Blog Response #3
Stotan!, Chinese Handcuffs, Running Loose, and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes all involve intense topics that add to the plot. Talk about the point in which you became hooked into your book. What did Chris Crutcher do to hook you? Describe any moment or moments in the book where you didn't want to put the book down. What will you always remember about this book?
In Running Loose the part that got me hooked was when Louie started standing up for himself in the office against the coach and principle of the school. This got me hooked for the reason that I knew this was the turning point of the book and he was going to have to find different ways to live his life other than just football. One part where I didn't want to put the book down was when his girlfriend Becky died and he was freaking out. One thing I will always remember about this book is Boomers good ol popcorn bag trick with the ol lady at the movies.
ReplyDeletethat's is a great part in the book when he stands up for himself. he seems like a quit kid for most of the time but then he can also jump out and get aggressive.
DeleteThese parts are the best. You get to see real emotion from the characters and you also can kind of feel like your in the story. I'm glad Louie stood up to his coach and the principal because they were in the wrong. I'm also glad Boomer shared his famous trick with us.
DeleteIt was nice to see Louie stand up for himself after being pushed around for so long. He needed some growing up tp do in the beginning and i feel as in the end he did a little, not a lot but a little.
DeleteI love how Louie stands up for himself and for what he knows is right. He demonstrates great maturity over this. I hope he gets another chance at football to pursue his dreams.
DeleteMy favorite intense part of the story is when Dale tore into Sarah about how she got her scar. He talks about how similar they are and how both their dad would beat them but Sarah disagrees with him. This part made me not want to put the book down because it made me curious about Sarah background. Why would she lie about how her scar? How did she really get it? Many questions were formed in my head and got me hooked. Sooner or later founding out Sarah Byrnes past is what I would remember about the book.
ReplyDeleteWell now you've gotten me hooked! Granted the book title may seem deceving, so I may give it a chance because of those little details.
Deletethis sounds like a weird topic to be auguring about. you think that Sarah is hiding something that she has to lie to him. but It definitely sounds like a great time to keep reading and not put down your book.
DeleteThis sounds almost like a character in my book but not as extreme where a girl, jen. Has a not so good relationship with her parents and it turns out to be a very abusive family.
DeleteMy book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes had me hooked by like page 100. Every 20 pages it felt like there was some new information I found out. There were so many times were this new information was shocking to me. The whole time I was wondering what was going to happen to Sarah while other characters were going through tough times as well. Every character had there own challenges in the book which made the book even more interesting. Jody had problems with her ex boyfriend Mark and her abortion, and Mark struggled with his mental health and tried to take his life. After page 100 there wasn't a time where I wanted to put down the book it was so good. Chris Crutcher keeps the readers on their toes the whole time and it is hard to guess what will happen next. There is so many parts I will always remember, but a major one is when Mr. Byrnes snuck into Eric's car. That part was intense to read and I was extremely stressed out for Eric. This book was overall very hard to put down.
ReplyDeleteI agree that every 20 pages soemthing new happened, I didnt talk about the CAT class in my response but that class also made the book very interesting and was a spot where I didnt want to put the book down. I will also always rememeber the struuggle Eric went through when Virgil was assulting Eric in his car. I felt so bad for him.
DeleteI completely agree with you about all of the characters having to make tough changes. The thing that I liked about this book was that it did not only center around one characters problems. We got to have an insight to all of the characters which made me create a connection with each of them. It was very easy to relate to the characters and find common ground.
DeleteI agree there always was a new problem happening. Chris Crutcher did a very good job taking a little bit of everyone's life/ problems and tying them into the book!
DeleteI completely agree with you on this. I was also so stressed out for Eric when Virgil was in is car. Chris Crutcher made each character struggle in some way or form, but they each i my opinion got the ending they deserved.
DeleteThere have been many intensive parts in this book but if there was one part I have to pick it would be during the football game when boomer took out the black kid. this brought up a lot of emotions for the team and most importantly to Louie has he put his football career on the line to stand against his to and stand up for the black kid. one moment I didn't want to put down my book was when Louie was in the office back talking Mr. jasper and lendecky that was awesome. one thing I will not forget was the popcorn trick at the movies from boomer.
ReplyDeleteI can agree that Louie back talking Lendecky was pretty Rad. He really showed what he stood for in this part of the book.
DeleteOMG Brayden I couldn't agree more with what you said. That takes some real bravery to not only talk back to your head coach but your Principal. That really takes some real bravery and toughness
DeleteI agree with Louie standing up to Jasper and Ledecky in the office as that takes a lot of bravery, but he knew what he was saying and what he believed. I don't think I would ever have the courage to stand up to my head coach or the principal like Louie did.
DeleteI can totally agree being connected to reading the part where Louie had gotten chewed out and how that is a moment you could also relate to the most and that that might be why it was so interesting and i love that Louie had the heart to stand up to his coaches when he saw something not right and i feel i would be hooked too.
