Part 1: Chapters 1-8
Discussion Director: Colleen Major
(For those who are mathematically challenged, like me, that means I’m thirteen now.) (1)
Then no one would know that I couldn’t solve the problem. (1)
I put down the white piece and began rewriting each number on the board in its correct color. (1-2)
Now I became confused. Wasn’t it obvious what I meant? (2)
Of course numbers had colors. Were they also going to tell me that letters and sounds didn’t have colors? (3)
Even at eight years old, I was smart enough to realize that something was very wrong and that until I figured out what it was, I’d better not get myself in deeper trouble. (3-4)
Mrs. Lowe made me clean the erasers for a week and apologize in front of the whole class for taking up their time with my nonsense. Those were her words, not mine. (4)
I like the poster because it is in black and white to everyone else, but inside my head, it’s in color. (5)
The color of the leaf is exactly the same color as Jenna’s name — a bright, shimmering shade of green with some yellow highlights. (7)
“There’s a lot of weirdness in your family,” Jenna says, picking at a scab on her elbow. She doesn’t even know about my own personal brand of weirdness. (9)
The color and shape of a hammer hitting a nail has become such a part of my existence that I barely notice it. I can see right through the color-bursts, but they still distract me from whatever I’m doing. (12)
“Otherwise, some of us will be living in the past and some in the future. In the very same house! Can’t have that. Very bad.” (14)
I put my hands over my ears and shut my eyes to stop all the colors that are bombarding me. (15)
If I had been prepared, I would have been able to anticipate the onslaught, but now it is overwhelming and I feel like I’m suffocating. (15)
The colors immediately and gently flow over me, energizing me, reminding me that I can still enjoy them. (17)
I named him Mango because the sounds of his purrs and his wheezes and his meows are all various shades of yellow-orange, like a mango in different seasons. (19)
The word friend is turquoise with a glow of glossy red, but the word amigo is yellow with spots of brown, like an old banana. I just can’t get my brain to connect the two words. (28)
“It’s purple with orange stripes,” he announces, his voice more assured now. “I like it a lot.” Still smiling, I shake my head and say, “No, silly, it’s candy-apple red with a hint of light green.” And then what he said hits me. My smile slowly disappears, and my heart starts to pound. (29)
The fact that he might be crazy doesn’t make me any less crazy. (34)
“Well, I at least hate the first day of school. Everyone’s trying to impress everyone else.” (37)
History is one of my favorite subjects because I’m good at it. Once I learn the date of a certain event, I can easily remember it by its colors. I remember names the same way. (38)
The voices and laughter of a hundred kids and various CD players echo off the linoleum walls and fill the air with a collage of colors. It makes it hard to relax and talk to my friends, but the only other option is to sit outside alone and I don’t want to do that either. (40)
Normally an x is a shiny maroon color, like a ripe cherry. But here an x has to stand for an unknown number. But I can’t make myself assign the x any other color than maroon, and there are no maroon-colored numbers. (41)
Spanish class isn’t any better. I try to match the colors of the English words to the new Spanish words. Hello and hola works fine. Mother and madre is a bit of a stretch, but it is close enough that I can remember it. Boy and chico doesn’t work at all. Neither does girl and chica, good and bueno. Adiós and good-bye to the honor roll. At least I know that one. (41)
I’m going to be so normal that when people look up normal in the dictionary, my name will be there. (43)
Reading always makes me tired because sometimes I get so caught up in the rainbowlike colors of the words that I have to read passages over and over. (44)
“I wasn’t lying. Numbers really do have colors for me. So do letters and sounds.” (46)
I know how frustrating it is to see something differently from someone else, or in my case, everyone else, and I feel sorry for her. (50)
I know what I’m supposed to do to solve the equations; somehow I just manage to get all mixed-up in the middle. (54)
it will be best if you see a psychotherapist... “So he thinks I’m crazy too,” (57)
After all, my colors and shapes may not be around much longer if I can actually find a doctor to cure me. (60)
“Middle children are in an unfortunate position. They get neither the privileges reserved for the first born nor the special attention specific to the baby of the family. Do you follow me?” (67)
“A child may devise an elaborate plan to get his or her parents’ attention,” she explains. “Something that will make her stand out from the other siblings.” (67)
If Mia’s problem is real and not in her imagination, then a neurologist will be able to test her brain functions.” (69)
