Blog Response #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 classes. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses, responses in the form of a question, 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 classes. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses, responses in the form of a question, or inappropriate comments will earn you a zero, so please keep that in mind. Have Fun! Happy Blogging!!
I received Chinese Handcuffs as my book, it was my third choice. I picked this book because it sounded like it had a good story and it would be very interesting. I am happy with this choice because i didn't realize the kid is our age and that we could somewhat relate to some of the things he feels or does. My original though on the book was that it would be weird because of the title, but as i started reading i found it more and more intriguing. Some connections are being made because of him being close to our age.
ReplyDeleteI agree the book has an excellent back story and is relative to high school students who have done some of these as kids. the book does seem weird because of the tittle but it seems to have nothing to do with the continence of the book.
DeleteI agree that its easier to relate to Dillon because he is our age and when he teases his dog it reminds me of my black lab who i play with almost every night
DeleteI have heard some interesting things about your book so far and it sounds pretty good I think I will have to read as my third book for this trimester of English.
DeleteI am reading this book as well but i don't agree with you guys on that its intriguing because i just don't see the plot and where the book is going.
Deleteover all it sounds like a fantastic book. I feel like I could enjoy this because it would be relatabe because of the age of the main character.
DeleteThat book seems very interesting. I would very much enjoy that book if I wasn't reading another book. I feel like all the books have characters that are very relatble.
DeleteI am reading the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I picked this book because I had already read Running Loose and I thought Stotan sounds unappealing. So I was between this book and Chinese Handcuffs and Mrs. B gave me this book. My book is an easy read but I have never read a book that talks so much about weight and image. I am a little over half way through the book and I find it very predictable and right now I am board with it. My initial thoughts were okay Eric obviously has self esteem issues because he is so hard on himself about his weight. I just really hope it gets better and more eventful.
ReplyDeleteI was unsure about Stotan at first but it is actually a very good book that throws many surprises at you. I did not think I would connect to it since it is about swimming but i was able to make many connections already. It is an easy read and a very interesting book.
DeleteYour book sounds pretty good. I am reading Chinese Handcuffs and i'm not a big fan of it because of the style and the weird structure to it.
DeleteI chose Stotan because it seemed like the best fit for me. It is about a swimming, and even though I am not a swimmer, I like reading about any sport. I have a good chunk of the book read already and I am happy with my choice. The book is really interesting and it keeps me wanting to read on. The book has already thrown many surprises at me, that make me want to keep engaged in the reading. Stotan is a very interesting book for people like me, who like reading about sports. Reading this book is making me think back to "hell" week during football. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the rest of the book.
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Running Loose because it sounded like the best fit for me and for my reading level. Running Loose was my #1 pick because it caught my attention more then anything else and because it was easier for me to relate to so I knew I would enjoy it. I'm happy with my choice because so far it has caught my attention. As I started to read Running Loose I really caught interest in the relationship between Boomer and Louie. I've made a connection to Louie and his strive to be better then Boomer.
ReplyDeleteI was in a similar situation as you Running Loose was first choice for the same reason it was it the best fit for reading level. It also the one that caught my attention and the story line really connected to it because of the high school setting and kids balancing extra-circular actives work, and schooling.
DeleteI agree with you running loose is a book i enjoy. I think thats a good connection that you made with Boomer and Louie.
DeleteI also agree, Running Loose is a great book and I see myself at times finding it hard to put down because it's such a great book. I also agree that that is such a great connection.
DeleteI chose Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes because it looked interesting and it was my third choice on my list. I'm not really happy with the choice but at least its not my fourth choice. At first, the book looked weird but interesting because of the name. But as I started reading the book I started to understand it a bit more. It's kind of boring in the beginning so i'm hoping it gets better as the story goes on. I can't relate to any of the characters in the story yet because i'm not very far into the book. -Spencer Hess
ReplyDeleteI think i'd like that book, wish I got it. Hopefully it gets better towards the ending
DeleteI feel like this book would be a weird book to read
Delete( ͡⚆ ͜ʖ ͡⚆)
Deletethe book does start out slow but where i am at in the book it does pick up with the plot
DeleteI am reading this boo also and i did not like the begging because it was so slow, but like Garth said it does pick up towards the end.
DeleteThis book seems weird but I feel like it would be a good read.
DeleteI'm reading the book Running Loose as it was my first choice. I choose this book because it sounded like an interesting read. I have not gotten very far yet but the book thus far is pretty good. It is still going through the details about the setting and the cast. Louie, the main character, in my opinion is a very relatable person. He goes through many hardships most other teens his age would be going through. So far, i am enjoying the book but have not been able to make many connections to it. Maybe in time though.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the point that Louie is relate-able and suffers some hardships that go along with being a teen in high school. So far its about sports, girls, and competition and I believe that's how a lot of people our age live there life.
