characters.

There are many more characters than I have here but I think these ones were the ones who played the biggest role and had the most affect on Louie.

Louie Banks: He was a senior in high school. He was one of the best on the football team, after training his whole summer. He was just your average guy. He wasn't the most popular, or wasn't a nerd he was just in the middle. During the story Louie falls in love with a girl named Becky. I think he becomes a really strong person throughout this story and Becky helped him become one. He goes through a lot of stuggles, but most of them he overcomes.

Main: Protaganist: Round: Dynamic

Becky Sanders: She was a girl who loved life. She was always optomistic and very free-sprited. She was always beside Louie no matter what. She loved Louie.

Minor: Protaganist: Flat: Static

Norm: Norm is Louie's father. He stuck up for Louie even when he didn't fully agree with him. He respected Louie's point of view on things and always gave him tips on wise things to do with situations and I think he helped Louie a lot.

Minor: Protaganist: Flat: Static

Boomer: He was just a guy on Louie's football team. I'd say he was probably the best. He was big and tough and didn't like Louie all that much. But when Louie had his breakdown at the funeral you saw a soft and caring side of Boomer.

Minor: Protaganist/Antagonist: Flat: Dynamic

Carter: Carter was Louie's best friend. He was always there for Louie and gave different point of views to show Louie that his wasn't always right. He helped Louie be strong through it all.

Minor: Protaganist: Flat: Static

Coach Madison: I put Coach Madison on here becuase he believed in Louie. He asked Louie to be on the track team becuase he know Louie had it in him. And when they weren't going to let him play, Coach Madison stood up to those guys until he had won the battle. I think he really inspired Louie.

Minor: Protaganist: Flat: Static

setting.

Place: Trout, Idaho
Time: 1950's

Blog #3

Chris Crutcher wrote many books, only one of which I’ve read. But from what I can tell they all direct very good points. He is very blunt and is not afraid to say what he feels just like the characters in his stories.

When I first heard we had to read a novel for L.A. I thought, Oh great, but it turned out not that bad. I really like the things he tries to convey in it. It taught me a lot for the future. Because there are many deaths I am going to need to overcome and many stands I should take. I am not the type of person to stand up to a crowd and speak what I feel but I think this book teaches you that you should, and you shouldn’t be afraid. Obviously it’s a hard thing to do and a lot could be on the line, but have you ever wish you would have done or said something in that exact moment and regret it everyday that you didn’t? There’s too much to lose in this life. But overall the most important thing not to lose is yourself. Louie took that stand, and I don’t think he regrets doing it.

The book also is a lot about love, no, true love. Well, at least that’s what I think it was. Louie and Becky were very close and they could talk about anything. I have always wanted that in a relationship. When they went up to Becky’s cabin and were going to have sex. They didn’t, because Louie just wasn’t ready. Becky was okay with that. I think that’s what so cool about their relationship, they can still make love without actually having sex. Like what Becky said : “You know what the very best thing about making love is? It’s before and after. It’s lying together, taking care of each other and getting as close as we can. You don’t really have to have sex to make love.” [crutcher 132] It was true. I think that made them even closer. This was right before she died. Which probably made it even hard on Louie considering how close they were becoming. They really loved each other and cared and would do anything for each other. Those are essential things people should have in a relationship. This book made you feel happy and sad and angry and a whole bunch of different emotions and I think that’s why his books are so easy and enjoyable to read.

They never really talked about what Louie looked like, but I think he was your normal high schooler. He trained so hard that summer for the football team and he even made the mile under 6 minutes. He was really dedicated. Some people who read this are probably mad he threw this all away but then others will see how its all worth it in the end. He becomes an amazing track runner and even beats Washington in the 2-mile. His coach told him to run as far as he could go. You want to know what I think made him be able to run as far and as fast as he did? Becky. Just even the thought of her. On his long runs he probably spent time thinking about her and reminiscing on their memories. And how she would have been so proud of him. Also Coach Madison seemed very inspiring. He believed in Louie just as Becky would have. Before they started the season Coach Madison said one thing to him that is something I think everyone should hear: “ Remember, you can always take one more step.” [Crutcher 187]