I could not put this book down. I wanted to know more and more.
Stargirl's extreme positive behavior gets her into trouble during a basketball game, where instead of being her own school's cheerleader, she rushes over to the opponent's big star who had just been injured.
It seemed as if everyone had had enough of Stargirl, and whoever had wanted anything to do with her. It was as if she was shunned.
Leo and Stargirl were together constantly, and loved each other in their own ways. I loved how Leo adored her uniqueness and natural free spirit...until he made her aware of the dislike people have for her. And then, he wanted her to become ordinary. Leo seemed torn throughout the book about his relationship with Stargirl, which is why I wasn't completely shocked that he made her aware of everyone's thoughts. However, I can't say that I wasn't a little disappointed that he wouldn't stick up for her more. He wanted the best of both worlds, to be with his friends and 'known', but to also be with Stargirl and connect to everything that they encountered in spending time together.
Stargirl and Leo go through a lot of ups, with a few downs (similar to her wagon in her room in which she puts a marble in for something making her happy, and taking out marbles when she is not feeling so). By the end of the story, I think that Stargirl truly became Stargirl again, and without Leo. While this is never something easy to go through, it must have been difficult for Leo as Stargirl disappears; family sold the house and she is never seen again. All anyone can remember is the final night at their school ball, when everyone seemed to forget why they feared or disliked her (except for the one snobby girl, Hilary). Memories of Stargirl leading them through the dances and having a blast, together, among many other unusual traditions introduced by Stargirl that now roam what was once their high school.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I think it is filled with character and realness. It can teach someone to slow down and enjoy life, and to make the most of how you feel.
Why should anyone stick to the norms of life, not go out of the boundaries and not have to explain why to anyone. Your life is your life, live it how you want it and enjoy it.
Why should anyone stick to the norms of life, not go out of the boundaries and not have to explain why to anyone. Your life is your life, live it how you want it and enjoy it.
I really want to read this! Reading your post, it reminded me of the movie Bridge to Teribithia..(I never read the book, only seen the movie). I don't know why but I picture Startgirl to be like the young girl in that movie: different, unique, a real person...and then she is just gone. If it teaches to slow down and enjoy life, and appreciate every moment, then I know it would be a book i would find value in!
ReplyDeleteYes! Check it out, I bet you'll really enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteJamie, you left us with such a perfect opening to your OWN personal response. When you say....
ReplyDelete"It can teach someone to slow down and enjoy life, and to make the most of how you feel.
Why should anyone stick to the norms of life, not go out of the boundaries and not have to explain why to anyone. Your life is your life, live it how you want it and enjoy it."
Tell us more. What did this book teach you? How has reading this book changed you and your view of yourself and your world? What commitment do you make to your life and how you want to live it that has been inspired and/or reconfirmed by what Stargirl did in the book?