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?
Chris Crutcher hooked me from the beginning with his brothers suicide. Then it followed with the molestation of his friend Jennifer. This book deals with many controversial topics relating to teens daily. I loved reading in Chapter 7 the section about Preston's funeral and how Dillon grabs a gun, screwdriver and the ashes to get revenge on the bikers by putting Preston's ashes into the gas tank. He also scattered the ashes in the bar where Preston got his drugs. I think what I will remember most of all from this book is that you will always be faced with difficult times in your life and like the name "Chinese Handcuffs" if you pull fast to get away you will never get out but if you think it over and go slow through it to solve it your free.
ReplyDeleteI also got very interested when Dillon put the ashes into the gas tanks.
DeleteYes, My favorite part of the book was in Chapter 11 when Dillion, Marven and the warlocks were talking about the million dollar drug business and other illegal things that they do and also the part where the kids almost get away for butchering big jack and the bikers hog.
DeleteIts also interesting how the woman got into the gang too, although I feel as if that is used a lot.
DeleteWhat gang did the women in this book get into and what was it called ?
DeleteI got hooked when when he started talking about suicide and how I can relate with the topics they are talking about. Even though I can’t relate to Jennifer’s situation it still stood out and made me want to keep on reading about it. I will always remember the time where Dillion goes to the bar and spreads Preston’s ashes all over the bar and but his ashes in there gas tanks.
ReplyDeleteI also found that point in the book really interesting. Another good point is when the bikers confront Dillon.
DeleteI also got hooked when Preston's suicide happened. Jens life and story is becoming a huge part of the story. At first it really stood out to me, but it is becoming very repetitive because her sexual abuse happens almost every chapter. Dillon is very brave for going into the bar with Preston's ashes right in front of the warlocks.
DeleteWhy did Preston commit suicide? what do you think caused it to happen ?
DeleteI got hooked into Chinese handcuffs when Preston committed suicide. A big part that really caught my attention was when Dillion grabbed the gun and Preston's ashes and went into the bar where the warlocks gang was and he spread all of the ashes all over the bar for the warlocks to always remember that Preston is there to haunt them and there families.
ReplyDeleteI thought that it was interesting that Dillon was able to hold himself back from killing everyone in there, because originally, I thought that was his plan.
DeleteI agree that it was an intense moment when Preston committed suicide. Especially early in the book like this.
DeleteWith Chinese Handcuffs, one of the only moments I didn't want to put the book down was during the end, where Jen ran out of the Basketball game, and how he stopped Jen from committing suicide. Another moment being when Dillon made his plan to kill T.B., but instead went with getting him to leave the state, followed by him telling the police. I will remember how Dillon said that he couldn't live with himself if he couldn't prevent another suicided.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think would have happened with Dillon if he couldn't have stopped the suicide or actually went through with the plan to kill TB?
DeleteI got hooked to the book when Dillon's brother committed suicide. The scene he set when Preston was talking to Dillon with the gun to his own head saying it wasn't his fault really caught my attention. I will always remember that part of the book because of how sad it was.
ReplyDeleteIt also caught my attention when Preston did this. I thought that he might have done it alone or at least away from other people, not right in front of his little brother.
DeleteDillon's brother committing suicide was a huge part of the book. The scene with Preston holding the gun was so descriptive and could paint a picture in my head. It made it real for me. It made the scene 10x sadder.
DeleteWhen Preston committed suicide in the book this opened up a new way of how you feel during the rest of the book. The point of view changes to mostly Dillon speaking to Preston through letter format.
DeleteIn Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes, I was hooked when the Contemporary American Thought class was introduced because I think it’s an intriguing idea for a class. I love classes that allow you to express your ideas and opinions which also makes you go into a process of deeper thinking. The world has become very sensitive to almost every topic. I think it’s a good Idea to be able to have a class where you con discuss such topics without having to worry about someone telling you that’s it’s not okay to talk about and having to tiptoe around certain subjects that are important. In the book it discusses abortion which is a very serious matter. One side thought that it should be legal, the other side rebutting with the fact that god would punish them for taking a life out of this world. The discussion got deep and made for an intriguing read to understand where both sides are coming from and there ideas. But this class was a big part of the book, because somethings would not have happened if this class had never existed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything and i feel like it gets more reinforced later in the book when topics start to get more close to home with the students.
