Blog Response #1
Now that you have received 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 this book was in your top 3 choices. Are you happy with your choice so far? 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 the other 4B classes. A 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 the other 4B classes. A 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 am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I choose this book because there are times i feel like an outcast like Sarah but in a different way. This book was in my in my top three because simply some other books were just not interesting. If i could choose a different book but I would but I'm still okay with it. The book is okay but its not great. I feel like there are many different point of views and it gets confusing where I'm at.There are points i find it enjoyable with their kinda smart comments on each-other but other than that then no. Again there are points in the beginning that are interesting but overall its not that interesting yet but I hope it eventually does. I'm not necessarily making any connections yet but I'm hoping I do soon.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Chinese Handcuffs and it was one of my top choices because Mrs. Broadbent had mentioned that you will be all over at first and then everything will connect and you will be good to go. Which was one of the main reasons, I like when you are reading not sure whats happening and everything comes together. As of right now i'm not quite sure how happy I am with my choice as of right now because i'm only at chapter two and I haven't had that connection moment. My initial thoughts are kind of shocked with how much jumping around I have been doing. I've went from a marathon to killing a cat to playing basketball and not quite sure of the direction. I have made a few connections with the thoughts of the marathon runner when you are so tired and winded you just want to crash and just give in.
ReplyDeleteI have a similar connection to you with your book, but i kinda know whats going to happen next but at the same time I don't. There are so many different types of point of views that make it difficult to read my book, and that's the only part that's like i wonder whats going to happen next feel.
DeleteI like reading books that kind of bounce around or have different points of view because i like to see how different characters see things then how it ties together and makes everything make sense.
DeleteI agree with you Q. I also agree enjoy to read a book that don't make sense in the beginning but eventually come together. The beginning was extremely confusing it went from running to killing a cat, and then basketball.
DeleteWhile im reading running loose i believe our books will have alot in common. While your character is running a marathon and Louie plays football. I think they will both face
Deletetheir struggles and at the end of the book they will achieve their goal that they have at the start of the book.
i agree its interesting to see how loose ends come together. its as if you can see the whole picture but cant make out the details and the more you read the clearer the picture get.
DeleteChinese Handcuffs almost feels a little bit like a mystery novel, in a way, because I feel like I'm slowly finding out more about these characters and what makes them think/act the way they do. Even though the plot is overall a little dark, it's fun to make connections within the characters and learn more about them.
DeleteI agree with you i think its almost like a mystery novel, but with a dark setting. The characters are definitely different in there own way and i like that because i can connect to some of the characters. I am excited to find out more about the characters.
DeleteI completely agree. I'm not happy with the book yet, and hope to get pulled I by something I can relate to or something else. I feel like having connections to this book would be very difficult because we don't have a swimming team at our school to relate.
ReplyDeleteI chose to read Stotan! because it seemed like the most interesting of the four books. Another reason I chose the book is because it is about a group of friends who is always together. I can relate to it because during the summer I like to hang out with my friends. So far I am happy with my book choice because it is interesting. My initial thoughts with the book were that the book is very boring but now its getting better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jonathan. Its always good to relate to something in the book you are reading because then you can put yourself in the characters shoes and its like everything you are reading is real. I am also happy with my choice Running Lose because I have many connections with the main character in the book.
DeleteI totally agree with Peyton. I can relate to the characters in the book and how they are always there to help one another. My friends are always there for me and would never let me down. If one person joins one thing, the rest of the friend group will join. There is never a time in the book so far where the characters never let each other down. I am happy with my choice of book. I think it sounded more interesting based on the title and made me wanna read it to find out what Stotan! meant.
DeleteI'm reading Chinese handcuffs. It was one of my top choices because Mrs.Broadbent said that it was a good book. At first i thought the book was really confusing. But after awhile i thought the book got more interesting. the story became clearer. i couldn't make any connection other than being an athlete. i also think the reading is interesting based on the letters wrote by the one of the characters.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with the fact that it starts out confusing and not knowing where it's going to go. I also thought that the letters Dillon wrote are very interesting and I feel like they are something important and will pop up again later.
DeleteI also agree with you. My only connection with Running lose is being an athlete. Even though its the only connection its a big connection because i have been an athlete since 5th grade and that has many memories and connections i can make with Louie in Running lose.
DeleteI completely agree with you. I thought this book was very confusing at the beginning. I also connected it with being an athlete. Surprisingly the book gets clearer and becomes enjoyable to read
DeleteI just started reading and I couldn't agree more. This book started out in an unconventional way. But, on the other hand, I was able to make the connection to Dillon's athletic background. One thing I'm waiting to find out would be how the title relates to the book.
