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Aha, look at me! Insanely behind again! Sorry…

Chapters 8-14

Pretty sure this is my favorite part of the book. Most of the cool stuff starts here. We’ve already got the ball rolling and it’s got me real happy for where it’s going! Also don’t know where I put the book.

The project! I’d ask why he bought that so easily, but honestly, it makes sense. I like how it’s a bit detailed and keeping the entire chapter at the beginning of the second quarter was really smart. I like how, I suppose, the “plot” is introduced. Pretty artful! Now Teagan. Goodness, childhood crushes. I feel like the feeling was captured very well. I like his denial at first. Does he even know? And the idea of the map, goodness, that’s so cute! I was so excited to meet Teagan but then, bam. Actually meeting her was disgusting. I’ve seen this change happen in so many people. I forget the way Dex described her eyelashes, but it was HILARIOUS! But yes, I hate when girls go from actual individuals to this… contrived presence… around the same age. Twelve, thirteen. Fourteen. It’s so messed up!

I was so excited to see Ronny had a chapter! I feel like it was so necessary. It was nice to be able to see into his head and see how he thinks. I didn’t think it’d fit in so well to the story, but it was perfectly necessary. I love Ronny’s dynamic, almost as much as I love Jackson’s. I don’t know if Ronny even reminds me of any recent characters. He’s just so distinct, in my opinion. I do like seeing how he gradually warms up to Dex, and how nice Dex is to him. And goodness! I thought he was harsh on Ms. Napier, but NO! I hate her! Well, not hate, but she’s so annoying and UGH! I share his opinion on her…

And Gianna again. She’s an excellent “narrator” character, or to watch the story happen if that makes any sense. I totally understand being the underdog in a group and no matter how hard you work, they still treat you like that! Well, a little bit. I’m usually the upperclassman terrorizing the underclassmen… and it’s so fun. It’s like the real world. I like how reality is mimicked between them at/in the Eyeball. This is the part where I started to really like Traci!

Personally, Dex is cool for growing up at the Pines, but I feel like his personality stayed almost the same as he grew up. Which is all fine and dandy, I liked it!