DeleteThe main reason I got hooked by Chinese Handcuffs was because of not really the plot, but mainly how it was a banned book because of its highly adult topics of abuse, sexual abuse, and the hidden hardships of being a youngadult. Although, I must agree that once I started reading the book and taking in/visualizing whats between the pages, the book really started to show its true colours. One of the main scenes that really got me hooked was 1. the beginning cat scene, and 2. Jen's "relationships" with her biological father and step-father. Those scenes really had a bafilling impact and I love that Crids Crutcher added these realistic scenes, as I love not-so-good endings in books or any sort of media. That's why this book will stay in my head for a while, Tragity over Comedy, hardship over blind good endings, those are the sorts of media I feel is better overall.
ReplyDeleteI also like the realness to this book, I like how he talks about real life hardships and does not leave out any details, It shows that these types of situations actually do happen and there really is no sugarcoating it.
DeleteI liked how Chris added that cat scene. It not only started a snow ball for prestons mental state going down hill but also gave dillon a mental scar as well, showing how extreme this book really is.
DeleteIn Running Loose a part that got me hooked was when Boomer targeted the African American on the other team which made Louie quit football. This surprised me because Louie worked so hard for countless hours to be a starter on the football team, and now that he finally got that he decided to give it all away. This got me hooked because Louie leaving the football team makes me wonder on what is to come next for him. This changed the entire plot of the book as Louie tried to go back to the team, but he was denied by the school. Chris Crutcher has put Louie through a gauntlet of mental health problems making it unclear for what's to come next.
ReplyDeletesounds like alot happend to him when he was in the team
DeleteI agree. I was very shocked when Louie quit football, which is the sport he loves and is good at. I don't think I could do something like that. I agree about Chris putting Louie through a ton of mental health problems, with him having to lose his girlfriend, the whole school being mad at him, and not being able to play football. I am happy he decides to go out for track as it will be a way for him to still be in a sport.
DeleteThat part was really easy to read just because of how good it was. It really change the whole story and you get to see what really happened and how he came to the decision to quit the game that he worked so hard at.
DeleteIn Stotan the part that got me hooked was when the guys first found out about Stotan week. It was still a mystery at the time so i was curious as to what the actual word could mean, and also what the guys where going to endure during Stotan week. A part where i could not put the book down was when Nortie finally left his abusive dad's house after being abused his whole life. It was a very intense part of the book especially when Nortie's dad drew a gun on the group of guys when they went to get Nortie's stuff.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a pretty super intense scene. I don't blame ya for getting hooked at that part. It sounds like a great read I would like to try, and I am glad that you are enjoying it yourself
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DeleteIn my book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes there is a similar dad figure. Virgil Byrnes also was a very aggressive father to Sarah and pulled a knife on one of Sarah's friends Eric. Sarah like Nortie she tried to leave her home and especially her father. She sensed that her dad was going to hurt her again so she stopped talking and was put into a hospital. All because she wanted to get away from him.
DeleteI'm happy that Nortie left his home because of the abuse. It's not right for his father to be treating him like that. Norites dad sounds like a real piece of work! I hope the two can build back a better relationship in the future!
DeleteIn Staying Fat For Sarah Brynes, I always enjoyed it, yes it was confusing but it was always good. I became super hooked when Sarah first talked, I was so surprised and confused all I wanted to do was read more. It was a twist I wasnt expecting. The author started a brand new chapter with dialouge with sarah, so it was very unexpected. Other spots in the book that I was hooked was when Eric and Dale were discussing Sarah and her dad. When Dale said that Sarah told him about her dad pushing her face into the wood stove I was so shook I also couldnt put the book down during this point. I had to try not to read because I was so far ahead I porbably wouldve finished last week.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the new chapters having all of the information. I think Chris Crutcher formatted his books so that each chapter was in a way resolved and when you turned that page more information was added to the problem, and it would have to be solved again. I also found it hard not to read ahead and shared the surprise that Sarah could talk.
DeleteMy post also talks about how well the chapters are placed and that each one is an individual story that flawlessly transitions into the next.
DeleteI agree I also was hooked when Sarah just started talking again and caught me by surprise. Also when Dale told Eric the truth about what had happen to Sarah it made it such a page turner to find out what was going to happen next!
DeleteI felt the same way Madelyn. Dale and Eric talking was another great point in the book that also got me hooked. I felt like during the whole book there was so many intense parts. Which made me have an extremely hard time not reading ahead as well. As soon as I could start reading again I did even at home.
DeleteI agree. I was also hooked on the fact that Sarah stopped talking so I kept reading figure out why. I understand why she stopped talking in the first place.
DeleteI also got hooked because it seemed so out of no where when Sarah started speaking again, I even got confused about who was saying her dialog.
