For Matt and his sisters, life with their cruel, vicious mother is a day-to-day struggle for survival. But then Matt witnesses Murdoch coming to a child's rescue in a convenience store, and for the first time, he feels a glimmer of hope. When, amazingly, Murdoch begins dating Matt's mother, life is suddenly almost good. But the relief lasts only a short time. When Murdoch inevitably breaks up with their mother, Matt knows he needs to take action. But can he call upon his hero? Or will he have to take measures into his own hands?(Book synopsis taken from Barnes & Noble website @ www.bn.com.)
BOOK TRAILER:
25 comments:
I chose this book, because it caught my attention as a type of book I have never read before. I thought it might be able to keep my attention and keep me wanting to know more about what happens.
I chose this book because it reminded me of a book I had read before. It was called Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dumphrey. It was about a girl who struggled at a home with physical abuse and I enjoyed it because I got emotionally attached to the book. It was a book that just caught my attention.
Though I cannot relate to the obvious connection of abuse with the main character, Mathew, I can relate to alot of his views about fear and the nature of evil. First, I agree with his thoughts on action and that it is necessary to act when you feel fear. I can also relate to his views on responsibilty. I also have a younger sister and I feel the need to protect "the little ones". Though, I cannot relate to his statement that everyone who says they love you wants to harm you. Even though I have not experienced the things he has, love is a difficult thing to generalize about. Lasly, I can relate to Mathew's view that life must go on, and Mathew really did survive.
I think that this book deserved to be on the ABE's list for many reasons. First, it has a very engaging plot and topic. Welin discusses a heavy topic of abuse and neglect in an open yet powerful way. I also think the book deserved to be on the list for its characters. Mathew is someone the reader can relate to, even if they do not go through the same issues. Also, the book's layout is very interesting. Even though it is written in the form of a letter to Emmy, the reader still finds the need to understand and follow it. Lastly, the character Mudroch is an older version of Mathew. This shows that even when you are older, you never let go of your memories. This is something teens would be very interested in reading, and I think it was a good ABE choice.
I chose "The Rules of Survival" by Nancy Werlin because the theme of self-reliance and the nature of evil seemed very unique. I was interested to find out how Werlin would create a heart-wreching struggle into rules for survival. I had never read a novel of this kind before, and the topic seemed very interesting.
I chose this book, because when I read the back cover of the book, I wanted to know what was it about. When I started to read this book, I could not stop, because it is so interesting that you ask yourself, what is going to happend next?.
Well for starters, I have read a few books by Nancy Werlin. They were all excellent, hopefully meaning this one would be as good, if not better. I was really intriqued by the description. It did not seem like any other book I had ever read. I know you are not supposed to "judge a book by its cover," but that really connects me to the book. When I saw that cover at Borders, the shattered glass really drew me to the book. It just seemed so incredibly interesting.
It is very hard for me to relate to my character in the book. The main characters name is Matthew. He is physically and mentally abused by his single mother. He is so abused and so hurt by everything she does to him, he does not even call her mom. He has to call her by her first name. I have never had any experience with physical or mental abuse from my parents. Even though it feels almost impossible for me to relate to what Matthew is going through, I still get very attached to his character. I have learned to admire him and everything he has gone through. He makes me feel like I know exactly what is going on in his life and I can feel his emotions.
I believe that this book deserved to be on this year's Abe list. I think this for many reasons. First of all even if it was hard to relate to what the character was going through the other made it very easy to get easily attached to the book. I also really enjoyed the style in which the book was written. It was diary entries and it was just a new way of reading from a characters point of view. Through diary entries I believe there was more depth and emotion. There were also many great characters in this book. For example, Mudroch is a someone anyone can look up to. Risking his life for three kids he has only known for a little while. He was just trying to make a difference and trying to affect someones life. I think any teenager would enjoy reading this fast read and interesting book.
Blog Comment #1:
When I first saw this book, honestly, I decided to pick it up because I liked the cover. The laying boy covering his head made me curious. So, I decided to pick it up and read the back. I saw that it had something to do with abuse. While I of course do not like child abuse, it is like a train wreck. You want to hear more of the story. This always reminded me of another book I read called A Child Called It. The novel was about a boy and his abusive mother. This story seemed to have a similar plot. Although it is very hard to read, and unimaginable the pain, it keeps you intrigued.
