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cdjdhj's review
2.0
I didn't like this book. I read it because I am teaching it in my highschool Paperback Lit. class. I actually started teaching it before I had completely read the book, which was a mistake. Other teachers recommended it, and it was part of the curriculum for this class that I am teaching for the first time this semester, so I decided to continue using the book in the class. However, I found the book to be dated and depressing. I guess the message of the book is that difficulties can be overcome, but the main character in this book never really overcomes all his problems. He runs away from his problems, which causes more problems and in the end, the only thing he resolves is that he regains the athletic prowess he lost in a water skiing accident. None of the characters int he book seem to gain any wisdom. They are all predictably and stereotypically drawn, from the popular high school sports hero, who is the main character, to the African American Pimp who "saves" him, to the teenage whore who refuses to leave the pimp who beats her up even when the disabled sports jock falls for her. The book is filled with deplorable language throughout and without any apparent purpose. There is frequent reference to casual sex, drug use, sexual abuse and wanton violence. Seems like the perfect book to give high school students to read, right? I won't teach this book again, despite the recommendation of my colleagues.
gwennanwrites's review
2.0
It got a little bit more intresting towards the end but in general it was poorly writen and hard to get through.
thatweirdlibrarian's review
5.0
Again he's great! I think all alternative school teachers, administrators, and students should read this book. Willie had hit rock bottom and it was a school that brought him back. This school looks pass the daily lessons to find out how a student really needs to be educated. In Willie's case he needed someone to notice him.
sangloup's review
4.0
Willie is a star athlete in his town. When a freak skiing accident almost kills him, he is left with debilitating physical limitations. Lost in his own dispair, he p ushes everyone away. After hearing a fight between his parents about him and losing his girlfriend, he runs away.
Willie gets some serious life lessons when he lands in Oakland, CA. his time there grows him up quite a bit and he gets the therapy he needs.
This book brought tears to my eyes several times.
Chris does a great job spinning a story thats both heartwarming and eye opening.
Willie gets some serious life lessons when he lands in Oakland, CA. his time there grows him up quite a bit and he gets the therapy he needs.
This book brought tears to my eyes several times.
Chris does a great job spinning a story thats both heartwarming and eye opening.
johannasalinas671's review
3.0
Very slow start. The middle and end was interesting. If I didn't have to read it for a class I would've given it up.
christinehiller's review
3.0
3.5...tough and realistic look at how easily and completely what looks like a perfect life can come apart.
mentormikael_9's review
5.0
Again he's great! I think all alternative school teachers, administrators, and students should read this book. Willie had hit rock bottom and it was a school that brought him back. This school looks pass the daily lessons to find out how a student really needs to be educated. In Willie's case he needed someone to notice him.
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