Quarter 2 Post 8

Well, I think I'd like to talk about what I think about the book for a change. I thought the beginning was a little weird, what with it being about Clay when he's older. This kinda sets up the book to be one great big flashback, but there are a lot in the book, not just the one big one. I like the format regardless. I think the plot is interesting, especially with the racial undertones. Joe is forced to escape from his country under shady circumstances, only because he is jewish. Sam has never experienced such prejudice, but he still empathizes with Joe. I also appreciate the humor in this book. It's often subtle, but you can tell it's there. For example, when Sam, Joe, and Jules see Jules' older brother's girlfriend naked (one of many, which is another area where humor is implemented), Jules bets Joe that he can't draw her. Joe does, and Jules buys it for a few bucks. However, upon looking at the drawing, Jules realizes that there are no "exposures". When he calls Joe on it, Joe simply replies "Not for 3 bucks." There is not a lot of suspense, but there is a lot of wondering. The book doesn't keep you guessing, rather it kind of hints at what's coming next. But, the unexpected does pop up. For example, when Sam's dad is introduced in the story, one simply assumes that he just leaves and never comes back. The shocking thing is that Sam's dad dies! He leaves without saying goodbye (which was expected, him being described as a deadbeat dad), and a few months later Sam got an article that said his father was crushed by a trailer and died. It is really sad to read, and the worst part is that Sam is completely blindsided. Sam isn't the only one. I totally didn't expect it, and it really shocked me. I can't wait to read the ending of this book, and to see how the boys develop emotionally and fiscally.