― ms.Lee

I started to read a book for 30minutes everyday. The first book that I read for independent reading was book called ‘Holes', written by Louis Sachar. This book was generally short and easy for me to read, so I read quickly through 240 pages that were whole pages, because I liked the unique skill of Louis Sachar that evolves two summaries in same chapter. The story begins with the introduction of camp green lake, which allude that the main character Stanley is going to stay there. Many events happen to Stanley and Zero due to the fate. Stanley is just a regular kid until he finds responsibility for a crime that he hasn't commit. He learns about a curse that has been in his family for several generations. He goes to camp green lake in a worst situation, which is very cruel, dirty, and dry. He needs to do hard labor that is to dig holes everyday. He meets strict warden and friends in the camp. One day, Stanley and Zero run away from the camp and survive without water. Finally, they break the curse; find the treasures of Kate Barlow and friendship.

There were many characters in this book, which drove me crazy sometimes because I couldn't remember all names of the boys, but two impressive main characters were always in my mind when I was reading it. Stanley and Zero are the two characters that I liked most. Not only because they were main characters but also because they showed impressive friendship in this book. They were always being kind and caring for each other. For example, when he escaped from the camp and Stanley did the same to find Zero in the desert because he was worried if Zero was placed in serious situation. When Stanley found him, he shared some old pudding-peach called ‘Spoolish'. It was surprising that Zero shared the last one and gave that entire bottle to Stanley. Also, they shared some onions from the mountain but not fighting to get all of onions to survive. These show how close they are and helped them to survive in the desert. Their decisions opened the doors to break the curse too. Moreover, Zero dug Stanley's hole when Stanley was sent to the Warden for stealing Mr. Sir's sunflower seeds even he didn't do it. From that day, Stanley taught Zero how to read and Zero dug holes for Stanley. This shows how they are close and friendly. Furthermore, Stanley saved Zero and other boys in the camp. The camp was running without any government's permissions. The Warden claimed boys to do a hard labor. When the chief law enforcement officers came to the camp, Stanley's lawyer said that he was innocent and that he could go back to his home. Stanley had a chance to get away from there quickly, but he didn't leave without Zero. That shows their friendship is not over. I admire the strong friendship between Stanley and Zero. Hence I would like to have them as my friends.

I liked this book because the unique way of author's writing captured my mind as I mentioned in the first paragraph. Also, some unrealistic factors in the book like a curse, fate, and green lake camp made this story more interesting to read. After I read this book, I thought the message and the purpose of this book.

I don't think he wasted his time and energy even though he suffered from extremely hard work. He became mature and patient through experience in the camp. Also, he became a courageous person. He showed his bravery by stealing a water truck to get water for Zero. Before he comes to camp, he was very timid and he didn't try to fight against a boy bullying him who's even smaller than him. So this was a good experience for him to change his personality. I think the message of the story is that we can't get away from our destiny. If something goes wrong, you need to solve the problem rather than just trying to get away from it. This book also tells us about the importance of keeping a promise.