DeleteI chose Running Loose by Chris Crutcher because I always loved the game of football. When i went in to the library to ask for the book the librarians told me it was a book worth reading. Once they said that i figured it would be a good book. I also chose Running lose because Chris Crutcher is an outstanding author. I am happy with my choice because I believe there is going to be a lot of connections between Louie and I. I am finding the reading enjoyable as i can actually sit down and read because i want to, not because i have to.
ReplyDeleteI would much rather read a book that I can relate to because like you said it makes you want to sit down and read it. If you have to force yourself to read it then its not worth reading.
DeleteI agree with Peyton. I do believe this book is worth the read because all the people that told me it was good. I think we will both enjoy this because i like football and follow it. I also believe I and Louie will have a lot of connections because he is a teen just like we are.
DeleteI am reading Chinese handcuffs. This book is all over the place from running a triathlon to killing a cat. None of them really go together so when i was reading this i was very confused on what was happening. I'm told that it clears up pretty soon and it turns out to be a good book. i choose this book because i"m a athlete and dillion is a athlete .
ReplyDeleteI agree that the beginning is extremely confusing and I was lost for chapters 1 and 2. The killing the cat part seemed to be just thrown in there. the book eventually clears up and it comes together better. It starts to make sense after Chapter 3.
DeleteI am reading, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. This book was in my top 3 choices because it looked like a good book and when i read the background information it sounded like a good book. when i started reading the book it was a little confusing but when i kept reading and got further it started to make sense. when i got the book i was kinda okay with this book because this was my third choice, but i am happy that i got picked to read this book because even though i am half way through i really like the book. I haven't had any connections with the book yet.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes. I agree that the book is a little confusing with Dale being friends with Sarah even though he was mean to her! I got lost in the first few chapters and i ended up having to re-reading them more than one time.
DeleteThe book i chose was Running Loose. This book was one of my top 3 choice because i am a fan of sports and this book sounded like a good read if you like sports. So far i am happy with my book choice because the beginning of the book is not boring like a lot of books are. My first initial thoughts on the book are that this book is only going to get better as the read goes on because it will explain more about what the characters do for the upcoming season. I am finding this books enjoyable because it is about sports and the beginning of the book is plotting for a good ending.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with liking when a book jumps right in like this one instead of mine when your confused for a couple chapters, I like having a mix. It also seems like I would like the setup for this book as well because it sets up to only get better.
DeleteChinese handcuffs was also one of my top 3 books to read. This book sounded good when we were starting to pick the books to read but this one sounded a little better to be. I am also excited to keep reding this book because it can only get better.
DeleteI agree with Colten about the first few pages not being boring like most other books. It already talks about sports and their off season practices which i can relate to because i have a lot of off season practices for golf.
DeleteThe book I am reading, Chinese Handcuffs, is a lot like your book. The beginning is not boring at all. It is kind of vague, at first, which makes the reader want to keep reading. There are so many questions that need to be answered. It is so intriguing to see how the past stories connect to the present. Between the switching of perspectives and the constant flashbacks, I also knew that as I kept reading, it would start to make more and more sense. My questions would eventually be answered and connections would eventually be made. I have started to see how the characters are connected and it is getting to be a very interesting book.
DeleteI am reading "Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes," I picked this book to be in the top three choices because it sounded interesting and I could relate to this book in a way. In the book so far its been a little confusing to understand. The book started out slow in the first few chapters and now its all starting to make sense as you get farther in the book. I have a connection with the two main characters in the book who are Sarah Byrnes. I related to her for her experience that she had with the other students in her grade. The book is confusing I do not know how I feel about it at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe book that I am reading, Chinese Handcuffs, is a lot like yours. The book is kind of confusing at first and starts out a little slow, but as you keep reading it, it starts to pick up. As i continue to read my book, it is started to make more sense as well. I am starting to see the connections between the characters and how the past stories relate to what is happening in the present. Like you, I also make a connection with one of the main characters in my book too. I relate mainly to one of the characters named Jennifer. She is an athlete like myself so we have a lot of similarities in that aspect. I also connect with her based on the experiences with her fellow classmates. She especially gets along with her teammates and I see myself being the same way. Overall I am also a little confused still.
DeleteI also thought that the title of the book sounded interesting and the beginning was confusing. As i read farther everything in the story starts to come together.
DeleteAlthough I'm reading Stotan!, I do find out books to be on the same page as of being confusing in the beginning. Dragged-on exposition is kinda a let-down for such a good book for all of us, but it's what gets the story going. Like Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes, Stotan! is starting to make sense after the first few chapters. I hope to find your book more enjoying though! It seems like a good read!
