Post 3: Informal Reflection

   I have finished the book Deadline by Chris Crutcher and my thoughts on this book are that overall it was a very good book. The plot is pretty well written and allows there to be some twists such as one of the football players and his girlfreind being killed in a car accident. Also there is  usual underlying love story involving Ben Wolfe the main character, and the love of his life Dallas Suzuki who may not give Ben the time of day in the beginning of the book. That is since she doesn't even know he exsist. The thing with Ben is, that he has a rare and incurable blood disease and is told that he has one year to live. And since Ben is 18, that means that the doctor can't break a code of confidentialality with Ben and his parents. Ben is then given the option of vigorous treatment that would only slow down the disease and make his life misreable, or to forgo treatment and live one last year. Ben decides to go against treatment and tries to fit a lifetime, into a year. Along with the good plot, twist, and love story, I thought that the author did a great job of developing the characters, and also finding a way to fit other less important characters into the story.

Book 1 Project: Fan Experience

Now available to you is the official memorabilia of the Best Selling book, Deadline by Chris Crutcher. This Bucket List Kit is symbolic to the story and Ben since he is always talking about what he plans on accomplishing before he dies. This official memorabilia kit includes an actual bucket to represent Ben’s “Bucket List”, a pad of cougar football paper to write down your very own bucket list, and even Coach Banks purple and gold Cougar Football pen.

In Deadline Ben Wolfe learns that he has only one year left to live because of a rare form of an aggressive blood disease with no cure, in which he decides against treatment. Instead he decides he will eat healthy foods, take many supplements, get plenty of sleep, and take whatever comes his way. Since Ben is 18, and considered a legal adult when he goes for his cross-country physical, the doctor isn’t allowed to break confidentiality to Ben’s parents, so instead settles with a compromise. The compromise being that Ben must go and talk to a therapist, Marla, twice a week. While talking with Marla for the first time, he tells her, “at some core level he was moving on early and, even through the initial terror and disbelief, is going to figure out, that come hell or high water (I vote high water), a way to consolidate a life into a year.” Ben then later explains that he has a list of things that he wants to accomplish including, “fall in love, marry, make smart investments, grow old, and die” in his 12 months that he has left, and make them the best 12 months he can have. After Ben’s talk with the therapist and his doctor, he also decides that he will trade in his cross-country shoes, for shoulder pads, and a helmet because as Ben says, “I’ve always had a fantasy of playing ball.” His fantasy becomes a reality with him first being a part of the team, then him playing special teams, and escalating into a breakout star. His football career culminated with an amazing game-winning touchdown catch from his brother, to beat their rival on Homecoming.   Throughout the story Ben continues to check off items on his bucket list, such as finding out the truth about his U.S History and Government classes, also his dream girl, and even the town drunk’s past.

This official Bucket List Kit will allow audiences to feel like they’re walking in Ben’s shoes. Each fan will ask themselves, what if I have only one year left to live, and knew it, what would I put on my list? The audience will use this kit to create their own bucket list. Fans that purchase this item will be eligible to win one of the 100 Bucket List prizes. This prize package will allow 100 fans the opportunity of a lifetime to experience one thing on their own bucket list, just like how Ben got to finish his “adolescence” with Dallas, the girl of his dreams. This premier product will be sold in bookstores, libraries, newsstands, and coffee shops. Chris Cructcher’s other novels, including Deadline will be able to be purchased at these same locations. This promotional opportunity is available to young adults through senior citizens.

Post 2: What is a book

A book is an adventure in any form, whether it's a hardback, paperback, or online e-reader version, it's all the same to me.  A book possess more than just words on pages of paper, it possess an escape from reality, and allows the reader to use their own imagination. I agree with Joe Meno’s definition of what a book is when she says, “For me, a book, in whatever form it takes…”  I believe that by this the author is stating that a book is a book; it doesn’t have to be just on paper. 

I believe that there is an endless possibility for the definition of “What is a book”, and that’s because a book means something special, or something different to everyone.  When Nancy Jo Sales says, “There’s something special about the physicality of a book, the way it feels and even smells—the notes written in the margins—that makes it a living, breathing companion…”  I strongly agree with Nancy Jo Sales on her point because to me, there is that special connection with the book when you’re actually holding it, but to others it may just be that; a book.  Those are the people that would say it’s the same story no matter the form. 

I also agree with Nancy Jo Sales when she claims that her life wouldn’t be the same if books had been coming to her in the form of a Kindle, iPad, or any other type of e-reader.  I agree with this because if I had always read books online, or on an e-reader, the way I read today would most likely be completely different.  Instead of using context clues to find the meaning of a word, I could have the e-reader just tell me what the word means; and I think that this would go for any kind of figurative language or reading strategies that are important to learn and use in many classes.

Post 1: Why Do YouRead?

