scarecrow

// Rachel Fischer, Alexis Doucette, Katie McLaughlin //

//The Scarecrow// by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly

Chapters 18-20 (page 419) Person A: Alexis Person B/C: Rachel Person D: Katie
 * Week 5: January 15**

We would recommend this book to someone who likes action or crime novels. All three of us agreed that this book was better than the one we read last marking period. Katie said she learned a lot about the journalism field, as the main character was a journalist working for the //LA Times//. Alexis said she realized that sometimes even police officers or FBI agents can be deceiving. I realized just how computers can be used for evil. The killers in this novel used technology to find and target their victims, and then try to cover up their illegal actions.
 * Assignment:**

This novel would never incorporate well into a school curriculum because it has no message that students can take away from it. It was an interesting novel and had a pretty good plot, but there is nothing in the story that teachers can use to benefit students.

This week, Alexis brought in the food. The candy included M&Ms, Sour Patch Watermelon, and gummy bears. We talked about the end of the novel, and how the scarecrow from the //Wizard of Oz// (which we put on the site last week) appeared at the end of the book. We answered Katie's questions, and compared this novel to the last book we read. We agreed that this novel was a lot better, and hope to pick an even better book next marking period.
 * Summary:**

//1. Were you surprised by the attempt to abduct Rachel?// We agreed that it was surprising that she was kidnapped, though it wasn't surprising that the killer attempted a violent return. //2. Do you think Courier deserved to die? Was Jack's reaction surprising to you?// Though he might not have actually deserved to die, Jack's action were only in self-defense. His intial reaction makes sense, however we expected him to be more sympathetic. //3. Why do you think Jack decided to stay with the job in NY after being offered his old job?// Jack seems to be too proud to go back after they already fired him, especially after being fired through no fault of his own. //4. Were you surprised by Carver's plan with the two officers?// It was more expected that Carver would run, but his actions seem to fit with the psychological profile that was made to fit his personality. //5. How did you feel about the ending? Did you think it was anticlimactic?// Yes. It was a lot of action and build up, but it just fell slowly without the big ending that should have come after so much build up.
 * Questions:**

Chapters 14-17; part of 18 (page 359) Person A: Katie Person B/C: Alexis Person D: Rachel There are many symbols that are included throughout the novel. For example, the Farm, where Carver works, is where outside companies store their information that needs to be secure and protected. This symbolizes how Carver has a façade that masks his true identity of a serial rapist and murderer. In addition, the fact that Carver is a computer programmer, a profession that deals mainly with a virtual reality rather than the real world, is a symbol for how Carver is not in tune with reality and does not understand the order that should exist in society, which is why he commits all the volatile acts that he is guilty of. Also, the Scarecrow is a symbol of how Carver has no heart or emotions and is dead inside since scarecrows are lifeless objects that are made from dead grass. Much like a scarecrow, one of Carver's main objectives in life is to ward off anyone whose presence is unwanted.
 * Week 4: January 8**
 * Assignment:**

Rachel came up with five questions, which can be seen below, and Katie brought the food, which consisted of Kit Kats, Hershey Kisses, and Starbursts. To begin our discussion, we answered all of Rachel's questions. We then proceeded to discuss what symbols were in the book. We had a few arguments concerning what each object in the book could symbolize, but quickly came to the conclusions that are mentioned in the paragraph above. Since there was ten minutes left in the period after we had finished responding to the questions and the assignment, we discussed what ending we thought the book was going to have and whether or not we wanted it to end that way. At this point in the novel, it has become apparent that Carver is the murderer and rapist, but it is still uncertain whether or not he will be found guilty for the crimes that he has committed. Although Rachel and Jack have made many discoveries that prove his guilt, Carver has managed to get the FBI to trust him, which could potentially make it difficult for the FBI to believe that all of the evidence is legitamite and credible. Since Carver has gained the trust of the FBI, it is possible that he will try to make it look like he was framed and will be proven innocent.
 * Summary:**

1. //Do you think there could have been a better way for Rachel and Jack to get the information about Western Data? Do you think lying was the only way?// We agreed that although their methods of obtaining information was risky and dangerous, it was most likely the easiest way for Rachel and Jack to get information. 2. //Do you think that the FBI will realize that Carver is the killer, or will he get away with it?// At this point in the novel, the FBI trusts Carver. He acts as the liaison between Western Data and the FBI, and will probably use that to his advantage. Hopefully the FBI will be able to put all the pieces together, but it might take Jack's help. 3. //Since the FBI trusts Carver right now, do you think he will try to obstruct the investigation?// Without a doubt; that's what anyone like Carver would do. He might try to frame Jack, or even try to kill him again. 4. //What do you think will happen with Rachel and Jack on a personal level? Will Rachel stay with the FBI?// Rachel and Jack might get back together, and Rachel will definitely keep her job. She seems like a workaholic; when she was forced to resign from the FBI in the last section, Rachel seemed lost without her job. SHe would never give it up again. 5. //T////his section ended with Jack implying that he would see Rachel sooner than she expected. Assuming he's going to go back to Arizona, what do you think he's planning?// Our prediction is that Jack will probably go back to Arizona and investigate on his own, without Rachel's knowledge. Jack will probably get himself into some sort of trouble, however, and need Rachel's help.
 * Questions:**