DeleteIn the book running loose the part that got me the most hooked was when Louie stood up for him self in the locker room to boomer and his coaches. He did not care what other people thought of him. He was making a scene but for a good reason. It takes real bravery for what he did. The way he talked back to his coach takes a lot of bravery. This was the part of the book where I did not want yo put the book down. I just wanted to keep reading more and more.
ReplyDeleteIn my book Staying Fat For Sarah Brynes, there is a part where two students and a parent of one of those students stands up to their principal, Mr. Mautz. He was harrassing the boys almost everyday for things that they couldnt control. Which is simillar to your response.
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ReplyDeletesounds like what sarahs dad did to her.
DeleteI agree that Nortie being drugged was the most intense part of the book.
Deletei agree with you cody
DeleteThat part definitely made it hard to put the book down
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ReplyDeleteThe point at which I got hooked on this book was around the part when Eric and Sarah decided to fight back against Mautz by teaming up with Dale in order to write their next paper without getting in trouble with Mautz or getting beaten up again. I think this part got me hooked on the book because first of all, I hated Mautz the moment I met him, and two, it showed me the book wasn't just going to be people pushing Eric and Sarah around without any retaliation which I loved to read about. And I believe the part I will always remember about the book is the ending. because I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the bully and his victims team up and become friends as well.
DeleteI really liked this part as well and the author does a good job showing how some people can change for the better. The book does a good job hooking you on from the start like where the newspaper part was.
DeleteIn my book Running Loose when the main characters girl friend dies Boomer who was mean to him the whole time finally tries to comfort him in the moment of his freak out at the funeral. This is a part where people who do not normally get along finally do and it is nice to see.
DeleteYeah I also hate Mr. Mautz because he gives off manipulating and if-anything-doesn't-go-his-way-he-will-cry type of person. He shows immatrurity and selfshiness throughout the story.
DeleteChris made the book leave of on cliff hangs so you had to keep reading. also made you want to read on to find out what really happened to Sarah byre's. I didn't want to put the book down when i found out what happened to Sarah because i wanted to find out if her dad got in trouble. ill remember this book because its very interesting and depressing.
ReplyDeleteIn Running Loose, the point in the story that got me hooked was when Becky was killed in a car accident. I was very surprised when this happened because this was not something I was expecting to happen. I feel bad for Louie because Becky is his girlfriend and the only person in the school who is not mad at him for calling out his coach for trying to purposely hurt Washington, and now Louie doesn't have football to play to distract him. He is going through a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a pretty good hook since it kind of plays with your feelings and was unexpected.
Deletewow. That is definitely a page turner and a plot twist that is very interesting how Chris Crutcher would put that into the book but then i also like that he did because it test who you are at the time and builds to make you stronger and i would have loved to read this book.
DeleteWARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES!
ReplyDeleteI was hooked to the book once we learned about the abortion, Sarah being able to talk, Virgil being in Eric's car, and when Carver went into Virgil's house and took matters into his own hands. In the last 100 pages I could not put the book down and I read it all in one sitting. I think Chris Crutcher doesn't create plot twist necessarily, but he definitely makes sure to add things that you would not expect. I don't think that this is a book that I will ever forget and since finishing it I have been making sure to check my back seats of my car before driving. I like what we said in our discussion about these characters being real people because I find them to be so easy to relate too. The characters seem very real, and I think that's what will make Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes so unforgettable.
HOW COULD U SPOIL THE BOOK FOR ME I WASNT GOING TO READ IT. but form what i keep reading in these blogs i just might have to add it to my just of book to buy but never read. but it seems really fun a little bit like Chinese handcuffs
DeleteIn the book Stotan the part that I became hooked on was when they first started Stotan Week. The beginning of the book kept Stotan week a secret and made me want to read more to figure out what it was. A moment when I couldn't put the book down was when Nortie showed up drugged with a bruised face. Everything happened so fast after that, and it was the most intense part of the book.
ReplyDeletei agree 100%
Deletei agree with you, the part of the book where they actually are participating in stotan week was really good and hard to put down.
DeleteI agree that the part were Nortie was leaving his abusive dads house was the most fast and intense part in the book
Deletei agree, The beginning of the book I felt was slow but as soon as they started the intense training the book got better
DeleteIn Running Loose the part that got me hooked was when Louie raged in the church during Becky's funeral. I felt like this was a different Louie that we see and how things may be for the rest of the story with the events that happened to him across the book. I really like how the ones close to him also stay with him during his time of grievance.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if no one understood Louies pain because as a teenager we can be very emotional, and I think this really affected him. This event changed Louie and towards the end of the book he starts to become a man.
DeleteI got halfway through the book of Chinese handcuffs there were times where the book was hard to put down because of all the problems that occur with Jennifier and Dillion. Understanding what happened made me question if it will be solved or if another problem will come soon. Finding out about Jennifier's past and now how the trauma affects her by almost killing herself made me not want to put the book down and especially how Dillion is going to help her defeat the man behind this. Apart from putting the book down I can always remember how certain trauma can really impact a person life especially because of the career I want to pursue in.
