Blog Post #1
Now that you have chosen your book and have started to read it, please share the reasons why you chose Running Loose, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Stotan! or Chinese Handcuffs. Please give specific reasons as to why you chose the book you did. Why was it one of your top three picks? Are you happy with your choice? Also, please include your initial thoughts on the book, as you have started to read it. Are you finding the book enjoyable? Is the reading interesting? Are you making connections?
**A Reminder. Please remember to include your name within your blog, so I can give you a grade. Please respond not only to this blog topic, but also please write a comment or a response to two of your classmates' responses. You may respond to those students who are reading the same book as you are, or you can try to make connections between your book and the other books that students are reading in this class or my other 4B class. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses or inappropriate comments will earn you a zero, so please keep that in mind. Have Fun! Happy Blogging!!
**A Reminder. Please remember to include your name within your blog, so I can give you a grade. Please respond not only to this blog topic, but also please write a comment or a response to two of your classmates' responses. You may respond to those students who are reading the same book as you are, or you can try to make connections between your book and the other books that students are reading in this class or my other 4B class. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses or inappropriate comments will earn you a zero, so please keep that in mind. Have Fun! Happy Blogging!!
I picked Chinese Handcuffs because it sounded the most interesting. It was my top choice and I am very happy with the book so far. My initial reaction to the book was confusion because the main character was competing in a triathlon and was talking pushing through the pain. This confused me because I didn't know how this was relevant. The book is starting to get interesting with the main character talking about his brother, Preston, who committed suicide. It's still too early to make connections to the characters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment about the relevance of the triathlon. I think the reason why the author included it was simply to show how the mentality of the main character Dillon is.
DeleteI totally get what you are saying, Machanna. I was confused as to why the character was running a Triathlon. I think it might be to show that when he is in pain, he continues to push through the pain.
Deletei actually wanted to read this book it seemed really interesting . and it felt like this book was the most relatable .
DeleteI understand how you feel. My book Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes is also kind of confusing until you learn about the charters.
DeleteThis sounds like a very interesting book. I hope that it continues to get better as the book goes on.
DeleteI picked this book because it was the one I thought was more interesting. so far I am happy with my choice there has not been anything to make me not like it. so far I have noticed the boomers dad beats him a lot and most of the time it is because of a little thing he said or something that he did wrong. That does not give him the right to beat his son though. Another thing is that Louie is mostly is telling about the good things in his life and he has not really said anything bad happened to him at all. The book is good because it keeps you into it and makes you want to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteYour book does sound interesting to read, but what is the name of your book? It is important to name the book you are reading.
Deletei do not agree with the way boomers dad handled the situation with his kids situation.
DeleteOne of the characters in my novel his father is very similar to Boomers father. He beats him for really no reason at all.
DeleteI picked the book Stotan because I have never read it and it sounded interesting and I wanted to know what it was about and I couldn't quite figure that out by the tittle which is also why it is one of my top three picks. So far I am not happy with my choice because it starts off pretty boring but hopefully it will get more interesting when I get further into the book. Even though there is not much going on in the book I have made a few connections when the four swimmers our going to a weeks worth of swim training and one of the characters names Norti hates knowing that a workout is going to be touch even though he has nothing to worry about and I do the same exact thing when I know hell week for football is coming up or the first few weeks of track when the coaches want to get us into shape.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting and good. I think you'll enjoy it, I look forward to read more of your comments and find out more about Stotan.
DeleteI bet you will end up enjoying the book when you get more into it. I hope you end up liking the book and actually reading it.
Deletei completely agree with you this book is moving very slow.
Deleteyou book sounds cool i heard good things about it but i look forward to finding out how your experience will go.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because I love reading sports novels and Running loose is that, so I think I will really enjoy it. Running loose sounded really good after I read the back and it was one that related to me more than any of the other books we could choose from. I am super pumped I got this book and can not wait to start. I just finished chapter one and I am really enjoying it so far. I really like Running loose so far I just want to read more. I am just getting into the book so far so it is not to interesting yet but after a couple chapters I am sure it will be. The book is about a kid name Louie and his coach wants him to do something he does not think he should do and I do not always agree with our coaches decisions either.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we will enjoy it and I think it will get more interesting. It seems like it's going to get better and better.
DeleteI also like readying books about sports. I don't always agree with the coaches decision either. In this case I wouldn't listen to the coach in this case because that isn't right.
DeleteI am having the same reaction with my novel. I look forward to the next time that I get to read and see what's is gonna happen with the characters.
DeleteI agree with your comment about saying that you don't agree with the coaches decisions all the time. This book was one of my top decisions and would of been very interesting to read because it is about sports.
DeleteI agree that it was not to interesting in the began but got a lot better after the first couple chapters.
DeleteI agree that you will enjoy this book just because you play sports so that will let you be able to automatically have connections to you're book and I cant wait to hear about the connections you will have with this book and how much you enjoy it.
DeleteA few reasons why i chose Running Loose was because i heard it wasn't bad from other people and i figured it could be interesting possibly. It was one of my top three picks because it didn't seem long or hard to read, also like I said it could be interesting. Am I happy with my choice? I'm not a big into reading books, but I'm not gonna say I'm mad, it's okay. From reading the first chapter it doesn't seem to bad it's kinda funny and starting to maybe interest me. I haven't really made any connections yet, but I'm not saying I won't. Otherwise the book isn't too bad I guess.
