Zimuwang’s Reviews > Devotion (Adapted for Young Adults): An Epic Story of Heroism and Friendship > Status Update

I just finished reading Devotion. The sad ending made me feel bad. Although Tom tries so hard to save Jesse, it is too risky to get a pilot out of a flaming plane in enemy territory. Their bond was incredibly moving, and Tom’s determination showed the depth of their friendship. I kept hoping for a miracle, but the reality of war hit hard. This book made me reflect on the sacrifices made in war.

I found an interesting sentence on page 201. One cook said to Jesse," Now, when people see a black person in the hallway, he won't know he is a cook or a pilot." That shows what black people's social status is. In a warship, when people see a black person, they will likely think he is a cook but not a soldier. I can see that how much effort and how much pressure he needs to suffer.

On page 147, I find a sentence in war did saving one life often means taking another. War is a very brutal thing.This book tells us that it forces us confront the cost of war, the weight of choices, and what it means to hold onto loyalty during bad times. Perhaps the truth of devotion isn’t just in who we’re willing to die for, but what we’re forced to live with.In the book no one want to fight, but they want to live

After reading this book, I want to talk about it using my perspective as a Chinese student. Growing up in China, we learned about the Korean War (fighting against the United States to aid North Korea) as a history of heroes defending their country. But the book got me thinking, did those soldiers really know what they were fighting for? Is their loyalty to their country, to their comrades, or just to survive?

After reading this book, I have always been thinking about what is the theme of the book is. The name of the book is Devotion. We can find other themes, such as friendship, racism, and war. However, I think that the book is written around the theme of devotion, wath will happened next are there gonna be a time the the boo shows Loyalty vs. Betrayal. I am so curious about what will happen next.

Chapter 8, where Jesse, against all odds, earns his wings as a pilot in an era when racism against Black people was such a big thing. This story isn’t just about the individual, it’s about the quiet the mentor who risked his reputation, and the family who prayed for his safety. Their help helped Jesse overcome a lot of problems. Of course, Jesse's quality to fight for his dream is very brave and admirable.

After reading chapters 2 and 3, I found the difference between Tom and Jesse. Tom can go to school and have a lovely home. But Jesse needs to work, and he doesn't even have shoes. Tom was told by his dad to assume the best for people; on the other hand, Jesse's dad just wants Jesse and he's brother to get the hell out of Mississippi. I am curious about how Jesse became a pilot and built a deep relationship with Tom.

On page 6, author said that " In 1950 their friendship was genuine, but ahead of the times." In that time, the relationship between black people and white people was not recognized. Tom and Jesse's bond in 1950 was courageous, defying racial norms. Their genuine friendship challenged societal barriers, paving the way for change. A bold step toward equality when such unity was rare, especially they are both soldiers.