I'm wondering what the eventual point here is going to be. Will James be stronger if he doesn't fight back and resists peer pressure, or if he fights back against the bully? From the references to The Sea Wolf, I'm actually beginning to think the latter may be the case. I'm not sure, though, because so far the author's message seems mixed. I definitely don't hate the book enough to put it down- that ultimate disgrace is reserved for Jane Eyre (cue horrified shudder). But so far, the story is so-so. The conflicts are short, blunt, and quickly resolved. James is a pretty good narrator, and his friendship with Freddie could definitely create some interesting moments should the plot pick up. I sincerely hope that this isn't heading towards Louis walking in and tearfully confessing his crimes, thereby saving his much-loved little brother from this awful, undeserved fate, followed by a tragic makeup scene where they graciously forgive each other for past mistakes- can you say cheesy? But it hasn't happened up to now, so there's hope yet for James to figure himself out and quit hesitating over everything. I mean, come on! Quit painstakingly deliberating everything and 'bemoaning your sad and sorry fate' (Dealing With Dragons, pg. 63) and get on with things. Yes, it sucks, but you're in juvie now, so do something about it! Tell on your no-good, jerky brother, or something! The guy kind of deserves it, really. He's been stringing James along for years, and now he ran away, leaving his little brother to face the juvenile justice system because Louis conned him into delivering drugs after his partner got arrested.
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