ReplyDeleteSounds like this will be a good book to read. Hope it stays interesting, and cant wait to hear how it ends.
DeleteIts good that the book is starting to interest you, hope it gets better and to hear more about this book
DeleteThe book should go by pretty quick because it is funny. I think it is a pretty good book. I think the book will get better.
DeleteAs I have been reading the book does get better and It is starting to keep me more interested. Just keep reading and you will start to like it.
DeleteIt is really good when the book is already making you that interested i am looking forward to hear more about this book especially since i found this book interesting too and I haven't even read it.
DeleteI’m reading Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes. It was one of my top three picks because it makes me think of teenagers complaining about their weight. In high school, it seems like girls think way too much about how much they weigh. I am happy I got this book because It’s different than the books I would typically read. This book grabbed my attention in the first few pages because it has things that actually happen to people. Some of the things happening you would never want someone to go through. It opens your eyes to see that this really does happen to people. I’m only on the second chapter but there are so many emotions going on. I never thought I could get so mad in the two chapters of a book.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that you can find an emotional connection to the book, and get angry in the first couple of chapters. It sounds really relatable.
DeleteI agree with you in this book. I found it interesting although that it wasn't a girl complaining about her weight but the guy in the book.
DeleteI feel like this is the type of book that I would read because I normally read girly books that have very strong emotions present in the book. So I think that I might have enjoyed this book but I think I would have to read it to find out.
Deleteit sounds a lot like your book and Chinese Handcuffs are alike, telling about the tough challenges of the kids and how emotional the book brings you through rage and sadness.
DeleteI've heard that this book can get pretty intense, but unfortunately it is something that happens. We all have had abuse of some sort, Sarah's is obviously just more noticeable. I feel like this would be a good book for anyone who has read books like speak or the book of Henry - Lexi Recker
DeleteI choose running loose because it seemed like an interesting book to read. It was one of my top 3 picks because it seemed more relate-able to me as a person. I am happy with the choice of my book because I am able to connect with the main character as a person and I understand how he is feeling .I thought it was interesting the the school that Louie goes to is not a big enough school to have a full football team so they have to play a 8 man team also because the other schools are not big enough either .as of right now it does not seem really interesting but I am not that far in the book either. I not making a whole lot of connections to the other characters as much as I do with the main character Louie.
ReplyDeleteI chose this book because the swim team in this story sounds very similar to how my bowling team is in real life. The chemistry that the members of the swim team have with one another is very almost identical to how my bowing team is. This book just seemed more interesting than all the others. So far from what I read; yeah I'm pretty happy with my choice. After the first two chapters of this book I am pretty hooked as they still have not revealed what the word "stotan" actually means. I feel like I won't figure out what it means until I am more towards the end of the book. But so far I am enjoying this book!
ReplyDeleteSounds like this could be an interesting book,and also a relatable book. I think the word stotan can mean anything.
DeleteI am not really sure what the title of my book, "Chinese Handcuffs" means either. Although they did make a hint to Chinese when the boys in the book were burring a cat that they killed, they said that they buried the cat so deep that only the Chinese could find it. So I am not sure if that has something to do with the title or not?
DeleteThats good that you can relate to your book I have not been able to with mine but as I keep reading I might be able too.
DeleteI feel like the name comes from both Jen and Dillon's situations. When you have the Chinese handcuffs on, you fingers are tapped. Dillon feels trapped between thinking he was responsible for Preston's death and it being Preston's own fault. Jen feels trapped because she could leave and it would all end, but then the abuse would be turned on Dawn - Lexi Recker
DeleteI chose Running Loose because I have heard a lot about the book from last tri and in the packet about the books its the only o that really caught my attention. So far I am happy with my choice of book I think i can related a lot with the main character. My thoughts on the book at this point is that it seems like a fairly good book. so far i do find this book interesting,
ReplyDeleteJustin Hermsen
Sounds like a good book, hope to hear more about this book and more about the connections you are making
DeleteThis book does sound good, hope to hear more soon .
DeleteI chose the book Chinese handcuffs, because it sounded the most interesting to me of the three books.The reviews on this book was what made me choose it, because it was the one that had an interesting plot line. I am happy with my choice with this book, because already things got interesting when Dillon and Preston killed Mrs. Crummets cat.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to disagree with you when you say that the book got interesting when the boys killed Mrs. Crummets cat, I cried. The author was pretty descriptive in the way he wrote that scene.
DeleteI do agree that the book got more interesting when the brothers killed the cat, but I do not like unnecessary violence. I know that the cat injured their dog, but it just seems cruel to kill him just for a small action.
