This is What I Did:

             "This is What i did:" by Ann Dee Ellis was copyrighted in 2007 This is a sad, moving realistic fiction story. Taking place in the present time. The main character, Logan, has been through something tragic. He hardly speaks, yet so much comes out of him. So many thoughts and feeling that aren't really there;yet seem to be. To try and help him get through it his parents decide his 2 brothers mom and dad are moving. They move to a street. That street is judge. Not too far away, but hopefully far away enough to forget, Though Logan in't too sure if forgetting is just the thing to do. This book has made me really think; You really don't know people as well as you think you know them, they can have stories that could be heartbreaking, they could be bullied, you never know what's right beneath the surface. The message i got from this book is to not listen to the rumors about someone and to not use other's opinions' as your own and to stand up for what you know is right.

           The way this story is told is interesting. It starts off in the present but has one flashback to lead up to the present, with flashbacks in between that. Although it may seem rather difficult to follow, the story is easy to follow along to. The author wants us to know how it felt from his point of view. A kid who has been through so much, and still has to face other obstacles life throws. A kid who won't tell his father because he's afraid of hurting his dad's feelings. I like that this story is in 1st person because i feel that's one of the main points of this story. To understand how someone can be thinking in situations like this. There are many instances with these situations happening so often now a days because of society. One person will say something rude to another and it can turn into something awful.The author kept me interested by having the flashbacks. I think my making it more of a memory, rather than it happening currently, it could end a part on a cliff hanger and come back to it later. The intended audience is young-adults and it can really send a message to them. Too many kids judge other ones only by rumors and things they hear from other people. Young-adults can really learn to open their eyes and realize that they don't know what could be happening to the people around them.

              This book really spoke to me; I always had the idea that you never know whats going on in another persons head or in their life, but this book really enforced that idea. I feel the world will judge people so quick, they hardly have time to really look. People are so afraid to be themselves because they know they will be judged for it. Bullying is a big deal and some may not realize it's right in front of them. And for he ones that do realize it, usually won't do anything about it. This book reminds me of a book i read "One of Those Hideous Book Where the Mother Dies" because the authors used short sentences and i feel like that reinforced the feel of them being sad and depressed.

               I love the format of this book and it really kept it interesting and exiting. The sentences tend to be short and to the point and for me i love books like that, they include detail and thought that are intentionally left out, but you know they are there, hidden between the words. His book sends a great message. The ending is when the pieces are finally coming together and will literally leave you gasping.

Sydney Dunda 
November 7, 2013
***** 5/5