DeleteI am currently reading Chinese Handcuffs and I originally chose to this book because it sounded interesting to me. I do not like reading books that have obvious endings. I knew that this book would have twists and turns that I would not be ready for. I think all of these books would have been good because I like sports and I like books that have a setting in high school, but overall Chinese Handcuffs stuck out to me more than the rest. I have read the first few chapters and so far I am not a huge fan of it. There are a lot of things I like, but a lot of things I do not like. It is very interesting and has a lot of plot twists I was not expecting, but the book overall is a little confusing. It is hard to understand it sometimes when the perspectives switch constantly between the two main characters Jennifer and Dillon. I am sure once I get into it more it will get better, but right now it is just a little confusing. I enjoyed the beginning with Jennifer because it talked about her time as a basketball player. I really make a connection with her based on our similarities in the sport. We sort of play the same way and have the same passion for the sport. Overall, I am happy with my decision because the book as I have been reading it, it has continued to pick up its pace and make more sense. I find the book interesting and the stories it tells to be realistic.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading the same book as you, and I had a hard time understanding the switching perspectives too, but I think it evens out eventually and gets easier to follow. I like how the story touches on "edgier" themes and represents a realistic version of life, as opposed to a perfect high school world that some books portray.
Deletei am reading running loose. its not a bad read and gives you a interesting setting. it puts you in a small town not even large enough to have a full football team. so far the beginning it very broken it keeps jumping around and not keeping the story in order making for a confusing time line. at first it was hard to place events where they belong but as you read more it becomes more clear.
ReplyDeletewhat's hard for me to understand is all of the sports references because i have not played sports since 2nd grade
DeleteI found the setting of a small town interesting too.
DeleteI am reading the book Staying Fat For Sarah Brynes. The settings in the book switch like every other page and it starts to get really confusing and hard to understand.
DeleteI am reading Stotan! and for the most part i am enjoying the book because i find it a different style of that I'm not use to reading. I find the book to be slow at times and difficult to connect with. I do find the reading interesting because right now I'm trying to figure out what stotan week is and I'm also wonder what happened to Elaine. But if I had the choice to switch books I probable wouldn't just because I hope I'll start making connections.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading the same book and, like you, I see the book drawing on to be slow. However, I bet once Stotan Week appears in the book, the plot will move along a little faster. Overall, I do enjoy the book in more of the same way as well!
DeleteI chose Running Loose because it seemed like the only realistic one. All the others seemed to have to atypical plots to connect with. I personally don't care much for it, as it's not my type of book. But I probably would rather read this book over the others. I never really cared for sports and stopped doing them when I was young. So sports being a big factor in this book doesn't really connect with me. The high school part though does somewhat connect with me, but that's where it ends. Maybe as I read on it will get more interesting, or hopefully connect with me more.
ReplyDeletei completely agree i have never been really big into sports either
Deleteyeah I'm reading Stotan and some of the high school stuff is still relatable, even if it does take place in the 80s. I wonder if these stories would play out differently if they where made today, though. Overall good stories.
DeleteI am reading Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this as one of my top choices because I was told that in this book there are many things that us as teenagers can relate too. I have only read two chapters but I have already related to plenty of the things that have gone on in this story. I do think it gets confusing at times with jumping back and fourth between the letters, so sometimes I forget which is the past or reality. I am expecting this book to get better though and i don't expect it to keep being as confusing as it has been in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this book can be confusing at times but I also am expecting this book to be a good one. I have also related to this book as well in the first two chapters.
DeleteI think running loose sounds very similar to this. Able to relate very well to my book. Also to me the beginning of my book provides a somewhat confusing story jumping all over to different parts of the characters life
Deletesounds like an interesting book might have to read this book on my free time
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs because it seemed like it dealt with a lot of heavy topics, and I wanted to see how the author explored the darker aspects of life using teenage characters. So far, I'm actually really enjoying the story itself, though the plot kind of jumps all over the place, which can make it hard to follow. Some elements of the book could be considered triggering to certain people, but besides that, I think the book is very interesting and portrays a complicated, realistic world that these teenagers live in. One of the main characters, Dillon, is aspiring to be a writer, which I can relate to. I don't relate to the sports in the book, though, so a few scenes were a little confusing because I didn't understand the terminology. Overall, I'm happy with the book I chose and I'm having fun making connections in it and figuring out what's going on the characters' lives.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that this book is triggering and there has been some things that were difficult for me to read. I don't relate to the writing part but I do relate to the sports but you're right, it still is confusing. It is very interesting to see what is going on in the characters lives and how they handle certain situations.
DeleteI am also reading this book Chinese Handcuffs and I also enjoy this book. You took a whole different level respective than I did. I do like the way you thought about the book though. I also do think that the changing from the letters to reality does make it to get confusing.
