Now is the Time for Running

Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams

Just down the road from their families, Deo and his friends play soccer in the dusty fields of Zimbabwe, cheered on by Deo's older brother, Innocent. It is a day like any other . . . until the soldiers arrive and Deo and Innocent are forced to run for their lives, fleeing the wreckage of their village for the distant promise of safe haven. Along the way, they face the prejudice and poverty that await refugees everywhere, and must rely on the kindness of people they meet to make it through. But when tragedy strikes, Deo's love of soccer is all he has left. Can he use that gift to find hope once more?

                                 This book was pretty interesting in my opinion. A great book to read if you like sports (especially soccer). Even if you don't you still might like it because it is very eventful and well written. I got very connected to the characters as they fought to stay alive and free. Very fast-paced novel that will keep you reading. 

Rating: 7 out of 10

Beanball

Beanball by Gene Fehler

It's the last inning of a high school baseball game between arch-rivals Oak Grove and Compton. Center fielder Luke "Wizard" Wallace steps up to the plate--and is hit by a beanball, a wild pitch that shatters his skull, destroys the vision in his left eye, and changes his life forever.
In this riveting novel, the events surrounding this pivotal moment are recounted through free-verse monologues by 28 different voices, including those of Luke and his Oak Grove teammates; the pitcher, Kyle Dawkins, and other Compton players; the two coaches; Luke's family members and teachers; and Sarah Edgerton, a new classmate who seems more affected by Luke's injury than his girlfriend is.
With its unusual format, gripping subject matter, and economy of language, Beanball is a thought-provoking, fast-paced read.

                     I loved how this book was written through poems and paragraphs. I also loved how it told the story through so many different peoples perspectives. I really enjoyed this unique book and even though it's mainly about baseball, I think everyone could enjoy it. It made me think about how I would be if something tragic happened to me and made me thankful for the life I do have. Good book for all to read. Defiantly worth the time. 

Rating: 8 out of 10