Blog Response #4
The endings of Chinese Handcuffs, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Running Loose, and Stotan! leave the reader with some unanswered questions. Chris Crutcher assumes the reader knows the ending, but he doesn't come out and say it. You take control and write the overview of one more chapter to these books. If there was one last chapter, what would it be about. How would you tie up loose ends, if you were the author?
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DeleteI read the book Chinese handcuffs. If I had one more chapter to wrap everything up, I would end the book by showing the aftermath of how everyone lived their life after the truth was out. Mostly about Jennifer's recovery, as well as her relationship with dillion.
DeleteI am reading running loose. it ends with Louie banks saying he was going to smash the new plaque. if I was to write s new chapter to end the book I would probably write about banks and carter meeting at the station and then going to the school to smash the plaque. Principle Jasper would then come out and chase them. I would finish the book with talking about where Louie plans on going now that he's graduated.
ReplyDeleteThat's what i was thinking for the end of the book too he goes smashes the plaque and it would just be a cycle until they finally graduate and with carter going to play football and Louie trying to find out what he truly wants to do
DeleteI think it would even be a good addition as a final chapter for banks to make his own plaque to honor Becky and make his own memorial rather than keep destroying jaspers.
DeleteI agree a part with him graduating and seeing if he was going to college would be a nice add to the book and it would of been interesting to also have him destroy the plaque with Carter.
DeleteThat is how I pictured the ending as well. Louie goes back and smashes the plaque, which shows that nothing has really changed and that the same problems will continue until they finally graduate and leave the school behind. The repeated cycle of rebellion and punishment highlights how trapped Louie feels during his high school years. By the end, Carter moves forward with his life by going on to play football, following a clear path for his future. Meanwhile, Louie is left trying to understand himself better and figure out what he truly wants to do now that this chapter of his life is over.
Deletei believe that smashing the plaque 1 to 2 more times would make jasper Lisen because at some point it would get expensive and banks will find his true calling
DeleteI think that would be a good ending to the book because it shows what he is doing after all of this and what jasper would do if he seen carter destroying the plaque with louie.
Deletei feel that if if smashes the plaque again he should bring carter with to really make it known that other people aren't happy either
DeleteI think that Louie is going to go destroy the plaque and the he is going to get carter to help him get out of getting caught.
DeleteI agree with this. I think adding what Louie will do after high school would close the book and give the readers something to end on. And with Louie smashing the plaque I agree with that to. It would be cool to see Louie go in there and upset jasper.
Deletei am reading running loose, If there was one last chapter and i was the author i would make the last chapter be about him going down to the station and grabbing the hammer and getting it and smashing the plaque yet again and he goes back to school the next day and jasper confronting him yet again about it and he tries to give jasper some recommendations for the plaque and jasper still not listening to him about it and it just being an endless cycle, how would i tie up the loose ends then by adding an end to the story through carter graduating and going to college, boomer having potential but not going to college and banks finding happiness.
ReplyDeleteI agree that jasper would keep confront him, but I don't think it would become an endless cycle because eventually Louie would get caught or jasper would finally take the suggestions
Deletefrom how jasper is described in the book i wouldnt be surprised when or if banks gets caught that jasper would start shooting at him but i also feel that jasper is a person who doesnt like changing his mind and the plaque will always be the same
Deletei think boomer will probably end up in jail with how short his temper is and that carter will end off going pro
DeleteI agree that jasper would keep trying to get Louie for doing it but can never get evidence. And if they kept going in the cycle someone would get blamed for it or louie would get caught.
DeleteI'm reading Chinese Handcuffs and the book ended with an epilogue and Jennifer's stepdad, T.B., getting arrested for sexually abusing her. If there was a next chapter, I would make it be T.B's thoughts or like the full arrest story. I would also include how Jennifer and Dillon felt about the arrest. I would add if there was anything Dillon missed because I know he was worried about missing something, that T.B. would find a loophole and Dillon didn't cover all his bases. So in this chapter, I would establish if T.B. found something Dillon missed when he confronted T.B. As well as the thoughts from Dillon and Jennifer about the arrest. And how T.B. felt about it, will he get revenge, will he get bailed out, will he stay in there, will people believe it? There's still a lot of questions so I feel like this extra chapter would give the readers more clarity, less questions, and feel like it has more of an end.