DeleteI am not reading Chinese Handcuffs but from what i have read it sounds very interesting. You may not understand the terminology but i hope as you read it will become less confusing. The book seams to deal with hard topics, it would be interesting to see how the teenagers cope with it.
DeleteI chose to read Running Loose. I wouldn't say this this would be the first book id choose to read on my own but out of the ones to pick from, Running loose seems somewhat enjoyable. The beginning of the book is similar and easy to connect to with the high school aspects from what i have read. I do not play sports really but the preview I had read before I started seemed like a quite interesting story that I may enjoy reading. Hopefully I can continue to enjoy and make connections to the novel.
ReplyDeleteI also hope to make connections to this novel based off the high school experiences and challenges. i do not play sports either but he does have a job and go to school so that may make it easier to relate and understand what the narrator is saying.
DeleteThis book would seem a lot easier to connect with rather then Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes because of the high school and sports aspect of it. This book seems like it would be a better fit for me.
DeleteI agree with will because its about a high school student but its really confusing about how he describes it.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because the summary i read about it before i chose a book sounded more interesting than the others. I am interested in the football aspect of the book and the trials and tribulations that follow with that. The main character is in his senior year of high school and may be very relateable to what i'm going threw right now. as i read i think that it will keep me engaged and interested in continuing to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree with joey because i can relate to them because I am in hgh school like the characters in the book. I also like football
Deletei also choose Running loose for the same reasons that you did I've made a few connections with the main character Louie with him being a senior in high school and playing his last year of high school football.
DeleteSo I'm Ethan and I chose to read Stotan! for a few reasons. One, it has a good review on that paper Ms. Broadbent gave out and the plot seemed interesting. Secondly, the reviewer said how the book was about the last year of high school and it seemed really relatable cause this will be my last year as well. Third is because I wanted to do something a little different than my friends, because I think everyone else at my table chose to read running loose so I wanted to be different. So far it's pretty boring, the first chapter or so are just information dumps about all the characters. I've barley known these guys for like twenty pages and I'm already learning about their 2nd grade birthday parties. I don't know though, some of this information could be useful later in the book so that might be the reasoning with all the exposition. It is interesting, so I'll keep reading and see what happens next.
ReplyDeleteIn my book, the first few pages give the information background about the main characters as well. It also has different flashbacks just like your book. I agree with you that the given information so far will be useful later down the line. Finally, my book relates to high school just as yours does.
DeleteI completely agree with you the book right now is very boring so far with just introducing the characters but luckily we can connect with the book.
DeleteMy book, Running Loose is also kind of boring to start with. Setting up with characters in a high school setting is relatable, but nothing interesting happens.
Deletei chose Running loose because other than all the sports its a lot like my four years in high school. if it wasn't for this class i most likely wouldn't voluntarily read it because i'm more into mythical creatures and Greek/Roman gods/goddesses, but i'm enjoying this book. Whenever the main character is talking about sports i get confused mostly because i have not played any sports since 2nd grade. i hope the more i read this book, the more i will understand.
ReplyDeleteI chose Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes because the book had a very different concept then the others. I read the back of the book and it leaves you on a cliff hanger and I wanted to know the full story. The books has not been very good yet. So far it is a little confusing. It seems to be jumping all over the place so I find myself not really knowing what is going on. I have not made much of a connection with the book yet. I am hoping that the book starts to pick up soon and it starts to be a little more clear of what is going on in the story.
ReplyDeleteRunning loose seems to have started about the same for me. The story has a very interesting cliff hanger that im excited to get into. Just like yours in is a little all over but I cant wait to continue to dive in.
DeleteI agree that the book isn't very good and that it's very confusing. I also hope that the book starts to pick up because it is kinda boring.
DeleteMy book, Chinese Handcuffs is also not very good right now but I'm sure they will get better. I thought your book also had a different concept but it did seem interesting. My book is also pumping around right now but they should get better.
DeleteThe cliff hanger on the back of the book is also one of the reasons that I chose this book. The book is a bit confusing in the begin, but I feel that it will all come together and make sense.
DeleteI completely agree with you it is very confusing when it jumps between places it gets very confusing and i hope that it gets better as the book keeps going and we can understand it more.
DeleteI am currently reading the book Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because when Mrs. Broadbent was telling us that when she read it she couldn't put it down. I enjoy books like that. Another reason is when I was reading the reviews the book sounded very interesting and something I could relate to. I am happy with the book i chose. The first part was a little confusing but as I keep reading it starts to make sense. From what I have read have read so far I think this book will be interesting but sad at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI agree, i also chose this when she said she got so attached to it. i wanted to read something that was going to pull me in. I also believe this book will be sad. There are a lot of things we already know about this book that makes you wonder what else could possibly happen!
DeleteI litterly said ur second sentence so i feel the exact same way. I also agree the book sounded very interesting so i started it up and im happy with my voice so far. Cant wait to read more of this book.