ReplyDeleteJT I can't wit for you to finish the book and finally be able to peace all the puzzles toguther and see the big picture. it sucks knowing the ending and not being able to talk about it.
DeleteThe book was pretty easy to put down personally because i would get distracted pretty easily. But other than that Dillon* and Jennifer's part of the story has been pretty entertaining for me and that's about it because hearing about their pasts is insane. What i will always remember is maybe the cat this book isn't that memorable.
DeleteThe Povs of Jen and Dillon's stories really did want to make me keep going especially since it did add more into the book with all the issues they each have going on, wondering if the issues will be solved or if they might have to deal with more problems. it is true trauma can impact a person life especially, especially if it happened to you as a child and suicide, those two can definitely affect you way more than other trauma
Deletewhat got me hooked is from the beginning the story was unpredictable. form dillion and Preston killing a cat in a sack just because it hurt their dog. which i totally agree with. but to all the way through where nothing ever goes the way that you would thing even when it seems straight forward. it throws a left punch and make you wonder how you didn't see it coming. form pg 220 to the end its almost imposable to put don't because there is just one hit right after another. cant describe because other haven't finished the book.
ReplyDeleteI finished the book, and it was good. I do agree that nothing gets better and only adds on to the problems. all threw the book its one after the other, but at the end it gets better in my beliefs.
DeleteYeah, I would almost say the last 100 pages had my full attention, which was nice because it helped me finish the book ahead of time just like you. Chris did a very good job on this book in regards of leading you into a scenario and having a completely different outcome than what one would think.
DeleteIn Stotan, the part that got me hooked was chapter eight. When Nortie got drugged by Long John and Walker went to confront him on it. That part got me hooked because I am more of an action packed and adventure kind of book reader than any other book and I had gotten very interested and ended up reading 60 sum pages in the other night.
ReplyDeleteDefiantly lots of parts that people can get hooked on and this is a really big part of a situation where you don't wanna put your book down because its so intense and you wanna know what happens after the whole altercation.
DeleteI was hooked on Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes after about page 150. The chapters of the book are placed so that you did not want to stop reading. Some chapters I would read to the end and be a little bit bored, then on the last couple pages I would learn something new about one of the characters and feel like I have to keep reading. If there is one thing I will always remember about this book is that it shows that everyone has issues, Chris Crutcher really showed this by involving characters with every type of family and backgrounds and showed all of their wins and losses in life.
ReplyDeleteI agree carver used odd page gaps between chapters so that readers would want to keep reading to get to the next chapter. yes every character truly does come from a different background in the book.
DeleteI was kinda hooked on when Dillon and Preston just brutalized that cat because it was mean to the dog. Don't think the tire iron or just throwing it in a sack and spinning it was at all necessary. But i've been kind of in and out of being hooked. There has not really been any point where i didn't want to put the book down in all honesty. What i will might always remember is what they did to the cat because that is just insane
ReplyDeleteAt first I didn't understand this book, but the more i got into it the more entertained I got reading it, with the switching povs between Jen and Dillon, made me want to keep reading to find out if they would resolve the issues or if they would continue to have those.
DeleteTy as much as Chris does hook you into his books there is also parts of the book that i believe are unnecessary and need to be taken out of the book. Throughout the book there is not a lot of these chapters but their is a few that make me wanna put the book down for good for the chapter reveals nothing towards the plot what so ever.
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ReplyDeleteThis is hard to just pick one. There were a few times where I was not able to put this book down! Once was when Jody told us about her abortion after they had talked about it in class. Another time was when Eric was getting chased by Virgil and then stabbed that was a very intense part. I will always remember this book because of Sarah Byrnes I will always be curious as to what she looked like and what happen to her after the book!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Both of those parts of the book were very interesting and I flew through both of those parts of the book. The abortion part was very interesting because you get to see many different views and how well the kids back up their ideas. The part with the stabbing surprised me and I thought it was intense.
DeleteI also agree, when the debate of abortion hearing all the sides especially Mark who takes such a religious view. Eric and others bringing good points to oppose him, but the best clap back was Jody telling everyone about there abortion. Lastly I didn't think that Eric was going to get stabbed i thought he would crash first.
DeleteI also thought that there were a bunch of points in the book where I couldn't put it down. The chase scene at the end, finding out about Sarah's mom in Reno, and when Jody was talking about her abortion.
DeleteI agree that at the random important points of the book it felt impossible to put it down and stop reading. these intense moments always came out of nowhere and made the book that much more surprising.
