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 class. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses 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 class. Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly. One word responses or inappropriate comments will earn you a zero, so please keep that in mind. Have Fun! Happy Blogging!!
This is a test to show a possible response.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that your test worked :)
DeleteThanks Tayte!
DeleteAngela Fangmann
ReplyDeleteI wanted to read the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes because I felt like I can make several connections just by reading the summary. Eric is an 18 year old boy in high school and I am the same age and still in high school, right there I can connect to the book. So far I like the book and can already make connections. That makes it easier for me to pay attention and being able to understand what is going on in the book. So far I am happy with my book choice and I cant wait to see what happens.
I did not choose that book as one of my top picks but it does should good and a very easy book to relate too. I am reading Running Loose and it is also easy to connect to because the main character is a student athlete and has troubles with things, and me being a student athlete I can easily relate to them.
DeleteEmily Clary- I have chosen the book Chinese Handcuffs because the story line caught my attention and sounded interesting. it was one of my top Three Picks because it was one of the books that really caught my eye. I am pretty happy with my choice, i didn't get over far in my book but it is good so far.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds very interesting, that book was my second choice. I hope to read it sometime in the future!
Deletei also had this book as my first choice and i agree it is very good so far.
DeleteIts a great book and i hope it continues to be good
DeleteLisa Stoller
ReplyDelete"Chinese Handcuffs" was my top pick for the first book we are reading in class. To be honest I have never heard of the author before, so I was curious what his books are about.
The first thing that made me want to read this exact book was the title. It was so different then the other books. The title made me curious, so I took a little peak in the book. I started reading the prologue. And after reading through the first few pages I knew this was the book I was going to choose. The story of Dillon, a junior in high school dealing with his brother's suicide and the problems that came with it, made me curious to find more about Dillon and his dead brother Preston.
So far I have read through the prologue and the first chapter. I really enjoyed reading the prologue because I thought it was a great start to this book. I really liked the vivid description of Dillon doing a triathlon. I am happy with my choice, even though the story of Dillon and Preston killing a cat, in chapter one was pretty disturbing.
The first chapter was a mix between a letter written by Dillon addressed to his dead brother Preston and a flashback to the time when the two brothers killed their neighbor's cat Charlie.
So far I think the book "Chinese Handcuffs" is a good piece of literature, and it will get better the more you get in to the book.
Reading the back of the book already tells you that a lot of secrets will be uncovered, so I assume the book will be really interesting to read.
Great summary of your book. That book sounds very interesting, I want to read this book next! I am interested to hear more about your book.
Deleteawsome!
DeleteChinese Handcuffs as my second choice and I might read it after this class is done.
DeleteAshley Kramer
ReplyDeleteI had Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top three options because the book sounded like a major event happened in it. Those are my favorite kind of books. So far, I am happy with my choice. The book is pretty interesting so far, but I hope that it gets into more detail about what happened to his brother. I haven't really made many connections yet but I hope I am able to make some as I get more into the book.
I am also reading this book as well. I can agree with you that I hope they do go into more detail about what actually happened to his brother.
Deletei am also reading Chinese Handcuffs, i am loving the story so far. it jumps around a lot but it's a good story. the part where they kill Charlie the neighborhood cat really surprised me, i almost couldn't read that part.
DeleteThat book must be very interesting. As i'm reading people blogs about this book i'm seeing great things about it. I'm going to put major thought into this book when it's time to change books around
DeleteI am also reading this book, I agree with you that the book is very interesting so far and that they tell more about what happened to his brother.
DeleteJacob Bockenstedt
ReplyDeleteI chose to read Chinese Handcuffs because someone said the book was an interesting book, so i thought id give it a try. This book was one of my top three books because i read the summery on the back of the book and it really seemed to catch my attention as a reader. For only being a couple days into the book it has really surprised me with the way the book started with the scene of the cat. I really seem to like the book so far with the neighbors killing the old ladies cat. That part really caught my attention and made me wanted to keep reading. At this point its kinda of hard to make connections with the book because I've never gone to the neighbors and killed a cat. I can make the connections with my dog wondering to the neighbors and having to go pick the dog up but usually aren't as upset as the old lady in the book.