DeleteI am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. This was my 3rd option of the books to chose from. However, from the synopsis it did seem like a great book to read. The main characters are teenagers and have their own struggles which makes this relatable to every teenager. So far I am happy with this book. A few parts are confusing at first, but I feel the book is setting up the background for the rest of the story. I think it will make more sense later on. This book is fun to read, while also being interesting. I can't really connect with the swimming aspect of Eric, but he connects with me because he is also a person in high school. All in all, this book is good so far, I believe it will get even better from here on out.
ReplyDeleteyeah I like how all the books to choose from take place in high school, it makes them more enjoyable and more relatable. I think it's more interesting than shakespear, anyways....
DeleteI'm reading Running Loose and i'm so confused by all of the football references, but other than that it's a good one.
Deletei am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and it was my third option and i hope that the book gets better as the book goes on.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because it seemed the most interesting to me when Mrs. broadbent gave us the day to review the books before we made our decisions. the first one i looked at was running Loose and i knew right away that was the book i wanted. i knew it would be easy for me to make connections when i heard that it was about a high school boy that plays sports and we also hear about his life while he is at school. so far i have been real engaged in my book and made a couple connections and cant wait to continue reading!
ReplyDeleteI will agree with you Ben when she talked about the book i really wanted to read and find out what this book was all about. I have just one question though do you think that he will lose his self control and that's why he gets kicked off
DeleteI also agree with you Ben. The book Running Loose by Chris Crutcher, has been very interesting so far. This book has been very easy to relate too. like the hard practice's and being involved in sports. i am happy that you enjoy the book so far and I cant wait for the book to progress. good luck reading!
DeleteI am reading the book Running loose by Chris Crutcher. I chose it because it was the shortest one with the biggest words so i assumed it would be the easiest book to read. I also was told by Luke vorwald that it was the best one because he heard people complaining about all the other ones. So far i am happy with my choice because it is easy to read and understand. My initial thoughts on the book through only a few pages is that it is going to be good and easy to understand as long as i don't get the characters mixed up.
ReplyDeletewell, at least i know that i made the right choice XD
DeleteSounds like an excellent book for you Michael, I agree with what you said about shortest one with the biggest words. I hope you enjoy this book.
DeleteWhen i discovered the length of the book i was also very pleased. I think we'll have a good time reading this book because of the plot. Our hopeful understanding of the book should make for some killer group discussions.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because the name itself intrigued me and than Mrs. Broadbent talked a little bit about the books and i knew this was the book i wanted. Out of all the books, it seemed like this book was most related to me and easy to place myself in. Some of the other books did seem interesting but I knew this was my top choice right when i heard football. I like how these books are related to young adults/teens and especially mine because it take place in high school. Just by reading a little, i can already tell this book is for me.
ReplyDeleteThis book seems like it would be perfect for you because your insane at football! I wish I got this book! Good luck at LSU!
DeleteSounds like a cool book Jake! I'm glad to hear that you found a book that you can connect with. My book sounds similar to yours and I hope you enjoy it. I didn't know you enjoyed reading about football but I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it. Our books are similar because they are both about sports so that's good.
DeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs because it seemed like the most interesting one out of the 5 we had to choose. I don't understand how the title of the book pertains to the book but I'm sure I will find out. The beginning of the book Dillion is writing to someone and it took me a couple pages to figure out who he was writing to and what happened to the person. I think this book will be good because I like books about sports and Dillion is a tri athlete. He tells readers that he is going to train really hard over the summer and do it for his brother. I hope he uses his brothers death as motivation. I cant say I have a connection with the characters because they seem kind of messed up in the head but maybe they will start acting normal.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect book for you. I disagree i think you can relate to the characters because you are messed up in the head! Hope you like it.
DeleteI agree dusters this book definitely sounded the best out of the rest. It had so much more details and not about swimming like 2 of the other books. Also thinking of it as death motivation is something i never really thought about. thanks dust
DeleteChinese Handcuffs was going to be my 2nd choice i agree that it is very interesting.
DeleteYour reason that you chose Chinese Handcuffs is the same as mine. I also thought that it was definitely the most interesting.
DeleteI was given the book Stotan! and the beginning of the book is interesting because i can connect with somethings that are happening so far in the book. But the main reason i am really interested right now is I am trying to figure out what stotan week actually is and i am hoping that I can keep making connections with the book.