DeleteI disagree that the discussion in class was the most intriguing because it did not really catch my attention. Yes it was interesting to hear what everyone thought on the matter and I do agree that some things would not have happened without this class.
DeleteI don't really enjoy arguments over ideals, but I can see why Chris chose to write about CAT class. It helped develop the characters and made the story more interesting overall.
DeleteChris Crutcher talks about many controversial topics that teens could relate to almost every day but the on that really hooked me was the molesting of Jennifer not only by her step-father but her actual father as well. I will always remember that this book is named Chinese handcuffs because these teens were drowning in pain, and it is only through letting go and making connections that they can rise above it, much the same as a person seeks to escape the party favor Chinese handcuffs by getting help.
ReplyDeletei Also will always remember her getting molested by both her dads. I cant believe that both her dads have abused her she has gone through a lot.
DeleteIn the book Chinese Handcuffs, it shows that most of the characters are/or have been involved with sensitive subjects such as suicide, rape, drug abuse, and gang violence. The main theme of the book would probably have to be mental health and how the characters have been dealing with all of it and its causes. That and the sort of justice they get out of it.
ReplyDeleteHave you finished the book yet? If so, are you willing to read another one of his books?
DeleteThe time I realized that I was hooked on the book was when Louie and Becky starting hanging out more and he went skiing. I think the relationship between them are very close to my girlfriend and I. The time I didn't want to put the book down was when Louie was racing to the bridge where Becky had crashed. the thing i will always remember about this book, is how close the relationship between Becky and Louie is to the relationship I have.
ReplyDeleteI can also agree with that part of the book hooking me in more and making the book more interesting as it was a turn that I did not expect to happen. Also what did you think about the beginning of the book when the coach was talking about taking a cheap hit on the Washington kid as that is the part of the book that I got hooked on.
DeleteThe point in the book that I got hooked was when coach Lednecky was talking to the football players about making a cheap shot on Washington. I got hooked because I knew it was setting up something big in the book that could cause problems. A time I didn't want to set to book down was when Becky died. I wanted to know how Louie was going to react and how the town was going to react. I also wanted to know what was going to happen next. I Think the thing I will take away from this book is that you should do what you think is right in your mind and not listen to what other people say you should do.
ReplyDeleteBecky's death was the part of the book that made want to put it down. I hated that.
DeleteI also have a connection to when Preston died in Chinese handcuffs i couldn't put the book down either.
Deletethat part of the book was also a hooking part but I think it was a bigger attention getter when Louie stood up for Washington after boomer injured him.
DeleteI also read a lot when Becky got into the car accident and died. I also wanted to see how Louie would react to the situation he was put in and how Boomer would act towards him.
Deletei am reading running loose and one point in the book that i could not put the book down happened when Louie's girlfriend Becky died for a car accident that killed her on a bridge. then Louie rushed up to the scene of the accident to try and help but she was already gone and he went down to the water to see what was left it was just blood and Dokata the man that was driving the ambulance told him to get back up on the road.
ReplyDeleteI felt they same way when I started reading when he found out that Becky was dead. I also felt that he was in denial when he first found out that she has passed. But when he went down to the water I thing it dawned on him.
DeleteSo fare though out my book a lot had happened. The main character Louie has been though a ruff time. But the one point in my book that I could not put the book down is when Louie's girlfriend Becky died in a car accident. once Louie found out from his mom that Becky is now dead he was in denial. In my CNA class when went though the different ways people deal with grief. I believe that Louie was in denial when he first found out because he said "no she knows how to swim." Because she crashed into a river. also when he was at the church where her services where he got over whelmed and stormed out so I don't believe that he is not taking her death well. I will always remember that everyone takes grief differently.
ReplyDeletewhy did she crash? was there something in the way or did it not tell you?
DeleteIf I was reading this book this would be the part where I can not put the book down because car accidents always leave you wanting to know more. I agree that Louie was in denial from what you say, which many people go through denial with a death because they do not want to agree that that person is gone for good.
