Summary!
Hope. Hope is like a ray of sunlight on a gloomy day. Hope is what pushes you through difficult times. Hope is all Jessica, a competitive runner, has left to cling on to when she loses one on her legs in a calamitous accident on the way back from a track meet. Running is who Jessica is. What will be left of Jessica when her passion is snatched out of her fingertips? All of this is the result of a careless truck driver who was hauling a load of junk when he slammed into the school bus. Not only did this accident claim Jessica's right leg, but also the lives of the irresponsible truck driver and a sweet girl named Lucy. When Jessica comes out of shock and depression one week after the accident, her family and best friend, Fiona, try to lift her spirits and make her happy again. Although Jessica appreciates their efforts, she can't forget the experience of running- the steady rhythm of feet pounding on the surface, the persistent wind blowing in her face, the ability to clear her mind, and the mere thrill that drives her to beat records. The prosthetic leg turns what used to be small daily things have now turned into obstacles- walking, climbing up/down stairs, using the restroom, showering, and most of all going to school. But Jessica can't give up. She has to keep on taking baby steps, that's the only way she can make a difference. Everyone has been really supportive of her, especially the track team. One day Kyro, the coach, shows Jessica a few videos of some competitive runners who have running prosthetic legs(s). Once the idea is planted in her mind, it gives Jessica a new hope. She knows that her family is suffering to pay for her bare medical needs because the truck driver didn't have insurance so the idea of a running prosthetic is unthinkable. But it makes her feel better knowing that she has a chance. The track team organizes bake sales, car washes, and news interviews to raise money. Their kindness uncovers more generous people who are willing to donate to the cause of a stranger. This is an example of humanity that's done out of the kindness of your heart.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The track team raises $20,000 and Jessica is able to run again! From this whole experience, Jessica meets Rosa, a girl with cerebral palsy, who becomes a great friend and lifesaver in math. She has a very unique personality and adds another dimension of depth to everything; she thinks of stuff Jessica wouldn't have imagined. For example: Rosa thinks that a finish line could not only mean the end of something but the start of something new. Jessica and Fiona had always overseen Rosa and that was obviously a mistake. All Rosa wants is for people to see her for herself, not her appearance. Not wanting others to commit the same mistake, Jessica starts training for her and Rosa to compete in the River Run, a ten mile race. It is extremely difficult to push a hundred pounds in a wheelchair while running at the same time when you yourself have a disability. But Jessica doesn't let that discourage her. She builds her strength and is ready to give Rosa the opportunity to experience the thrill of running. This also raises awareness about Rosa's disease and many people start appreciating her for who she is. On the day of the River Run, Jessica does it! Both she and Rosa cross the finish line and opened a new chapter of hope in their lives.
My Review!
I loved this book! It had an amazing story and taught me a big lesson. I rate it 4/5 stars and would recommend it to everyone! Appreciate what you have, because its better than what someone else out there has. Keep hoping!
-Sneha
Hope. Hope is like a ray of sunlight on a gloomy day. Hope is what pushes you through difficult times. Hope is all Jessica, a competitive runner, has left to cling on to when she loses one on her legs in a calamitous accident on the way back from a track meet. Running is who Jessica is. What will be left of Jessica when her passion is snatched out of her fingertips? All of this is the result of a careless truck driver who was hauling a load of junk when he slammed into the school bus. Not only did this accident claim Jessica's right leg, but also the lives of the irresponsible truck driver and a sweet girl named Lucy. When Jessica comes out of shock and depression one week after the accident, her family and best friend, Fiona, try to lift her spirits and make her happy again. Although Jessica appreciates their efforts, she can't forget the experience of running- the steady rhythm of feet pounding on the surface, the persistent wind blowing in her face, the ability to clear her mind, and the mere thrill that drives her to beat records. The prosthetic leg turns what used to be small daily things have now turned into obstacles- walking, climbing up/down stairs, using the restroom, showering, and most of all going to school. But Jessica can't give up. She has to keep on taking baby steps, that's the only way she can make a difference. Everyone has been really supportive of her, especially the track team. One day Kyro, the coach, shows Jessica a few videos of some competitive runners who have running prosthetic legs(s). Once the idea is planted in her mind, it gives Jessica a new hope. She knows that her family is suffering to pay for her bare medical needs because the truck driver didn't have insurance so the idea of a running prosthetic is unthinkable. But it makes her feel better knowing that she has a chance. The track team organizes bake sales, car washes, and news interviews to raise money. Their kindness uncovers more generous people who are willing to donate to the cause of a stranger. This is an example of humanity that's done out of the kindness of your heart.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The track team raises $20,000 and Jessica is able to run again! From this whole experience, Jessica meets Rosa, a girl with cerebral palsy, who becomes a great friend and lifesaver in math. She has a very unique personality and adds another dimension of depth to everything; she thinks of stuff Jessica wouldn't have imagined. For example: Rosa thinks that a finish line could not only mean the end of something but the start of something new. Jessica and Fiona had always overseen Rosa and that was obviously a mistake. All Rosa wants is for people to see her for herself, not her appearance. Not wanting others to commit the same mistake, Jessica starts training for her and Rosa to compete in the River Run, a ten mile race. It is extremely difficult to push a hundred pounds in a wheelchair while running at the same time when you yourself have a disability. But Jessica doesn't let that discourage her. She builds her strength and is ready to give Rosa the opportunity to experience the thrill of running. This also raises awareness about Rosa's disease and many people start appreciating her for who she is. On the day of the River Run, Jessica does it! Both she and Rosa cross the finish line and opened a new chapter of hope in their lives.
My Review!
I loved this book! It had an amazing story and taught me a big lesson. I rate it 4/5 stars and would recommend it to everyone! Appreciate what you have, because its better than what someone else out there has. Keep hoping!
-Sneha
No comments:
Post a Comment