Blog Post #2:
Although I can not personally relate with the horrible physical and emotional abuse that these characters endured, I felt similar with the main character Matthew. I became emotionally attached to the character and saw myself in him. He says how if you have coped before you can cope now. I feel that way too. That in my hardest times, I know I have gotten through it before, and I can do it again. His struggle for survival is like my own struggle through personal hardships. I felt like he always worked for what he wanted.
I feel that I relate with the protagonist of the book I have chosen, his name is Nick. I relate to him because like Nick, I am the eldest of all my brothers, in his case sisters. Also, Nick is really closed to his sisters, just like me with my brothers, and we both look out for the best for our families and try to be always together.Finally, I feel that I have made a connection with Nick, because we are the ones with the most experience and someone who your sibilings look to as a role model on their lifes and as the ones, who try to help them everytime is possible.
I chose this book, basically because there was no other ABE book in the library at the time. However, when I started reading the book, it really caught my attention and I was interested in seeing how the story would end. I felt as though I was experiencing the story through the characters point of view. I really felt the fear and I think the book did a really good job with the details. For those reasons, I beleive that this book should be on the ABE awards list. Even though I can not relate to the character since I have never experienced that degree of fear, I could sort of see how the character felt because of the amazing details. This was my favorite ABE book that I have read so far.
I believe I can relate to the characters in The Rules of Survival a lot actually. Matthew and Callie go through a lot of tough situations in their life, and no matter what, they stay true to themselves. Matthew promises himself that he and his sisters would survive life with their horrible, unpredictable mother. Callie and Matthew are always there for each other and especially their younger sister Emmy. I can relate with them since I am also very protective over my siblings. I am the oldest of two younger sisters and one younger brother. Even though we don't go through what the Walsh children do, I'm always there for them. Whether it's boy problems, bullies, or even just homework, I promise not to let them down just like Matthew does. Even though Matthew and I have completely different lives and situations, I always understand what he's feeling when he thinks about Emmy struggling through life. He is very protective and careful and so am I when it comes to family.
In this book, I believe that I can relate myself to Matt, the main character, a lot. He is the oldest of the three children and is clearly the one in charge. Like myself, Matt is very protective of those around him. I am constantly looking over my younger sister as he does his. I also can find myself relating to Callie a lot. She is the middle child. Callie is the one to turn her head and pretend everything is okay. I am renowned for that. Like Callie, I am the last to admit that something is wrong. So where I relate to Matt in his views towards other, I also relate to Calli when it comes to thinking about myself.
I think this book deserved to be in the Abe list. This book is really different of what I have read, and personally, I think it was a really good book, but I did not like the ending of it. Also, this book has a different theme compare with other books and it is full of surprising events and decisions as the plot goes on, which really got my attention the first time I read it. Overall, this book was really interesting and one of a kind,and realle has gained his spot in this year's Abe award. In the future I hope to read books as interesting as this one.
This book was a fantastic choice for the Abe Award. Not only does it allow for the reader to connect with the characters, but it provides a plot revolving around morality. Given that Matt and Calli are both teenagers living in America, students can relate. However, not many can relate to the neglect and abuse they suffer. Because we can not usually relate, we are constantly looking to the next page for the unknown. At least, that is how I feel. After reading this story, I have a new outlook on those around me. I am sure most other readers feel the same way.
I thought that this was an interesting book. I definitly liked it and did not mind reading it. It had an interesting topic, and it was a quick read. But, I do not feel that this book deserves to be on this year's abe list. I have read a lot of really great books that do not always get recognition. Althought I felt this was a good book, this book was definitly not in my top 20 or so books that I have read. I feel that the Abe list is about students showing other students their favorite books. I like the idea of it, because the opinions are from my peers. But, this book was nothing special. I did not particularly think this was a well written book. I would recommend it as a quick read, but it was just that. I was not attached to this book like others I have read.