DeleteI wouldn't say the part where they killed Mrs. Crummets was interesting at all so I disagree. The killing of the cat was more sad than interesting. Yes that part had more going on in it than other parts of the book so far, but their actions were more cruel than anything. The dog was still alive so it was a minor action that the cat did, so killing it was not the answer
DeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs because the summary caught my attention over the others.I also felt like the characters would be more relocatable than the others. The main character is athletic and going though some hard times, and being mentally tough is important. I really enjoyed reading the beginning of the story because he was competing in a triathlon. I can relate to that because I am a runner in Track, and being mentally strong is very important in competing in sports.The main character Dillion lost his brother to suicide although I did not read a lot so far the relationship between his brother and him was very interesting. They seemed like twins, and they were always competing for attention. I feel like it is very easy to relate to the characters because they are my age and they were always hanging out and doing things together. There was a crazy memory they had together that really caught my attention... The pair killed the neighbor cat and it really confused me. It seems there is a problem rooted deep between the pair. I find it intriguing that they have done something so cruel and I am interested in what is coming up next.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Dillon was forced into the situation by his older brother because he wanted to make Preston like him and wanted to hang out with his older brother and Preston's friends. I am also looking forward to reading the book and cannot wait to see what happens.
DeleteI was also confused when they killed the cat, but i do feel like there is a deep problem in their family.
DeleteChinese Handcuffs was my first choice, although I did not get it, I will most likely end up reading it sometime in the future. The put about the cat really sounds interesting. I really enjoy learning about the human mind. Killing animals at an early age is a sign that they will most likely kill bigger things later in life. The same thing happen to a very famous killer, the Ice Man.
DeleteI am reading the book Chinese Handcuffs. I choose this book because reading the packet it seemed to be the most interesting book to me. So far this book is easy to read, but gets hard to follow along sometimes from switching back and forth between journal entrees and real life. I am able to make a few connections to this book and its main character Dillion. I am happy with my choice and hope the book gets better.,
ReplyDeleteNick Knipper
I agree that it can be hard to fallow sometimes. Hopefully it will all fall into place soon
DeleteYour book sounds completely different from Running Loose. Running Loose is very easy to follow so far there is only one story line and we have been learning about his life on the foot ball team.
DeleteI dont know nick if your able to relate to your book but in stotan it is so easy to relate to other seniors and this book is a very easy read.
DeleteI agree that this book is kind of hard to follow when it switches to him writing in his journal and then going to real life. I think it will get easy to understand and it will end up to be a great book.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs because it sounded the most interesting to me. This was my top book choice because out of all four of the books I understood the summary of Chinese Handcuffs the best. So far I am enjoying this book and I normally do not enjoy reading so I was very surprised that I like the book. I have made a connection with this book which is, I feel like the two schools in this book, Chief Joe and Wenatchee are like our school and Beckman because we sort of have a little rivalry going and so do the two schools in the book.
ReplyDeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs because it seemed to be the most interesting and I felt like I could relate to it the best. The main character, Dillon, has a dark past that continues to follow him but he confides in friends to get him through it. So far, I am happy with my choice. It has pulled on my emotion strings. Initially, I didn't like the main character. He seemed to be using his brothers suicide for attention but after he starts writing to his brother, I felt like my idea changed. I have connected characters in the book to friends of mine which makes it easier to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this book is very emotional, especially the flashbacks. Dillon is still not my favorite, i personally like Jennifer more because i understand her writing more.
DeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs, this far the book has bean somewhat confusing because it jumps from a journal entry to the past and back to a journal entry then to the present again. Hopefully it will start making sense soon.
ReplyDeleteGarrett Pfeiler
Sounds like a tough book, hopefully you are able to understand it soon.
DeleteI am also reading Chinese Handcuffs and feel like he is remembering these memories as he is writing to his dead brother, and how he felt in these situations. Hope this comment helps :)
DeleteI chose Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes because out of all four of the books, this one stood out to me the most. This was my top choice of the four books and I'm happy with my book. My first initial reaction with this book was that it was confusing. It jumps around a lot from being with Sarah, to school, swim team, and back to 8th grade. I find this book interesting so far because I don't know why Sarah is in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric unit. I haven't really made any connections yet because it keeps jumping around.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting, hopefully you will start to understand the content of the book soon!
DeleteYou are very right. The book is really confusing and hard to get the hang of but eventually everything starts to make sense and all of the back and forth is all coming together.
DeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs because I thought the plot was interesting and I thought it is going to be a good book. So far the story was a little confusing to me, but I found myself not able to put the book down. The part about the cat did affect me because I am a pacifist when it comes to violence and I thought that it was horrible of what the brothers have done. Other than that, I found this book enjoyable to read. I do not relate to the main characters because I am not a sports person and I enjoy video games more.
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs because the plot seemed really interesting. This was one of my top choices because I seem like I could relate to this book the most. I also chose this because it has to deal with sports and I usually only read sports novels. I am happy I chose this book because it will be fun and interesting to read. As I start to read this book we can relate to the basketball game because it is kind of a rivalry like us and Beckman. The book so far has been pretty easy to understand and very enjoyable. It is enjoyable because Dillon explains what happened and what he deals with.
ReplyDeletei disagree the book sounds like its very emotional and not really about sports :(
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I am the same way I love to read sports novels to because I relate to sport novels. Your book seems really interesting and I am interested to see how it goes. I am also reading a sports novel right now to that I am really enjoying it.
