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Day I Killed James (2008)

by Catherine Ryan Hyde(Favorite Author)

3.61 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1299259111 (ISBN13: 9781299259119)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

review 1: Summary of the storyThe book, The Day I Killed James, from the bestselling author of Pay it Forward, Catherine Ryan Hyde, is a romance fiction book, which is gaining popularity among young adult readers.The novel is about 18- years- old girl Teresa, who lives with his father since her mother left them when she was 11. She had to be grown –up with father deprived herself of a mother’s love. Even though his father was always near by her side, he could not be the one who can replace mother’s heart and fulfill it with warmth and care. She is a college student, and she has a few close friends; one of them is her boyfriend- Randy with whom her relationship has not gone smoothly recently. They were invited to a graduation party at their friend’s (Frieda) house, where she... more went with her neighbor –James, who is deeply in love with her, in order to make Randy jealous. Even if she did not accept James’s feelings; they just hang out together, and she did not mind breaking his heart ever. Who can realize that night would be a horrible day for Teresa? After James’s death, she could not know how long she has to live with this pain…. Since James had gone, she thought it would be easy, but it is hard forgiving herself. She was scared to have a new relationship with anyone in order to not hurt them. She tried to run away from this pain; she changed her name and moved to another city in order to start a new life, but she could not overcome. Whenever we think that life is over and there is no solution; God always gives us a chance and shows us the right way to outlive the moment. 11 –years-old girl whom Teresa met accidentally was a gift from God. Finally she understood that it was destiny… Favorite quote from the storyOne great quote from book is from page 198:Teresa said, “I thought…..”James’s mother said, “I know what you thought. You are a young girl, and young people think they are more powerful than they really are. You think you can make people do things. But when you get older you figure out that people only do what they had it in them to do anyway. You could have broken another boy’s heart, and it would have been a terrible thing to do, but he would not have killed himself. “ In this conversation, Teresa is talking to James’s mother. The person whom she was scared to talk was his mother because Teresa thinks that she hates her and will never forgive her son’s death. When she finally had the courage to tell that it was her faults that James dead; she explained Teresa the situation and helped to relieve her pain.I choose this quote because it shows how people can be wise despite all the grief they have experienced. In this situation, Teresa’s integrity and briefness toward his mother shows us that we do not have to blame ourselves and run away from the truth; instead we must talk each other and understand what the actual situation was. After James had gone, she isolated herself from real life even scared tell anyone. James’ mother’s wisdom helped her to get over with her pain; she let her understand that we can not people force to do something unless they had it in them to do anyway. She also gave her a sense of maternal love as she was desperate for it. Author’s message This remarkable novel teaches us how to be careful about other feelings. Wherever we go, whatever we do; we must be responsible not only for ourselves, but for those who surround us. The deprivation of maternal love and how Teresa overcame with all difficulties calls mothers not to be careless toward own kids, and give up when you cannot deal with problems; instead support them through their life. The understanding between James’s mother and Teresa, sharing their common pain shows us that when you think you are alone , and when you think anyone can help you; there are always people who will be by your side; you can see it through love which his mother shows toward Teresa. The main message that author wants to say to teenagers - to be careful with other’s heart; we do not have to break each other’s heart because we never know what will be its consequences. From my point of view, this message definitely gives people lessons, especially to adults. The story of Teresa helps us to think about our attitudes toward close people, and how to avoid misunderstanding when you are in a relationship with anyone. It is important to learn to think ahead before you will do anything wrong; even if you did, try to find solutions and fix your mistakes because you can escape from pain, but you can not break away from yourself. I highly recommend reading this book; you will learn many lessons which will be helpful in the future, and pleasure.
review 2: I was introduced to the writing of Catherine Ryan Hyde by one of my friends who took a writing workshop from her. I had no idea how much I would enjoy Hyde's unusual YA lit until I read "Becoming Chloe." Now with "The Day I Killed James" also making its mark with me, I am a devoted fan of this author.The story focuses on Theresa, a teen grappling with guilt and grief. She has been dumped by her boyfriend,Randy, and lets a neighbor boy take her to a party. Her motivation is to make Randy jealous.When James dies, Theresa cannot cope, feeling she is the root cause of his death. She tries many self-punishing techniques and nothing makes her feel better. Even a new identity in a new place doesn't really work except to make her the object of intense speculation and desire among the young men.Her meeting up with an abused child takes her on a new journey that unravels in very unexpected ways.Of all the memorable works and quotable lines I have read this year so far, this one stands out, "Do not be careless with someone else's heart." If we lived more with this in mind, our world would be a better place.The book highlights the local color of the beautiful California community of Cambria and the surrounding coastal communities. less

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