ReplyDeleteSo why did you pick Stotan? Or wait, where you just given it? I can't really remember. Anyways, yeah, I think Stotan! is pretty interesting so far also. I want to find out what 'Stotan' week means also. Overall I want to keep reading any see what happens next
Delete🔥😂🏈
I'm reading Chinese handcuffs and it was in my top 3 because Mrs.B said she couldn't put the book down after the first couple chapters. So i was like "dang ok ill read it" then she assigned it to me so i was like "alright that's golden". The beginning of the book was very interesting, i was confused right away because there was someone writing in a journal to someone else. I then found out it was to the guys dead brother. I've also learned how crazy the two boys are. they trapped and killed a cat. I'm exited to see what is going to happen next.
ReplyDeleteThis was pretty high on my list too. From what I've read it sounds like a good book. Sounds like a messed up but fun book to read. I don't know if you can relate much at all, but i hope this is and easy book for you to read. Sounds really interesting.
DeleteI decided to read Stotan! out of the four choices available. I chose this book due to its unique take on high school struggles, besides the usual weak plot of bullying or classic clique clichés. Instead, it partakes on something much larger and more widespread than what people say: abuse (both physical and mental), coping with death, and racism. With Stotan!, however, I did find to drag on for the first few chapters. Expository chapters I get are needed, but drawing it out too far just made me lose my interest. On the other hand, the plot overall is fantastic as to how it points out each dilemma and smoothly transitions to a resolution. Although I’m not a fan of sports, this book does give me the feeling of an adrenaline rush when the book encounters the long-awaited name’s week training session. I haven’t found any relations to me or other as of these struggles, but the book does keep me intrigued via storyline.
ReplyDeleteI picked Stotan because of the unique takes on high school struggles too! I am curious on how Chris Crutcher incorporates the heavy topics into the book. I am glad the book is smooth and an easy read for you. I think you could relate to one of the characters as everyone is high school goes through some kind of struggle.
DeleteI am reading Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes. This was in my top 3 because the name sounded weird to me like why would somebody stay fat for somebody. The first few chapters were kinda confusing and hard to understand.But as the story keeps going a long it starts to make more sense. I personally don't like the book that much as of right now the story is very confusing because I'm still early in the book. I feel like this book will be very hard to make connections with because the characters are different than everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading the same book as you. I agree that the first few chapters are rather confusing to understand. However, I think it's a rather good book with lots of potential shown from the opening. I think that the book will be easy to make connections although everyone is different. I believe this because even with this, everyone has struggles even if it's not the same struggles as each other.
DeleteI have also chose the book Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes and hopefully the book gets more interesting as the story goes on, to help with the confusing parts it helps if you write things down as you read so you can remember them for later to make things a little less confusing
DeleteI agree with you all that the book is confusing, but I am hoping that it will all come together and all make sense. With the situation that Sarah and Eric are in with Dale being the bully, everyone can somehow make a connection, whether that is universal or personal.
DeleteThe book I chose was Running Loose, by Chris Crutcher. The reason why I chose Running Loose was because the title intrigue me into reading it and how its about sports. In the beginning, I liked how the author starts of talking about the town and the place the Louie lives in. This book is interesting so far and I can't wait to read more. I also agree that the beginning was choppy but i think that it was intentional to show the confusion with the character. Otherwise, this book is very good so far.
ReplyDeleteI like how the intro started with describing the town and the people and I also think this book is pretty interesting so far.
DeleteThank you for the rough summery about Running Loose we didn’t get that choice in Mrs. Luke's English class.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because I thought the idea of the book was interesting. So far I am content with my choice of book. My initial thoughts of the book are that some of the characters are pretty intense like Boomer's dad and Bill Abbott. I like it so far because everyone in the town seems act kind of realistic where everyone has their flaws and strengths and everyone pretty much knows everyone in the small town environment. So far I am not making many connections with this book. I think this is because I haven't done any high school sports or I don't live in a small town.
ReplyDeleteMy class did not have the choice to read that book but from what i heard it seems interesting. But i am currently reading Chinese Handcuffs and connecting is a problem for me as well.
Deletei have also chosen Running loose and i am also glad that i choose this book it has been very interesting to me so far and made me want to keep reading ever sense i started. i personally like the small town setting where everybody knows everybody. and i would have to agree with you when you say the character are very realistic.
DeleteI am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I picked this book because I read the back of the book and seemed very interesting. The book is kinda confusing at some parts of the book like the flashbacks and jumps around like going middle school and then next thing you know you are at the hospital so as of right now i'm not really enjoying this book so far. I can make a connection with this book because when you are really enjoying your day than all of the sudden someone that gets hurt like your best friend. Hopefully there is no more flashbacks.
ReplyDeleteEven though i am not reading the book Staying Fat but from what you said I would also find that very confusing but its good that you are making connections with the book.
DeleteI can relate how you said that you book jumps around. Mine does the same thing between two characters at once. It also has many flashbacks from both people so far.
