Chapter 13 - Chapter 23

[Colleen]

Page 113 - 218

[Colleen]

i desperately want to graphics at the beginning of every section to have some sort of greater meaning, but i can't find one. that's my biggest complaint.
what does everyone else think.

[Trish, IT]

I do feel bad for Craig. He's in a neverending cycle that I think most of us can relate to--maybe not weed or other specific habits, but we all have that activity we do when avoiding responsibilities. Like me, mine is the internet. I can be on it for hours to avoid responsibility and then I feel like a failure when really I could have gotten off the computer.

Although I don't quite understand why he smokes weed at Aaron's if it makes him so miserable? I'm sure if he just didn't smoke it, his life would improve at least a little bit. It would break his cycle. But then, who said breaking habits was easy?

When Craig talks to Nia about depression, I got the feeling he thought he was the only one with depression. I do sympathize for him, but it's difficult to be completely supportive of him when he's so sure he's the only one to feel the way he does or decide who else's depression is worth comparing to. It's hard to think of other people when at that point in your life, but everyone has problems of their own, and millions are depressed.

It broke my heart to read his narrative while he was planning his suicide. It hurts even more to know there are people out there who think the same as Craig, including Ned Vizzini himself. I was amazed and relieved Craig decided to look through the books and call the suicide hotline.

His last call to Nia was interesting. I was surprised he had a chance with her at all because of his attitude and his appearance (in the beginning he made himself out to be the kind of guy people don't pay much attention to). I was so happy she was honest with him though, and it was sweet she cared for him and his health. I was getting the impression she barely noticed him, but it seems like she's a good source of stability for him.

When he got his blood pressure done at the hospital, I kind of freaked out because for some reason the blood pressure gauge is one of my favorite parts of hospital visits too haha. I don't know why, I just like how it feels, but Craig and I seem to like it for different reasons haha.

But okay can we just take a look at his mom and how supportive she is? If I was anything like Craig, my mom would never do half the things she's done. If I got up and walked to the ER because I was going to commit suicide, my mom would be mad I was wasting money (because the ER is so expensive), looking for attention, and putting myself in danger (the closest hospital is about a 5 min car ride away, but I live in a sort of sketchy part of town). It would be an understatement to say she'd be furious. So wow, I just love Craig's mom (and dad) for being so supportive, and his sister for being so flexible for Craig.

I laughed at the FBI Pot-Smoking List, I just loved that. I like how Vizzini can make Craig's story sad one minute and lift you up for a crucial second or two so you're not bogged down with negativity.

Bobby is a sweet guy. I have a feeling there will be more of him, which is great. Humble is interesting, so I'll be keeping an eye on him. The Jennifer/Charles situation was a bit humorous, but I'm wondering if Jennifer will be returning? Noelle seems adorable, I'm anticipating a lot from her (besides that I saw the movie a few years ago but the way things are turning out, it's looking like the book is different than the movie).

Colleen, I'm certain the little graphics on the dividers are the blocks that make up the head on the cover. I'm wondering if they're just blocks at random or if they're actually places on the map though. I'm hoping it's the latter, bit it's most likely the former *sigh*

I'm not surprised I like this, but I was going into this hoping I would! I don't think I'm nearly as head over heels as others may be, but it's a good read so far.