Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Book Review: Red Kicks




Synopsis

Caley’s new home is much different than the disciplined but comfortable life he was used to. As a rising martial arts champion whose adoptive father produces martial arts movies, Caley’s danger comes in the form of formal competitions not the daily fear of gang violence. But the change also brings new opportunities. For the first time, Caley has a real friend, Quinn, and he is attending school instead of his usual on-set tutoring. As their friendship grows, Quinn guides Caley through the maze of gang wars and rivalries while trying to discover his own place in his world. Among the people that Caley befriends, six year old Nicky strikes a chord in Caley that he can’t explain. He feels like he needs to protect the child from the brutality of his life. Nicky’s sudden disappearance brings Caley full circle to confront his own forgotten past as Quinn learns the real meaning of loyalty and friendship. jerjonji’s new novel exposes the realities of gang life without stereotyping characters.

My Review


This is "Red Kicks" by jerjonji. This book is 352 pages raising awareness about gang violence.

When Caley transfers locations, because of a terrible mistake he made the pressure is all on him. That is, until he meets Quinn, a young gang member, having the same problems as him, but more extreme. They become friends after a teacher makes them work together to bring up their grades. Then there's little Nicky that takes an instant liking to Caley and Quinn. What Caley and Quinn don't know is that what used to be gang rivalry is now turning into a bloodbath with secrets on both sides of the war. Nicky doesn't know that him existing is dangerous to everyone, including himself. Why is there a war between gangs? Is Nicky safe? What will happen to Caley and Quinn's forbidden friendship?

This was a very good book!! I definitely recommend you read this book to raise your awareness of gang violence, which is why jerjonji wrote this book. I applaud you, jerjonji, for your great job on this book. I will warn you guys that it is quite sad, but it has a great ending. I would recommend this for young adults, because of sexual themes and graphic violence, but teen can read it if their parents allow.  

These Last Few Months and Pentatonix


I know it has been a few months of silence from my side and for that I am really, truly sorry. You must remember that I am a teenager with lots of homework, stress, etc. and I am also a high school swimmer, which makes it difficult to blog when practice takes up my time everyday after school. I have been going through a really tough time and my family and friends have been trying to support as I hope all my readers will too. I would like to thank Tara Benham, Erin Hayes, and Susan Burdorf for all their support and, of course, my mom. So I have a story that really scared the crap out of me and inspired me at the same time and I would like to hope that it would inspire you too.

When I learned of the acapella group, Pentatonix, I was ecstatic, because I have always wanted to do what they do so well. They are truly good at what they do and it has always inspired me to be my best. Lately I haven't been listening to them, because I became lost in thoughts and actions of bad people, like my bullies. Then, I was listening to a random playlist and Pentatonix singing "Hallelujah" started to play. I realized how much I needed that boost of confidence that it brought me and started to break out of my funk. Then mom scared the crap out of me by saying Mitch was thinning out and had lost his hair. She said he looked like he had cancer and I, legit, started to scream and was in tears, because I enjoy all of Pentatonix equally, but if I had to choose a favorite it would have to be Mitch. I frantically started to search the internet, trying to see if it was true and luckily he just decided to shave his hair and he's naturally just skinny. 

What does this have to do with my blog and author's books, you ask? Well, every author you will meet will tell you about what inspired them to be an author, blogger, or anything really. I love hearing about how someone came to realize something about themselves and it is really inspiring. Pentatonix inspired me in many ways and this isn't just me fan-girling either. They helped me through some of my roughest times and they helped me get over my fear of singing in front of others. I may even start a separate youtube channel specifically for singing and singing my own written music(I'm still figuring that part out, but I have ideas). I would really appreciate it if you would at least listen to the song I named and I even have the video below, so please check it out.  

I know this would never happen, but I do hope that Pentatonix will eventually see this post. I've thought about doing this post for weeks, but I've been extremely busy, so I never thought it would be happening. I hope you enjoy this post even though it isn't a book review. I will have a post up later today or tomorrow, so stay tuned. I would like to thank you all again for sticking with me even though it has been pretty rough. Until next time, check out the video below please.