I agree with Jacob, i thought that the part with the cat being killed was interesting and attention getting
DeleteChinese Handcuffs, I chose this book because people from last year said it was a good book and it looked like a good book. i am happy with the book i chose. I'm finding the book enjoyable so far. I'm making connections about how we messed around. Garrett Ulbrich
ReplyDeleteI like the blog! keep up the good work.
DeleteThe book Staying Fat is very weird but very interesting. I'm still laughing at one line in the book, he called his best friend ugly. But other than that, the book is somewhat good. I've made a connection with the book.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about this book it sounded very interesting. That was my first choice. I am hoping to read that book sometime!
DeleteI totally agree with Syd. I think the book starts out random and some parts are weird but overall I like the book so far. Also I can make many connections with it!
DeleteMiranda Bell
ReplyDeleteStaying Fat For Sarah Byrnes was my top pick because it really interested me when I read the summary of the book. So far, I am very happy with my choice because the plot is getting really good. I chose this book because the story line pulled me in. The book was all over the place, but i caught on quickly. Reading the book was very enjoyable, I did not want to put the book down. I am making connections to most of the characters. I can see where a lot of the characters are coming from.
I also had Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes as one of my top choices. I got interested in it because the summary seemed catchy and as I read through it got to my attention.
DeleteI choose to read Running Loose, but Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes was my second choice.
DeleteFatima i agree. The summary on the back of the book is very catchy.
DeleteNick Goebel
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Running Loose because I thought it would be about running away from something. So I read the preview of the book to see what the book is about I got a better understanding of the book. Yes I am happy with the book I have chose because its a young adult working two jobs and playing the sport football. The narrator of the book really wants to play this year because he is a senior and I was in the same position as him. Yes I'm finding the book enjoyable and interesting because he lives in a small town and plays eight man football. Yes I am making connections with book. I work two jobs and i played football.
With all of these connections, I'm sure you'll be able to make deeper, emotional connections as you continue reading.
DeleteI agree with you Nick. The fact that he plays football, and still manages to work two jobs is amazing! I'm looking forward to learning more about eight man football, as it is not very common in our area.
DeleteKeep up the good work Nick. I can not wait to hear more about your book.
DeleteSeems like a good book to read Nick, our books seem to be a little bit similar with the whole sports thing going on
DeleteTanner Kramer:
ReplyDeleteChinese Handcuffs I chose this book because many kids from last year said it was an interesting book so i thought i would give it a try. This was one of my top three picks because i read the summary and it seemed like a good book. I think this book is pretty funny besides the fact that Preston died but i thought i was pretty funny that they beat the cat to death. I am finding this book enjoyable because its about kids that are around our age
I agree with you tanner the book is pretty funny and interesting. I hope you continue to enjoy the book and keep reading!
DeleteThe book I am reading Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because kids from last year said it was a good book to read. I am happy with my book choice because I think it is an easy book to read and follow whats going on. i find the book quite enjoyable and interesting. I can make connections with the boys how they mess around like killing the cat.
ReplyDeleteMr. heim, I like the blog, but you should not be making those bad decisions and killing cats. that is cruel.
DeleteI'm reading the same book Cody I'm also making connections but i hope to keep having connections with the book.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top choices because the title itself just made the book sound mysterious and suspenseful. Those are the types of books that really pull my attention in and make me want to keep reading. Starting off the book so far it has my attention hooked. I think i'm going to really enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteThat was my second choice to read this book. I think it sounds like an interesting book just because of the title. I hope to read this sometime in the future!
DeleteI am also reading Chinese Handcuffs and it does seem mysterious, i am curious to find out what made his brother kill himself.
DeleteSounds like a good book to reading i currently am a little confused with the book besides the part of killing the cat. I think the book is a pretty good book so far.
DeleteI am also reading Chinese Handcuffs and as I started reading the book it also got my attention right away and I am looking forward to reading more.