DeleteRunning Loose was my first choice of book because after reading the back of book it seemed to be the most interesting one out of the all the options. I also thought it sounded the most relabel to my life and where we live and to our culture, and was closes to my reading ability. This was my top pick because it seemed to have the most interesting story line and easiest to follow and was about football an not about drama i knew it was the best book for me. After just reading the first 3 chapter so far I am very happy with my choice because it starts off by getting to k now all the charterers but they also keep it interesting at the same time. My intentional thoughts of Running Loose is it seems like its going to be an enjoyable read and interesting. I am finding this book enjoyable so far it grabs your attention right away to give you a little bit of some of the problems in the book.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it was the most interesting one out of all the other books. It really grabs your attention early on in the book and I like that because books get boring if they are slow for a good part of the book.
DeleteI am reading Running Loose too and i am also finding it very enjoyable. I Agree, it does relate a lot to where we live and life at Western Dubuque, and I am glad it is mostly about football because I also do not like drama filled books.
DeleteRunning Loose is a very interesting book, it does immediately get your attention at the beginning of the book with the way the author sets the tone of the book.
DeleteRunning Loose was the first choice that i had down because it seemed the best for me. It seemed like it would fit and relate to me the best. I enjoy sports and most importantly football so once i saw that this book was about football i knew this was the move. My top three book were Running Loose, Chinese Handcuffs, and then Stotan. I am pretty happy with my choice so far. Its pretty funny the way they talk and how the coach is really serious about this upcoming season. Its early in the book but so far enjoying the book.
ReplyDeleteI couldnt agree more i thought to it was the best choice. I also enjoy sports.The book is pretty funny i agree. I agree good book choice.
DeleteRunning Loose was also my first choice and it seemed easy to relate to for me also. How the coach treats the upcoming season is pretty funny and I think hes being kind of harsh on the kids.
Deleterunning loose was my first choice. it is an interesting story line because of the conflict between the player and the coach. it also seems like there would be some humor wrapped up in it
DeleteI also chose running loose. It was my first choice, it's a fantastic book with an even better plot. I myself play sports so I can relate to the player and the coach's relationship
DeleteI am reading Running Loose too and i also like all the humor in the book. The head football coach reminds me a lot of Penner and how he treats the players during season.
DeleteI am reading running loose as well and so far I am enjoying it its very different from the way that we live around here in my opinion.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese handcuffs because it seemed to be unlike other books we have traditionally read for English, it was one of my top books because it seemed different from the other books. so far i am happy with my choice the book seems interesting but hard to understand at first. yes i am making connections with the book so far remembering time or horsing around with friends as a kid. I am enjoying to book so far as it gives great details on the setting and the characters emotions.
ReplyDeletei can agree that the first part of the book was a struggle to read. and that it was easy to relate to how he was a kid playing with his brother or his buddies. i also agree that is a good book with good details and explains what happens very well.
DeleteYou're right in saying it is an easy book to relate to because of all the memories i have of having not so great ideas with my brothers and i still look back on those days wishing we were still doing the same stuff
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs because I thought it looked interesting. This book looked interesting because it deals with mental health, something a lot of teenagers deal with. I am happy that I chose this book because of how intriguing it is. At first the book is a little confusing because it goes from a letter to a flashback to someone else's POV. This book is very interesting because it deals with stuff that teenagers go through. As of right now I have not made any connections with anyone in the book because I do not play sports, something that a lot of the characters do in this book.
ReplyDeleteI can agree that the first part of the book is confusing because it flashes back and switches POV instantly without warning. I also agree that it brings mental illness and cases of assault to the forefront instead of hiding them in the background. I am happy I got this book and I cant wait to see how it ends!
DeleteI agree that this book in interesting because it deals with mental health and its not really talked about in today's society and teenagers need to hear about this to learn about it. It also gives a little bit of insight on what people who lost someone to suicide go through and what they do or did to cope with the loss. I have made a few connections to the book because i used to play basketball before i got injured and that was a big part of ch 3 when Dillion was talking about being apart of the girls basketball team.
DeleteI will admit, I don't really like how the first few chapters have a lot of letters in them. To me, it gets old and boring reading letters over and over again.
DeleteI agree with you, i picked this book for the same reason.
DeleteRunning loose was the move, because the other books looked not interesting. Where running loose looked like a book i could actually get into. Yes im pleased with my choice, because its the book i thought was the best and so far its a good book. Yes the book is enjoyable. I can relate to it so far, because i used to play football and i did track and did long distance where i had to run miles to like Louie.
ReplyDeletei agree Dylan running loose was the move! the book really easy to relate to me as well because we are in high school, and i also played football. I hope the rest of the book treats you Well!
DeleteBest Regards,
Grant Kelchen
I also received the book Running Loose and I am also happy with book so far and find it very enjoyable and interesting. I also feel it is very easy to relate too and easy to understand where Louie is coming from with his experiences he had so far and and under stand why he makes some decisions he makes.
DeleteI chose the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I really didn’t care what book I got because I thought that all of our options were interesting but I am glad that I got Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. This book looked very interesting and one that could give an unexpected twist. I am also glad that I got this book because most people in this age group has experienced bullying maybe not as extreme as it is in the book but bullying of some kind. So far this book is not that good because it spends most of the pages filled with talk of Eric’s weight and swim practice. So far I really like the flashback to Sarah and Eric “paper” the Crispy Pork Rinds. I’m just hoping that it gets better.