He said that since you’ve had this condition your whole life without any other neurological impairments, he can rule out diseases such as epilepsy or tumors.” (71-72)
But you don’t know what it’s like finding out something might be wrong with someone you care about. I’ve been there before, and believe me, it’s really scary.” (73-74)
“No one’s going to make fun of you,” Jenna says. “They’re just curious, that’s all.” (74)
I have to admit it isn’t all bad. Kids who totally ignored me before are clamoring to talk to me now. It would be more rewarding if it didn’t have the overtones of a circus sideshow. (78-79)
My mother doesn’t waste any time. “Can you tell us what’s wrong with her?” Jerry smiles gently. “There is nothing wrong with her.” (82)
“Mia, you don’t have a disease. You don’t even have a problem, exactly. What you have, based on what your mother told me, is a condition that is harmless. It’s called synesthesia.” (82)
Imagine that the wires in your brain are crossed, not literally of course. In your case, your visual and hearing senses are linked. The visual cortex in your brain is activated when your auditory cortex is stimulated.” (83)
If a piano isn’t tuned right, I can tell because the colors will be off.” (84)
“Mia can train herself to make different mental connections by narrowing her focus and concentration. It will likely happen automatically as she gets older. Are you sure no one else in your family has this condition? It’s often hereditary.” (85)
I quickly correct myself. “I mean, I can’t imagine life without my colors.” (89)
“For the consideration of all you synesthetes out there, all the text on this Web site will be printed in black type. Many of you colored-letter folk have complained in the past how frustrating it is to read in a color that doesn’t match your own letters, and we aim to please. Remember, one person’s green r is another person’s turquoise!” (95)
Already I feel a sense of belonging with these people. (96)
All those people in their black-and-white worlds — they have no idea what they’re missing. (98)
Connector: Patrick Conway
“Beth is sixteen and in the process of wearing out parents’ patience. She changes her hair color the way normal people change their underwear.” (Mass 9)
There was always that one person in school that was always changing their hair color. “It was Jenna’s idea that I bring my grandfather a present on the one-year anniversary of his death.” (Mass 11)
When my grandpa died, a year after he passed the whole family went to the gravesite and brought him gifts.
“If he isn’t lying, if he really sees my name that way, then everything I thought I knew about myself is wrong.” (Mass 37)
This is why I love the best buddies program at my high school, it makes sure that students who are a bit different don’t feel that different.
“History is one of my favorite subjects because I’m good at it.” (Mass 48)
I love History
“Before the teacher comes in, kids rush over to my desk and begin firing questions at me.” (Mass 97)
Whenever there was drama in middle school, everyone was talking about.
““Good-looking too” she adds.” (Mass 113)
My mom would always have no fear telling us when she thought someone was attractive.
- Mia remembers a time when she was called a “freak” in her childhood. Is there a name or incident that stood out to you in your life?
- Do you know anyone with synesthesia?
- How do we as teachers provide resources for these students?
- What is Mia’s disability? What does the disability entail?
- What is the problem with how the students, teacher, and principal reacted to Mia when she was eight?
- Why is the poster in Mia’s room important to her? (hint: it is a black and white poster to us)
- Why is exploration and imagination so crucial to childhood?
- If your name was a color, what do you think it would be? Why?
- Do you believe in superstitions like Mia’s brother Zack?
- What happens when her dad hammers?
- Mia collects clocks. Did you collect anything as a kid?
- Explain the clock incident. How did it make Mia feel?
- What impact did her Grandpa make on her?
- What happens at the grocery store? What did it make Mia realize?
- What are your impressions of her teachers and/or peers?
- Is there a better solution to the lunch dilemma? What about for people who have sensory overload?
- Why is reading hard for Mia?
- How did telling her best friend Jenna go?
- Mia says to her mom: “I won’t worry if you won’t worry” (88). How does this relate to teaching and emergency situations or student frustration?
- How was everyone finding out at school affect Mia?
- How do you picture a calendar year? (page 105)
- What are the benefits of this condition for Mia?
- How was the website Jerry recommended helpful?
- With this thought: “All those people in their black-and-white worlds- they have no idea what they’re missing” (122), why is a disability or condition negative? Maybe the difference makes their lives better and perspectives unique.
- Do you think Mia will find Billy Henkle?
- Team Rodger or Team Adam?
- Was what Mia did for her surprise math quiz cheating?