Chapters 9-13; part of 14 (page 285) Person A: Rachel Person B/C: Katie Person D: Alexis
 * Week 3: December 18**

The overall tone of the book is depressing. The book is filled with death, people being fired, life-threatening situations and phone calls, and numerous other unlucky situations. For example, the character Alonzo is blamed for the trunk murder, he is extremely poor and in a gang, he doesn't know that the woman he thinks is his mother is really his grandmother and everyone is either taking advantage of him or turning against him because of what he is being charged with. Jack, the main character in the book is also extremely unfortunate. After being fired and forced to train his replacement, he finds himself in the middle of a murder spree, and now he can't report about it because he is personally involved. Jack finds his life being threatened, those around him are in danger and there is a killing coming after him.
 * Assignment:**

This week in book club we read up to page 285 in the //Scarecrow//. Rachel brought in Hersey Kisses and Sourpatch Kids, while Alexis came up with 5 questions that you can see below. After reading the latest portion we agreed that we all feel Carver is responsible for the murders, considering he was always shady and now he has killed his boss. Carver seems pretty dangerous at this point, since he has the ablitiy to plant evidence on any computer in his network, he has set up many people he dislikes before and it may work as an advantage for him if he is ever cornered for the crimes. Rachel rises up more in the story, becoming more likable as she makes sacrifices for Jack, while he becomes incredibly anxious and worried about what's going on. Each of us sympathized with Rachel, since she was forced to resign because of her actions when it came to trying to save Jack. Though we understand why the bureau did what they did, we feel it was a little harsh and that they are at a loss because Rachel seemed like she was a good agent.
 * Summary:**

//1. How have your feelings about each of the characters changed since the beginning of the book?// We all have more respect for Rachel now because she made many sacrifices for Jack. Also, we all think that Jack has become too worked up and needs to calm down. //2. How do you think the book is going to end? How do you want it to end?// We think that it is going to end with them catching the murderer, but not before more people are killed. We also think that Jack and Rachel will become romantically involved with each other. We want the murderer to be captured before he is able to commit any more murders. //3. Do you think that Connelly could have written this book in a better format or are you content with the way in which it is written?// We all think that the chapters should have been divided up differently and there should have been a constant narrator instead of it switching back and forth throughout the novel. Also, when the narrators do switch, it should be made more clear who is narrating. In addition, the book would be easier to understand if it had been written in third person. //4. Why do you think Rachel was to forced to resign? Do you think it was justified for the bureau to force her to resign?// She was forced to resign because she used FBI resources to save Jack without first getting the clearance to do so. It was justified. It was their loss, but we understand where they are coming from. They did not have a choice because she broke one of the major rules, so she had to be fired. //5. Who do you think is responsible for all the killings (excluding the one of Carter's boss, which the author stated Carter was responsible for?) Why?// Carver because he plants evidence against people he does not. In addition, he has all the connections necessary to make the murders happen and cover them up. Also, he frequently threatens to kill his peers. Since Carter was able to kill his boss, it is very possible that he would be able to kill all of the other people as well.
 * Questions:**

Chapters 6-8 (page 222) Person A: Alexis Person B/C: Rachel Person D: Katie (Absent)
 * Week 2: December 11**

As Alexis brilliantly pointed out, this book is written in the English. As a newer book, the language is completely modern and easy to understand. Since it is a mystery novel, there is a lot of words we may be unfamiliar with, such as "unsub." Connelly gives thorough explanations, however, so the story doesn't get confusing. The plot is easy to follow, and a lot of important things have already happened. Each character has their own personality that Connelly shows through the dialogue. He seems to be a good writer, and the story is interesting and seems realistic.
 * Assignment:**

For this week's book club, we read up to page 222 in //The Scarecrow.// This section of the book leads to Angela's death, which was a huge surprise. Her body was found in Jack's home, so he is now part of a murder investigation. He can no longer write the article he had hoped to because he is now part of the story. More details come to light as the investigation leads to Carver in Las Vegas. Angela had visited a website, trunkmurder.com, which led Carver to her. The FBI traced it to Carver's company, and he tried to avoid suspicion. From what we've read so far, it seems plausible that Carver is the killer, and used this website to trap anyone that may be on his trail, since his MO is trunk murders. Katie wasn't in class because she was helping out with Winter Wonderland, but she still posted her questions below. Alexis brought in Skittles, gummy bears, and lollipops. We discussed Katie's questions, and we found that we agreed on most points. Since it was just me and Alexis, the discussion went smoothly, and there was (almost) no fighting. We talked a lot about how Angela's death was a shocker, and how bad we now feel about hating her.
 * Summary:**

