In the book Summer Boys by Hailey Abbott, 3 girls named Jamie, Ella, and Beth go through major relationship problems over the summer. Ella and Beth are both Jamie's cousins, but on different sides. Every summer they come together and hangout. They face a lot during that summer, and they conclude that they can only trust each other, and help them with whatever problems they have. They support each other with whatever choices they have to make, and support their emotions. They learn to accept what comes at them and they learn how to deal with it.
One time where they deal with a hard decision is on page 71 when Ella comforts Jamie. Ella helps Jamie get over a big decision that affected her badly. Jamie is unsure whether her reaction to this bad situation is acceptable or not, and feels guilty. Ella helps her by distracting her. She brings some stuff to do, movies, makeup, and plays games with her. Ella also tried to show her all the good outcomes of her choice. She shows her what was wrong about before, and how it's better now. She even says right out, "did you ever notice how nasty his feet are? I did."
Another excerpt in the story where they help make decisions is with Beth and her best friend George. Near the beginning of summer Beth realizes that she is in love with her best friend. This seemingly romantic situation becomes awkward when George asks Beth if she could find out if this girl Cara likes him. To Beth, Cara obviously likes him, but that's just girls' perception. And the fact that Cara asked Beth if she thought George was good looking, and if he was single. Beth felt really uncomfortable talking about this, but still gave her honest opinion. She thought of George first, and told him that she would try. Beth had very mixed feelings, but she still had George first in her mind. This decision is different than Jamie's, but both were downsides to other's decisions.
I believe that friendship is important, and there are a lot of hard decisions in a good friendship. I have a friend named Jamie, ironically, and I help her whenever she feels like she is making a bad choice. I talk to her, and comfort her. I also try and distract her, and so far my help has worked and been welcome. We feel comfortable in telling each other stuff, and trust each other. Beth had given her trust in George by not giving him a full answer. She had said, "sure, I'll see what I can pry out of her." Beth is showing her trust in George to make the right decision himself.
Ellie- I really like this post. Even though I haven't read the book, I feel like I can really get a sense of the friendship theme that surrounds it.
ReplyDeleteyour post didn't really spoil anything at all. It made me want to read the book. I liked that you found examples from the story without actually finding a quote because sometimes that can be hard. Great job!
ReplyDeleteFriendship is important!
ReplyDeleteWithout it, you really don't have anyone. Sometimes when people are really independent, they feel like they have to do everything on their own. But that's what friends are for, helping each other out when they need it. I know Jamie as well, and I do envy your friendship. You two have a strong bond that is hard to find in just any person. I feel that Beth is in a tough situation, because if I were her, I would feel as though George wasn't there for me. Having a friend so close is important though, because it makes you feel secure. Like you're not alone.