(For those who are mathematically challenged, like me, that means I’m thirteen now.) (1)
Then no one would know that I couldn’t solve the problem. (1)
I put down the white piece and began rewriting each number on the board in its correct color. (1-2)
Now I became confused. Wasn’t it obvious what I meant? (2)
Of course numbers had colors. Were they also going to tell me that letters and sounds didn’t have colors? (3)
Even at eight years old, I was smart enough to realize that something was very wrong and that until I figured out what it was, I’d better not get myself in deeper trouble. (3-4)
Mrs. Lowe made me clean the erasers for a week and apologize in front of the whole class for taking up their time with my nonsense. Those were her words, not mine. (4)
I like the poster because it is in black and white to everyone else, but inside my head, it’s in color. (5)
The color of the leaf is exactly the same color as Jenna’s name — a bright, shimmering shade of green with some yellow highlights. (7)
“There’s a lot of weirdness in your family,” Jenna says, picking at a scab on her elbow. She doesn’t even know about my own personal brand of weirdness. (9)
The color and shape of a hammer hitting a nail has become such a part of my existence that I barely notice it. I can see right through the color-bursts, but they still distract me from whatever I’m doing. (12)
“Otherwise, some of us will be living in the past and some in the future. In the very same house! Can’t have that. Very bad.” (14)
I put my hands over my ears and shut my eyes to stop all the colors that are bombarding me. (15)
If I had been prepared, I would have been able to anticipate the onslaught, but now it is overwhelming and I feel like I’m suffocating. (15)
The colors immediately and gently flow over me, energizing me, reminding me that I can still enjoy them. (17)
I named him Mango because the sounds of his purrs and his wheezes and his meows are all various shades of yellow-orange, like a mango in different seasons. (19)
The word friend is turquoise with a glow of glossy red, but the word amigo is yellow with spots of brown, like an old banana. I just can’t get my brain to connect the two words. (28)
“It’s purple with orange stripes,” he announces, his voice more assured now. “I like it a lot.” Still smiling, I shake my head and say, “No, silly, it’s candy-apple red with a hint of light green.” And then what he said hits me. My smile slowly disappears, and my heart starts to pound. (29)
The fact that he might be crazy doesn’t make me any less crazy. (34)
“Well, I at least hate the first day of school. Everyone’s trying to impress everyone else.” (37)
History is one of my favorite subjects because I’m good at it. Once I learn the date of a certain event, I can easily remember it by its colors. I remember names the same way. (38)
The voices and laughter of a hundred kids and various CD players echo off the linoleum walls and fill the air with a collage of colors. It makes it hard to relax and talk to my friends, but the only other option is to sit outside alone and I don’t want to do that either. (40)
Normally an x is a shiny maroon color, like a ripe cherry. But here an x has to stand for an unknown number. But I can’t make myself assign the x any other color than maroon, and there are no maroon-colored numbers. (41)
Spanish class isn’t any better. I try to match the colors of the English words to the new Spanish words. Hello and hola works fine. Mother and madre is a bit of a stretch, but it is close enough that I can remember it. Boy and chico doesn’t work at all. Neither does girl and chica, good and bueno. Adiós and good-bye to the honor roll. At least I know that one. (41)
I’m going to be so normal that when people look up normal in the dictionary, my name will be there. (43)
Reading always makes me tired because sometimes I get so caught up in the rainbowlike colors of the words that I have to read passages over and over. (44)
“I wasn’t lying. Numbers really do have colors for me. So do letters and sounds.” (46)
I know how frustrating it is to see something differently from someone else, or in my case, everyone else, and I feel sorry for her. (50)
I know what I’m supposed to do to solve the equations; somehow I just manage to get all mixed-up in the middle. (54)
it will be best if you see a psychotherapist... “So he thinks I’m crazy too,” (57)
After all, my colors and shapes may not be around much longer if I can actually find a doctor to cure me. (60)
“Middle children are in an unfortunate position. They get neither the privileges reserved for the first born nor the special attention specific to the baby of the family. Do you follow me?” (67)
“A child may devise an elaborate plan to get his or her parents’ attention,” she explains. “Something that will make her stand out from the other siblings.” (67)
If Mia’s problem is real and not in her imagination, then a neurologist will be able to test her brain functions.” (69)
He said that since you’ve had this condition your whole life without any other neurological impairments, he can rule out diseases such as epilepsy or tumors.” (71-72)
But you don’t know what it’s like finding out something might be wrong with someone you care about. I’ve been there before, and believe me, it’s really scary.” (73-74)
“No one’s going to make fun of you,” Jenna says. “They’re just curious, that’s all.” (74)
I have to admit it isn’t all bad. Kids who totally ignored me before are clamoring to talk to me now. It would be more rewarding if it didn’t have the overtones of a circus sideshow. (78-79)
My mother doesn’t waste any time. “Can you tell us what’s wrong with her?” Jerry smiles gently. “There is nothing wrong with her.” (82)
“Mia, you don’t have a disease. You don’t even have a problem, exactly. What you have, based on what your mother told me, is a condition that is harmless. It’s called synesthesia.” (82)
Imagine that the wires in your brain are crossed, not literally of course. In your case, your visual and hearing senses are linked. The visual cortex in your brain is activated when your auditory cortex is stimulated.” (83)
If a piano isn’t tuned right, I can tell because the colors will be off.” (84)
“Mia can train herself to make different mental connections by narrowing her focus and concentration. It will likely happen automatically as she gets older. Are you sure no one else in your family has this condition? It’s often hereditary.” (85)
I quickly correct myself. “I mean, I can’t imagine life without my colors.” (89)
“For the consideration of all you synesthetes out there, all the text on this Web site will be printed in black type. Many of you colored-letter folk have complained in the past how frustrating it is to read in a color that doesn’t match your own letters, and we aim to please. Remember, one person’s green r is another person’s turquoise!” (95)
Already I feel a sense of belonging with these people. (96)
All those people in their black-and-white worlds — they have no idea what they’re missing. (98)
Connector: Patrick Conway
“Beth is sixteen and in the process of wearing out parents’ patience. She changes her hair color the way normal people change their underwear.” (Mass 9)
There was always that one person in school that was always changing their hair color. “It was Jenna’s idea that I bring my grandfather a present on the one-year anniversary of his death.” (Mass 11)
When my grandpa died, a year after he passed the whole family went to the gravesite and brought him gifts.
