9/13/15: Reader Response to Payback Time
The book is getting really good! One thing I really like is the way the author builds suspense with the characters. It reminds me of Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, but with a more modern twist. I love that it is a sports narrative too because I love sports, but I think the idea of scandals or possible mistreatments in sports is a huge topic in today's society. I wanted to keep reading because I wanted to uncover the story just like the characters story. The author does a good job in revealing just enough to grab the reader and they are able to predict along side the character's in the book.
The main character, Mitch, struggles with being overweight and fitting in at school, which I think is a really relatable topic for any young adult. It also shows how high school can be rough in terms of bullies, social status, and stereotypes. As the story evolves, Mitch is becoming more confident with himself and his ability as a reporter. They're are clear characters who embody the negative aspects of high school and I think it is also important that they show adults like the football couch in a negative light.
Please don't forget to put the question you are answering--the prompt--as your heading so I can better understand the context of your response. Now back to the response--
ReplyDeleteSO glad you are enjoying this book--I feel pretty sure that this book is a stretch for you--probably not in your normal reading realm--so very much appreciate that you took on this challenge. I didn't know you loved sports--so see how reader response not only lets you into the reading lives of students but also teaches you a bit more about your students as well--
Glad to see you are making a text to text connection! I loved the Hardy Boys as a middle schooler so maybe I would like Payback Time as well. I however don't like sports. Maybe it would be a good way to introduce me into sports texts. But I also would like to see a specific reader's response to the text. You seem to like the main character so maybe questions like "Does the main character remind you of anyone in your life?"
ReplyDeleteBrittany:
ReplyDeleteI read both of your posts to try and catch up. Why did you pick this book? I read somewhere lately, about sports books that do not focus totally on the team/winning, etc., but rather go more into the characters and the relationships and this sounds like one of those. Sports scandals seem to be in today’s news more than game coverage. I used to follow espn.com, but they have become more of a gossip column that a sports page, so much so that I have to search for articles about what actually happened on the field/court. I like the idea of high school kids reading books about how difficult it can be to be in high school, instead of just enduring high school while being force fed the classics. I am guessing the main character is an overweight sports reporter at the school, and maybe some of the players/coaches treat him okay, while others are cruel? Did you keep this book or trade it?
John Jennings