ReplyDelete-Allison Oberbroeckling
I can relate to this because of a traumatic event in middle school that i still believe is the reason why i was made fun of. But when i moved forward, i have changed for the better.
Deletethis book is very easy to relate too because i think everyone has been bullied in one way or another. it may not be to the extent of what happens in this book but i think everyone would like to read this book.
DeleteThe reason i chose Stotan was because i thought it would be interesting to read and this book is about a sport so a course i am going to read it. Right now i really don't like the book. i feel like i got to read more of the book to start to like it more.
ReplyDeleteWow I like sports too! I think i'd love that book, wish I got it. Hopefully it gets better towards the ending
DeleteI indeed am also a sports person. I hope it gets better for you. If i could I will give it a try sometime.
DeleteI like sports to. That kind of sucks but maybe you will learn to start liking it. Ya same i need to read my book a little more as well, because only 36 pages into it.
Deletei like sports books also because they keep me interested and they are easier to read
DeleteI like sports books also because they are easier to read and keep it more interesting. Hopefully you will end up liking your book.
Deletei also picked STOTAN because i thought it was going to be very interesting to read but its a little boring and i hope it picks up in the middle too.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese handcuff because i to thought it would be an easy read but i think i would have enjoyed running loose much more.
DeleteI enjoy sports as well. I hope you stick with it and I truly think you'll enjoy the book.
DeleteI also enjoy reading sport books because they stay interesting.
Deletei chose running loose because everybody said it was a decent book. i also read the back and it seemed to fit my reading level. So far i dont know if im happy with my choice because im not to far but i think it will be a good book in the long run. i think this book is enjoyable because i like the time zone it is set in. i think its interesting because its about football and i dont know anything about football. so far no connections.
ReplyDeleteI agree i read the back and i thought it was a good reading level for me to. i think you will learn to like the book once you get into it. I also think its interesting, because its about football.
DeleteI think you will end up liking this book.
DeleteAs you proceed farther into the book it does get more interesting and I believe you will strongly enjoy this book.
DeleteI choose Running Loose because it sounded pretty interesting to read. Running Loose was one of my top picks because when i read the summary's of all the books Running Loose caught my eye the most. My initial thoughts on the book were that its interesting as soon as the book starts the author gets right into the story. The book is pretty enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteRunning loose sounds interesting because I like reading about and watching sports. Running loose was my top pick for books but a lot of people also had that as their top pick. Running loose hopefully will be very interesting towards the end and good characters.
DeleteI agree with you on the stance that the book is enjoyable. I also like that the author takes no time to get into the interesting parts of the story right away.
Deletei feel like running loose would be an enjoyable book to read.
DeleteCongrats Garret on getting Running Loose!! I know you wanted the book and you deserve it. I hope it's a good read!!!!!!1
DeleteGood job Garrett i am proud of you. I hope that you enjoy this book!!
DeleteI am glad you are enjoying this book.
DeleteLogan Clemen
ReplyDeleteI chose Stotan for my book because i wanted to figure out what a Stotan week is about. The book was one of my top 3 picks even though it was my first pick it is still interesting to read. so far, i am being drawn into the lives of the swim team of Walker, Nortie, Lion, and Jeff. right now, they have signed up for Stotan week and they don't even know what it means. they believe that the only way they will find out is to participate in Stotan week and sacrifice a week of winter vacation along with it. I do have a feeling that i am relatable to walker because he cares about his team like it is his family. Nothing is more important than family.
Nice Logan, I bet you are going to connect with Lion.
DeleteI have heard that Stotan's main charters are high school swimmers. I can relate to my book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes because the main character is on the swim team and tries to work out his problems too.
DeleteI chose running loose, because I have read it and i wanted to read it again due to I have read so many books that were so good. I wanted to finish off with an amazing book. The author has no hesitation on going for the interesting parts. This book is one I will read over and over again and again.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found a book you love; i like my book so far and i think it will get a lot better
DeleteRunning loose was my first choice and I was really hoping I would get this book but I ended up with Stotan instead. It's a great book so far so I a fine with reading it. You will have to keep me updated on what happens in this book.
DeleteI chose the book Stotan! because it has a main character that relates to us and what were doing. it shows him finishing up his swim season for the last time, and that's what most of us are doing. It shows him acknowledging that he wont be able to be with his friends anymore. i enjoy this book so far because it involves sports, something that i love and it keeps me wanting to go back and read more
ReplyDeleteStotan sounds interesting! Reading a sports book sounds like a good thing. Good for you!!
DeleteSounds like a good book that I could relate to.
DeleteI chose the book Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes because it seemed like a good book and It was the first one I saw so it's the first one i wrote down. I am quite content with my choice as the first two chapters have not been that bad. Their is some drama and some juicy stuff going on and that's what we like. I am connecting this book to social groups, because the main character is an outsider.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can make a real life connection to the novel; it makes the story line more interesting.