DeleteI'm reading the book Chinese Handcuffs which is about a boy named Dillon whose dream is to compete in the Iron man in Hawaii, and Jennifer, the star of the girl's basketball team. Dillon uses running as an outlet to help him deal with his brother's suicide. He feels like it's his fault somehow, even though his brother's choices are what ultimately led him there. Jennifer's life at home is the exact opposite as at school. When she gets injured during a game, the only thing she can think about is where is her sister going to stay since she can't protect her. I related to the part where Dillon goes "Shoot me. Please shoot me" at the end of his race because that's how I feel after I get done running. I relate to Jennifer because I put my friends and my family before me. I chose this as one of my top three because the summary on both the back of the book and in the packet really drew me in, and other people have said it's really good.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is Lexi Recker's
DeleteI agree this book sounds a lot like you Lexi you do put others before yourself i hope you continue to enjoy this book.
DeleteI agree as well because you are such a caring person and put others first. I can't wait to hear more about your book and I hope you really enjoy it!
DeleteI chose the book "Running Loose", because I felt like I could relate to the main character. Louie is an average Joe, he has average grades, works two jobs, and is an average football player at best. I also picked this book, because my step-brother played football for years so I knew that I would be able to understand any football terminology used in the book. I'm currently happy with my choice of book. It sets up from the very start of the book that Louie's senior year in high school was going to go downhill. I'm very intrigued to see just exactly how Louie's senior will spiral out of control.
ReplyDeleteI have found this book easy to relate to as well, with Louie being a average joe, with average grades, and multiple jobs, it has helped me connect with him, because a lot of what he is, I am the same.
DeleteDearest Chase, this reply to your comment is meant to be evocative of your own experiences with the literary piece Running Loose. I am writing to inform you that I also agree that Louie seems like quite the simple fellow! I look forward to hearing how you react to some pieces of dialogue later in the piece.
DeleteDearest Chase, I am glad you got a book you can relate to and understand what is going on. However i think it is kind of weird that you are looking forward to see his life "spiral out of control". But as long as you like the book and can relate to it, that is what really matters.
DeleteI chose the book "Running Loose", because I thought it sounded like the best book. I thought this sounded like the best book because the kid was brave enough stand up to his coach and tell him no. I like this because there is very few kids that are that brave. This was my top book because the other books didn't interest me. So far i'm glad that I chose this book. I think this book will be a good book. So far it's a good start in the book. I'm not making connections yet but i'm sure that I will.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletei agree these were also some of the main points on why i chose this book!!!
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I chose the same and I am really excited to make connections to this book. I agree that it is hard to make a lot of connections after chapter one. Everyone says the coaches are right but I would have to disagree like you and it takes a man to stand up and say i have to disagree coach. I don't know about you but i am super excited to read the next few chapters.
DeleteI chose the same book as you. I agree with the fact that very few kids are brave enough to stand up to authority figures like coaches. I hope as the book progresses that you will be able to make connections with the characters.
DeleteI agree with that it does take guts to stand up to your coach and what you believe in. You don't see that a whole a lot in real life. I also agree that it's hard to make connections in the first few chapters, but hope that I eventually will. I look forward to reading this book and hope you re to.
DeleteI chose the book running loose because I thought it sounded like a good book. I also picked it because its about football so i will be able to understand what they are talking about. i think that I can relate to the main character Louie. I love how it starts the book on Louie's senior year so I'm excited to see how his senior year will turn out
ReplyDeleteAre you able to make any connections so far in your book? I am also reading the same book and I can kinda relate to the main character Louie because of what he is going through. Hope you enjoy reading your book. Also hope that the book gets more interesting.
DeleteI chose the book "Chinese Handcuffs," because I like how it has a fun side and a serious side to it. For example, it is about a guy that is just a average school jock, maybe even a little bit more talented than an average jock. But then in this book there is death involved and serious things happening as well. It was one of my top 3 choices because it stood out ti me and it seems very interesting and I want to see how the title of the book ties into the story. Yes I am happy with this choice. My initial thoughts about this book were it's kind of messed up with the boys messing with that cat right in the beginning, but hopefully things will work out for the boys. I find the book very enjoyable but that cat scene really made me feel different about the book. It is very interesting and I have made several connections so far and wrote them in my journal. Especially about me and my sisters and how we connect just like the boys do in the book.
ReplyDeleteI am three chapters in to Running Loose and I am already enamored with the story, it seems like a realistic high school book that I can really get into. When I was reading the synopsis of the book it struck me that this is a story that I could really get behind and appreciate it for what it is at the base. An emotional story starring a young boy trying to make it in life while dealing with breakups and sports drama
ReplyDeletedoesnt sound very entertaining, but as long as you found the right book good for you.
DeleteI wish my book were just an average highschool book! Don't get me wrong its a really cool book (chinese handcuffs) but its also almost hard to read. It talks about suicide, kinda a little about murder, and even goes into rape. Its just an all around crazy book but it keeps me entertained and keeps my nose in the pages jumping at the next event.
DeleteI'm also reading Running Loose, and I agree with all the points that you made. This is a very realistic look at the life of a high school football player who has problems outside of football that he has to learn to deal with. I'm also really enjoying the book so far as well!
DeleteSounds like a good book to read, it seems like something many people could connect with.
DeleteI'm reading Stotan. I can't wait for this book get as juicy as it looks. I just can't wait to see what challenges these folks have to indoor. Ugh its going to be a douse. xoxo Gossip Girl
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will get extra juicy!