“If he isn’t lying, if he really sees my name that way, then everything I thought I knew about myself is wrong.” (Mass 37)
This is why I love the best buddies program at my high school, it makes sure that students who are a bit different don’t feel that different.
“History is one of my favorite subjects because I’m good at it.” (Mass 48)
I love History
“Before the teacher comes in, kids rush over to my desk and begin firing questions at me.” (Mass 97)
Whenever there was drama in middle school, everyone was talking about.
““Good-looking too” she adds.” (Mass 113)
My mom would always have no fear telling us when she thought someone was attractive.
Illustrator: Lars Forner
Summarizer: Robby Joe Underwood
For her whole life, Mia has seen different colors whenever she sees words, numbers, or hear sounds. When she was in third grade doing a math problem she thought that she should use the proper colors on the chalkboard and her teacher got upset with her. She realizes that only she sees the world in color and she decides that she is just going to hold it in. Then she gets to middle school math and she is failing so she tells her parents of her condition. After going to doctor after doctor she finds out what she has. She must decided whether to contain it to help her in math or let it lose to enhance her view on the world.
Word Wizard: Riley Strauss
Wrong (Page 4): I chose this word because it seems to relate to a larger issue involving the treatment of people with mental abilities or disabilities. They believe that because they are out of the norm, that something is "wrong," creating negative connotations about themselves, as Mia feels ashamed by her situation.
Syndrome (Page 83): I thought this was an interesting word that Mia herself says she hates. Again, this word carries a lot of negative connotations and makes it sound like something is wrong with the individual and that they are in need of help or need to be avoided, when really there's nothing the matter with Mia.
Special (Page 98): I think this word carries a lot of connotations, especially as we get older and understand thinks like Special needs and special education. While we were at ISBVI, I talked to a kid who was pondering the meaning behind special needs, thinking of the word as another term for a mental disability when it really doesn't just apply to that.
Synesthesia (Page 103): I chose this word because it's the subject of the entire book. I also was interested by the enthusiasm Mia felt by having a term for what she's experiences.
Discussion
We started off talking about whether we liked the book or not and most of us liked it with a few people in between. Then Riley brought up how this book is closer to our age level of reading then previous books we have read. We were all confused on the disorder before they actually told us the name of it and explained what exactly it was. It was interesting how Mia really didn't want to find a way to fix the condition, she wanted to keep the norm she's had her whole life. Professor Garriott brought up how there is a girl at Butler who has this condition and didn't know until she actually read the book and knew it was a thing. It was amazing how she can see the same letter in 2 different marker colors but still see the same color in her mind. Why does she see full words as a one color and separate letters as different colors. Then we all started talking about how we all saw the months differently because Mia see's it as a ferris wheel. How some of us associate colors with months and we all shared which month's had different colors. What causes this condition? The doctor said it's hereditary but neither one of the parents has it. The main reason she struggles in math is because she sees all the different letters and numbers in different colors. Then we looked at a Youtube video of what it could potentially look like to have this condition.
For her whole life, Mia has seen different colors whenever she sees words, numbers, or hear sounds. When she was in third grade doing a math problem she thought that she should use the proper colors on the chalkboard and her teacher got upset with her. She realizes that only she sees the world in color and she decides that she is just going to hold it in. Then she gets to middle school math and she is failing so she tells her parents of her condition. After going to doctor after doctor she finds out what she has. She must decided whether to contain it to help her in math or let it lose to enhance her view on the world.
Word Wizard: Riley Strauss
Wrong (Page 4): I chose this word because it seems to relate to a larger issue involving the treatment of people with mental abilities or disabilities. They believe that because they are out of the norm, that something is "wrong," creating negative connotations about themselves, as Mia feels ashamed by her situation.
Syndrome (Page 83): I thought this was an interesting word that Mia herself says she hates. Again, this word carries a lot of negative connotations and makes it sound like something is wrong with the individual and that they are in need of help or need to be avoided, when really there's nothing the matter with Mia.
Special (Page 98): I think this word carries a lot of connotations, especially as we get older and understand thinks like Special needs and special education. While we were at ISBVI, I talked to a kid who was pondering the meaning behind special needs, thinking of the word as another term for a mental disability when it really doesn't just apply to that.
