"No Place Like Home"

1)  David Guterson says "Green Valley is as much a verb as it is a noun.  He means that while Green Valley is a place (noun), it is also active and full of life (verb).  Guterson says, "people in golf outfits on the clubhouse veranda were eating three-cheese omelets and strawberry waffles and looking out over the palm trees and fairways, talking business and reading Sunday newspapers (183).  This shows how busy Green Valley is and how it can be considered a verb.  "There are to be no exterior speakers, horns, whistles, or bells" (187).  This is an example of residents being prohibited from certain things.

2)  Guterson's tone is very descriptive.  He uses a lot of detail and facts when referring to Green Valley.  His style reminds me of 1984. Guterson says "Still, many reside in this corporate domain, driven here by isatiable fears" (189).  This is an example of his detailed tone.

3) I disagree with Guterson that suburbs aren't safe, but solely from my own experiences.  I have lived in 3 different houses all of which a suburb and a gated community.  I always felt safe and protected and surrounded by other families that felt the same way.

When I picture home, I always think of Christmas time. My family is very close and spends a lot of time together especially during the holidays. The best memories I have are decorating the outside of the house with garland, wreaths and ribbons and decorating the Christmas tree that shows in the front window. Everytime I think of what my house looks like during the holidays I think of so many memories. Attempting to sled in my backyard with barely any snow, picking out a new ornament with my brother each year for the tree, driving around looking at lights, and eating my moms amazing food at the dining room table that we only use during that time of year. I think of how blessed and lucky I am to have such great Christmas's and to have such a wonderful family.