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DeleteI'm reading Stotan as well and so far it is a pretty good book!
DeleteAs I was looking for which book to read I chose Chinese Handcuffs because I feel like suicide is a big part of our community today and that it shouldn't be taken and that it shouldn't be taken lightly. My initial reaction was that this book is all too real and that we should understand what this person is going through even if we have never experienced it before.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, suicide should not be taken lightly and Chinese Handcuffs sounds like a good book.
DeleteI agree! It's a part of society and it's something real. It can connect to a lot of people and seeing the connection between Dillon and Preston is fun to see! The different things they did together adds to the book! The book shows that people will miss you.
DeleteI agree with you, Devin! Suicide is a very big part of our community and is a topic that should not be taken lightly. I am really enjoying the book so far, and I hope you do too!
DeleteI made the choice to read Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because of the topic the book is based on. The boy loses his sibling (brother) to suicide. The book so far is great and I am already able to make connections to the book. The book stood out to me the most out of all the options we received, and I am glad I decided to go with Chinese Handcuffs. The book to me is a little slow so far and nothing captivating or something that makes it so you can't put the book down has happened yet, but I am only in the first four chapters. The sad part where they kill a cat definitely made me upset and was unnecessary and will for sure upset future readers if they are an animal lover like myself. I am excited to know what happens throughout the rest of the book!
ReplyDeleteI agree and I hope that you make more connections through out your book and hope it stays interesting
DeleteI am just starting chapter two in Running loose. I chose to read this book because as I was reading the synopsis I almost immediately got intrigued into the book. The main character Louie is just starting his senior year and while he is going through some stuff throughout the beginning he is determined to make the most of it especially with football. This book so far is emotional while dealing with some stuff such as drama with football and also drama with some of his friends.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like the typical life of a high school student. The drama is a factor of teenager's lives and it's brought out already which is nice. Hope you can make connections and gets even more interesting
DeleteSounds like a great book! Can you make connections to it? My book deals with some stuff too so they're similar that way!
DeleteI chose to read Running Loose because when I read the summary of the book it sounded interesting and I like to read books based upon sports. I am three chapters into the book and so far I find it to be very similar to high school and how it works. So far I am happy with my choice because I am looking forward to see how the book plays out. I am finding the book enjoyable because it is realistic of the life of being a high school student. I can not wait to see what happens to Louie and how he changes throughout the book.
ReplyDeletei am a chapter into Running loose and i am very intrigued in it already. I like the book alone so far on the attention it brought right away. It not only told you what the book would be about but it put it in a unique way that i don't see very often with other books. i chose this book in the hope of relating to it more then the other books and by the looks of it i chose the right one.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the book Running Loose and I chose this book because I love reading sports books. I am only one chapter in so there is not a lot of things going on and boring. I am really looking forward to reading this because I think it will start to pick up. The book is about a kid named Louie who doesn't agree with what the coach is telling him to do. I cant wait to start reading more to see what happens.
ReplyDeleteoh it with get better adam! Keep your head up!
DeleteAdam, i hope the book running loose picks up on the action soon. and one question, what is the coach telling him to do?
DeleteI agree with Riley this book gets a lot better keep that head up.
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book i would like to know more about it!
DeleteI thought STOTAN! would be the best book to read out of the bunch. I picked Stotan because it's about high school pals that are on the swim team together. I can connect with the book already thinking about all my high school friends. Walker, Nortie, Lion, and Jeff are all about to do stotan week with their swim coach Max. Max has not told them what it is yet but the paper says " Volunteers Only, Looking for a few good men" Max hints to them that they should be a part of stotan week. I am enjoying the book so far and I hope it gets more interesting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book this was my second choice i did not get it.. hope to hear more about it.
DeleteBook sounds interesting, it was my second choice and hope it gets more interesting for you.
DeleteThe reason I chose Running Loose was because it sounded more interesting then the other books. Also it had to deal with a small town boy that went to school with very few people. they barley had enough players to play eight man football. I found that very interesting and that is why I chose this book. So far the book is great and my initial thoughts are that i am able to connect with the main character in many ways. I am very happy with my choice because it is hard for me to read a book if i do not enjoy it however this book so far is great and should be an amazing read. I have made connections to Louie like when he bought his truck he did not need to buy it and he even thought about not buying it. I was in the same boat and i knew exactly how he felt he did not need to buy it but he wanted something to call his own.The same for me my parents gave me a car to drive but i wanted to buy my own car so it could truly be mine. I can not wait to read more of this book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book and i cant wait to hear more about it.
DeleteI picked Running lose as one of my top books I wanted to read. I chose this book because it sounded good and I from the sounds of the book it seems like the type of book I would not be able to put down. I like how the main character, Louie tells us about what is going on and who everyone is. Honestly all of the books sounded about the same to me so I didn't really care about what book I got to read. So far the book is not to bad and I hope the book does not get boring.
ReplyDeleteThat is kinda how i felt about the other books too
DeleteI also felt this was a type of book I wouldn't be able to put down after I reading the back of the book. I am sure the book won't get boring!