ReplyDeleteI agree I would like to know what was going on in TBs mind when he was doing these things it would've made the story bettery.
DeleteI agree i want to know way more about what happened with TB and the arrest.
DeleteThat’s a good idea! Exploring T.B.’s thoughts and Jennifer and Dillon’s feelings would give the story more closure just like showing Sarah and Eric’s future in Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes helps wrap up their story.
DeleteI like the idea of seeing T.B's thoughts, would of been a great twist to the story.
Deleteim reading running loose and at the end of the book it talks about banks going down to the station to grab the hammer to break the plaque one last time, i think if i were to extend the book by a chapter it would be banks wearing all black and a mask smashing the plaque and all of the sudden jasper comes running out and finally catching him in the act. it even said he was waiting with a gun so maybe even id add a part where jasper is shooting at him as he runs away. i would tie up some loose ends in the story by explaining what happens to the main characters after graduating high school, such as carter going pro in football and making millions, boomer maybe becoming a garbage man and banks finding a new woman for him that makes him happy
ReplyDeletethat is a very good description and i can see it and jasper chasing after him with the gun too and it's like the book said he was waiting in his office with the gun and i felt the same way with carter where he would go to college to play football and eventually maybe go pro and banks finding something or someone to make him happy.
DeleteI agree with you that banks would go down and smash the plaque again and jasper catches him and chases him. I also agree with carter becoming a pro football player and boomer becoming a garbage man or taking over his dads' logging business.
DeleteLike my story I would've liked to see what happened to the main characters in Chinese handcuffs and I would've liked to see where they ended up 5 or 10 years later.
DeleteI would have also liked to see what my characters did after high school. In my book the swim team goes to the state meet and wins several events, i would have liked to know if each character was going to continue their sporting career after high school.
DeleteI agree that would be a interesting way to end the book and it would tie up the cliff hanger of him just saying that he was going to destroy it again.
DeleteI agree i would've also liked the live after school for the boys and see what life brings them, i would also like to see if Jeff survives or not, a character who got diagnosed with a blood disease at the end of the book.
DeleteThat would be a very cinematic ending but I like it. I said around the same thing but this ending would really add a aspect of drama and would let Louie have fun one last time. And I like the aspect of following boomer and carter. It would be cool to see where they'd end up.
DeleteI'm reading Chinese handcuffs and, in the ending, I would've liked to see that Chris Crutcher would've wrapped up everything that would've happened to TB and Stacey and Jens mom. To give the reader some comfort about what happened to them because TB and Jens mom were not good to Jen and her family. And I would've liked to see where Dylan went after this such as seeing how Dylan and Jens relationship either grew or fell apart since Dylan told the police and showed them the tapes of TB sexually assaulting Jen. And I would've liked to see the author Chris tie it all together more like who this person was in the beginning of the story and how it was important to include them because it got confusing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the aspect of brining closure to the reader. In my book Stotan there is a boy named Jeff that is slowly dying from a blood disease. I would have liked to know how much longer he lived or if he ever got treatment.
DeleteI agree I wish we could have had a little more information on everyone's thoughts to give closure to the reader. I also wonder how Jen and Dillons relationship will go, if they'll get together in the future or not.
DeleteI agree. I wish it would've told us if Jen got into any good colleges because of her good basket ball skills. I wish it would have said what happened to Jen and Dillon in the future
DeleteI would say the same thing he just left us hanging on a cliff and I want to know what happens TB and the baby and everything else it ended of with.
DeleteI would also add more about what happened to T.B. because I feel like Chris just said that he went away but we have no clue where he went what happened to him or if he comes back. I feel like him being in custody would bring Jen and he family so much relief and help her get over the trauma a little bit easier.
