6 ratings (4.17 avg)
3 reviews

Alex Richardson

Add friend

https://www.goodreads.com/Kiwihead770

Alex’s Bookshelves

to-read‎ (0)

currently-reading‎ (3)

read‎ (4)

Stats | More…

Alex is Currently Reading

Alex Richardson is currently reading

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

by Mark Twain

bookshelves: currently-reading

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Alex Richardson said: " The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written by Mark Twain in 1876. It is a fictional novel about a young boy named Tom Sawyer growing up along the Mississippi River in a town called St. Petersburg. Tom begins to mature from a mischievous boy to a slight ...more "

progress:

(page 225 of 244)
"I would have been terrified to ever go close to the cave after they buried Injun Joe there. I wonder how Tom felt after this? Huck was scared and overjoyed at the same time while he was in the cave with Tom. I wonder why Twain made injun joe die from starving. I think there might be a connection as when Tom seemed to be punished by God's lightning and now Injun Joe who is the real bad guy is being punished (starved)" — Apr 11, 2015 04:48AM

Apr 18, 2015 05:05AM · see review

Alex Richardson is currently reading

Boy21

by Matthew Quick (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

Reading for the 2nd time

read in May 2015

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Alex Richardson said: " Boy21 was written by Matthew Quick and was first published on March 5th 2012. It is a realistic fictional novel about a boy named Finley McManus, and how he uses basketball as an escape from things he can’t control or doesn't want to remember. The bo Boy21 was written by Matthew Quick and was first published on March 5th 2012. It is a realistic fictional novel about a boy named Finley McManus, and how he uses basketball as an escape from things he can’t control or doesn't want to remember. The book takes place in a fictional town named Bellmont where the Irish Mob and violence makes the town a dangerous place to live. Finley enjoys shooting hoops with his girlfriend Erin, and they often sit on Finley’s roof and watch the stars together.

Russell Washington is a nationally recruited basketball player who is one of the top players in his league. When Russ who calls himself Boy21, comes to Bellmont to live with his grandmother and grandfather because of a tragic family accident, he is introduced to Finley by the coach of the varsity basketball team. Finley is told to be Russ’ mentor and help him get around through the day.

As a way of creating a new persona and avoiding the truth of his parents death, Russ calls himself Boy21 and believes he is from outer space. Russ’ unusual obsession with outer space makes Finley question whether he should do as Coach asks of him, or whether he should just ignore Russ. Finley also questions whether Coach is doing this in his favor or in Russ’ favor, or if he is doing it in the basketball team’s favor.

One of the most recognizable parts in the book is when Quick describes Finley as saying, “Just like every other year, I’m the first one to arrive.” (Boy21 p.105) This takes place when Finley goes to the first basketball practice of the year. It shows that Finley wants to be on the team more than any of the other players do and that he has a great passion for playing basketball. Another example of this is when Erin says, “Maybe we could stay together this season. Maybe we don’t have to break up?” (Boy21 p.91). Finley replies, “You need to focus on your season too” (Boy21 p.92). This happens because every year, he and Erin break up for the season to eliminate the distractions created in a relationship. This is another example that shows how Finley is very focused and stressed about his basketball season.

The book contains many strengths such as Quick’s use of hidden messages throughout the book. One of these hidden messages is how Russ uses his obsession with space as a means of covering up his past. This is certainly one of the most emotional and opinion changing books I have ever read. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys fictional novels with an exciting and emotional plot with a little bit of romance. ...more "

progress:

(page 250 of 250)
"For the first time, Finley and Russ share their life experiences and how their parents went missing or died. They do this when Russ takes Finley to a secret place where they can go watch stars together. The day before graduation, Finley gets a letter from Erin that has a ticket on it and says to come live with her in New Hampshire. Finley reads the letter and says his goodbyes before boarding the train to NewHampshir" — May 18, 2015 11:18AM

May 27, 2015 05:04AM · see review