DeleteI hope you will enjoy reading this book and won't get bored of it. I felt the same way about my book and so far I cant put it down once I start reading it!
Deleteim reading running loose because it seemed like a good bock and some of my friends told me about it and i figured id give it a try and its about football and id like to learn about football im only a chapter in and it seems okay but i think itll get better im exicted to read it
ReplyDeleteI am reading Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher. I chose this book because it seemed interesting. Dillon writes letters to his dead brother who committed suicide. I feel like I have the closest connection to this out of all the books. So far, I have learned that Dillon is a very strong guy-both emotionally and mentally. It got very upsetting when I read about the cat, Charlie. I think the author went into too many details about the killing of the cat. It was very sad to read about, and personally, I kind of wish Charlie would have injured Dillon and Preston. The killing was brutal! Overall, I'm excited to see what else happens!
ReplyDeleteOk, but yes. Chris Crutcher went into to much detail with a lot in this book from Charlie to Jen's kinda shady background with her dad, to Dillon's brothers death. Every page I read only gets increasingly more intense! It's crazy to read!!! And poor Charlie, I'm a cat person so my heart ached, I don't care if he was the devil in disguise he was a cat which means he was cute and fluffy!
DeleteI picked running loose because when I read the intro it instantly pulled me in. As a student in highschool, we can all relate that there are a lot of ups and downs. There are times where we feel that we are on top of the world, then our world can flip us upside down. That is why i chose this book, because of how much we can relate to the story, I think of myself as in the story, so I feel i have already had a connection to the story and it has helped me to like the story so far. I am excited to continue to see what happens next.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the book is very easy for high school students to relate too. So far in the book Louie has some struggles not liking everyone in his high school and I can relate to that.
Deletei also am reading running loose and it seems to be a fairly relate able book for some one that is our level of maturity i also look forward to seeing how the rest of the book unfolds.
DeleteI agree with you, this book is a very dark, serous book that should be taken seriously. Suicide is a real issue for some people who just get to a rough spot in there life and dont realize that there still is good in life, it just needs to be found.
DeleteI agree that reading a book that you can relate so much to the main character really helps.
DeleteI picked Running Loose because I thought it would keep my attentions throughout the book, because the topic seems very interesting. I also like reading about people my age and things I feel like I can relate too. I picked this for my top three books because the other books didn't catch my interest because I am not very familiar with what the other books were about. My initial thoughts of Running Loose is I like how the Louie narrates the story, he explains things so I can understand what he is saying. Overall I am enjoying the book, I am wondering what Louie did to his coach that he isn't on the football team anymore, it makes me want to keep on reading. I am connecting with the book because Louie doesn't like some people but he still has to deal with them, I also have that issue sometimes as well. Overall I am excited to keep on reading to see what is going to happen!
ReplyDeleteI do find it easy to relate to, because it is about people our age, and I can find times in my own life that I can relate too.
DeleteStotan is the same the kids are seniors in high school so im able to relate to them when there talking about there last year in school.
DeleteI'm reading the book Stotan and i choose this book because it was picked for me this was my number two pick. I am enjoying this book though because of the high school kids dealing with issues of there senior year. So far im an enjoying the book a lot and it is very easy to connect to as well.
ReplyDeleteI chose the book running loose because I thought it seemed pretty interesting from doing the research of picking out a book and so far it is a nice book and it doesn’t seem to complicated or a waste of time I look forward to reading more and seeing what happens.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the book . I as well agree its a good book and not too complicated or a waste of time
DeleteI am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and the reason that I choose this book for my top three was because in the packet of reviews it sounded like an interesting and suspenseful book. I also choose this book because when I read the back of the book it sounded like it would be an enjoyable book to read. I think I made the right choice in books because I usually am not a person who always likes to read, but when i'm reading this book it is sometimes hard to put down. I am only 40 pages into the book, but so far I think it is really interesting and makes you want to keep reading. My initial thoughts of the book right now are why would Eric stay fat for a friend when he is a swimmer and wants to be really good, but is choosing to stay fat for Sarah. The book is so far interesting and enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good read.
ReplyDeleteThis book was also in my top three and it sounds quite interesting, I'll have to give it a look when i'm done with mine!
DeleteI think that when you love and care about someone you will do anything to make them feel like part of a group. Eric does not want Sarah Byrnes to feel like an outcast and he wanted them to stay friends. He stayed fat for her out of love. Want he did was very thoughtful, although, it did ruin his health. Sarah Byrnes, we found out is not the most gentle person we have ever read about, she did not find it nice she thought it was stupid. But, I believe that he was just trying to keep things the same even though things were changing.
DeleteI am reading the book Chinese Handcuffs. it was one of my top picks because it sounded so interesting about how these kids are fighting through such terrible tragedies. So far I am enjoying the book very much, even tough i am not connecting much to it. i am actually very glad I am not connecting to it because of the terrible events that happen in this book. it is a very dark, kinda depressing book that fills me with rage as i hear what has happened to those kids.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion of not wanting to connect with the book, because there are some pretty twisted topics in the book, some of which I would personally never want to go through.
Deletei agree fully that relating to my books main character can be hard because he is a sports hero and i am a band nerd, but i don`t think it should matter that much.