DeleteI am reading staying fat for Sarah Byrne's, and I think if there was going to be another chapter in the book it should focus more on the closure and moving forward from everything. Focusing on how trauma doesn't just disappear but the healing part. And the other characters looking back on the situations and learning about the courage and loyalty, and the Eric starts to let go and to feel more free after protecting sarah.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with this- i really wonder what would happen with sarah and if she continues to be the strong girl she is, and if she keeps working toward success. I would also write about what happens with her adult life, and if her mother decides to start contact with sarah.
DeleteI feel like the last chapter of this book should be like reflective chapter and what they have learned from the situation they went through. I would like to see what happens to Sarah and Eric after the situation is done with for a while and how it effects their lives when they are older.
Deletei agree that it should give a overview of everything that happened in the story and a chapter of what happened to everyone after the situation is done and there life's moving forward
DeleteI agree because Sarah can just always be either tough or funny every moment of the rest of her life. Also just because her dad is in jail doesn't mean all of the trauma he caused her just automatically goes away. she needs to take time to heal and be herself with people she trusts.
DeleteIam reading Stotan, and the end of the book left off with Jeff dying from a blood disease and Walker not knowing if he is going to continue his relationship with his girlfriend. If i was the writer i would add one last chapter about Jeffs future and what that looks like, and whether or not Walker stays with his girlfriend or ends the relationship. Tying up these loose ends would definitely improve the ending of this book.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jeff's future to see his he will die or survive it. i would also like to read about Nortie and his future with schooling and his girlfriend.
Deletedo you wonder what their life would have been like when they are older how the remember jeff by how Nortie is doing or who they married if they married anyone at all
DeleteI am reading the book Stotan if i was the author I feel that it would only be right for the readers for me to tie up all of the loose ends we ended the book stotan on walker and friends kicking butt at state swim and jeff was struggling in the hospital and he left us with walker going to break things off with Devnee if I were to make one final chapter about the book it would be about Jeff passing away and walker cutting off Devnee and then the second half would be about when they are in their 40s
ReplyDeleteI also agree that tying up all the loose ends would only be right the the readers. Another things would be a second book that shows there futures then its based around there kids trying to make a swimming career or something of that sort to just branch the story a little farther then its set right now.
DeleteIf I was the author of Chinese Handcuffs and I wrote one more chapter, I would definitely include more information on what happens to Jen and Dillons relationship and if they were able to pursue a romantic relationship or if they stayed friends. I would also write about Jen and how she moved on with her life after that. There would also be more information about what T.B. was charged with and what happened to the relationship between Jen, her sister, and their mom.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I want to know more about T.B. and everything that happened with him. Like how he felt, what he is doing, do people believe it, will he get revenge? I want an extra chapter explaining that and adding more on how Jen is dealing with everything.
DeleteYes, I want to know what happens to their relationship. Do they eventually start dating? Do they go to a relationship therapist?
Deletei agree with it wanting to know more id also what the last chapter to be a fast forwarded to them being adults and how their life turned out after everything has happened
DeleteMy book is running loose, and If I was to add a chapter to the book I would probably add something that ends on a better note. I would probably have them finding out that Lindecy tried to intently hurt other players, so he would get fired from all his coaching positions. Louie graduating with Carter and Boomer would be a big part to add because it was one of Louie's goals in the end. I just think the book ended in a weird way and adding this could help.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of adding a chapter that ends on a more positive note. Having Lindecy exposed for intentionally trying to hurt players and getting fired would feel like a fair consequence for his actions. I also agree that showing Louie graduating with Carter and Boomer would be meaningful, since graduating was one of Louie’s biggest goals. That kind of ending would give the story more closure and make it feel less abrupt.
DeleteAt the end of Running Loose, Louie Banks says he plans to smash the new plaque. If I were to write a new final chapter, I would have Louie and Carter meet at the station and then go to the school together to break the plaque. Principal Jasper would come outside and chase them away. I would end the book by explaining where Louie plans to go and what he wants to do now that he has graduated.