DeleteI am also reading this book and I'm enjoying it so far, even though I'm only a few chapters in. I also think it's always fun to read about drama and to get yourself immersed into it. I like your connection; it's something not many people would think of.
DeleteI choose the book staying fat. It was one of my top three picks and i'm not angry that i got this book. I choose this book because of the mystery of what happened to Shara Byrnes and i like a good mystery book. My first thoughts on the book was that its going to be a good book. It's pretty funny and the word choice that the author uses sounds like what a teenager would use. I can connect to this book better because of this and i feel i am going to get really into this book. the only problem with this book is that it is a little dated some of the references go over my head. But all in all its a good book so far.
ReplyDeleteThat is the same way with Stotan! The author uses teenage language that young adults understand. One thing I do not like is the location the author uses, it is hard to put yourself in that location especially because these are books with a heavy sports theme that some people might not be involved with.
DeleteI am reading the same book and I feel the same way about the words the author uses in the book. I am sad to say I get most of the references so far.
DeleteI agree with you 100% about the authors word choice. I am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and I have also read running loose and in both books its so easy to connect with because he writes like this.
DeleteI choose the book running loose because it's looks cool by the cover and the name of the book and I don't know who is the author still
ReplyDeleterunning loose is a cool book once you get past the first chapter it will get interesting and you will not wanna put the book down.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs because it seemed like a really good book and it talked about sports and also talks about mental health and suicide. I like that the book talks about how people who loss someone to suicide deal with it. Dillion the main character writes letters to his brother who committed suicide and gives flashbacks to memories he has with his brother when he was younger. I am very happy with my choice and i can not wait to get deeper in this book and get more interesting as it goes on. I have only made one connection and that was Dillion being on a basketball team even if he did only wash their clothes, i played basketball when i was younger but stopped because i got injured.
ReplyDeleteThat's the main reason why I don't really play sports is so that I don't hurt myself really bad and have to walk around i public with a cast on my arm or foot.
DeleteI agree that the book is really good, and like how he writes the letters to his brother.
DeleteI am also reading Chinese Handcuffs. I love how it deals with topics that are not covered as much in school but a lot of us deal with. Even though I am not that far into the book I still love it.
DeleteI am also reading chinies handcuff and i agree that it is very interesting to see just how someone could deal with there brothers suicide, i feel like it gives a very good representation of what people go though in times like these.
DeleteThis book sounds interesting!! Hope your enjoying the book! I might have to read this book sometime.
DeleteI am also reading Chinese Handcuffs and i agree with Logan. It shows a totally new way that someone could be coping with a loved one`s death. What I think is interesting is the amount of times that Crutcher shows Dillon making sad jokes about his brother`s suicide during the letters he writes.
DeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs because the title reminds of my brother's friend from China that he used to chat with. I chose this because it sounded interesting to me. I can't say on whether or not i'm happy with my choice, since i haven't really gotten far into it. I'll have to read more of the book to find out if I'm happy with it. I'm not finding anything enjoyable about the book either. But once again, I haven't gotten far into it. I'm sure I'll find something enjoyable about it soon.
ReplyDeleteI choose Stotan because it was about sports. Personally the only books I like to read are about sports. Even though I am not a big fan of swimming, any book about sports is fun to read about. So far I am happy with my choice, but I only have 4 chapters done. At the beginning of the book it really grabs your attention as to what Stotan week really is. In the first couple pages it does not tell you what Stotan week means until you get further on to chapter 2 and 3. One connection I have with this book is going back to thinking about softball my freshman and sophomore year. We had some long morning practices full of conditioning and lifting. That connects to the book because they have early morning practices. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the rest of this book.
ReplyDeleteI like how the novel catches your attention right away. Sounds like a good read.
DeleteYour book sounds super interesting!! Hope you are enjoying it and hope you had a good connection with the softball practices and not bad ones.
DeletePersonally I'm not a fan of reading about sports, but the topic sounds really interesting. I'm glad it's a book that grabs your attention instead of slowly moving into a more intriguing read. I'm glad you could find a connection like that to this book; it's a fun way to be able to relate to something.
DeleteI'm not much of a sports person myself, but I can only assume that you might be able to make some good connections while reading. I look forward to hearing more about it in the future!
Deletei am also reading this book and i do like it a lot and its an easy read because there is sports involved. at times it is hard to make connections to the book because i dont swim but i can also relate to workouts of baseball and stotan
DeleteI'm glad you are enjoying the book and can make connections to it. I also look forward to finding out what's going to happen.
DeleteI am reading the book "Chinese Handcuffs" because it automatically peaked my interest. It was my first choice out of the four options, and I am happy that I got it. The first page automatically caught my interest and it was off to the races after that. However, as the book progressed, it did become a little more challenging to understand for the author jumped all over the place without warning. Crutcher went from Dillon's POV, to a flashback, which then went to Jennifer's life, and lastly a flashback from her life. After I finally figured out the pattern, it was smooth sailing after that. This book is very interesting and it touches on topics that most authors would back away from. Crutcher brings the sore topics, such as suicide and sexual assault to the front lines to show that they do indeed exist and that they need to be discussed. I cannot wait to read further into this book and to find out what happens in the end.