I read because I find it enjoying and feel like I can escape the realities of life, and just become a person who is watching the book unfold like a bystander would watch a car go by, but I also read when I am required to for school. When I decide to read when I’m not required, I seem to find some inspiration in the book. I believe that reading can enhance your mind, and I when I was younger I was always surrounded with books that my parents wanted me to read. I believe that reading can enhance one’s mind because it allows the reader to have to think and comprehend the plot and actions that are taking place in the novel. Another reason that I read is because there is such a widespread selection of genres and books to read, and the more genres and books you read, you gain knowledge on topics that you may never thought would appeal to you. I also think that reading is becoming a more widespread way selling new technologies which would appeal to people who may not want to read. These new technologies are also a reason why I read, and want me to use these technologies.

Book Recommendation: Fat Kid Rules the World

I would recommend the novel Fat Kid Rules the World for anyone who is looking for a book that is comedic but has some reality to it. It is the story of a 300 pound, 6 foot 1 inch high school senior named Troy Billings. He has no friends, but with the help of a high school drop-out, Troy learns that he can still succeed in life. The high school drop-out would be school legend Curt McCrae. He is the one who saves Troy from jumping in front of an on-coming train in an attempt to take his own life. The two of the most unlikely people become great friends and help each other make it through the hard times in life. Troy and Curt don't just become great friends, they become something greater.

Theme and Summary: Fat Kid Rules the World

The theme of this book would be working together in life can help you survive the tough times. This theme emerges in the middle of the book when Troy realizes that he needs Curt McCrae in order for him to survive and keep him positive about himself. The  development of this theme is gradual, since the main characters don't become friends till the middle of the novel. The theme is shaped by the actions of Curt and Troy, along with other characters that aren't quite as important. An example of this would be after Troy goes to the concert and meets up with Ollie, and is told that he is lucky to be Curt's drummer since they need each other to survive. This event occurs in chapter 45, along with the fact that many people see Troy as popular since he knows Curt, and this is the first time in his whole life that Troy has been thought of as popular.

Charatcers: Fat Kid Rules the World

There are many important charracters in the book that I am currently reading, but the main character is Troy Billings. He is a 17 year-old, six-foot-one, 296 pound kid who is described as,"Friendless, utterly miserable, and about to step off the subway platform in front of an oncoming train." I chose to pick Troy because he shows that he is going to be a dynamic character from the very beginnig, and that he is   the main character. I believe that as of where I am in the novel right now, that Troy is still a round (no pun intended) character. From my perspective Troy has developed a decent amount, and that he has to continuing to develop to allow the book to still be interesting, and to keep the theme relevant. His interactions with other cahracters, such as his dad, his brother; Dayle, and the other main character; Curt  McCrae. Troy's interactions with Curt are extremly important to the developoment of Troy because he encourages Troy to be himself. Also, his interactions with Curt show what kind of person Troy really is, not how other people portray him to be, which is this very overweight and firendless kid, when really he is nice and very socialable.

Reading Skills: Monster

In the book Monster by: Walter Dean Meyers, I predict that the main character, Steve Harmon will be found innocent of murder. I believe this because he has yet to take the stand and plead his side of the story to the jurors.

I also predict that a theme for this novel would be that you cannot make a rash decision based on what a person looks like. A reason that I would consider this as a theme is because in the beginning of the trial Steve's lawyer tells him that he must appear and act as innocent as he can because the jurors have already made up their minds just because he is,"black and young" as the lawyer states.

A question that I have is if he is found innocent of murder, how will his peers and family treat him, and act around him? Another question that I have is how does his lawyer prove his innocence to a close-minded jury?

A text to world connection would be when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred in New York. Everyone who looked like they were Middle Eastern, or had a darker complexion, was treated differently, and some even assumed that they belonged to the guilty party. This is exactly what occurs in this novel when the jurors see what Steve and the other suspects look like.

A text to self connection would be that when Steve takes the stand he knows that the best thing he can do is tell the truth, and answer every question to the best of his ability. This is exactly how I feel the best way to tell your side of the story. When I forgot my homework, and my teacher asked me where it was, I told her the truth, which was that I just forgot. I have always agreed that the best policy is honesty.

A text to text connection can be found between the novel Monster and the Brian Banks story. The Brian Banks story is about a young African American and uprising football star, who is accused of a serious crime that he did not commit. He lost ten years of his life in jail and on house arrest. His attorney encouraged him to take the plea bargain rather than fight for his innocence in court because he was a young, black male. Brian Banks later proves his innocence after serving the ten year sentence. He is now pursuing his life-long dream of playing in the NFL. This connects to the novel because Steve is being accused of a murder that he claims he didn't commit, and is currently serving time in prison during the trial.

To find out more information on The Brian Banks Story go to: http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/4/4/4182724/falcons-flyover-the-brian-banks-story

Reading Skills: Fat Kid Rules the World

    In the book Fat Kid Rules the World by: K. L. Going, I predict that the main characters Troy Billings, and Curt MacCrae are going to become good friends and help each other out when they are in tough situations throughout the story. I believe this because they both have to deal with major problems in their own personal lives.