DeleteTim Tindle
ReplyDeleteThe book I am reading is Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I chose this as one of my three choices because of how, like other Chris Crutcher novels, this book displays heavy realism through its pages. I would have been glad to read any of the books by Chris Crutcher because their stories give an insight of adulthood, especially for mature teenagers. So, it was hard to determine which book I am most and least in favor. So far, my thoughts of the novel are very positive with how it solidly sets the exposition without any sugarcoating. Right now, I find the book so interesting that I just do not want to stop reading. I am always curious of what is going to happen on the next chapter.
I am reading Running Loose but Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes was my second choice. I can also not stop reading my book.
DeleteGabe Naumann
ReplyDeleteI have chosen to read the book Running Loose.I chose it because it looked the most interesting to me of all of them. It caught my eye with the title because I enjoy running and it seemed to have a good story. So far in the first chapter I am happy with this book. I have made connections with some of the characters with some some friends of mine. So far it is enjoyable and amusing to read. Running Loose starts out interesting and pulled me in.
For me I feel that the book isn't really pulling me in just yet.
DeleteI had this book in my top two because I also enjoy running and thought I would enjoy the book as well. I am interested to see what people have to say about this book and I might read it in the future.
DeleteI am also reading Running Loose and have similar connections to the main character. It caught my attention at first hand as well. I also enjoy running.
DeleteRunning Loose was my first choice for books, so I am curious to learn more about the book and to see how you like it.
DeleteRunning Loose was my 2nd choice, and I am currently reading it. I put it as my second choice because it looked good and easy to relate too. So far I am very glad I got this book because it is a very fun read and as I hoped I can easily relate to the main character.
DeleteJakob Sieverding
ReplyDeleteI chose to read the book Running Loose because the story seemed the most interesting to me than all the other books we could choose from. This book was number one on my choices note card and so far I don't really have a mind set if I care or don't about the story. I fell the book as no current plots to me that are going to be intense or lead up to a major point so far. I do find the book kind of enjoyable and the reading is slow as of now. Lastly I am not making any connections.
Had this book as my 2nd choice and it sounds like a good read. When your done reading you should tell me if is good or not.
DeleteAt first i agreed with that but now getting three or four chapters in there is more of a plot. I agree that it doesn't seem to be building up to much right now.
DeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top choices. I chose this book because the title sounded like it was a very mysterious and suspenseful book. I really like to read these types of books because it keeps me on my toes the entire time and makes me eager to read to see how the story goes on. I am not very far into the book, but so far I am happy with my choice. The first chapter was kind of intense, but I hope they go into more detail and explain why Preston did what he did. I can not wait to read the rest of the book and see how it all pans out. I really have not made any connections to the book so far, but I am sure as I continue to read I will make connections.
ReplyDeleteIm looking forward to learning more about Preston as well, i think that Chris is going to save that part for the end of the book or more towards the middle though to keep the book suspenseful.
DeleteI am excited to read this book and see what happens. I cannot wait for our group discussions and learn about the things I missed.
DeleteI also chose "Chinese Handcuffs" as my first choice, and so far I like it, but I haven't made any connections to the book either. I thought the part of chapter 1 when Dillon talks about killing the neighbors cat was very intense and kind of weird and shocking. But other than that, I like reading this book so far.
DeleteI also chose my Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top choices. I hope the book really pulls my attention in and makes me want to keep reading it.
DeleteI also want to get more details about why Preston did that and if Dillon tried to do anything to stop him.
DeleteI had the book Chinese Handcuffs as one of my top two choices because it sounded like a good book to read from the summary. I first made a connection with this book because it is about struggles throughout high school and I have dealt with struggles as well. The main character lost someone close to him while he was in high school, and starting my high school year I lost four friends close to me. I want to see how he got through everything and how he turns out with that. He is also training for an iron man and a part of that is running. I trained for cross country the past four years and know some of what he is going through. The layout of the book is through telling what is going on and also the main character writing letters and I am interested to see how the letters play a role in telling the story.
ReplyDeleteI really like the connections you made towards the book, it brings it to a whole new perspective. I can' wait to see what the rest of the book entails.
DeleteI totally agree with you Peyton. Chinese handcuffs was one of my top two choices from reading the summary.