DeleteI choose Stotan because the book is of seniors in high school athletics coping with hard topics, and because of Gwen Glazer's review. The topics are domestic violence, racism, and death. I'm curious how Chris Crutcher involves those three profound topics into a high school swimming team. The seniors in high school athletics connected to me. As i read on i am interested how their senior year will be. The reaction of Gwen Glazer got to me. If she was in tears after reading Stotan, then it must be good.
ReplyDeleteI have choose the book Chinese Handcuffs. when deciding what book to choose i picked this one because of its title and i wanted to find out what Chinese handcuffs had to do in this story. I choose this one because i can relate to the suicide that happens in the book. The beginning of the book was kind of confusing for me, i wasn't sure who was writing the letter and who it was going to.Then it went to talking about how the killed a cat. As i continued to read it went on to talk about a basketball game, so it was a little confusing. But as i read on i started to understand it a little more. I finally found out what Chinese handcuffs had to do with in this book.
ReplyDeleteHey seniors! So glad to be a part of your blog! My 10 seniors have a great opportunity to join in on your conversations. Something I'm wondering is: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PASSAGE SO FAR? WHY? A passage I like from Stotan! is: "That's the way Lion is. When he's hot, he comes on like a flash flood. He knows exactly what his values are at any given moment and what he's willing to go to the wall for; let the consequences fall into place later." I can relate to this passage because, as an adult, this is definitely something I try to mindfully do, which is respond to injustice, unfairness, bigotry immediately but also tactfully. Unfortunately, as a high school student, although I knew what my values were, I had a hard time speaking out sometimes, especially when I wasn't really familiar with the person or people who were speaking in a way that went against my values.
ReplyDeleteA passage that I like from Staying Fat is: "Mautz glared at me, his light blue eyes penetrating my hopeless defenses like a laser through cotton candy, and I remember wondering if there's a graduate class principals take-- Steely Gaze 501 or something-- where they learn that." I thought this passage was a bit funny, and it helped lighten the situation at hand a bit. It reminded me of something that I often think of when I'm in a stressful situation. I normally just let my mind wander and think of the happy bits before a serious conversation starts. It helps me move into topics with more of an open mind.
DeleteI choose to read the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I decided on this book because of the last few lines on the back of the book, it really made me wonder what really happened. So far the book has been okay at best but i haven't really got too far into it so hopefully in the next few few chapters it gets better. This book is really hard to connect to in, my life because they have such different life then i do.
ReplyDeleteI read Chinese Handcuffs and I have the same problem connecting to my book as well. It is difficult when you have different life styles than the character or characters. But if you have not gotten far into then there is still a chance you could find a way to connect.
DeleteJon so in my book i cant relate im reading Running lose and in the beginning its talking abut 8 man football and ho his life at home is not the best i cant relate to any of my characters so im just hoping it gets better as i read on.
DeleteI am currently reading Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because the other options did not seem as interesting to me. I read the back and the ending was not very predictable which I like in books. So far in the book two boys killed a cat, and i found out that one of the boys killed themselves. The cat part of the book was a surprising part. Its been interesting to read because a lot of background information has come up from the pasts of the characters. I have not been able to make connections yet but i am still trying to find ways to connect with the book.
ReplyDeleteI decided to read Chinese Handcuffs, by Chris Crutcher. I made this choice because of its sporty context. Additionally, for its interesting title choice. I'm eager to see how it will relate to the book as a whole. As I've started to read it I didn't really like how the book started. The letter format was an appropriate way to start. From what I've read the character Dillon is very a captivating read. I can't wait to see how he further develops.
ReplyDeleteI chose Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes because I read the first chapter and it sounded interesting. I've always been interested in stories that have psychological aspects in it, and I noticed something in the first chapter that had something to do with a Psychiatric Unit, and that's what got me interested. I don't really believe Sarah's story on how she got her burns just yet, but as I read, I hope it will give me a clear answer that I can run with. I haven't found any connections, yet, but I'm sure some will be revealed in the ending chapters.
ReplyDeleteI chose Stotan the book is about seniors in high school and they are an the swimming team and how the boys from the team try to figure out what Stotan week is and what it will be like like if is hard or not. as i read on i am interested how their senior year will be, the senior in high school athletics connected to me. i wonder how the boys the boys senior high school will go, and how Stotan week will be like.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. The main character "Moby", is also on the swim team and from what I can tell so far, is going to face some internal struggle, much like the characters in your story. The author of these books must enjoy that sport and writing about overcoming challenges.