DeleteI choose Chinese Handcuffs because when I read the bio about his brother and how he like would write to him in a journal style I thought it would be neat to read. It turns out this story comes from like multiple views. But, it's not to confusing It's actually really cool to read it from multiple views and learn a little more about every character along the way. I would say I am happy about my choice because it has so many different twist and turns. One page will be calm and then on the next page there's something crazy and unexpected happening. The author wrote this story well, and I really do love the story so far because it pulls the readers in. All though I love this book, I have found it a little hard to make connections to my every day life, just because everyone in this book has crazy intense things going on but I'm just kinda boring. I guess my only correlation would be I'm a teenager.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Staying Fit for Sarah Byrnes, I chose this book as one of my top 3 because it sounded most interesting. Overall starting off reading it I am currently undecided with how to feel about it. The book tends to jump around a lot making it sometimes confusing. My initial thoughts on the book was that it is starting out kind of boring in my opinion. I am mainly just learning about main charters and backgrounds. I believe the book will become enjoyable but at the moment im not loving it. The reading is about a boy named Eric and the people that are around in his life. I did find Sarah's background interesting, finding out about the way she was raised. So far im not making any real connections with this book.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the beginning of the book is kinda boring because it is all background stuff. but the more i read the more i like the book. I find Eric really interesting and the friendship he has with Sarah makes me happy to know that he is always there for her.
DeleteI chose to read Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes because i felt it was most relateable. It was in my top three because it interested me and i wanted to read it. I am really intrested in Sarah's background and what happened to her. I find comfort in the fact that Eric is still there for Sarah no matter what happens. I look forward to finding out more about Sarah and Eric's relationship and how it with change or not change through out the book.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing! Im really excited to see what all turns out!
DeleteI am also really interested in finding out more about their relationship and how things turn out. I want to know more about all of them!
DeleteI chose staying fat for Sarah Byrnes because this books description really caught my eye. this book seems really realistic and also is going to show what like a normal high school story would be like. Reading already with thin the first couple chapters you see the friendship and everyone's insecurity about their appearance because of their weight and looks and how people think. Also there is a lot of mystery behind Sarah Byrnes. Especially in the hospital because we still don't know what or why she is in there. Know Eric and Dale are going to try to figure it out and try to help Sarah.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Steffensmeier
It really does show what high school is really like. It is tough on kids and writers need to show things like this.
DeleteI wish I would have picked staying fat for sara byrnes because I think it is very crucial for kids especially in highschool to know that every body is different and not everyone can be super skinny and thin and sometimes being small and skinny is not what it is all about, its about what is in the inside that actually matters.
DeleteI chose Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes because of the friendship between Eric and Sarah. I found that it was nice of him to stay fat for her sake. It was in my top three because I thought it would be something I would enjoy since I know friends are something you need when you're different. I would be happier reading Chinese Handcuffs just because I thought that would be a little more interesting. So far the book isn't too bad, but I do get sort of lost with how much he jumps around. He goes from his swim meet, to 8th grade, to junior year, etc. I have been able to make connections to at least Eric because I have been made fun of the same way he has. -Mariah Pape
ReplyDeleteI chose the book "Chinese Handcuffs" because it seemed like an interesting book to read. At first i didn't think I would like this because it started off with the main character competing in a triathlon and I don't usually like to read books about sports. But as I got into it, I began to really like it and I got hooked. I connect with the main character because he copies and tries to be like his older brother like I do sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDearest Benjamin, I think you should never try to copy Andrew, he isn't always the best role model. Yet I do appreciate the way you feel positively towards the book and kept reading even past all the namby pamby sports topics in the book
DeleteBen I'm glad you really like this book. I'm also reading Chinese handcuffs too, and I too really enjoy it.
DeleteI chose Chinese Handcuff because it seemed like an interesting story, with a lot of plot twists. I can relate with being a high school athlete and some of the other topics in this book. There are some very touchy topics like death and molestation. But other than that It is a great book with some plot twists and insight on how their life is like. It is a great read that has a lot of jaw droppers. I really enjoy the way it written and does not leave holes in the story.
ReplyDeleteConner Burk
DeleteIt sounds like its a good book so far. I hope that it keeps getting better and that there are more plot twist. It's* written by the way.
DeleteI enjoyed the way the book jumped right into action with the two brothers doing a dirty deed to their neighbor's feline.
DeleteI also read Chinese Handcuffs and i agree the book does have a lot of twist and turns having two main character and I think that is why i enjoy the book so much.
DeleteI'm also reading Chinese Handcuffs, and i completely agree that this book surely does keep you on your toes. You never know what is going to happen next.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because he is the same age as we are. It seemed like it would be a very relatable to our lives right now. This was my top pick because I usually like reading sports related books. So far the book seems pretty good and there is already drama going on. I look forward to reading about he resolves all of his conflicts if he even does.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying your book. I too like sport related books, this would of been my second choice.