DeleteI am reading the book Running Loose by Sarah Byrnes. This was my second choice, and I chose this book because it reminded me of my life as an athlete. As much as I read so far I think it is going to be a great book, so I am very happy with my choice. As the main character is sharing his life as an athlete there are a few things I can relate to, but also a few things that does not happen in my life, but being an athlete I can imagine what it would be like very easily. Since I can connect to the main character very easily I think this book will continue to be a good read and extremely interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lyndsi. This book was my first choice because he played sports and i can related to the main character too. Hope you enjoy the book.
DeleteRachel Hefel
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Running Loose because I have always wanted to read it but never really had the time or chance to before. Other students have also recommended it to me in the past. Just by reading the summary on the back of the book, I can connect with the main character because I am also a senior in high school. I also like reading books that have football in them. I am happy with my book choice so far because it seems funny and very connectable. I look forward to reading more of this book.
I am reading Running Loose, and it has also been recommended to me by many people.
DeleteI also was drawn in by the summery on the back of the book. I agree that it is also got some funny moments so far.
DeleteNoah Zuercher
ReplyDeleteThe book I am reading is Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because I heard it is a good book, and it sounded interesting from the review I read. I like the book so far because it is easy to follow, and I find it funny that they killed the cat because it scratched their dog. The book so far is quite enjoyable because they mess around, and it is amusing to read.
I hope this book gets better as you read, Chinese Handcuffs was my second choice as I heard myself it was a great book to read.
DeleteI'm glad to hear you are enjoying your book. I am reading the same book. I hope I start enjoying the book like you are Noah. Keep up on the good work Noah.
DeleteNick Goebel
DeleteGlad to hear that your enjoying your book Noah. I'm reading Running Loose and it simple to read. Enjoy the book Noah because that was my second choice.
Alyssa Kruse
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Chinese Handcuffs as my number one choice because I read the summary and the story line sounded interesting to me. The beginning of the book got me hooked and I wanted to keep reading and find out more about the main character.
i was a little confused with chapter one but now getting past that im really starting to like the book as well.
DeleteSpencer LaPage
ReplyDeleteI chose to read the book Chinese Handcuffs. I was hooked to it as soon as i read the summary, i enjoy the way Chris wrote this book by having half of the book be a letter written by the main character, Dillon, to his brother who had committed suicide and the other half of the book be a first person narrative from when Dillon and his brother were kids and still alive. I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter and the rest of the book for that matter.
I was tempted to read this book so, you should let me know when your done of course if is worth the read.
DeleteI am also reading Chinese handcuffs and I also felt that after reading the summary I wanted to read it.
DeleteMadison Theisen
ReplyDeleteI choose to read the book Running Loose because it seemed interesting and suspenseful. This book was my top choice because it is about sports, and seems to have lots of drama and action to hook you in. Where I am at right now I have just been introduced to some of characters, and I have not made many connections yet. So far I am happy with my choice, and may read some of the other books later on.
I also like this book because it involves sports but more specifically football. I am also happy with my choice.
DeleteEven though I'm not reading this book, I can relate to that I, also, like how this is an athletic novel and that it has its equal share in drama.
DeleteI chose the book Stotan! because its about a high schooler and im in high school so i can relate to what is happening in the book. its about a swimmer that swims with his best friends. it sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou don't sound very enthused about this book. I hope it gets better for you.
DeleteR.I.P. Axle
What are they swimming for and your book sounds very interesting Hoefler
DeleteWhat is the swimming all about is for a team or school or what, explain more. I am very interested in your book, keep on up on the blogging!!
DeleteMr. Hoefler I am very glad that you can relate to your book. sounds like you are enjoying the book so far. I am a little confused about the swimming id like to know what they are swimming about. keep up the reading.
Deletei am also reading the book stotan and i like it so far it is very interesting
DeleteI decided to chose Running Loose as one of my top picks for this reading because I am unfamiliar with books that are about sports. I have always put a focus on other genre including action and adventure. I saw Running Loose as an opportunity to read my first book about sport and to learn more about football players and their struggles to rise. I also chose this book by the significant connection it might make with my personal life. So far I have read three chapters and I am hooked with it. I just want to keep reading. As I started reading I realized the book was more about the personal life of the main character and not all about football. I have made one personal connection so far. That connection was made with Dakota. As he is described by Louie, "doesn't care a whole lot about winning or losing".
