Ricochet River

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Summary: Escaping life in a small lumber town
Review: A friend loaned this book to me by simply stating, "I think you'll enjoy this." Little did he know, but Ricochet River was like a walk down memory lane for me. Although I didn't live in the town where this adventure takes place, I did spend time in and around it doing similar things as the characters in the book - fishing, rafting, movies and other small-town high school fun.Wade befriends Jessie the Indian from Celilo and Jessie teaches him new ways to look at the world. Lorna, Wades girlfriend is smarter than everyone as she can see that they are in a nowhere town destined to go nowhere. Together, they each find their own way out. Robin Cody acurately depicts the flora and fauna of small milltown life on the western slope of Oregon's Cascade mountains. Cody's depiction is so acurate that I wonder if we met somewhere along the Ricochet River. Highly entertaining!!!

Rating:
Summary: A very good read for teens and adults alike
Review: A spectacular read, this book takes place in the Northwest. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why I found Ricochet River to be so interesting. I was able to relate to the surroundings that the characters were in, so it was more personal. Ricochet River, a book by Robin Cody, occurs in a town called Calamus. Jesse, Wade, and Lorna are the main characters. Throughout the story, many adventures take place for these three characters and the town of Calamus. Through their adventures, the friendship between the three grows very strong. While I read the book, I could feel how loyal a friend Wade was to Jesse. He looked out for him and tried to warn him about certain things. Not only did Jesse's and Wade's friendship grow, Lorna and Wade also became closer. In their relationship, we could see the stages and hard trials that all relationships go through. This was yet another way for Robin Cody to bring a bond between the readers of Ricochet River and the characters. While reading Ricochet River, I was always in suspense about what Jesse might do. In one part of the book, he does something that moves him to a different school where Wade and Lorna go to visit him often. Once he is released, Wade and Lorna have a chance to learn a little about the Indian culture and way of life. They are also able to witness Jesse's way of life out of the reservation, which was more wild than theirs, but exciting. Sometimes, Jesse was too daring and willing to do high risk activities. In the end of the book, something very surprising happens. It is surprising because it happens so quickly and the readers do not expect it. When I read this part of the book, I felt sad, but at the same time, relieved for Link, Wade's grandfather, and Wade. I encourage all teens, who especially live in the Northwest, to read Ricochet River. This is because the main characters were all teenagers and what happens to them is very much like everyday life. I would definetly give this book a second read.

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Summary: Wow..this book is great!
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I was assigned to read this in my english class and I am extremely happy that I was. It was great. Not only did I enjoy reading it, I also enjoyed analyzing it. Determining the connection between the salmon trying to escape and not being able to, to Lorna and Wade also trying, to how only the people that live in Calamus can see the "upside down rain" was amazing. I really enjoyed it. I am really glad that Robin Cody wrote this novel. However, I was a little disappointed at the end. I was completely surprised at what happened. Craziness.