DeleteStaying Fat for Sarah Byrnes got me hooked when I learned about Sarah's past. After Dale went out of his way to go tell Eric about Sarah's dad, it made things start to click together. Chris Crutcher does a good job of gradually pulling you in and every chapter adds just enough to the story to make you want to keep reading. After this point in the book you can start to understand and realize certain things about the characters. Why Sarah is the way she is, why Eric couldnt bail on her, and how people like Dale can change into decent people. The thing I will remember most from this book is that everyone has their own unique life and that everyone has their own problems and morals they have to deal with.
ReplyDeletei agree that once we learned about Sarah and her past it got a lot more interesting I saw is coming, but it was a change of pace, form swimming to it suspense and drama. It raised the stakes of what was all happing, knowing her father still might try coming after her.
DeleteNicholas i agree with you on the topic of Chris Crutcher pulling each reader in every chapter because even when I'm reading through the chapters I seemed to be awaken by something interesting in each chapter that seems to pull me further into the book.
DeleteI do agree with you that Chris Crutcher is very good at keeping readers interested. He never lets his characters stay static for too long and he always gives you just enough information to make you interested and want to find out what is going on
DeleteI also was curious about her past as well. She's a character that peaked my curiousity even though she been one of the main characters.
DeleteThe part of Stotan that got me hooked was chapter 8. this is where Nortie got beat so bad by his dad that he took drugs to ease the pain. I liked it how walker stood up for him and helped him get to the hospital and he told long john that he wasn't his brother anymore. Chris Crutcher hooked me by showing that even in dark times you will have people there to help you. that made it hard for me to put the book down. I will always remember how each member of the swim team worked together and helped each other out whenever they needed help.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many parts of the book where I didn't want to put my book down but this was another part where I didn't want to put my book down
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DeleteI agree that the part of the book where I could not put the book down was when all the friends help eachother out that was a really good part.
Deleteyes, I totally agree with you. this part had me wanting to keep reading and it is one of my favorite parts in the book
DeleteI agree with you completely. I feel like chapter 8 was a very big chapter from Norties dad beating him up to Norties dad pulling a gun on Walker and Lion. I also like how you included the part about dark time and friends always being there for you.
DeleteI would say when Dillon and Preston killed a cat with a sack just because the cat hurt their family dog was one of the parts i got hooked, but I would say what definitely hooked me was how it not only told Dillon's story but it was also talking about Jen's story and the issues both of them were struggling with. The letters really keep the book about things that aren't a big display into the book, Dillon keeping preston updated even though he won't even be able to read them, it's still a big part of the book. Chris Crutcher does a very good job with going into details about everything that is happening, it is so detailed that you can imagine yourself there.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the part of the book that hooked me. The part where it just kept switching did keep me slightly entertained. Other than i agree with christopher crutcher is that he does go into great detail and for some reason especially when the animals died for whatever reason.
DeleteI agree that Chris Crutcher is very good at describing each situation in great detail that it's not hard to imagine it yourself. It also helps with being able to feel the emotion from the book more easily.
DeleteI agree the book adds so much detail to everything that takes place in the book. Chris Crutcher did an amazing job with the minor details, because it than comes together at the end of the book. It makes the book very hard to put down by all the problems that pile up. He makes it feel like these characters were actually real people.
DeleteI agree, when Dillon wrights to Preston we get an insight into what's happening in the background or whets going to happen.
DeleteI am reading Stotan and there are so many parts in the book where I didn't want to put my book down. The part where I didn't want to put my book down the most is when Walker and his friends were trying to get Nortie and his mom out of is abusive dads house. The reason why I didn't want to but the book down is because its was so intense and everything was going on at once.
ReplyDeletei agree, the part where they all went to Norties house was very intense and it was kind of nerve racking to read. especially when Norties pulls a gun on them.
Deleteyes i agree with this because i have a little experience with the same situation me and Nortie connect a lot and i understand his story a lot more than the other characters i feel he can write his own book about his life and it would be an intense book and be so memorable.
DeleteThis was a part of the book that I really enjoyed as well. I liked all the auction that happened in this scene.
DeleteI think that was most action packed moment in the book too, it was the main part of the book where I really couldn't put it down.
Deletei liked this part of the book it really hooked me when reading and definitely didn't want to put the book down.
DeleteI agree with this one. I really felt bad for him when he talked about it.
DeleteThe Part in the book Chinese handcuffs that had me hooked is when Preston committed suicide In front of Dillion and when the book stared to describe Jen's past encounters with her abusers. These parts of the book threw me off guard and were completely unexpected. When reading these chapters I did notice some odd things like when Preston started to change his tone and demeanor Then all of a sudden he pulls a gun out also with Jen's encounters it started off all innocent then unexpectedly signs of abuse peaked through. What i like about the authors writing is the way he eases into the situations but not so obviously then all of a sudden he throws it at you. It's a good way that has kept me interested.
ReplyDeleteExactly right. Chris does a very good job at destroying one's hope as well. For instance when T.B got introduced I thought for sure he was going to be someone special and put an end to all the abusive relationships but I was utterly wrong.