ReplyDeleteA lot of people chose to read this book so it must be a good read, it didn't catch my attention at first but maybe i shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Deletei am also not into reading about football, but maybe once i am done reading Chinese handcuffs i will give running loose a try.
DeleteJacob Kelchen
ReplyDeleteThe I am the book Chinese Handcuffs. I chose this book because the book review sounded interesting and the back of the book sounds exciting. I wanted to know more about what is going on with Dillon and Jennifer. This book was one of my top three choices because I felt this book would suit me better than some of the others. At first I was really was confused on what was going on but now it is making sense to me.
I agree with you Jacob. There have been some parts that in the book that confused me a little and made me stop and think. I hope the book gets better as we continue to read more.
DeleteGlad you are understanding your book better now Jacob! Chinese Handcuffs was my second choice, but I picked Running Loose as it seemed to fit me better.
DeleteIm glad to hear that you like the book jacob can you relate to the book tho
Deletechinese handcuffs was my second choice and it did look intersting i would like to hear more about it
DeleteI am currently reading my first pick Stotan. I picked Stotan because I thought it would be the most relatable and I thought the plot sounded pretty decent. So far my expectations have not been let down and I hope it continues to be that way. From what little I have read it looks like it is going to be a good read.
ReplyDeleteI choose running loose so far it is a great book, I hope this book is what you like
DeleteJessica Krapfl
ReplyDelete"Chinese Handcuffs" was my third pick because I thought "Stotan!" and "Running Loose" had a better story line. However “Chinese Handcuffs” is okay it is not my favorite but I’ll manage to get through it. The prologue was really good I could picture what was going on and it did not feel like it was just two pages as I was reading it. When I started chapter one I got really confused because I forgot that Dillon’s brother was named Preston so at first it did not make sense so I had to reread. I really like that in chapter two it switches characters to focus more on Jennifer, I have read books like this in the past and they are very enjoyable. I can’t really connect to the characters yet because I don’t know that much about them so far but I only just met them so that will eventually change.
"Chinese Handcuffs" was my first choice actually, so I am happy that I can read this book. I also that the prologue was really good, I thought it was a great description of the triathlon. Reading chapter 1, I had the same problem as you, I got confused about who is the letter about and who was mentioned in the letter. I am not the biggest fan of the switching characters in chapter 2 so far, but I think it will be easier to understand the more you get in to the book.
DeleteGreat blog Jessica sounds like your enjoying your book. Keep up the good work and enjoy the book.
DeleteJared Schneider
ReplyDeleteI am reading the book Running Loose by Chris Crutcher. I chose the book Running Loose because I read the summary on the back of the book and liked what I read, and knew I could make relations to the book. The main character is a senior in a little town, works multiple jobs, and plays football all during his senior year. From the very start of the book, it has pulled me in and makes me want to keep reading it. I can make relations as the character works multiple jobs, and is an athlete during his senior year, as I am.
I choose Running Loose by Chris Crutcher. I thought that my book is quite interesting. There were a lot of very interesting things that happened to Louie the main character. Running loose is a great book to read. I like how the author makes the book seem so real. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading about athletes.
ReplyDeletei am currently reading chinese handcuffs. i choose this book at my first choice because its summary really caught my attention. i will say that chapter 1 is a bit confusing but im enjoying this book so far.
ReplyDeletewhat was it that made you like the book now, but made it confusing in the beginning?
DeleteI agree that the book was confusing in the beginning but once I remembered that Dillon's brothers name was Preston it started to make more sense and rereading helped a lot.
DeleteI chose to read Chinese handcuffs because in the summery it sounded like a great book to read and sounded very relate-able and caught my attention to my life. i chose this book as my first choice. i like how in the book in the beginning it explains how Preston and his brother used to be really close and how he writes to his brother.
ReplyDeletethis is Sarah Bender
DeleteI choose the book Stotan so far its about a kid my age who swims for hes school and bring out their capabilites and physical strength
ReplyDeletethe book i have chosen is stotan it seems to be a very intersting book because i do not know how to swim so it will be cool to read about how they do there routine and what it takes to be a swimmer.
ReplyDelete