ReplyDeleteTalking about those topics are getting more common with authors, so the author is very innovative with including those issues before they were more mainstream. I am reading Stotan! and there are a lot of characters you are introduced to within the first chapter, Walker, Nortie, Max, Jeff, it is hard to keep the descriptions straight with each character.
DeleteI agree that Chinese Handcuffs starts of as a little confusing but after you get the hang of it, it gets a lot easier. One of the main reasons that this book was my first choice was because it deals with hard topics such as suicide. I also can not wait to see what happens in the end.
DeleteI've read my share of POV changing books and can relate when you say that it gets confusing; but there's usually some type of pattern such as the one you found. Also, I think it's bold of Crutcher to touch on such heavy topics in his book. Those are difficult things to write about when wanting to capture the correct emotion and not be cliche. I hope you enjoy your book and I can't wait to hear about it!
DeleteI agree with Ellie. There is a hidden pattern when it comes to an author switching from one point of view to another. The way that I have come to find most useful is to keep notes from the chapter I`ve just read and try to find the big event that happened to spark the change in character perspective.
DeleteI agree with you that the book looked and sounded very interesting and it was something i wanted to read. I like that he switches views because it gives you a little more of an insight on the book and what is going on. I like that the letters show his grief and his memories he has with his brother. I am very excited to get to the climax of the book and see hoe the book will end.
DeleteI'm glad you are enjoying your book, it sounds very interesting. I can't wait to hear more about it in the future.
DeleteI chose Running Loose because I was intrigued by the autobiography. This book was my second choice and I'm glad I got it because it was about students my age that play the role in the book. This book like others starts out slow but it grabs your attention and you wont be able to put the novel down. This book is easy to follow along with and I like that the setting takes place in the mid 1900's. I can't wait to see how this book plays out in the end.
ReplyDeletei agree after the first three chapters it gets more interesting.
DeleteSounds like an interesting book! My book started out slow to but it gets better the more I read.
Deleteat chapter five I think is the best one of all of the chapters in the book
DeleteRunning loose is a great book so far! It gets more interesting after chapter 6.
DeleteIt really connects with me because I play football and I can relate to Louie a lot.
I agree that Running Loose is a great book, it starts to really pick up and get interesting after Chapter Six.
DeleteI got my first pick, which was Staying Fat for Sara Byrnes. With what I have already read, i am kinda interested. I hope that it gets more interesting, which i am sure that it will. I picked the book just because it sounded the most interesting. I really didn't want to read any other books so i choose this one.
ReplyDeleteI hope the book gets more interesting for you.
DeleteI hope you enjoy your book.
DeleteStaying Fat for Sarah Byrnes was my first pick too. I picked it because I wanted to know what was so special about her and why Eric deiced to stay fat for her. I think so far from what I read that even though Eric is hard on himself about his weight he would make an amazing friend to anyone.
DeleteI hope you enjoy your book and I hope it gets more interesting
DeleteTim Ruden
ReplyDeletei chose the book running loose because it seemed the like the easiest book and would be the fastest to get through. also it was a book that took place in the 1980s and was when everyone able to play football was drug to practice by the couches. Also they forced to run till at least four people threw up. And had to run a mile for practice to see who was the fastest.
Do think at the end of the book is going to be a good ending or a sad ending
DeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top three books because I would have been happy to read any book other than my fourth choice. After reading more than just the back of the book it started to pick up and go on an emotional roller-coaster for both characters which makes the book very interesting to read and see what kind of flashbacks they will have next or how Jennifer and Dillon's relationship with each other will change the more thy get to know each other. Over all I'm happy with the book i got and even though it was my 3rd choice I'm glad i got this book.
ReplyDeleteI really do agree that it does bring you on a emotional roller coaster. I am really looking forward to the future flashbacks the book will have next. I agree with everything you said Mr. Fagerlind
Deletei agree that even though it was my third choice that i am still happy with the book because it pulls you in to read more to find out how his brother died, and to see if he will improve on his marathons.
DeleteI chose Running loose as my top pick and i got it. I chose running loose because I read that back cover and saw it was about football and that intrigued me to want to read it. After reading the first 50 pages i am happy with my choice because it is easy to read and still interesting as it talks about the players getting ready for the upcoming football season.
ReplyDeleteI got the book Chinese Handcuffs. I was not their the day that we got to write down the top 3 books we wanted to read so i had no choice to what i was going to have to read. So far the book is nothing like i was expecting. There is nothing i can relate to the book because it is so messed up. I do not kill my neighbors cats and bury them next to a building. I personally kinda like the book so far but it is very hard to understand with new people coming out of no where and its hard to keep track. Other than all the killing and stuff i really enjoy the book.
ReplyDeletesounds like you have a little problem there with all the killing in the book, but i sure hope it gets better. In my book running loose there is also a lot of characters coming out of nowhere and can be a little confusing at times.