Synesthesia (Page 103): I chose this word because it's the subject of the entire book. I also was interested by the enthusiasm Mia felt by having a term for what she's experiences.
Discussion
We started off talking about whether we liked the book or not and most of us liked it with a few people in between. Then Riley brought up how this book is closer to our age level of reading then previous books we have read. We were all confused on the disorder before they actually told us the name of it and explained what exactly it was. It was interesting how Mia really didn't want to find a way to fix the condition, she wanted to keep the norm she's had her whole life. Professor Garriott brought up how there is a girl at Butler who has this condition and didn't know until she actually read the book and knew it was a thing. It was amazing how she can see the same letter in 2 different marker colors but still see the same color in her mind. Why does she see full words as a one color and separate letters as different colors. Then we all started talking about how we all saw the months differently because Mia see's it as a ferris wheel. How some of us associate colors with months and we all shared which month's had different colors. What causes this condition? The doctor said it's hereditary but neither one of the parents has it. The main reason she struggles in math is because she sees all the different letters and numbers in different colors. Then we looked at a Youtube video of what it could potentially look like to have this condition.
Part 2: Chapters 9-15
Discussion Director: Colleen Major
Summarizer: Robby Joe Underwood
As Mia goes back to school she and she must get together with her history group to work on a project. When she gets to school she forgets to meet with her group and one member of the group, Rodger comes to get her to finish the project. As the group goes on Mia does her part of the group thinking that is enough until her group makes her draw a painting for the project. The boy Rodger, who is in Mia’s group is getting acupuncture and Mia asks him to bring her along so she can see all the colors from the acupuncture. When Mia gets the acupuncture, it causes her senses to go overload. Meanwhile, Mia is emailing this one boy Adam who is another synesthetic and she meets him at a conference the weekend after Thanksgiving. He kisses her on the first night of the conference right before Mia goes home. That night Mia’s cat dies and she becomes so upset that she temporarily loses her colors and does not go to the meetings the next couple of days. Adam calls on the phone and then emails her and she realizes that Adam is a jerk. She struggles to get her colors back until she sees this Boy named Billy who is also like her and his mom is just beginning to realize that and she gets over the loss of her cat by helping Billy. Mia’s mom tells her that Mia’s grandmother was also synesthetic but she had not realized it until now.
Connector: Patrick Conway
“C’mon, Beth, other people have to use the bathroom too.” (Mass 144)
My brother used to take forever in the bathroom so I feel this.
“Can’t you just tell your mother I have permission?” (Mass 172)
Classic lying to your parents when you want to hangout with someone of the opposite gender. I may or may not have done this before.
“I’m feeling girly, and I’m going to meet a boy tomorrow.” (Mass 211)
Whenever you meet someone or go on the first date for a first date it’s always better to look nicer.
“My mother doesn’t look happy to see me kissing a strange boy on a bench in the dark.” (Mass 221)
Hearing stories of my friends getting caught kissing girls are hilarious.
“I whirl around to see Jenna, Molly, and Kimberly standing a few headstones away.” (Mass 241)
You’re best friends will be there for you no matter what.
“But Roger’s definitely cuter. I wonder why I didn’t notice it before.” (Mass 252)
Someone always looks better when they’re nice to you and treat you with the respect you deserve.
- What did you think of the bathtub experience?
- Is Mia going through a phase like her parents think she is?
- Why is Jenna so angry about Rebecca?
- Have you ever gotten acupuncture before? What was it like?
- What happened when Mia got acupuncture?
- Why would Billy’s mom not want to find out more from Mia?
- Would you like to see what Mia sees after acupuncture? Yes or no, and why?
- In the group meeting, some members say they must turn the radio off to focus when driving. What other possible struggles or challenges do you think there are?
- What did you think of Adam and Mia meeting?
- Why does Mia feel guilty for Mango’s death?
- Did losing her colors make Mia more appreciate synesthesia more? Why or why not?
- How do pets play a major role in Mia’s and Rodger’s lives?
- Why did Rodger’s socks never match?
- What did Mia’s painting of her Grandpa make her realize?
- How did Billy find Mia?
- Mia’s mom tells her: “That was a great thing you did, with Billy. You gave him the head start we weren’t able to give you” (261). How does this relate to us as teachers?
- What was the surprise at the end of the book?
Summarizer: Robby Joe Underwood
As Mia goes back to school she and she must get together with her history group to work on a project. When she gets to school she forgets to meet with her group and one member of the group, Rodger comes to get her to finish the project. As the group goes on Mia does her part of the group thinking that is enough until her group makes her draw a painting for the project. The boy Rodger, who is in Mia’s group is getting acupuncture and Mia asks him to bring her along so she can see all the colors from the acupuncture. When Mia gets the acupuncture, it causes her senses to go overload. Meanwhile, Mia is emailing this one boy Adam who is another synesthetic and she meets him at a conference the weekend after Thanksgiving. He kisses her on the first night of the conference right before Mia goes home. That night Mia’s cat dies and she becomes so upset that she temporarily loses her colors and does not go to the meetings the next couple of days. Adam calls on the phone and then emails her and she realizes that Adam is a jerk. She struggles to get her colors back until she sees this Boy named Billy who is also like her and his mom is just beginning to realize that and she gets over the loss of her cat by helping Billy. Mia’s mom tells her that Mia’s grandmother was also synesthetic but she had not realized it until now.