//1. How do you feel about the aspects of the serial killer's crimes? Do you think it relates to body found in the trunk?// Alexis and I agreed that the killer is really scary and his crimes are professional. He never seems to make mistakes, and he appears to be in control. We think the killer is responsible for all three deaths. //2. What do you think about Rachel? Do you like/hate her?// Although she has an awesome name, we feel that she is using Jack for her own benefit. Alexis and I like her in general, but some qualities are annoying. //3. Were you surprised by Angela's death? Do you think the "unsub" is going to try to target Jack?// Yes! I personally was extremely freaked out, and Alexis agreed that it was a surprise. The unsub will definitely target Jack, because otherwise he would not be a good killer, and it would not be a very good book. //4. How do you feel about Carter? Could there be a link to him and the crimes?// Carter comes off as a creeper, and I think he is the killer. Alexis thinks he definitely has something to do with the crimes. //5. Has your opinion on any of the characters changed now because of the story's advancements? If so, how?// Alexis and I agreed that we now hate Angela less because she's dead. We feel bad because we really hated her.
 * Questions:**

Chapters 1-5; part of 6 (page 156) Person A: Katie Person B/C: Alexis Person D: Rachel
 * Week 1: December 4**

The main characters in the novel are Jack McEvoy, Angela Cook, Alonzo Winslow, and FBI Agent Rachel Walling. Jack McEvoy was a writer for the //Los Angeles Times//, but he has recently been laid off and is currently training his replacement, Angela Cook. Jack is a hard-working guy who was one of the last people to get laid off from his company. He is a great reporter who is willing to go to extreme lengths to get the information he needs for his story. He is very nice to his peers and seems to be well-liked. Everyone in my group was drawn to him because of his caring attitude and great skills as a reporter. Angela Cook, an attractive young lady who just recently got out of journalism school, is Jack's replacement. Angela seems to be shallow, self-centered, arrogant, and conceited. She is nowhere near as good of a reporter as Jack is. She is only being hired because the newspaper will be able to pay her less than they would have had to pay to Jack. No one in our book club group likes her. Alonzo Winslow is a sixteen year-old boy who has allegedly committed multiple crimes, including dealing drugs, rape, and murder. He confessed to the drug-dealing, but not to either of the other crimes. Jack McEvoy wrote a newspaper article about Alonzo, which was worded so that it appeared that Alonzo had committed and confessed to all of the crimes. Jack received an angry phone call from Alonzo's grandmother, which caused him to investigate deeper into the situation. We feel compassion toward Alonzo because he is being blamed for crimes that he did not commit. We like Alonzo and believe that he was innocent. We are hoping that his innocence will be proven later on in the novel. Agent Walling appeared in the novel toward the end of the section we read, and seems to be an ally of Jack. We think she will become a major character as the book progresses.
 * Assignment:**

For this week's meeting, we read up to page 156 of //The Scarecrow// by Michael Connelly. This section consisted of the first five chapters and part of the sixth. This week, Katie was responsible for bringing in food, Rachel had to come up with five discussion questions (see below), and I, Alexis, had to answer the assignment question and write the summary of what we did this week. Katie brought in Starbursts, Laffy Taffy, and Kit Kats. We began our meeting with Rachel's questions. Since //The Scarecrow// is a fiction book that is a lot less controversial and debatable than the last book we read, //The Outliers// by Malcolm Gladwell, our discussion went by without any major arguments or disagreements. Once we finished the questions, we discussed our thoughts and opinions of the book so far. We all agreed that this book is a lot more interesting than the last one we read, but that nothing that enthralling had occurred yet. Then, it was brought to the attention of the group that in the first chapter, when the author talks about Carver and his "young disciples" posting child pornography onto the computers of an intruder and the photos being found by the police, the author states that it was "another threat kept away by the Scarecrow." Since "The Scarecrow" is the title of the book, this could foreshadow that Carver and his "young disciples" are going to become enemies of Jack later on in the story and that a major conflict may arise later in the novel between them.
 * Summary:**

//1. How do you feel about Jack? Do you agree with his methods of getting information?// He's cool and an interesting character. He seems like a good reporter, and we feel bad for him because he lost his job. And his ex-wife seems mean. //2. Do you think Angela Cook is selfish? Do you like her character?// She is incredibly selfish, and is really mean to Jack. She comes off as arrogant, shallow, self-centered, promiscuous, and probably was hired because of her looks. We don't like her. At all. //3. What do you think about "The Farm"?// Seems really creepy. They seem to be doing illegal things, and the whole thing is shady. //4. What do you think is really going on with Carver--what do you think he is capable of?// Hopefully he doesn't hurt Jack! He seems to be very powerful, but afraid of coming out from behind his computer. //5. Any predictions as to what will happen to Alonzo?// We believe that he is innocent, but that he won't be set free for awhile.
 * Questions:**