QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS WHO READ BOOKS

Think of the latest book you have read or the one you are currently reading and answer these questions on your blog or in comment form:

1) Who is your favourite character and why?

2) What is the best scene in your opinion? Describe it.

3) Did the book come up to your original expectations?

Τhe book I am reading these days is 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Gaston Leroux. In a few words, a mysterious presence haunts a huge opera building in Paris and, rumour has it, this is what is the root cause of numerous inexplainable accidents, disappearances and even murders.

The female protagonist's name is Christine who seems to be the Phantom's object of passionate love and the main reason for everything he does. Serious problems start to arise when Raoul, Christine's first love, suddenly makes his appearance after years of travelling in the sea. He persistently claims her love, but the ghostly figure will not let anyone have her and willingly takes the life of those who oppose to his decisions... The incredible thing is that Raoul seems to be eager to pay the price, whatever this may be.

Here is a video that will give you a taste of the magic atmosphere in the book and perhaps tempt you to read this magnificent story with the unexpectedly unfolding events. In case you are interested, you can find this book online:

www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?fk_files=782472&pageno=1




[CHRISTINE:] In sleep he sang to me - In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me - And speaks my name
And do I dream again - For now I find
The Phantom of the opera is there - Inside my mind

[PHANTOM:] Sing once again with me
Our strange duet
My power over you - Grows stronger yet
And though you turn from me - To glance behind
The Phantom of the opera is there - Inside your mind

[CHRISTINE:] Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear - I am the mask you wear

[PHANTOM:] It's me they hear

[TOGETHER:] Your spirit and my voice
In one combined
The phantom of the opera is there - Inside my mind

[CHRISTINE:] Beware the Phantom of the opera

[PHANTOM:] Sing my angel, sing for me.


Students' responses on their blog:

• Nasia on 'Anything Can Happen'

• Eva on 'Anything Can Happen'

• Manos on 'Anything Can Happen'

• Emma on 'Anything Can Happen'

• Fanouris on 'The FCE Blog'

• Maria on 'The FCE Blog'

• Aliki on 'Alice's Adventures'

• George on 'GK Hall'
  

Finally, try completing this online Character Scrapbook about your favourite character in the book. You will have to write ten simple facts you know about this character and also create an image of him/her/ it (if it is an animal!) using some fun tools. You can print your scrapbook page afterwards.