Connector: Patrick Conway
“C’mon, Beth, other people have to use the bathroom too.” (Mass 144)
My brother used to take forever in the bathroom so I feel this.
“Can’t you just tell your mother I have permission?” (Mass 172)
Classic lying to your parents when you want to hangout with someone of the opposite gender. I may or may not have done this before.
“I’m feeling girly, and I’m going to meet a boy tomorrow.” (Mass 211)
Whenever you meet someone or go on the first date for a first date it’s always better to look nicer.
“My mother doesn’t look happy to see me kissing a strange boy on a bench in the dark.” (Mass 221)
Hearing stories of my friends getting caught kissing girls are hilarious.
“I whirl around to see Jenna, Molly, and Kimberly standing a few headstones away.” (Mass 241)
You’re best friends will be there for you no matter what.
“But Roger’s definitely cuter. I wonder why I didn’t notice it before.” (Mass 252)
Someone always looks better when they’re nice to you and treat you with the respect you deserve.
Illustrator: Lars Forner
Word Wizard: Riley Strauss
-Phase (158) I chose this word because it shows the ignorance of those that don't understand mental conditions, like Mia's parents, especially her mother. The mother maintains a belief that Mia's synesthesia is just a phase and one day will disappear, removing a "burden" the mother is experiencing.
-Needed (171) Mia says this word when describing the relationship between her and Mango, saying that Mango depends on Mia. I believe that this is a result of her isolation due to her condition. She feels that Mango truly wants her at a time when people heavily judged her.
-Understand (216) Mia feels odd but good when she talks to the group of synesthetes. Although she was nervous at first, she gets an impression she does not often experience, understanding as she gets to meet people in a similar situation as her.
-Normal (246) In this book, normal is put under a negative light. After the death of Mango, Mia sees the world how most other people do - as she calls it, normal. I thought it was interesting that normal is made to be a bad thing in this book, appearing as gray and boring.
Literary Luminary- Tyler Bolger
I’VE ONLY JUST LEARNED THAT MY COLORS DON’T MEAN I’M CRAZY AND THAT I DON’T HAVE SOME AWFUL DISEASE. (101)
“My point,” he says, “is simply that I’m here for you. If you need me.” (105)
LET’S TAKE CHOCOLATE. IF I’M EATING A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE, I’LL SEE A RECTANGULAR PATCH OF PINK WITH A GREEN STRIPE AT THE BOTTOM. IT JUST APPEARS IN FRONT OF ME AND KIND OF LOOKS LIKE A FLAG WAVING IN THE BREEZE. (105)
WE SYNESTHETES HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER — WE’RE THE ONLY ONES WHO REALLY UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. (106)
DO YOU EVER WISH YOU WERE NORMAL? (107)
Maybe we should try to find a doctor who can clear this up faster.” (108)
“Great,” I say, pushing my chair back from the table. “I didn’t think any of you would understand what I’m going through. I’m sorry if schoolwork isn’t my first priority right now. Or even my second.” (111)
“You remember my slave ship after all this time?” I ask. Roger shrugs. “I thought it was really good. It floated and everything.” (112)
The colors stand for the letters in the equations. Maroon is x, gray is y, and light blue is z. Yellow is a, brown is b, and red is c. That should do it. All I have to do is put the colors in the right order, and I can tell at a glance what the formula is. (115)
synesthetes together over Thanksgiving weekend for a few days of comparing notes. We’ll have group discussions, and basically you’ll all get to learn from one another. (117-118)
Right away all the colors of the music have more dimension. The steam makes them more solid somehow. (124)
He’s practically the only person in my grade who hasn’t asked me what color his name is. (127)
“She’s in a phase,” my mother answers calmly. “She’s just trying to figure out who she is.” (128)
“So what’s been going on with you lately? You’re in your own world most of the time.” (131)
“Do you think it’s something I could learn?” she asks, moving her pillow so she can sit up. “I remember things really well. I’m sure I can memorize the color of each letter.” (132)
I remember when Halloween was my favorite holiday. Now I had forgotten all about it. I guess I’m growing up. (137)
They have no idea how complicated life can be. (140)
The needle goes in my other earlobe, and small bubbles, like multicolored marbles, enter from the left and zoom in front of my face until I lose sight of them. (145)
Roger is encased in a tomato-red glow, and his mother is yellow. (146)
Everyone has their own misty aura around them. (147)
