New Book: Million Dollar Throw

I have recently began reading "Million Dollar Throw" by Mike Lupica. The story takes place in Valley, Massachusetts where Nate Brodie, a fan of Tom Brady, the star quarterback of the New England Patriots, and a star quarterback for his own team faces difficult situations. So far, Nate has bought a signed football by Tom Brady and was able to enroll himself into a contest for the chance to throw a football thirty yards into a small hole. If he wins the contest and throws the football successfully, Nate would win one-million dollars. Although it may appear that Nate has nothing to lose, there may be more pressure than there appears.
One reason that there may be more pressure than it appears is because I believe that Nate's family is struggling financially. For example, the reason for Nate being able to pay for the whole cost of the football was because he simply did not have enough money. In the beginning of the book, Nate also said that his friend Abby was going through some rough times which could mean that maybe she is struggling financially as well or she may unhealthy. If so, one-hundred million dollars could certainly help that.

Partials: A Story about Survival

I recently have began reading "Partials" by Dan Wells. In the book, a sixteen-year-old named Kira along with several others are some of the only remaining from the war. This war, which was fought between humans and partials, "engineered organic beings identical to humans," that also nearly wiped out the whole civilization using RM, a weaponized virus. Although Kira is safe in the protected area of Long Island the partials still remain a threat. However, there is also another threat besides the partials: The Voice. Ever since the war, not a single infant has successfully been born immune to the virus. In order for there to be a great chance, the Hope Act was created which required women at the age of 18 to become pregnant as frequently as possible. The Voice did not approve and therefore rebelled against the government.

Kira along with several others went on a mission outside the defense grid. On their way, they came across explosions that killed a few. They later found shelter and Owen Tovar, a former Marine Corp. Owen invites them into his house. They begin speaking about the war and eventually the Voice. After speaking about the damages from when he was a Marine and someone asking, "How did you receive those scars?" Tovar says that he was a demolition specialist. I suddenly thought that maybe Tovar could be part of the Voice. He showed much interest in Kira's mission as well as the defense system around Long Island along with knowing much information about the Voices. I predict that Owen is part of the Voice and that he will win Kira and the rests' trust enough so that he becomes a dangerous threat to the survival of the last humans remaining.

Kristina, "Crank", and Bree

Kristina is a perfect example of someone who's trying to get by in life. She's a student in high school, has decent grades and a moderate amount of friends. However, all goes downhill when her mother begins dating another man, and she must live with her drug-addicted father who she hasn't in over eight years. This is where she is introduced to "Crank", the monster, Methamphetamine. This is where, "Bree", Kristina's alter-ego enters her world.

Of course there are endless possible outcomes when a character is influenced by drugs. For example, Kristina could suddenly realize her mistake of getting involved, and therefore take actions to correct this through rehabilitation. However, she could spiral into the world of addiction and follow her father’s footsteps as an impulsive being. From looking at certain characteristics of Kristina, I have a feeling that her future might turn out for the worst. For example, from what I’ve read so far Kristina seems like an innocent and shy person that could easily get caught up in the havoc of drugs. In a way, she also seems like someone who’s lost interest in everything and as a result turns to drugs. Hopefully, we’ll find out as I continue to read the book.

A Dangerous Task

As I continue to read, The Giver, by Lois Lowry, Jonas and I the reader learn more and more about his utopia society. Things that he never would have known if it wasn't for his placement as the new Receiver of Memory, a very difficult and painful job that however, earns high honor in the community. However, some of the things that Jonas will learn will cause him to suffer just like the previous receiver.

At the ceremony where Jonas was given the responsibility as the new receiver, the elder told him that this was a very painful job. After a few lessons, Jonas asked, the giver, "What causes you pain?" The giver responded by saying, "Let's go once again to a hill, and a sled." Early in the book I learned that once yo reach a certain age in the community you are "released." I believe that the giver will show Jonas what happens after you are released. Death. I think that death is not accepted in the community because people would suffer. This is the pain Jonas will have to endure. However, I don't think that Jonas will be able to endure this and will flee from his community to "beyond the hills" that he expressed curiosity of.