So, this is going to be an in progress blog as I read. This books brings to mind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the whole 'golden ticket' vibe going on. The added element of survival to the contest then inspires ideas about the Cody Banks (movie) series where a contest to be a kid spy ends up being real. The Contest element is not nearly as fascinating to me at the moment as the identity of the body left at the top of the mountain and this might just be able to get me through the book.
Training is never a piece of cake, it is supposed to be hard to prepare us for the worst. A common message that these kids are having to experience first hand. A powerful lesson for teens that the work they are doing now has purpose and meaning in the long run as well as the fact that they shouldn't just look for the easy way out. Team building and working together is slowly being developed, an important life skill. I'd say that attitude is being explored as well, for it impacts the people around the individual positively or negatively. Which then in turns affects the individual, plus their own attitude can change their perception of events. Intention goes along the same train of though. The intention behind ones words, intention towards others, and what one intends to get out of the experience. Motivation is key when combined with perseverance, but intention can go along way. For instance, Tilt has ill intentions towards others in his attitude and behavior, but he is motivated by his dream of an Ivy League education payed by the publicity of being the youngest climber to reach the summit of Everest. He has this attitude though because of financial strains, which is why he got so upset with Perry who has state of the art gear. One really has to know a person to understand why they do things and why they behavior in certain ways. Which is whey Tilt's 'betrayal' at the end is not as shocking as it could be. But Dominic really proves his worth. He shows his true character and his determination to do what is necessary and right. I really enjoy Dominic as a character.
I am actually a little disappointed that I have finished the book and don't get to find out my answer of the identity of the body left up on Everest. I am partially inclined to hope that it is Tilt though I do emphasize with his trial to find the funds for education. I'd have to say that this series does have a gripping appeal, even to the nonsports people out there. The sports aspect might be what is needed to draw in a reluctant readers along with the ease of the reading (text itself and including its length).
On a bit of a side note, I'd like to mention a great action adventure series for teens. The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. This is an incredible series of a 'boy spy' who faces insurmountable odds with a method and style that engages any reader. My brother and myself can both attest to this series (I think my sister would too!). http://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/alexrider/
Another good series in a more 'robin hood-esque atmosphere' would be the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan. Again a young boy faces and beats the odds, sometimes with the assistance, but always with ingenuity. http://www.rangersapprentice.com/ -cool interactive features and music
Reading about the extreme (sports, situation such as spying, etc) fascinates all, especially young adult readers. Perhaps because at this point, they still believe that they can succeed in the extreme. It is just fun at times too - like a good action adventure movie.
**I do love how it was such a short book, yet I've managed to write such a long blog.
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