DeleteI also choose Running loose because he is the same age as us
DeleteI chose Running Loose because I enjoy reading books on teenagers that can relate their life to mine, it keeps me wondering what will happen next in the book! This was one of my top three picks because the other ones didn't really get my attention. Unlike this one that I wanted to find out what happen right away. I'm happy that I choose Running Loose at first it was hard to get into but as i worked my way into it got better. But overall I'm very happy with my choice! As I'm half way into the book I'm really enjoying it, there is a lot of characters. I really enjoying the book because normally I can't just pick up a book and read it if I don't enjoy it. There are parts that are not as interesting as others, but there is parts that make me get to the end of my seat. I'm making lots of connections throughout the book with Louie with began in high school participating in athletics and many more. I can't wan't to keep on reading to see what well happen next!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the book starts out a little slow, but it definitely escalates quickly and gets very interesting very quickly.
DeleteI'm reading the book Stotan! because it got chose for me and it looked pretty interesting to, overall the book is great so far and it shows the struggles that the high school kids have in their lives and most of us as high school kids could probably connect to their lives. Even though im not a big fan of reading Stotan! is still a pretty good book.
ReplyDeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher, because its the story of two teenagers who are both battling to run away from the hardships in their life, I thought it would be interesting to know how they got through it in-case it were to happen to me. It was my number one choice because of how the story sounded, I thought it would be more of an interesting read, over the other choices, with the point that I am at in my story, I am quite happy with the choice. My initial thoughts on the book were, wow this story went fast, with the story opening with the two boys bonding, while killing a cat. I thought the story went quick into action, for that reason I am happy with my choice.
ReplyDeleteyour book sound very interesting I'm very interested to see what happens on there journey. I hope I'm never in a situation where i have to run away from it all. I'm very comfortable with where I'm at. And bonding or killing a cat seems pretty serious. it sounds like a very intense book and i cant wait to here more.
DeleteI also read Chinese Handcuffs and i agree the situation with the cat was intense and i am also happy with my choice.
DeleteI'm not one that usually likes to read but Running Loose sounded interesting to me because of the character's being seniors like we are and I can relate to that. The farther I read into the book the more interested I get. The setting of the book is just like real high school. So far I'm glad I picked this book and I'm sure I will like this book more and more the farther I get into it.
ReplyDeleteI chose running loose. because its themed around high school and sports. which is something i can relate to, I can also relate to having relationships. I have also never minded sports themed books. So far I have very much enjoyed everything this book has to present. surprisingly I'm enjoying everything the author has written. I cant wait to continue my reading of running loose because it jut keeps getting more exciting!
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read books about high school/life problems, but after reading Running Loose I think I should really expand my horizons on books. There is some great internal struggle with Louie that is really interesting. So far it's a great read, and I can't wait to see how it turns out!
ReplyDeletedear Justin, we happen to be reading the same book and be in the same group! isn't that crazy!? I am really looking forward to seeing what you think of the rest of the book, and what you can bring to our group discussions!
Deletebest of luck Joe.
wow its amazing how many group members are in this post sofar maybe we can get chase in here too, but i am happy to say that the book seems to be going pretty well and is actually pretty juicy i like the way its put together. see you at the next group meeting
DeleteI chose to read Chinese handcuffs it was my first option and i chose it because i feel like i can take the experiences the characters had in this book and learn from them. It is a tough book to read but there is always something new and exciting going on. i can connect to this book because before my grandpa died he used to read me stories and take me fishing along with other things my parents didn't want to do.
ReplyDeletei am reading the book Stotan. I am reading this book because it was chosen for me. As of right now the book seems very slow. As i keep reading it seems as if the book keeps hoping around everywhere so it is very hard to follow. I hope the book starts to pick up a little bit so it will get easier to read.
ReplyDeletei really like my book so far it seems to be a very well laid out i dont read much anymore but i am really liking the way the main character is relating to me other than the fact that he works out. Im really happy with the choice of this book.i think the book will be a very interesting read and am looking very forward to reading the rest
ReplyDeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs because I really enjoy reading about interesting and sensitive topics, like the ones that are in this book. It was also one my top picks and and I am really liking the book so far. My first reaction to the book was that I was pretty confused why Dillon, who is the main character, was competing in a triathlon, since the title of the book didn't show any relevancy to Chinese Handcuffs, but I decided to go along with it. The book is definitely starting to get more interesting with Dillon as her talking about his brother, Preston, who committed suicide, As well as Jennifer and her issues with her step-father, T.B. I do think that it is still a bit early in the book to make connections.
ReplyDeleteStaying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, was my third choice, but I really am enjoying it so far. It was in my top three because I enjoy reading books that have sensitive topics that are not really talked about everyday. I am really enjoying the mystery including Sarah Byrnes, although the further you read the less of a mystery it becomes. Sarah Byrnes has burns all over her body from a pot of boiling water that, "Fell on her" when she was a child. And Eric, the main character, was fat and that was the only reason they were friends, because they were both outcast. Now Sarah is in the Hospital, and wont talk to anyone, she wont speak. This is really making me mad, because we find out that she hear and understands everything, she just refuses to reply to Eric. I also want to know why she is in their in the first place. Does she just want attention or she is really ill? Does it have something to do with her father? The connection that I made was with Eric, his father left him before he was born. I had my father in my life for a little while but he chose to leave me and my family when we needed him most. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to see how the book ends and I am really happy with my choice.
ReplyDeleteif running loose had another chapter i would think it would tell about his life coming back together and tell about him after high school and onto the real world
ReplyDelete