DeleteHow did she crash into a river? And in Chinese handcuffs we also talked about how people deal with grief differently and there’s multiple ways for people to deal with losing someone they love.
DeleteI agree with that part as I didn't want to set the book down when they talked about Becky's death as it was unexpected. She crashed because kids where riding there bikes on the road and she had to swerve out of the way and ended up driving off the bridge.
DeleteWhile reading this book, I have not lost any liking or will to read. Chris Crutcher has had me hooked since the first chapter. His unique writing style has kept me from wanting to put the book down the whole time I have read. I will always remember how he writes with elegance while speaking on very dark topics.
ReplyDeleteI am very glad you are so interested in this author! Happy Readings!
Deletei got hooked in my book when it started talking about how nortie has problems at home and the friend group tries to help him. And when fit started talking about stotan week.
ReplyDeleteI also agree to this and the book is now starting to talk more about nortie and what his dad does to him and his mom.
Deletei wrote about nortie too TANNER, the friend group that these guys have is very nice how they help each other and especially nortie when he needs it.
DeleteYeah, it's kind of a low-hanging fruit to mention Nortie's trauma as a hook, but I chose it too, because what else can one really choose? The way all of the guys united to help bring Nortie up was an absolutely wonderful progression, as well.
DeleteI agree it was very interesting when we learned what Norties home life was like. However, i disagree with this being the part to hook me.
Deletei read the book Stotan and the part that hooked me the most was when i found out that Norties dad abuses him and his mom. This part got me interested because i knew that later on in the book this would be brought up again and lead to a big part in the book.
ReplyDeleteWould you recommend this book to someone else if its so good
Deletetanner i would not reccemend this book to anyone especiially you, because it is a hard to follow book and gets very boring. not you because you are very energetic. but since your reading the book enjoy your reading.
Deletethe point in my book that I became hooked into my book is when Nortie became more and more introduced and his life. when walker talks about mr wheeler and how he beats up nortie his wife and Norties older brother is when i became more hooked. talking about hanging yourself because your dad beat you up so much is a very bad thing and i just got more interested then. it hooked me alot because im always with my dad and i have a little brother so the same situation as norties family. that was when i didnt want to put the book down, but i did. and that is what i will remeber most is Norties brother.
ReplyDeletei agree with this but i dont know how nortie went through that all at such a young age and also his mom doesnt do anything about them to getting abused
DeleteI also agree Nortie is very strong and I am am happy that the team knows and he does not have to go through it alone anymore. I just do not know how he is able to show no emotion.
Deletei also agree with this part in the book and I think Nortie handled it very well for his age at the time.
ReplyDeleteThe point in which I became hooked in my book is when I found out Sarah Byrnes scars on her face was not an accident, it was on purpose. Her dad and mom were fighting and she was hiding under the stairs, she ran out and kicked her dad trying to protect her mom. Her dad quickly grabbed her by the neck and shoved her face up to the wood stove and held it on there until her face was burned. I also struggle to put the book down right now. Sarah just escaped out of the psych ward and is now in hiding so that she does not have to go back and live with her dad.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Sarah's dad abusive to her? How did Sarah escape the psych ward and what do you think she will do if she has to live with her dad if she is found? her dad sounds very abusive. Did her mom survive when she was fighting with Sarah's dad or did she die. Did she just get injured and do you think she would run away with Sarah to get away from her dad?
DeleteThat was a very interesting part and I feel like it was also a big hit in the stomach as you read it. Throughout the whole book up until then, I was wondering if it really was a pot of spaghettis or not. then I read that and everything immediately got more interesting.
DeleteThis was sort of expected with all of the foreshadowing, but it really hit home when dale came out and said it.
DeleteI enjoyed the whole book but what really caught my attention was when Chris Crutcher introduce the CAT class. This caught my attention because it gave kids a chance to express how they feel and share their opinions. Another part in the book that caught my attention was when Sarah finally started talking again after she had been in the mental hospital and she finally tells Moby the truth about her scars on her face and when Sarah's dad started being a bigger character in thee book that caught my attention as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this. I almost wish we had a class like this in our school because I feel like it would be a good way to express ourselves and learn more about each other.