DeleteGlad you do not find the killing interesting; im also reading this book and i like it so far but at times it does get confusuing
DeleteI am personally not enjoying the book very much and hope it it gets better for all of us. I also agree that it is confusing
DeleteI bet it is. I heard it's a challenging read. And I also heard there are quite a few graphic moments in ti as well.
DeleteMy first book I chose was Chinese Handcuffs but got Stotan! instead, which was my number two choice. I chose Stotan! because it seemed very interesting, what is Stotan! week, the only thing that is known, is that it relates to swimming. Plus Stotan! week kinda sounded like a Senior Survivor week, which is coming up next week. It was in my top three because it sounded interesting, and there would not have a heavy focus on sports but more of friendships and hardships. I am very happy with my choice and every page makes you want to keep reading.
ReplyDeletethe book STOTAN! is better then i thought it was going. i honestly went into the book with an attitude of this is going to be boring, but with such luck i have found out that it is actually pretty good. the book is about some seniors in a high school swim team volunteering for a STOTAN week. they do not know what it is i do not know what it is. for some reason they still go for even though they only thing that people tell them is that its going to be hard.
ReplyDeleteGrant Kelchen
ReplyDeletei am reading the book running loose witch was my first pick, i have read chapters 1-4 and i can say that the first 2 chapter are pretty uneventful, he just talks about his town and kind of just hints at what is to come in the future. i really like how the book takes place in the 1980s and small town Idaho because he has kind of a small southern accent witch i find makes it more fun to read. the 3rd and 4th chapters of the book were a lot more interesting because they start football practices and one game, also he goes on a date with Becky for the first time. so far this books is a little boring but i can see it is about to pick up!
I truly agree with you there Grant. That the first 2 chapters of running loose was out of place because all they are talking about is about the characters that louis had and the town.
DeleteThe book does start out a little boring as the author spend two full chapters purely to set the mood and describe the town. I agree that at chapter 3 things start to pick up and really get interesting.
DeleteI'm reading the book "Chinese Handcuffs" I choose this book thinking it would be interesting and i would like it, but since I start reading the first chapter it had change my mind.
ReplyDeleteIsaac Greve
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs. I picked this book because after reading all of the descriptions of the books i decided that i wanted this book because it seemed that this book had lots of conflict so it seemed interesting to me. However as i am reading this i don't like the style of it because lots of it is written as a letter to his brother and i don't prefer that kind of book. It is a decent book so far.
i picked my book because i thought it was going to have a lot of conflict to with the word STOTAN and all. but it seems that it is actually pretty boring as well but probably better then yours.
DeleteI disagree. It has a lot to offer in the beginning, you just have to look deeper.
DeleteI think that if you continue with this book you will begin to like it more as you continue. It isn't all letters so I feel as if you will like it more as you begin to read it further. Happy reading!!
DeleteI am reading the book Stotan. This book was not my first pick, but I believe that is not that bad of a book so far. As the book starts it talks about Stotan Week, no one really knows what Stotan week is or what it is even about. The only thing that is stated about Stotan week is that you volunteer to be apart of it but you don't know what you're volunteering for. After the whole Stotan week thing it goes into talking about a group of friends and what each one of them is like and what they like to do or how their lives at home are. I think so far the book is great on going into detail on just about everything the book has talked about up to this point. I hope the book keeps getting better and I hope I will be able to connect with different things from the book.
ReplyDeleteHey Kaci,
DeleteEven though we are not reading the same book, Stotan! is about swimming and the book i am reading Running Loose is about football.
I chose Chinese Handcuffs because the characters were young and seemed easy to relate to. It was my first choice and I am glad that I got this one to read. As I progress in the book, I really like the changes in the point of views, from Dillon to Jennifer, and especially the format of the letters to Preston. I also like how both characters are going through some hardships, but are forced to juggle it with sports and school. I am looking forward to seeing how the two main characters lives finally come together.
ReplyDeletei chose to read Chinese handcuffs. this book is very interesting. Dillon (the main character) has to over come the death of his brother. i am confused on the relationship they had before he passed away. he killed him self right in front of Dillon and Dillon has to over come that. Jennifer is another character in the book. she is a very good basketball player. i haven't read much about her yet though.
ReplyDeleteI also agree the book is very interesting Mr. Demmer. The relationship Dillon and his brother indeed had some interesting moments. Very sad moment when we learned that his brother died.
DeleteLooks interesting Ears, this was my 2nd choice if i had not got Running Loose. Seems sad so far from what Mr. Turner said but looks like it will be a interesting and a exciting mystery book of finding out who killed Dillons brother.
DeleteI picked this book because it talks about football. I like the book so far but I think it will stray away from football and get more into the people and their personal problems. I enjoy that it gives a quick background story on the main characters.
ReplyDeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top 3 books because it sounded more interesting than most. After I read the back cover and the first few pages I thought that it was a good choice. So far I'm happy with my choice because the book has a lot happening . Even though sometimes it is hard to understand whats happening. I like how it has the letters he wrote after his brothers death, and how you never know what could happen next.
ReplyDeleteI agree that some books are hard to understand at the start. The book sounds interesting by starting out with a brother's death. Just keep reading and Chinese Handcuffs will get easier to understand.