I’m happy for her. I’m happy for everyone and everything — all the creatures on the planet. Adam is not going to believe this! (148)
As I hop in the shower it occurs to me that a few weeks ago I would have been ecstatic to have multiplied numbers in my head. I guess life is all about priorities. (149-150)
I force myself to tune out the noise so the colors don’t overwhelm me. (153)
She never tried to fill people’s heads with this sort of thing. (154)
His mother has sighted us and hurries over. She takes him by the hand and gives me a look of annoyance and suspicion. (155-156)
I DID SOME RESEARCH FOR YOU. I THINK WHAT YOU SAW WERE PEOPLE’S PHEROMONES IN ACTION. (156)
The colors are everywhere, filling all space. I am overwhelmed, and for a second it scares me, like the time Zack set all my alarm clocks to go off at once. But this is different. There’s no noise; all the multicolored balls, zigzags, and spirals are coming from inside me. (160)
For a second I wonder if I should be worried that the effects of the acupuncture haven’t worn off. (163)
synesthesia for both the experience and for making the experience fade away. (165)
I haven’t stood up and spoken in front of a class since that fateful day in third grade. (165)
But I don’t know if I’m more nervous or more excited about meeting everyone — especially Adam. (168)
One woman sees colors and shapes whenever she eats cold food. (172)
I can see my parents’ raised eyebrows from across the room. (173)
People are nodding as I speak, and it’s so cool to be in a whole roomful of people who understand me. (174)
I guess whatever “wires” are mixed up in my brain are responsible for all sorts of strange things. (174)
It hardly seems possible that I had once wanted my synesthesia to go away. (175)
It seems fitting that it should be with another synesthete, since we understand each other so well. (176-177)
But if my abilities had been stronger tonight, I would have been able to see exactly what Adam was feeling when he kissed me. That could have been useful. (178)
From some dark corner of my brain I realize I can’t see the colored shapes that would normally accompany the sound. (183)
I was responsible for him and I failed him. (187)
All the letters are black. I can sense a kind of depth to them, but their colors are gone. (189)
All I am is the girl who is no longer special in any way. (189)
“We all know I’m crazy, right? Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore, because my colors are gone.” (190)
My taste buds might be coming back, but my colors aren’t. Everything is so gray and pale and lifeless now. (198)
Now that my colors are gone, I’m sure everyone will stop paying attention to me. (200)
“We’re some pair.” (204)
I’m having a hard time getting used to people calling my actions normal. (205)
but I think on some level he’s aware that this is a turning point for him. (209)
“My sister doesn’t have a disease. She has a gift.” (209)
I suddenly remembered her telling me that she loved music so much because she could see the colors in the air all around her.” (211)
Discussion:
Some members of the group foresaw the death of Mango which was a sad turning point for us in the story. Some of us thought that it was disappointing that Mia didn’t get to finish her meeting with the other synthetics, but the others of us were ok with it because we all thought that Adam was a jerk. We all agreed though that we liked Rodger as a character. It was also pleasing to everyone in the group about how we had closure with Mia telling Billy’s family at the end why Billy sees all the different colors. We also believed that the relationship between Mia and her friends was such a middle school relationship.
-Phase (158) I chose this word because it shows the ignorance of those that don't understand mental conditions, like Mia's parents, especially her mother. The mother maintains a belief that Mia's synesthesia is just a phase and one day will disappear, removing a "burden" the mother is experiencing.
-Needed (171) Mia says this word when describing the relationship between her and Mango, saying that Mango depends on Mia. I believe that this is a result of her isolation due to her condition. She feels that Mango truly wants her at a time when people heavily judged her.
-Understand (216) Mia feels odd but good when she talks to the group of synesthetes. Although she was nervous at first, she gets an impression she does not often experience, understanding as she gets to meet people in a similar situation as her.
-Normal (246) In this book, normal is put under a negative light. After the death of Mango, Mia sees the world how most other people do - as she calls it, normal. I thought it was interesting that normal is made to be a bad thing in this book, appearing as gray and boring.