DeleteIn the Book Stotan! Chris Crutcher added child abuse witch really grabbed my attention because it happens more then most people think and knowing that it happens is very sad to think about. The scene I think about I recently read, Norties dad found out that he is dating an Africa American girl and was very unhappy that he was beaten horribly that he finally left and moved in with walker and his family and the also were able to get his mom out of the house as well. one thing that I am going to remember about this book is that even though all of this was happening to Nortie his friends never let him go through it alone. They were there for him all the time. they are the best friends to have.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Walker is the best person for Nortie to live with? Personally, I think Nortie will be safe with Walker. I am glad he was able to get out of his hell hole he called a home.
DeleteChris Crutcher also mentions child abuse in the book I read Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes so do you think Chris Crutcher mentions child abuse in the other books that he has published?
Deletedo you like this book so far?
DeleteI agree with this. Norties dad seems to be a little bit racist. However it was good when his friends helped Nortie and his mom out. His friends really are the gretest friends for him and will be there for him no matter what.
DeleteIn the book Chinese Handcuffs Chris Crutcher hooked me when Preston committed suicide. I knew this book was going to include suicide but the way it all went down is what will stick in my brain. The way he wrote the story by including certain parts and waiting to release the truth later in the book is the way he is helping stay engaged in the book. For example Stacey's adopted brother, he mentioned that we was adopted but waited until another chapter to tell the truth about Ryan. The part that made me not want to put my book down was when Preston was in a rough place mentally and Dillon could not do anything to help. I will always remember Dillon and Preston killing Charlie the neighbors cat because it was very graphic how they did it.
ReplyDeleteStotan! also has graphic scenes and mentions suicide as well. Do you think this is a consistent subject that is brought up in a lot of his books?
DeleteStotan has a lot of a crazy plot points and twists in the story but, the moment that roped me in was when the drama with Nortie's dad picked up. Nortie was beaten badly and on drugs after his relationship with his black girlfriend was revealed to his father. The boys from the swim team all went to his house and packed his stuff up so he could live elsewhere, and they managed to save Nortie's mom in the process. The thing I will always remember about this book is the friendships between the team.
ReplyDeleteDo you figure Mrs. Wheeler is going to find her way back to Mr. Wheeler by the end of the book? We had discussed in the meeting how it is very hard to leave the only thing you know, especially when they've been married as long as they have. Personally, I HAVE to hope she doesn't return to him, and that she can finally get over the guy.
DeleteThe easy hook for me in Stotan! was when Nortie suddenly spilled to Walker the narrative of his brother's suicide; their father was extremely abusive, and when his brother's arm was broken from his father throwing him, it seemed as though they'd finally get up and leave. Then their mother said his arm was broken from a fall off the garage, and that was his breaking point. He hung himself in their garage on Nortie's birthday. The reason this hooked me was because it was a very sudden transition from a lighthearted story (sort of came from nowhere) of some swimmers to a lot more of a real, gritty tale. That passage in mood will always stick with me.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing most of these books went from lighthearted to an unexpected traumatic event. That is kind of what happened in my book too.
DeleteChris Crutcher hooked me when Becky passed away. This impacted Louie my favorite character in a good and bad way. Louie looked at the situation as an opportunity to push him for what he believes in which was standing up for a black friend of his named Washington. Chris is honestly the best author I have ever read a book by he gives great details and is tremendously good at explaining the setting and knowing that the reader knows what’s going on in the story is say it was a little confusing at first when I didn’t know who Louie’s parents were but a chapter after he explained that they were Norm and Brenda.
ReplyDeleteIn Running Loose, I got hooked almost right away with the football game and when the main character, Louie, started dating Becky. The parts that make me want to keep reading was when he was with Becky or talking to an adult like his father or coach/principal. However, there is a part that made me want to put the book down, and that is when Becky died. I will never forget that.
ReplyDeleteHow did Becky die? Does the book tell you or do you have an idea on how she died? What would Louie talk about when he was talking to an adult? Is this the best book you've read and if it isn't why or why not?