I think this book is definately worthy of its place on the ABE list. It was written in a really different way, but I could still totally understand what he was trying to get through. It was all in the point of view of Matthew trying to explain their lives to Emmy. That was a really unique way to write a book, because you kind of feel like Matthew is talking to you at times and you get really wrapped up in the story. Honestly, a lot of books we read in school are hard to read either because its hard to understand or hard to really get into the book. But I feel like The Rules of Survival really pulls you in and makes you want to know what happens next. I actually really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. I definately believe this book has a deserving place on the ABE list.
this was a good book that I did not relate to. I do not truly understand what abuse, mental or physical can do to a person. But it gave an interesting light on how one person dealt with it. It kept my attention, but it was not the book that I would choose for an award.
I chose to read the book "Rules of Survival" by Nancy Werlin because as i was looking through the shelf i saw books that looked to be about superficial problems or what i feel arent as deep as what i saw out of this book. Im not saying the other books didnt have serious things but this one caught my eye. At first i thought it would be surviving high school, but as i read the inside cover and it gave me glimpses of the abuse that this boy was going through it instantly caught me.I have read many other books like this one before. From those books i have gained a greater understanding to not only other peoples lives who are suffering, but also my own life and the problems i make. So therefore, I was able to make that connection with the main character before even reading the book and that was what made me choose this book to read.
It is hard to say that i can directly relate to Matt and his simblings life of abuse and disorder. Though by reading this book i am able to have a more emotional connection with the characters, leading me to feel some relation between me and the characters. While reading the book i saw Matt and his protive nature and how he acted with that for his sisters benefit, and thats where i believe i relate to matt. I see in myself wanting to help people, especially close family members, to keep them safe and making a life for themselves. Matt on the other hand does it to keep them alive, while i dont have that problem. When reading books like this i am able to understand and walk a mile in the characters shoes allowing a better understanding of myself and my behaviors.
I strongly believe that this book was worthy of being on the abe list. Though i do think it was a bit of an easy read for high school students, it had material in it that stunned you. Things that you didnt believe someone would ever do happened and it happened from a mother to a child. And this astonishing story of one childs struggle to understand, protect, and survive comes through the simple words. You embody the main character and at times you feel as if he was talking to you and you were his younger sister Emmy. It was just an unbelievable story that was fully worthy of being on the abe list.
I chose to read the book The Rules of Survival because just reading the title got my attention. Then i read the back of book which listed "Matt's Rules of Survival." These rules were very unique and i was interested in finding out how Matt came up with these rules and why he feels he needs them to survive.
In this book i think i would most relate to Murdoch. He is always trying to help somebody else. Murdoch is thrust into the family of Nikki, Matt, Callie, and Emmy. Even though his stay with the family barely lasted a few months he still was always there. After his attachments to Nikki ended, Matt, Callie, and Emmy desperately needed his help and he truly went above and beyond with caring and making a better life for people he in no way had to help. Similar to this, I love to help people and make a tough situation better for anyone who wants my help. When a friend has a problem, i love being the person to help and make things better. In no way do I feel like this is something i am forced to do, i just want to help somebody i care about. This is exactly like Murdoch, he did have some doubts at first but he put those aside and ended up helping three kids in need for the rest of their lives. Also, at the end of the book, you find out Murdoch had the same situation as these three kids, and that is a reason that pushed him towards helping them. This is the same with me, if i see a friend or family member or maybe even an aquaintence that is dealing with something i have dealt with, it would be a great feeling to help ths person and give advice based on the situations i have dealt with.
I do believe this book deserves to be on the abe list. It is a very unique plot and has an interesting way it was written. The book starts and you then realize that the narrator is the main character Matt, and he is no just telling you his story. He is writing a letter to his little sister who was probably too young to understand what happened while they all lived with their mother. Besides this, the plot was totally different from any other book i have read. It is led by Matt whos life is controlled by a mom who is overall Crazy. Never have i read a book with such a character, who at one moment loves her kids so much, and the next abuses them till their lives go insane. She is by far one of the most hated characters i have ever read abotu. This book really brought me into this family and make me have hatred toward this mother too. I felt like i was one of her kids and i needed to get away from her as soon as possible just like her kids Matt, Callie, and Emmy. I really enjoyed this book and all in all it was a interesting and very easy story to relate to.
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