ReplyDeletei would also enjoy an explanation of how louies life is planned to go i think it would almost give you a feeling that he'll be alright
Deletei am reading running loose and for the last chapter i would have banks go back and smash the plaque again but the principle would come back and shoot him but not kill him then i would have banks be able to write what should be on the plaque and then banks getting a full sports ride to a good collage while staying connected to the town and Beckys dad
ReplyDeletethis would be quite a story twist but it would definitly make the end real good
Deletei don't think that the principal would shoot him but i think he would try and Mabey talk to him and try and figure out why he keeps smashing it
Deleteif i were to write another chapter in running loose i would go a little more in depth about louies graduation and how his problems with jasper and the memorial end up. i think it wouldve been cool if louie couldve won a state title in track. in the last chapter i would bring up louies future plans with collage and work and what he does right out of high school. i also wish there would be justice for jasper and the football coach in there wrong doing and power hungry decsions they make trying to dictate louie and his choices for track, louie doesnt let them completely control him but he makes agreements with them to make track possible for him but i wish it would have gone to court and they would get exsposed.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to add another chapter to Chinese Handcuffs, I would make it a look into the future. I would tell what happens with Jen and Dillon and their relationship. I would want to include in it what happens to Jen's unborn baby sister. I would write about what happens with Stacy and Ryan. I would have Dillon and Stacy be close since Ryan is his nephew.
ReplyDeleteI would also add more about Jen and Dillons relationship. I feel like they've been through so much together that their relationship would be so close and they would help each other get through their trauma.
DeleteI'm reading running loose and for the last chapter I would write about him going back to smash the plaque, but jasper would catch him this time. And then have shown him graduating, and what he decided to do after graduation and how he still stayed connected to the people of the town and his family.
ReplyDeletethis would be a great ending and tie everything together I really like the idea and would be great for the end of the book.
DeleteI really like that ending because it shows that even though jasper may have caught him louie still gets the last laugh by graduating.
DeleteIf i were the author of Staying fat for sarah byrnes and had the opportunity write one more chapter of the book, i would write about the main part of her life and how she moved forward. I would use many examples of foreshadowing and look at what life would be like for her growing up, and if her mom ever accepted sarah. I would write about what happens in the future with sarah and eric's relationship, and if they continue being loyal to eachother.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea, the foreshadowing how her life could have been and how she moved forward from the situation. I would also want to see Sarah and Eric's develops.
DeleteI think that’s a good idea. Focusing on Sarah’s future and her relationship with Eric would make the ending feel complete, and including small, everyday moments of her growth would make it feel genuine. It would help show that Sarah’s story doesn’t end with the book and that she has the chance to keep growing and finding happiness.
DeleteThat sounds like a really good idea, and i feel that he would in a way foreshadow all the things he went through. I also think that he would try and show ways that their relationship never stopped growing and they grew even closer to each other.
Deletei agree that the book should have a chapter of Sarah's life after the situation and what all happens to her. But i would also like to know what all happens to the other characters in the story.
Deleteif i were to write another chapter for the book running lose it would be banks going to destroy the plaque for Becky and he would either get caught destroying it by the cops or the principal and he would get chased around and probably end up hurting himself and not be able to run track any more
ReplyDeleteI like the idea but i feel like it would be kind of a depressing ending if he wouldn't be able to run anymore and get chased around by the principal and cops.
DeleteI would agree with you that he would go back and destroy the plaque and get caught doing it.
DeleteI feel like it would add suspense but i dont know how i feel about him getting hurt being the ending.
DeleteIf there were one last chapter in Chinese handcuffs, it would show Dillon finally slowing down and thinking about everything he’s been through. He realizes he doesn’t have to fix everyone to be a good person. Jennifer is getting help, and even though their relationship is still complicated, it ends with honesty instead of guilt. Dillon understands that a lot of what happened wasn’t his fault. He also sees that his dad’s control isn’t healthy and that it’s okay to step back. The chapter would be calm and reflective, not dramatic. It would hint at Dillon moving on with his life and focusing on hisown future.
ReplyDeleteI think Dillon slowing down would really help him and give closer to how he needs to live his life and finds out who he wants to settle down with.
DeleteI think having Dillion reflect on the past would help his character a lot, in many ways.
DeleteI would like to see Dillon moving on in life and focusing on the future as well. He was always focused on Preston's death, and it affected him a lot.