DeleteI am reading my first choice running loose, I have read chapters 1-3 and I'm really enjoying it. It's very relate able in the since that its a high school athlete that's it takes place in a small town in the 1980's and that's why it is very relate able. I find it a very fun read because it's what most high schools go through, from practice to going out on a date with someone. It did start slow, but I really think it will pick up!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your book is very interesting! running loose was my first book but i got staying fat for sarah byrnes, so far i have read the first 3 chapters and so many new people have been introduced and that makes it a little confusing. but hopefully it picks up!
DeleteI can understand how you find the novel relatable. I definitely feel this is a "guys book," as it is given from a male perspective. It is definitley readable, but I feel the author is a little hard to follow since his thoughts can be very random sometimes. I, also, agree that the book is rather slow. I hope that it will pick up and become more interesting as I continue.
DeleteI am reading Stotan. It is quite an interesting read so far, although it is starting off a bit slow at the moment, I am certain that it will take off in. At the moment, the main character is introducing some of the other main characters. These characters are quite well rounded, and are interesting to read about. But the main reason I chose this book is because it was top on my list, and in the description or it, Chris Crutcher gives a break down of what Stotan means. Turns out it is a combination of the word stoic, and the word spartan. Which I thought that was pretty interesting. Hints the reason why it was at the top of my list.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading Stotan and yes, I agree it is an interesting read. The book does really take off after the first couple chapters. this book was not at the top of my list, but I am very pleased with it.
DeleteI am reading this book as well and i will have to agree that it starts off slow. i have a strong feeling as time goes on and with everything that i think will happen in this book it will turn out to be one of the best books. very interested to see what they signed up for
DeleteI chose Chinese Handcuffs because it sounded interesting and seemed different from other books having to deal with suicide. So far i am not enjoying the read as much as i expected. The animal torture and how its all in letters. i hope the book becomes more enjoyable and fun to read but right now it is too depressing.
ReplyDeleteim sorry that you don't find it interesting, im reading staying fat for sarah byrnes and i dont think its that interesting. it can get a little confusing sometimes because it has alot of flash backs.
Deletei feel like once you get farther into this book you will me more interested in it because it will get easier to read and more enjoyable as well!
DeleteI am reading Chinese Handcuffs. It was in my top 3. I chose this book because the title caught my attention. Because I thought it sounded very unique, but in a good way. It made me wonder if it was a metaphor of some sort. At first i did not really care for the book because of the pro log being about a triathlon. In my opinion I think it started off too fast. Because it started with the triathlon and went straight into the first letter. I hope it will give more background into some of the names mentioned so far so it will be easier to remember who is who for characters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you with the characters. I feel like they throw a bunch of characters in and it's very hard to keep them straight. Maybe later on they give a little bit of background to them. I hope you enjoy the book after a while.
DeleteThe book I am reading is Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, which was my 1st choice. This book appealed to me because it seemed like a book most people could relate to in multiple ways, whether connecting to a book or to one's personal life. The book also seems to be on the thriller side, which is a very fun genre to read in my opinion. Although sometimes the book can be confusing, I am finding it to be very intriguing and enjoyable. The story continues to leave me wanting to know what's next, or what the missing piece is, keeping my interest. I can connect the book to many others being that bullying and weight issues seem to be common topics in many books. I'm very glad I got this book and can't wait to see how it ends.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and I like the thriller side to this book. I am also very interested in what's going to happen next. I don't think that the book is confusing right now. Just kind of lack luster and a tad bit boring, but I can feel that it is building up to some thing big so I continue to read more.
Deletei am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and so far i am a little lost and not very interested in it. there are so many flashbacks that makes the book seem confusing at times and i cant relate to it at all because me and eric are nothing alike. also, there has been alot of teachers that have been introduced and its hard to figure out who is who. hopefully the book picks up and makes more sense...
ReplyDeleteI currently am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. So far Sarah is in the Sacred Heart Hospital in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric unit for unknown reasons. the story is told in flashbacks and in present time by the main character Eric Calhoune. Eric in the book is a swimmer for his school and his only friend is Sarah Byrnes who helps him make a news paper for his school about the real events that happen to him every day. I can't what for Sarah to join Eric in the story.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Running loose and this was my first chose. I chosen this book because of the sports that made it interesting which is football. In the beginning of the book it was about getting to know all the characters, Louis is the main character and Carter was his best friend until his dad found out that he lied again and beaten him again and I think carter's dad is abusive to carter. In the second chapter of the story, I got a little confused because Louis was talking to brawl fight in a bar, they were talking about a pool of blood and i got really confused. Does Louis work in a bar? on the other hand, even though I don't read, I am kind of enjoying the book I am reading right now.
ReplyDeleteI understand your confusion. However, Carter's father does not live with their family. He left them years ago. The character you are thinking of is Boomer. He lied and got in trouble with his father, who definitely is abusive. Louis does work at the Buckhorn, which is a bar, where he cleans after hours. The blood you are referring to comes from Bill Abbott, who uses his wrapped fist to punch a nail into the bar's countertop which apparently this guy does on a regular basis. Hope this helps your confusion!
