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  • I enjoyed reading this book, however, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. It was good enough to finish, but not good enough to rave about. I really like the message it sent of survival even after you have faced some huge challenges. Discussion Questions1. Where were you and what were you doin ... Continue

    I enjoyed reading this book, however, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. It was good enough to finish, but not good enough to rave about. I really like the message it sent of survival even after you have faced some huge challenges. Discussion Questions1. Where were you and what were you doing when the planes hit the World Trade Center?2. Do you know anyone whos directly impacted by the terrorist attacks?3. Why is the title The Usual Rules?Quotesp.255 "It's understandable that your brother would be having a rough time, Alan said. And you, too. Who's to say what normal behavior is in a situation like that? The usual rules don't apply."~Two things about this quote, first I think it gives meaning to the title and makes the reader think about what and why "the usual rules" exist. Secondly, throughout this book when someone is talking no quotation marks are used. Why would the author choose to do this way, hmmmm. I'm not really sure and think that might be another good discussion point.p.310 "How can it be, Wendy asked Alan, that you'll be reading this story that's so sad, it almost h urts to look at the words on the page? What happens to the character practically tears your stomach out--and then the book is over. And the first thing you want to do is find another book like that.Sometimes it's almost a good feeling, hurting that way, he said. That's what the blues is all about."~I think this quote says so much about reading in general, sad or happy.

    

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• ― SheReads said on Mar 5, 2007 | Add your feedback

Thirteen-year-old Wendy lives with her mother, stepfather, and younger brother in Brooklyn. Her world is transformed one day in September 2001-her mother goes to work that morning and doesn't come back. Through Wendy's eyes, readers follow her slow and terrible realization that her mother has died, and the family's struggle to move forward with their lives. Wendy's journey takes her to California with her real father where she forges friendships with his cactus-growing girlfriend, a teenage mom, and a sad bookstore owner with an autistic son, and begins to understand the deep love and connection she has with her brother. The Usual Rules is an unexpectedly hopeful story of healing and forgiveness that offers readers a picture of how-out of the rubble-a family rebuilds its life.

• September 11CaliforniaterrorismNew York CitydeathrelationshipsYALSA BBYA 2004realistic fictionfictionhistorical fiction
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