Life Lessons in Books: Crater, Touching Spirit Bear and The Outsiders
As I grow older and read more books, I understand the message the author is trying to explain. I go in depth with the book and find the real meaning. This year we read three books, where it was difficult to find the message however it was meaningful. The three books we read were Crater by Homer Hickam, Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. These books helped me understand many lessons in life. Meanings that I never would have taken in if it were not for these books. Crater taught me to never give up on anything no matter what. Touching Spirit Bear showed even in the bad there is always good, and The Outsiders helped me understand that somebody is always there for you. Do not run away from your fears.
Crater by Homer Hickam expresses the theme by showing to never to give up on your friends and they will do the same in return. Crater is a teen boy born in space. His parents died when he was young, his parents gave him a slime mold named Gillie. At sixteen-years-old Crater is sent on a deadly mission and chooses to go. When I read this book, I wanted to know if anything ever happened between Crater and Maria? Years later did they marry each other? In Crater, I learned to stand by your friends no matter what even if they do not want you to. They will appreciate it later in life and do the same in return. Crater was a kind person and was willing to do anything “Crater was willing'. He was willing because of the kindness the people of Moontown had shown him over the years”. Crater was willing to do anything for anyone because of their kindness. Crater is an extremely good book with excitement and many crazy adventures.
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen expresses the theme by showing that even in the bad there always is good. In Touching Spirit Bear a sixteen-year-old boy named Cole Matthews beats up a boy named Peter. Afterward he goes through the circle of justice and is later sent to an island. When he is on the island, he is mauled by a spirit bear. In Touching Spirit Bear, Cole has an abusive father. Cole was mauled by the bear and is sent to the hospital. His mother comes to visit, however his dad never does. Cole chooses to forgive his dad although never does it in person. I want to know more about what happens between Cole and his father? In Touching Spirit Bear I learned even if you do wrong you can always forgive. Cole forgave Peter. Peter may not have expected it and Cole was fine with that. Cole just wanted to let Peter know that he did wrong and was sorry. “What I mean is I didn’t mean to get so angry. I didn’t decide all of the sudden, to get mad and hurt you. And so everything is supposed to be all right? Peter shoved Cole again with both hands”. Cole finally forgave Peter, Peter did not accept his forgiveness. Touching Spirit Bear is a crazy adventure with ups and downs. There is never a part where the readers is bored.
Similar to Crater, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton shows that there is always gonna be someone there for you. The Outsiders is a book about two gangs, the Greasers and Socs. One night the Socs and Greasers start a fight that ends in the death of a Soc member. The boys are forced to go into hiding. Soon Ponyboy and Johnny, along with the intense Dallas and other Greaser, accept the consequences of their violent lives. Before Johnny passes he gives Ponyboy a letter. After Ponyboy reads the letter he starts writing. I want to know more about his writings. In The Outsiders I learned the importance of good friends. They will always be there for you and care about you. “Ponyboy, listen, don’t get tough. You’re not like the rest of us and don’t try to be…”. Two-Bit Ponyboy’s friend was looking out for him and trying to protect him. The Outsiders was an exciting adventure, showing the power of friends and how they will always be there for you.
These three books taught me many life lessons. Crater taught me to never give up on anything no matter what. Touching Spirit Bear showed even in the bad there always is good. The Outsiders helped me understand somebody is always there for you and do not run away from your fears. They all taught me meanings in life I would have never taken in because of these books.