    I also predict that the theme of this novel is that working together in life can help you survive the tough times. A reason that I would consider this to be a theme is because in the very beginning of the book, Troy is thinking about committing suicide, but Curt prevents Troy from jumping in front of the subway train by causing him to become distracted. This shows that Curt was looking out for Troy and that he was there to help him when the going got tough for Troy.

    One question that I have is what would have happened with Troy and Curt had Troy's father not fell for the lie that the two boys were starting a band? Another question that I have is that Troy acts like his little brother really does want him to commit suicide, what would his little brother's reaction be if he actually did commit suicide?

 
    A text to text connection between this novel, Fat Kid Rules the World and another text would be the poem Shoulders by Naomi Shihab Nye. The connection between these two pieces of literature is the theme, which is that working together in life will help you survive the tough times. I feel that this connection is very strong because I have read only a couple chapters and that is what I believe the author has already conveyed.

    A text to self would be that just how Troy and Curt are relying on each other to get through the tough times, I rely on my family to help me get through the tough times.

A text to world connection would how nations are allies with each other, especially in times of war. An example of this is during WWII, the Allied Forces fought against the Axis, both of these forces considered the countries that they were fighting with tho be their allies. For example, the U.S is and was allies with the British, and the French during WWII and currently are today. This directly correlates to the novel since the Allied Forces relied on each other for support in the war, and Troy and Curt rely on each other for support to get through each day.

Book Recommendation: Monster

Another book that I would like to recommend is Monster by: Walter Dean Meyers. The reason I would like to recommend this book is because I feel that it is a great book to read. Although it's not a difficult book to read, I believe that it holds a strong message inside of it, which is that just because someone is a certain race or ethnicity doesn't mean that they committed a crime. This is what happens to the main character Steve Harmon. He is being charged with felony murder after a robbery turns deadly, and he is  acquaintances with two of the robbers, who try to say that Steve was their lookout man and was supposed to check the store to make sure nobody was in it. If you are tha type of readeer who likes mystery novels, than this is the book for you.

Theme and Summary: Monster

The main theme of the novel Monster by: Walter Dean Meyers is fear, fear of prison, trial, his future life, and himself. This emerges in the beginning of the book when Steve Harmon, the main character, gives us the setting of the story. After this point in the book the theme is constantly being further developed and refined by specific details. An example of this would be when Steve is writing in his notebook where he writes, "Miss O'Brien said the judge could sentence me to 25 years to life. If he did, I would have to serve at least 21 years and 3 months. I can't imagine being in jail for that long." (Monster pg. 90).

Characters: Monster

The main character of the novel Monsters by: Walter Dean Meyers is a teenage boy named Steve Harmon. During the course of the book we see Steve develop from a quiet, shy teenager, into a well-rounded, dynamic character who influences the plot greatly. Steve influences the plot by giving smaller details that contribute to the setting and also add to what happened besides the basic information that we are given such as, the fact that a drugstore was robbed, and the owner was killed. His interactions with other characters are subtle, but allow you to see inside of his mind, so we can understand who he is or is not associated with. By knowing this information, this allows us to see what kind of person Steve is and clearly understand the reasons why he acts the way he does and also why he does certain things. Steve helps to develop the theme by consistently talking about himself in a negative manner that makes him sound like what the State Attorney calls him, a "Monster". This develops the theme that Steve is fearful of himself, prison, his trial, and his future because it shows that he is beginning to believe what the State Attorney is saying about him, and actually causes him to be fearful of himself and what he has waiting for him, either prison, or his regular life if he isn't convicted of murder.

Book Recommendation: One Shot at Forever

The book that I would like to recommend to people is One Shot at Forever by: Chris Ballard. This book is about a rag-tag team of hippies and farmers, some of which have never played baseball at a competitive level, go on to the state play-offs for a shot to put their tiny little town of Macon, Illinois on the map. The reason that I recommend this book is because it is a great book that every sports fan should read. Another reason is because it includes such an important theme which is to never give up, not matter what the circumstances are. This isn't a theme that can only be used in sports, but it is an important life lesson that everyone should learn. 

I believe that if you find yourself constantly rooting for the underdog, that this is definitely a great book for you to read. Although this book is considered a work of Non-fiction, I see it as a chance to read a book from a different genre, that doesn't actually feel like it is Non-fiction. 

Summer Reading Novel

            

              The novel that I read over the summer was One Shot at Forever by: Chris Ballard. I would rate this book as a 9.5 out of ten. I rated this book this high because it is a really neat story about a team from a small town that proves everyone wrong about who they are. The team is made up of about 11 players from the small school of Macon High in central Illinois, and their favorite teacher who turns out to be their unlikely coach. As the Macon Ironmen battle through out each year, they become better and better with each game they play. When they arrive in the state tournament the first time they find out bad news about their improbable first year. But when they come around for a second shot at the tournament they out Macon on the map, and everyone rooting for the underdog. The theme of this novel would be to never give up .