Outside reading

I've just started reading a book called, "Promises". "Promises" is a story about a underprivellaged who stays in some of the worst conditions in the whole state of new York. His enviorment isn't the best but he seems to have a good understanding of what is right from wrong. His parents are not always there for him. They are hooked on drugs and are never home. So the main character, Warrent leaves the house and goes next door to a women named Grams. Grams isn't really Warrent's grandmother, she is actually a close friend of the family that knows their conditions and wants Warrent to strive. Often times he seems to struggle but Grams always keeps him on track. She always tells him to "Stay on the track." Overall this is actually a good story. It contains some violence here and there but is a real heart warming book. I have only read the first three chapters and it has pulled me in. My interest level has increaded drastically. I love the way the author also known as Warrent tells the story. He has a great personality, and is a very mature kid to say that he is only in the ninth grade. I would advise this book to many readers who follow Paul Langan because the author tells us before you read that he is one of her insperations.

I like how the author uses a lot of different techniques throughout the story. Warrent is actually a track star at his school, and Grams wants him to be successful in that as well but also tells him to stay on track with your education. The author also uses imagery when she talks to Warrent about her parents and how they got addicted to the wrong things even though they were high school scholars in education and sports. And she tells him that she wants him to be her "vow". I noticed that promise also a synonym of a vow. Also his name as well. The author doesn't just use imagery. She also shows us symbolism with certain things that Grams shows Warrent when he comes over. She gives him old poems that she use to write about hard times that she has. And it seems that the poems let loose Warrent's anger with his parents addictions. They are very powerful and I figure that since these poems have such an impact on him that he will eventually begin to write about his problems because he is thinking about joining a rap group after school.


4-1-12 (sunday 3:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.) 45 minutes
4-1-12(sunday 6:24 p.m.- 7:45) 1 hour and 21 minutes