DeleteI choose to read the book Stotan! because it deals with seniors in high school and they are going through the same thing we are. The characters in the book I can relate to. Going through tough times in life and trying new things can be a challenging and scary thing to do. In the beginning of the book, i thought it was pretty boring. Nothing was sounding interesting to me and nothing was catching my attention. As I kept reading more into it, it was starting to engage my attention. Characters were getting more involved with family problems and trying to figure out what Stotan week is. The more I read, the more I find this book interesting. It leaves me hanging after each chapter and making me curious on what's going to happen next. My thoughts on this book is it starts boring and less engaging but, the more you read it, the more you will find the action in the book.
ReplyDeleteI agree with with you Emma as I keep reading it also engage my attention and i cant wait to read more and try to figure out what Stotan week is.
DeleteI am currently reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I chose this book because the description really caught my attention. The ending paragraph, talking about Sarah's horrific past, sparked my interest, and made me want to know more about her and why she has those burn scars. The beginning of the story though, isn't all that interesting, because the main character, "moby" has swim meets and I don't understand the sport of swimming. I get bored easily when it comes to the topic of any kind of sport. I'm only on the third chapter, but this book isn't completely unbearable yet, and I'll give it a chance because it's only the beginning. I hope the plot will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's a bit boring with all the swim meets and things like that, but once you get into the real meat of the story, I'm sure it'll be worth it. I just finished Chapter Five, and I guarantee that it will get interesting soon for you!
DeleteAre you happy with your choice so far? I’m satisfied with my choice because I don’t normally read books like this if you know me, I’m more of a sifi nerd, but from what I’ve read so far it has kept me interested. Are you finding the book enjoyable? I’m worrying more about meeting the reading deadlines so that is taking the fun out of reading. Normally when I pick up a book, I like going at my own pace instead of speed reading to keep up with the rest of the class. Are you making connections? The only connections I’ve been making are personal connections. There is a character in the book named Max. They are seniors in high school. They put friends before family. I pictured Dolly’s like the pizza factory here in Epworth. These connections are the only thing that really stuck out to me and are holding my interest for the most part.
ReplyDeletelol i commented on my own
DeleteI'm commenting because you asked a question in your response. I am happy with my choice so far because Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A real page-turner. I finished Chapter Five already and I'm starting to see how the big bully that everyone is talking about is starting to come into play. I'm really enjoying my choice.
DeleteI also enjoy the book I chose too. The book I chose was Running Loose by Chris Crutcher, has been very interesting so far. So far I have some personal connections like the being in difficult practice and running. by they the way i do too like sifi books and this book surprised me a lot. I am happy that you enjoy the book so far and I cant wait for the book to progress. good luck reading!
DeleteOut of all the books, I have chosen Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes because I love books with dynamic duos. This book has one of the best that I have seen. The coincidence that Sarah Byrnes and Eric Calhoune decide to be friends because of their appearance and that also, no one wanted to talk to themdue to their body. I am happy that I have chosen this book because the book is interesting and enjoyable to read, but some parts of the book are confusing. I really like how Chris Crutcher develops all the characters in the book, it helps understand the book a little bit more.
ReplyDeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs for many reasons. First off out of all the passages that were given to us, Chinese Handcuff seemed the most interesting. So far I am happy with my choice. The book is very easy to read and it is not as confusing as people make it seem. When i first started reading it it just kind of threw you into it. It didn't give much background, It just expected you to know certain things. But after you get to reading you understand what they are talking about. I am not making all that many connections because i don't really have anything in common with the characters.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the book Stotan and i can relate to your book in some ways, like the begging of your book was hard to understand you don't really know whats going on but as you keep reading it gets better.
DeleteI am also reading Stotan and our books can relate by the being a little confusing but the more you read you understand. But our book gives us a lot of background about the characters and i don't really have any connections either because i don't have anything in common with the characters
DeleteI am currently reading the book "stotan" I never chose this book because i was not here but i am glad i got it. there are many things that i can relate to in this book like, a group of friends that does everything together and are seniors, they all play a sport together, and are going through hard time right now just like us. At the beginning of this book i thought it was super boring but now it is getting better and i am enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI thought the book was boring at the beginning to. I didn't really know who was the narrator was in the beginning but the more i keep reading the more i am understanding and liking the book.
DeleteI chose Stotan because it deals with the struggles of being a senior in high school just like all of us. I like this book so far because it is relate able. They are trying new challenging things and they all push each other. In the beginning of the book it was very boring, there wasn't anything grabbing my attention. But as i kept reading along it became more interesting, they started explaining family problems and talking more about what Stotan week is. I now enjoy this book the more i read.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading the same book and i agree with everything you said, this book to me is very relatable. i am also exited to find out what Stotan week all consist of.
DeleteSo the reason that i choose Running Lose is because of the football aspect. I was really excited to read about a kid going threw so times in football.I am happy with my choice so far the book is just starting to take off so it should be more interesting. I find that the reading of this book is easy the book just flows and it seems that i cant put it down.
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