DeleteI agree, its like the anther has some twisted sense of humor, when the main choristers has a happy moment they get hit with a curve ball.
DeleteIn the book STOTAN Chris Crutcher he is such a gripping tale! Crutcher has this was of diving deep into the character's lives that just pulls you right in. there's this moment early on when the guys decide to take on Stotan week challenge, and you just know its going to test them in ways the cant even imagine. its not just about the physical endurance, but the emotional journey too. and those moment soft raw honesty and vulnerability between the characters. they make it impossible to look away. ill always remember how it shows the power of friendship and perseverance , no matter what life throws at you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great description of what I expected for Stotan week! It exactly depicts of what the characters will endure during the week and the teamship of the group. You can look at this book in many different aspects. The characters not only experience a physical challenge, they also experience a mental and emotional challenge throughout the book.
DeleteIn the book Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher, there are a lot of thrilling sections to choose from and almost impossible to just to pick one. For me personally I was already drawn into the book in the first 5 pages due to the triathlon Dillon was running. There is also the scene where Dillon and Preston decide to beat a cat to death in a very creative way only because it scratched their dogs nose. The most intriguing sections of this book were hands down the part where Preston committed suicide, Dillon attempting to cause trouble with the Warlock biker gang, Jennifer's childhood experience, Jennifer's attempted suicide, and last but not least the part where everything comes together and everyone lives a happy life except for one person in specific. Now don't get me wrong there were parts of this book that were boring and made it difficult to want to read especially due to all the dialogue, but it all served a purpose so I put up with it. The one thing I will take away from this book is that you never know what someone has experienced so watch what you say and be there for your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteIn running loose Chris Cutcher also kills off one of the characters which was very surprising and out of nowhere. I think Chris likes to give other characters a sense of loss like losing a family member or friend to show the characters perseverance through such a big problem.
DeleteI agree, there is so many topics that keep you reading and the ones you mentioned are also some of my favorite parts of this book as well.
DeleteIn the book Chinese handcuffs there where many points that hooked me, such as the baby Ryan is actually Stacy and Preston's baby. Another point in the book that hooked me was when Dillon when to the biker gang and dumped his brothers ashes in their bikes gas tanks and all around the bar. These points in the book made it impossible to put the book down.
ReplyDeleteThe first moment that really hooked me was the flashback to Jen's childhood, mainly because of the way it was written felt very different to the rest of the book, and the fact that it flashes between the present and the past due to Jen's concussion was very interesting and allowed for time cuts in the flashback to feel less forced. Despite this, there haven't really been any points where I couldn't put the book down, besides wanting to finish on the end of a chapter. The only put I could say where I felt that type of desire to finish the section was during the point where Jen explained how her relationship with TB deteriorated. I will probably remember the journal entry style of writing, with a character writing to a now non-present individual, it allows for character development without dialogue or pushing the story forward too much, but I think it requires a skilled writer to make it not sound/feel weird.
ReplyDeleteIn the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, the story with holds a lot of thrills especially towards the end of the story. Throughout the book Chris tends to leave the reader on the edge of his seat, for he builds up many of his chapters and leaves the reader curious as to what is going to happen. The last chapter really shocked the reader as the main character eric gets stabbed and almost dies because Sarah's crazy dad wants his daughter. Some how Sarah's dad gets away and the craziest part is Erics stepdad a ex marine that nobody knew about kills Sarahs dad completely out of the blue. But Chris slowly foreshadowed it over the time as erics stepdad always wants to do what's right for his family.
ReplyDeleteThis just goes to show that eric's stepdad, Carver, really cared about the people around him and his family. Finding out that he was an ex marine helped me realize that he cared for his family just as if he was caring for his fellow marines.. I thought it was a pretty neat detail that Chris added to the story.
DeleteThe captivating scene for me in my book Chinese Handcuffs, was the scene where the Warlocks chased Dillon from school on the road into a alleyway. Dillons life was in grave danger and with plenty left to go in the book I did not know what was going to happen. Stretching out the motorcycle club leaders conversation he was reminded of his massive drug operation, this was a huge shock for me. Thinking this was just a idiotic biker club that sold some small amounts of dope not a huge operation on the side. Dillon not only destroying some of their bikes but disrespected them in there own bar.
ReplyDeletei can very much so agree this situation was extremely intriguing to me just because everything that happen frome when we first met the warlocks and to what happened and what they all did to Dillon.