DeleteIn Chinese Handcuffs, I got hooked on chapter five going into chapter six because it started telling Jen's story. Jen was stating how every guy that her mom has been with has touched Jen in a way she does not want to be touched. When her mom leaves to go somewhere its just Jen, Dawn and T.B. at home. T.B. later comes up to Jen's room and starts talking to her while she is reading a book. He sits there quietly watching her read when he starts to put his hand on her back, and starts to touch her in other places. T.B. threatens Jen that if she tells anyone he is going to kill their dog and go after Dawn. I will always remember that whoever Jen's mom dates, the guy always maleates her.
ReplyDeleteIn Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes, I believe the point I got hooked, if not from the beginning, was most likely when Sarah was at the hospital and Eric was starting to uncover all these secrets about her. i feel like that went to add more material for me to speculate on. Get my mind goin and wondering what the outcome of everything would be.
ReplyDeleteI also started to get hooked to the book at this part and I didn't want to put my book down. All I could think about was what was going to happen next.
DeleteThis is also a good point of interest. I found myself getting more hooked into the book after I read this and ended up finishing the book the same day I got to this part.
Deletea part that really got my attention is when Eric brought up Sarahs father hurting her and she snapped back to reality for a second.
DeleteIn Running Loose I got hooked when Becky passed away because when my cousin passed away I went to the scene and tried to figure out what I could have done to stop this from happening.The part where I could not set down the book was when Louie was running track against Washington.I will remember was went he ran out of Becky's Funeral because at my cousin's funeral I cried so much and felt like I made a scene.
ReplyDeletethat is really sad to read about!
Deletedo you ever not want to read because its to sad
DeleteDo you feel you will remember this book? Did it impact you someway.
Deletein the book running loose Chris Crutcher hooked me multiple times throughout the book. on many occasions what happens in the book made me want to keep reading. the first one that hooked me was when boomer injured Washington and Louie stood up for him. this hooked me because it showed me that Louie was not afraid to stick up for what is wrong, even though it costed him his position on the football team and any sport he wanted to play the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteHow did he get his position taken away from him?
DeleteI agree that the event of Boomer injuring Washington was definitely a hook because when I was reading, I wanted to know if Louie would do the right thing. It was captivating as I waited for Louie to stand up. Another thing is, Louie was banned from football, but was allowed to run track. Therefore, Louie was able to play another sport during the school year.
DeleteI agree the part where he stood up for himself kind of caught my attention and made me not want to put the book down.Do you think it was worth Louie losing his postition to step up for himself?I think it was not worth it but should have been a different way instead of sidelining Louie from the field.
DeleteChris Crutcher hooked me in the beginning when Lednecky ordered the dirty hit on Washington. This part really made me wonder if any of the players would do the right thing, and Louie did. A part when I couldn't put the book down was during the events when Becky died and during her funeral. I empathized for Louie and I kept reading during this entire section. Becky's tragic death is something I will always remember about this book and make it memorable.
ReplyDeletethis part is extremely interesting to me too both parts, i wonder if the other players would have done the right thing if louie did not? becky death was tragic and causes louie a ton of pain.
DeleteI agree that Becky's death was tragic, and that it taught Louie some lessons. During the last race, Louie was up for the competition against Washington, and he learned how to play fair and run the best he could. He knew that giving up was not an option and he just needed to give it his best.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that hooked me into the book running loose was when the book suddenly went from be a nice and happy to Louie's girlfriend getting in to a car accident and going off a bridge and dying from impact. I did not want to put the book down when this was going on because I wanted to see what Louie's reaction would be and how he would handle the situation he was put in.
ReplyDeleteLouie's reaction really made me not want to put the book down it was really intriguing on how he reacts to the death of someone that he was really close too.
Deletedo you thing Chris Crutcher picks graphic subjects in his books as some type of trademark?
DeleteI also couldn't put the book down when Becky died as well. I also think that at the services Louie go over whelmed and that's he ran out because the whole town was there.
