My Opinions on This Novel

             I thought this book was pretty good, I liked how it was written in a diary form. I enjoyed reading about Mary Lou’s summer, the fact that it was written as a journal just made me feel that much closer to her. It made it more personal for Mary Lou and easier for me to put myself in her situations.

            One thing I didn’t like about the novel was the way Mary Lou wrote, sometimes she would say Alex Cheveeey and it got annoying. It also got annoying when she would say “Sigh...” after some of her sentences. When she would write about Alex it seemed like she had never been around any guys before, she’d get worried about the littlest things.

           A part that I found funny was when Mary Lou was at Aunt Radene’s and everyone was picking on her. I know it may sound mean, but the way she reacted was quite funny.

         I felt sorry for Mary Lou when Mr. Furtz died. Mary Lou really liked him and she thought he was a great neighbor. I also felt sorry for her when Carl Ray ended up in hospital at the end because Mary Lou just started to like him.

Alex Cheevey

            Today I went to the pool in Easton, the reason I went was to see Mary Lou Finney. She doesn’t know that though, I told her that I was visiting some family friends over there. I don’t know what I was thinking, I just quickly made up an excuse on the spot. I don’t think she likes me though. She had to leave soon after I got there, she said it was because her brothers wanted to leave. I’m not too sure I believe that, I think Mary Lou was just trying to avoid me. Maybe it was because I used to be mean to her. Looking back on it, I was a jerk. I might go back to the pool tomorrow and see if Mary Lou wants to hang out. I’ll write later!

Mrs. Furtz

             The past few weeks have been really hard. My husband Charlie just passed away, I don’t know how I’m going to cope. He was everything to me, I wonder who’s going to kill all the spiders and do all the stuff he used to do. I really miss him. The funeral was so hard! I couldn’t stand seeing the one I love laying in that coffin all alone. Ever since he passed away everything has been so busy, my house has been filled with family and friends. It’s crazy! I’m not sure my children actually know what’s been going on. I think they’re still a little too young to realize. Life is so different without Charlie. I feel so alone, and empty. I need to act brave for my children but I don’t know how much longer I can pretend. I’m so used to seeing his big, bright smile every day, it’s so…… different. I miss him so much, I just wish I could see him again. I better go and get a good sleep, there will probably be more relatives or friends here in the morning.

Carl Ray

           Well, I don't know where to start. This place is so weird. Maybe I made the wrong decision coming out to Easton to live with my aunt and uncle. It's awkward, they expect me to know exactly what I want. What they don't know is that I really came out here to find my real father. They keep asking questions that I don't know how to answer, I don't know why they can't just let me be. I found my real dad, Charlie Furtz, and I started working at his hardware store. Just when I thought everything was going great, my real dad (I'll just call him Charlie from now on) had to go to hospital. He ended up passing away. I think it was way too soon, I didn't really get to know him that well. My mom never really told me much about him. I wish my mom or at least someone could’ve told me about him sooner, then I could've known him longer. From what I've heard and what I've seen Charlie was a great guy, Mary Lou and everyone else seemed to like him. Every time I saw him he had a smile on his face. Well it's supper time. Catch up later!

Beth Ann

          Wow! This past week has been so eventful. It went from Mary Lou and I being best friends to her totally hating me. On the brightside, her totally cute cousin is living with her. He's from West Virginia, unlike most guys from there, he's quite good looking. Anyways, back to Mary Lou, I'm not sure if she completely hates me but it seems like it. It all started when I met Derek. I think she was jealous, but she totally denies it! She is the worst liar ever! Guess who I caught her with?! Alex Cheevey! They were holding hands too. Out of all people it had to be Alex, well at least it's not Derek. I thought Mary Lou hated Alex. Guess not. This world is definitely a weird place sometimes. I sure hope this summer turns around and is good. Ugh, mom said Mary Lou just called me back, I'll update later!