Literary Luminary- Tyler Bolger
I’VE ONLY JUST LEARNED THAT MY COLORS DON’T MEAN I’M CRAZY AND THAT I DON’T HAVE SOME AWFUL DISEASE. (101)
“My point,” he says, “is simply that I’m here for you. If you need me.” (105)
LET’S TAKE CHOCOLATE. IF I’M EATING A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE, I’LL SEE A RECTANGULAR PATCH OF PINK WITH A GREEN STRIPE AT THE BOTTOM. IT JUST APPEARS IN FRONT OF ME AND KIND OF LOOKS LIKE A FLAG WAVING IN THE BREEZE. (105)
WE SYNESTHETES HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER — WE’RE THE ONLY ONES WHO REALLY UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. (106)
DO YOU EVER WISH YOU WERE NORMAL? (107)
Maybe we should try to find a doctor who can clear this up faster.” (108)
“Great,” I say, pushing my chair back from the table. “I didn’t think any of you would understand what I’m going through. I’m sorry if schoolwork isn’t my first priority right now. Or even my second.” (111)
“You remember my slave ship after all this time?” I ask. Roger shrugs. “I thought it was really good. It floated and everything.” (112)
The colors stand for the letters in the equations. Maroon is x, gray is y, and light blue is z. Yellow is a, brown is b, and red is c. That should do it. All I have to do is put the colors in the right order, and I can tell at a glance what the formula is. (115)
synesthetes together over Thanksgiving weekend for a few days of comparing notes. We’ll have group discussions, and basically you’ll all get to learn from one another. (117-118)
Right away all the colors of the music have more dimension. The steam makes them more solid somehow. (124)
He’s practically the only person in my grade who hasn’t asked me what color his name is. (127)
“She’s in a phase,” my mother answers calmly. “She’s just trying to figure out who she is.” (128)
“So what’s been going on with you lately? You’re in your own world most of the time.” (131)
“Do you think it’s something I could learn?” she asks, moving her pillow so she can sit up. “I remember things really well. I’m sure I can memorize the color of each letter.” (132)
I remember when Halloween was my favorite holiday. Now I had forgotten all about it. I guess I’m growing up. (137)
They have no idea how complicated life can be. (140)
The needle goes in my other earlobe, and small bubbles, like multicolored marbles, enter from the left and zoom in front of my face until I lose sight of them. (145)
Roger is encased in a tomato-red glow, and his mother is yellow. (146)
Everyone has their own misty aura around them. (147)
I’m happy for her. I’m happy for everyone and everything — all the creatures on the planet. Adam is not going to believe this! (148)
As I hop in the shower it occurs to me that a few weeks ago I would have been ecstatic to have multiplied numbers in my head. I guess life is all about priorities. (149-150)
I force myself to tune out the noise so the colors don’t overwhelm me. (153)
She never tried to fill people’s heads with this sort of thing. (154)
His mother has sighted us and hurries over. She takes him by the hand and gives me a look of annoyance and suspicion. (155-156)
I DID SOME RESEARCH FOR YOU. I THINK WHAT YOU SAW WERE PEOPLE’S PHEROMONES IN ACTION. (156)
The colors are everywhere, filling all space. I am overwhelmed, and for a second it scares me, like the time Zack set all my alarm clocks to go off at once. But this is different. There’s no noise; all the multicolored balls, zigzags, and spirals are coming from inside me. (160)
For a second I wonder if I should be worried that the effects of the acupuncture haven’t worn off. (163)
synesthesia for both the experience and for making the experience fade away. (165)
I haven’t stood up and spoken in front of a class since that fateful day in third grade. (165)
But I don’t know if I’m more nervous or more excited about meeting everyone — especially Adam. (168)
One woman sees colors and shapes whenever she eats cold food. (172)
I can see my parents’ raised eyebrows from across the room. (173)
People are nodding as I speak, and it’s so cool to be in a whole roomful of people who understand me. (174)
I guess whatever “wires” are mixed up in my brain are responsible for all sorts of strange things. (174)
It hardly seems possible that I had once wanted my synesthesia to go away. (175)
It seems fitting that it should be with another synesthete, since we understand each other so well. (176-177)
But if my abilities had been stronger tonight, I would have been able to see exactly what Adam was feeling when he kissed me. That could have been useful. (178)
From some dark corner of my brain I realize I can’t see the colored shapes that would normally accompany the sound. (183)
I was responsible for him and I failed him. (187)
All the letters are black. I can sense a kind of depth to them, but their colors are gone. (189)
All I am is the girl who is no longer special in any way. (189)
“We all know I’m crazy, right? Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore, because my colors are gone.” (190)
My taste buds might be coming back, but my colors aren’t. Everything is so gray and pale and lifeless now. (198)
Now that my colors are gone, I’m sure everyone will stop paying attention to me. (200)
“We’re some pair.” (204)
I’m having a hard time getting used to people calling my actions normal. (205)
but I think on some level he’s aware that this is a turning point for him. (209)
“My sister doesn’t have a disease. She has a gift.” (209)
I suddenly remembered her telling me that she loved music so much because she could see the colors in the air all around her.” (211)
Discussion:
Some members of the group foresaw the death of Mango which was a sad turning point for us in the story. Some of us thought that it was disappointing that Mia didn’t get to finish her meeting with the other synthetics, but the others of us were ok with it because we all thought that Adam was a jerk. We all agreed though that we liked Rodger as a character. It was also pleasing to everyone in the group about how we had closure with Mia telling Billy’s family at the end why Billy sees all the different colors. We also believed that the relationship between Mia and her friends was such a middle school relationship.