DeleteI am reading staying fat for Sarah Brynes and for the last chapter I would write it being in the future and Sarah's journey to going to work at the place she read about in life magazine. she said she always wanted to talk to them and try to help them and what they're going through. Then I would have Eric come back to visit Sarah. then I would have Sarah talk about one of the kids she is trying to help, and the kid would have a similar story to Sarah's and Eric and Sarah would help the kid, maybe it could hint to like a repetitive pattern of the story.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that would happen if he continued to write the book. I feel as though no matter what happens as they continue to age they will still try and stay in contact with each other. I think the whole thig with Virgil and Eric made Sarah realize that he truly does care about her and wants to be her friend.
DeleteI like your idea of showing Sarah’s future and her going to work at a place she’s passionate about it really fits with her character and her desire to help other people. I also like how Eric comes back to visit her, which shows their friendship staying strong.
DeleteI agree because i think this job would be perfect for sarah because she went through similar things as the kids who are there.
DeleteI am reading Stotan and if I was the author and was to add one more chapter. I would write about Jeff's last few months alive and how that impacts the friend group and how they will continue after his death. I would also write the future of Notie's life, make him to go to school for phycology and pursue his career and live his life with his girlfriend and get married.
ReplyDeleteI agree that at the least he could have added Jeffs future because where he ended off Jeff was in between getting better and worse almost daily.
Deletei agree, i also wonder if the team got disqualified or if they placed at state
Deletei agree, i think a a chapter about jeffs last moments would really close the book out and brings the boys closer than ever and it would be a good read
Deletein that chapter do you think that Norite and his mom would ever talk to his dad again even if the don't move back in with him
ReplyDeletei agree, i also wonder if nortie and his mother would ever move back in together
DeleteI'm reading Stotan, if i could write one more chapter at the end of the book i would include jeffs future. whether he ends up passing away or making a full recovery, beyond that i would also include how all the the boys in the friend group and up like 20 years in the future creating a smooth ending the the story so all the questions are answered and the readers left with no questions.
ReplyDeleteI read Chinese handcuffs after it ended with the stepdad getting arrested, I would end with the trial after they took him into custody and how it went at trial hopefully ruthless and the other victims come forward with what TB also did to them. then it would end with Jen and Dillon getting through there trauma together. dillion would also get to see Preston's son more and have dillon as a uncle and more family
ReplyDeleteIf I wrote another chapter of Running Loose after he smashed the plaque I would write about how Louie would go on with life what job he gets or if he goes to get another education and how he gets in trouble with Lindeckey again and the consequences that he would get.
ReplyDeletei agree i feel like the plaque adds a fun twist as to louie getting back at principle and lindecky and i feel like it would make the book much more interesting.
Deletei also said it would be good to see Louies life after that and i also think it be interesting if he got caught
DeleteI am reading Chinese Handcuff and if i were to write another chapter I would talk about how Jens family is adapting to finally being free and how her mom does mentally with putting her baby up for adoption. I would also talk about Dillon and Jens relationship and if Dillon could help her get over her trauma and show her what a respectful man is like. I would also talk about how Stacy and Dillons friendship grown now they he found out her son is his nephew.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to see what happens with Dillon and Jen's relationship. It would definitely make the end of the book more interesting.
Deletei am reading stotan and if i was the author, i would write one more chapter about Jeffs longevity. I would write about if he ends up beating his disease. If not, i would write about the impact his death would have on his friends.
ReplyDeletei like that idea. i think that would be a good chapter to write in the book and i defiantly would keep reading because it sounds interesting.
Deletei wish there was more in the beginning of the book about jeff to set this up better
DeleteIf Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes had one last chapter, it could show Eric and Sarah Byrnes spending a quiet afternoon together after everything that happened. They might be sitting by the pool joking and teasing each other like they used to while talking about their plans for after high school. Eric would realize how much he’s grown and that he doesn’t have to carry everyone else’s problems to matter. Sarah Byrnes would be slowly opening up showing small signs that she’s starting to trust and feel safe in her own life. The chapter could end with them laughing over something silly leaving the reader with hope that even though life isn’t perfect they’re ready to move forward together.
