the reason why he cannot escape. I can relate to this because I am not old enough to live by my self and I do not have a job so I have to rely on my parents in most aspects of my life. I relate to Wilkes because she enjoys having complete control over Sheldon and the entire situation. She uses his injuries and addiction to pain medication to ensure this. I can relate to this because since I do not have much control in my life, I enjoy the occasions where I have control over other people.