DeleteIn Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes there was a lot of parts that were very interesting. It seemed like every 15 pages or so there was something new and very shocking happening, but the part that got me hooked was when Mr. Byrnes snuck into Erics car. That entire scene was written really good. It was incredibly stressful and you knew that Mr. Byrnes was crazy enough to hurt Eric. Then the part where Eric was running through the streets and Mr. Byrnes was in the car it kind of lulled you to sleep because Eric was safe as long as Mr. Byrnes was in the car and Eric thought he could out run him. Then on top of that Eric thought of a way to outsmart him by going to Dale's house. Then right as that happened the second you thought Eric might be safe Mr. Byrnes sneaks up on Eric and grabs him. This part had me on the edge of my seat and there was no way I was going to but the book down.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I was so afraid for Eric when Mr. Brynes was in the car with him, and I found the part where he had escaped from the car to get away from Mr. Byrnes very admirable and unexpected because I just didn't think he would be able to escape from the car, especially with Mr. Brynes so close. Then how abruptly he ripped away that sense of security when Mr. Brynes actually catches Eric.
DeleteThis was the part of the book that got me hooked too. You are right when you said it was a stressful situation. It almost had my eyes glued to the pages as if I were there, experiencing the event with eric.
DeleteIn the book Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher there were a lot of different things that hooked me in the main one was when Dillon and his brother brutally beat a cat to death for the giggles of it. something else that drew my attention was when the biker gang followed Dillon in to the ally in order to beat him. one of the last things was some of the conversation that happened between Dillon and Jennifer about everything that has happened to the both of then.
ReplyDeleteI agree, when I first read that about the cat I thought this book was going to be crazy and filled with a lot of interesting topics and plots.
DeleteThe characters in that book sound crazy. Are they tally stable? to beat a cat for fun is baffling. At least it was a good hook for you. were these the main events of this book or just side pieces?
DeleteMy book is Running loose most the time i struggle with reading books quickly but where i got hooked in running loose was when Louie got to stay at Becky's cabin this was a big experience for him and in the end, he did not go through with it what really intrigued me was Becky dying this surprised me because I thought after the cabin she was going to be introduced into the book more and have more use as a character. I really felt bad for Louie especially as a teenager it would be really hard to deal with that. This changed the story by introducing Louie to another sport and Louie has to learn to deal with his mental problems by running track and field.
ReplyDeleteIn Stotan the part that got me hooked was the part where they all went to stay at Lions during the start of Stotan week. It was a good part of the book because we were finally able to know what Stotan week was. And all of the good stories that they were telling each other. I was so hooked on that part because there kept on being a turn of events. The part in this book where I could not put the book down is when the boys were at prom. I was super hooked on this part because lots of stuff was happening. But the main part was when Nortie took some drugs. The part of the book that I will always remember is how strong the boys friendship is, when they helped out Nortie,.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the dance got me hooked it was one of the most eventful moments that happens throughout the entire book.
DeleteIn Stotan the part that got me hooked started with the winter dance. So many things happen that night that it was just a point where I couldn't just stop reading because there was constantly more and more going wrong with all of the boys completely revolving around Nortie's dad beating him up because he has a black girlfriend. This is definitely a part of the book I will always remember because it shows what true friends will do for one another.
ReplyDeleteThis part got me hooked to the book as well. It got intense when Nortie's dad would beat him because of dating Milika. I feel really bad for Nortie because of all the things he went through.
DeleteI am reading running loose and the part that got me hooked was when boomer targeted that black guy in one of the games, ands Ledecky forced him too. I was shocked when Louie stood up to Ledecky and talked back to him. Not anyone in real life can really have balls to do that to the head coach. Plus, Louie even reported into the priceable and that's called ratting, I'm surprised a bunch of the guys didn't jump him or get beat up for it. Louie in my opinion is kind of a baby, I mean don't get me wrong Boomer was wrong, but its football. Stop being a baby or don't go out.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading stotan and the part that really hooked me was when norite was telling his life stories and I felty bad for him because no kid should have to go through it and the things, he seen with his brother hanging himself in the garage is just crazy. when he got beat by his dad that made me hate his dad. these parts really made me want to read more and hope they would get to safety and not be in that situation anymore.
ReplyDeleteThis part hooked me too because I feel like after Nortie told his friends everything it was easier to understand Nortie because we knew what he went through.
DeleteI agree with this part because I could image on what Nortie was seeing in these moments, it was a terrible moment.
DeleteI was not hooked at all in the few pages of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I wasn't because it was so confusing and made my brain hurt. But I knew I had to keep reading and being confused made me want to keep reading and figure. I got hooked after the first 100 page when Sarah started to talk to Eric. I got hooked when we found out about Sarah and her dad. This part made me so angry and I couldn't stop reading once I found out. I loved the way Sarah and Jody stood up against Mark and I loved the way Chris Crutcher made these women powerful. This book was definitely not what I was expecting but it is definitely something that will stick with me for forever.
ReplyDeleteI agree the beginning was honestly horrible and very boring. When Sarah started talking was when I got hooked too. Also the girl power is a hard core slay.