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea, especially because it offers sarah and eric a silent moment just to reflect, since they havent really taken a moment with just them to talk about everything. I also really agree with how you said it would show eric that he doesnt have to hold everyones problems just to matter.
DeleteI would tie up loose ends by showing where each of the main characters is emotionally how Lion, Nortie, and Walker carry Jeff with them in their choices, attitudes, and friendships. Walker would realize that being a Stotan isn’t just about surviving pain, but about showing up for people, even when things are unfair or hard. The final message would be that strength doesn’t mean winning or fixing everything it means remembering, caring, and continuing on with what you’ve learned. That kind of ending would fit the book because it stays honest, emotional, and real, just like the rest of the story.
ReplyDeletei agree with you on the part where Stoten isnt just about surviving pain and has a lot more to it
Deletel read the book if I were to add another chapter to running loose the chapter would be about Louie. He would be getting the hammer and going to destroy the plaque for Becky. in the time of him going to destroy the plaque he would eighter get caught destroying it by principal Jasper or by the cops. then he would get in more trouble and maybe get charged for vandalism.
ReplyDeleteI read Chinese Handcuffs, and one main plot point of the book was T.B. and Jen and Dillon trying to find a way to stop T.B. The way the ending came about with T.B.'s arrest was relatively abrupt and didn't provide really any detail. If I could write one more chapter it would talk more in depth on the arrest, how much time he got, did he try to manipulate the story or talk his way out of it even though there was hard evidence, or did he just lay down and take it?
ReplyDeleteFor the last chapter of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes I would continue to elaborate more about Sarah and Eric's friendship. And how much more it progressed after Sarah was adopted and could trust the adults around her. As the chapter continues to go on Sarah starts telling Eric more on why she could never trust people, and tells him more stuff about her childhood. This would cause Eric to really understand why she is the way she is.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of focusing on Sarah and Eric’s friendship and how it grows after she’s adopted. It makes sense that Sarah would start opening up more once she feels safe and it would help Eric understand her better.
DeleteIf I were to write the last for Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes I would have a time jump and talk about how Sarah and Eric have healed from all of this and Sarah finding her mom and confronting her about leaving her in an abusive household.
ReplyDeleteif i was to write one more chapter in Stoten I would write about where the guys are off to when they separate the team if they kind of drift apart if they keep swimming together and just more about the emotional state of all of the guys as we got a lot about walker but not as much on the other guys
ReplyDeleteI read the book Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and i would tie up loose ends by fast forwarding to the future. I want to know what happens when Virgil gets out of jail. I wonder if he will learn his lesson in there or if it will give him more reason to be angry at everyone who had something to do with putting him in there.
ReplyDeletei read the book staying fat for Sarah Byrnes and i would add a little bit more to the ending of the book that shows what happens to the character futures and if Sarah's mom ever wanted to be a part of her life i would tie up the end of the book by giving a overview of everything that happened in the book
ReplyDeleteIf there was one last chapter, I would want to see what ended up happening to Jen after her stepdad left and got arrested. I also want to know what happened to Jen's stepdad and if he actually went to jail for what he put Jen through even though he's a powerful lawyer. It would just be super interesting to read about instead of being left with him being arrested at the end and not finding out what happened to him.
ReplyDeleteRunning loose ends with Louie talking about wanting to smash the plaque. If I were to add a new chapter to the book, i'd want it to revolve around Jasper. I would love for Louie to come in and smash the plaque and then see jaspers side of things and maybe he will change his mind about Louie. And to end it I would have it be Louie getting a scholarship for football and he leaves the town.
ReplyDeleteI also think it would be great for Louie to leave the town because i know if i lived there i would probably hate it
DeleteIn the end of running loose it talks about Louie destroying the plaque made for Becky. I think the ending was kind of abrupt and too fast. If Chris Crutcher added on another chapter I think the ending could have been a lot better, but overall the book was pretty good. If i were to add that chapter I would have the book talking about Louie's life after highschool and have him and Carter go to college to play football together
ReplyDelete