ReplyDeleteBecky death was a very big point in the book and it hooked me because i wanted to know how Louie would handle it. Do you think Boomer should take it easy on Louie because of what happened?
ReplyDeletei agree beckys death was the most interesting part of the book that i could not put it down at the part. i think this part was the most tragic and i could not put it down at this part. do you think bommer and louie will develop a better realtionship
ReplyDeletethe point in my book that completely hooked me was when i found out about how Nortie's father abuses him and when he picked Nortie up by the neck and beat him up because he found out that Nortie was dating a colored girl. that is a sad thing for me to hear about just because she is colored.
ReplyDeletein my book running loose Chris Crutcher hooked me when Louie exploded on the football field when boomer made a cheap shot on Washington. This really hooked me because I knew the whole book was going to change. And the book was going to be more than just football.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the book was way more then football but a new precative about how you love one thing and in a matter of minutes it can change.
DeleteI agree with you Wyatt Chris Crutcher did a really good job explaining his reason and it impacted the hole book and the way Louie's character is.
DeleteCris Crutcher had me hooked from when Louie stood up for Washington a player on the other team when boomer took the cheap shot on him. He stood up for what was right and that is what I always try and do for others. A part when I didn't want to put the book down was when Becky passed away and Louie was going through everything at school and at home. Showing how strong the character is in the book. Something that I will always remember is the lessons that he showed in this book and what how much you can take away from this.
ReplyDeleteI agree the late hit was a important part of the book and seemed to change the rest of the book with tragedies after one another. they all seemed to shift the book and had a new way to look at from a different way
DeleteToday in chapter 10 I can relate myself to dillion being the (lone ranger) and doing things on my own and not so much getting into trouble but also still getting into trouble. i can also relate to this by a family member dyeing, and just being so frustrated with everything
ReplyDeleteI agree the most intresting part in the book was the scene where Becky passed away because it was very intence and made me not want to put it down.Do you think Louie and Becky would have gotten married if she did not die.
ReplyDeleteThe part in Chinese handcuffs that got me hooked is almost to chapter six when Jen starts telling her side of the story and everyone started seeing how she saw things and the stuff she has been through was explained more
ReplyDeleteDo you think that moment with Jen is more important to the story then Dillon's Brother?
DeleteReading Running Loose I got hooked with the death of Becky, how could someone deal with losing there dreams of football and love they had for someone. This affected the book and Louie major throughout with not only action but decisions he made. A key moment were I just couldn't put down the book were the late hit on Washington, how could someone just let that happen and not feel any guilt. These moments really impacted the book and just couldn't keep me from reading.
ReplyDeleteI got hooked in my book with the same event, a death. It also heavily effected the main character as well in Chinese Handcuffs.
DeleteAs the both of you, death is the big hook and eye catcher for everyone this plays a big part in Chinese handcuffs.
DeleteWhile Spotan was extremely slow in the beginning and towards the middle but after the middle it picked up. The part that hooked me the most was when Nortie got beat up for dating a black girl and ended up taking drugs for the pain while everyone was worried about him. I dont know why but i think it hooked me because its one of the only interesting things that have happened.
ReplyDeleteI never really got hooked into staying fat for sarah byrnes. It is an interesting book, and I would have to agree that there are some interesting parts, it just dosn't deal with issues I am interested in. The best part in my opinion was the ending. Chris made the ending interesting by building his characters in such a way that their actions at the end weren't surprising but the results of their actions was.
ReplyDeletemy favorite hook is how intense and in depth the swimming was. and how it got us cheering for Eric.
Deletein my book, Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes, the author got my attention by talking about my passion. He included the part where Eric and his friend visit Dale and he is working on his van. it may seem a bit stupid but i think he takes the time to include something in the book to try and include every person that it reading it, either big or small.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your passion as well with the characters in the book?
DeleteIn Chinese handcuffs the main part that got my attention a lot, was when dillion had the guts to go into the bar where Preston would get a good amount of beers in him every night and In the bar all you can see is big mean looking bikers who can't be up to an good. So dillion spreads his brothers ashes all over the bar right in front of them with a gun on his side. Saying to them what had happened to Preston as he does the whole act.
ReplyDelete