DeleteI was hooked right at the start of this book because right away Dillion started to talk about his secret with his brother's death. Crutcher kept going with secret after secret all throughout this book, I do not think there has been a time where it got boring. There is always something making you wonder or question and leave you in shock. One of my favorite parts was when he just decided to have all the characters reveal their secrets in one chapter, it was an "oh wow" moment. I have never read a book that just hits you with plot after plot and it is one of my favorite things about this book. I think a moment that will stick with me forever was when Dillion stood up for his brother at the bar, that is something I will remember from this book. Overall, every aspect of this book has impact and it will stick with me forever as one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the book was a good read. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad you could say its one of your favorite books. I cannot say the same about my book though.
DeleteI was not hooked at the part when the football coach told the players to hurt Washington in the book Running Loose. I just saw that as a dirty thing to do and nothing else. I feel as if Louie blew the whole thing out of proportion. The part that did catch my attention was when Becky died, she did not deserve that way of death. Any part after that was not that good. Louie just made a fool of himself and that was a struggle to read. I think I will remember this book just because of how poor the ending was. Just leave the plaque alone.
ReplyDeleteI find that interesting as it seems like you never really cared for the things that were going on in your book. I also wonder how did Becky pass? Was there any part that you really did like of this book? What do you feel like the author could do to make the book better?
DeleteI became hooked with Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes when we learned that it was her father who gave her the burn scars. He created a sense of mystery around this topic and then revealed the truth behind the mystery but used the truth to create a sense of a bigger problem that needs to be solved. I couldn't put the book down after I read about Mr. Byrnes calling and threatening Eric. I will always remember the scene of carver beating up Mr. Byrnes.
ReplyDeleteI read Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and the part I got hooked about halfway through the book. The start of the book is pretty boring and there was a little bit in the middle that made it exciting and towards the end but it left me with wanting more and it just didn't give it to me. When Sarah starting talking and the truth was being let out about her father was what got me hooked. I will remember how it left me wanting more but didn't give it.
ReplyDeleteI hate when books are like that it is really hard for me to stick with a book if it doesn't hook me. That would leave me wanting more too.
DeleteThe part of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes that got me hooked into the book was when we found out that Virgil Byrnes is the main antagonist. I couldn't tell if he was the main antagonist or not until I was more than half way through the book. I could tell for sure that it was him when his crazy antics were on the rise again after he couldn't find out where Sarah went. To add to that, the main part where I couldn't draw my eyes away from the book was when Vigil Byrnes snuck into the back of Eric's car and held him at knife point. It was a really intense scene and I was not going to stop reading under any circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThe part of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes that got me hooked into the book was after she ran away from the hospital, after that anything could happen i thought because Vergil is out and looking for her, and could get her. And this is after learning that he was the one who burn her. I remember thinking why does Vergil want her soo bad and one idea i had was rape, but that would have been crazy, and that kept me in.
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting. I feel that all the Chris Crutcher books have a very interesting, weird story to them. We live in a very protected area so being able to read about things that may happen in other places around the world is exciting but sad. I think the author Chris has seen a lot of teenagers growing up with traumatic past and present lives.
DeleteThroughout the whole book you do not want to put it down. I am reading Chinese handcuffs by Chris Crutcher. I loved everything about this book so far I think it is especially hard to put the book down when you hear more of Preston's side of the story of why he decided to commit suicide. The story gets very interesting when you learn Jennifer's life struggles with her dad and stepdad rapping her. Can't believe everything that has happened in this book. Also, I found it very interesting on where Dillion, Preston's brother decided to spread Preston's ashes. I could not stop reading the book when that happened because I wanted to know the reason behind why he did it. I will always remember that in this book there is a lot of messed up things that happen and it is quite interesting because you realize that peoples lives are always not that easy.
ReplyDeleteThroughout my book, Stotan, theirs quite a few instances where the author tries to hook you. Chris Crutcher really hooked me when I found out about all of the stuff with Nortie. About his abusive dad, about his brother killing himself, about all of the things he struggles with because of his childhood. The page 95 is where I really got hooked because it goes on to say that Nortie came to prom with a swollen red face. But page 101 is the page where I just couldn't stop reading because Norties dad pulled a gun on Walker and Lion when they came to get Norties belongings. That is one part I will always remember about this book.
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ReplyDeleteI got really hooked on my book towards the middle of it. There we find out some big details that help explain and answer some questions you have to start out the book. Another way Chris Crutcher hooked me was he started to deep dive into the characters situations and what took place after certain events. Towards the end it was impossible to but my book down. So much was happening, and I just wanted more answers to my questions. Something I will always remember about this book is how emotional and heartbreaking it really is. When you read the description and look at the cover you wouldn't expect to read what is inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat I got hooked on in the book STOTAN! is when Nortie was telling his story, accidentally or on purpose for hitting a kid, and getting yelled at by his girlfriend. Nortie had some character development, but he is a good character. How it got me hook is just how the character goes about his life. I can say, there were a lot of time where I wanted to stop reading this book, but if I were to keep on reading, I could see some good parts of the book. This book is not my style, the way I rate this book is a 5 out of 10.
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