DeleteI understood this part and yes he works in the bar and he said that he sees it all the time and that it happens more then you think and about twenty pages ahead he goes there when he quits football because of his coach and he just goes to the bar and sits there and think about the stuff that just had happened.
DeleteI am reading Running Loose and it was my first choice. I picked this book because after reading the reviews about the book and reading the back of the book, it reminded me a lot of our school and i could really connect to the book. I have already read about 4 chapters and this is the first book that I have actually wanted to pick up and read. I connect to this book in multiple ways, one being football. I especially relate to the book when they talk about running wind sprints after practice, because 6 months ago I was doing the same thing on the field. I am very happy with my book choice and i am already starting to think about what might happen later in the book because the main character is living a very good life, and it is almost too good to be true.
ReplyDelete-Jakob Decker
I am glad that you are enjoying your book and are actually wanting to read. I think Chris Crutcher writes books that draw in high school kids, and that's good that you are making a connection in your book. I'm pretty sure all of the books we are reading have some kind of sports focus. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes talks about swimming a lot.
DeleteI too think that this book reminds me a lot about our school and especially the wind sprints those were the worst and it was funny because he said his coach said that they wouldn't be done running till about four kids puked and that was us because there was totally at least four kids barfing after practice and its funny how much i'm connecting to this and its god to see one of my teammates enjoying this book as well!
DeleteI am reading the novel, Running Loose, which was my first choice. This was my first choice out of my top three picks because, after reading reviews, it felt the most interesting and relatable. After reading the first several chapters, I feel that this novel is just average. It seems to be geared mostly toward male thoughts and perspectives. I am not certain if I am happy with my book choice, but I will continue to read and hope for a better storyline.
ReplyDeleteEven though we aren't reading the same book, I can agree that it feels more like a male perspective. I can't really relate to my book, but I am enjoying it so far. Hopefully after reading some more of your book you will enjoy it.
DeleteI am currently reading running loose and I really enjoy this book its very interesting and there's a lot that is going on right now Louie is getting the dream girl Becky everyone wishes that they could get like boomer but he just pretends like he gets girls and I choose this book based on the back and front of it but i'm actually not the reading type and i will admit I am really enjoying this book it is good stuff I feel like I will like this book even more the more that I get into it.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, which was my second choice. I felt as this book wasn't my favorite option; but this far into it, it should've been my first choice. It was in my top three because after reading the description, I was eager to find out what Sarah Byrnes may be hiding about her past. The book is very interesting so far, the flashbacks of memories between the main characters, Eric, and his friend, Sarah Byrnes, are easy to keep up with. The only thing I struggle with is understanding the swimming terminology, which takes away some of the visual I get because I don't understand it. Overall, I'm enjoying this book and excited to continue on and learn more about the story of Sarah Byrnes.
ReplyDeleteThe book i received was Stotan. this book was was my second choice because it seemed to have a good story line with high school kids and high school sports involved. This story line seems to be good because it is a bunch of friends on the swim team volunteering into something very difficult and something that will push their limits.
ReplyDeleteI was given the book Chinese Handcuffs and it was first choice. I picked this book because the back cover summary seemed really interesting. I'm happy I got this book because I'm enjoying it so far. It starts out intriguing and jumps right into the story. Some books start out boring and drag on, but luckily this book doesn't. So far the book isn't really relatable to me. It talks about sports and I'm not in any. The only connection I made so far is Jen's grandpa sounded like he had Alzheimer's and my grandma had it too. Overall, this book is very enjoyable and hopefully we can learn more about Dillon's brother.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the book Stotan!, this wasn't my first choice but it was my top three. There are many interesting parts in this book so far, many that are relatable to teenagers. I chose this book because it seemed interesting and relatable towards high school. I have mixed feelings about this book. I like parts of it but I'm not a big fan of swimming and I enjoy books that grab my attention and so far this book hasn't done that. I was confused about what Stotan meant for the first few chapters and that is all the characters would talk about. I can't make many connections with this book either. I just hope that it will progress and grab my attention.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Running Loose. I'm really enjoying the book thus far. It was kinda slow at first, but It picks up fast! After chapter 6 it picks up fast and it becomes hard to put the book down. I find myself reading it all night.
ReplyDeleteThe book running loose is proceeding getting more interesting, as it has started to touch on the racism and ignorance of the football team and the town. I still don't have much of an interest towards the book but it has began to get more interesting as it finally touched on what I believe to be the main conflict for the character.
ReplyDeleteThe book running loose is getting more interesting to say the least. It started to touch on the struggles of balancing football, school, and a girlfriend. I have so much interest towards the book and it's getting more and more interesting by the page. The big conflict came out of no where. The book is such a good read and I would recommend this book to anyone!
ReplyDeleteI finished my book, Running Loose, I loved that book. In the beginning it was slow but it picked up after the first few chapters. The characters are very relatable and it's a fun read. It;s very relatable because it's a high school boy and all the struggles that come with high school.
ReplyDelete