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CHECK THIS OUT. This dude named Andrew Dahl holds the world record for blowing up the most balloons… with his nose. Yeah. That’s true. Not sure how he found out that was some kinda special talent, and I can’t even imagine how much snot be in those balloons, but hey, it’s a thing and Andrew’s the best at it. There’s also this lady named Charlotte Lee who holds the record for owning the most rubber ducks. No lie. Here’s what’s weird about that: Why would you even want one rubber duck, let alone 5,631? I mean, come on. And me, well, I probably hold the world record for knowing about the most world records. That, and for eating the most sunflower seeds.
“Let me guess, sunflower seeds,” Mr. Charles practically shouts from behind the counter of what he calls his “country store,” even though we live in a city. Mr. Charles, who, by the way, looks just like James Brown if James Brown were white, has been ringing me up for sunflower seeds five days a week for about, let me think… since the fourth grade, which is when Ma took the hospital job. So for about three years now. He’s also hard of hearing, which when my mom used to say this, I always thought she was saying “harder hearing,” which made no sense at all to me. I don’t know why she just didn’t say “almost deaf.” Maybe because “hard of hearing” is more like hospital talk, which was probably rubbing off on her. But, yeah, Mr. Charles can barely hear a thing, which is why he’s always yelling at everybody and everybody’s always yelling at him. His store is a straight-up scream fest, not to mention the extra sound effects from the loud TV he keeps behind the counter—cowboy movies on repeat. Mr. Charles is also the guy who gave me this book, Guinness World Records, which is where I found out about Andrew Dahl and Charlotte Lee. He tells me I can set a record one day. A real record. Be one of the world’s greatest somethings. Maybe. But I know one thing, Mr. Charles has to hold the record for saying, Let me guess, sunflower seeds, because he says that every single time I come in, which means I probably also already hold the record for responding, loudly, the exact same way.
“Lemme guess, one dollar.” That’s my comeback. Said it a gazillion times. Then I slap a buck in the palm of his wrinkly hand, and he puts the bag of seeds in mine.
After that, I continue on my slow-motion journey, pausing again only when I get to the bus stop. But this bus stop ain’t just any bus stop. It’s the one that’s directly across the street from the gym. I just sit there with the other people waiting for the bus, except I’m never actually waiting for it. The bus gets you home fast, and I don’t want that. I just go there to look at the people working out. See, the gym across the street has this big window—like the whole wall is a window—and they have those machines that make you feel like you walking up steps and so everybody just be facing the bus stop, looking all crazy like they’re about to pass out. And trust me, there ain’t nothing funnier than that. So I check that out for a little while like it’s some kind of movie: The About to Pass Out Show, starring stair-stepper person one through ten. I know this all probably sounds kinda weird, maybe even creepy, but it’s something to do when you’re bored. Best part about sitting there is tearing into my sunflower seeds like they’re theater popcorn.
About the sunflower seeds. I used to just put a whole bunch of them in my mouth at the same time, suck all the salt off, then spit them all out machine-gun-style. I could’ve probably set a world record in that, too. But now, I’ve matured. Now I take my time, moving them around, positioning them for the perfect bite to pop open the shell, then carefully separating the seed from it with my tongue, then—and this is the hard part—keeping the little seed safe in the space between my teeth and tongue, I spit the shells out. And finally, after all that, I chew the seed up. I’m like a master at it, even though, honestly, sunflower seeds don’t taste like nothing. I’m not even sure they’re really worth all the hassle. But I like the process anyway.
My dad used to eat sunflower seeds too. That’s where I get it from. But he used to chew the whole thing up. The shells, the seeds, everything. Just devour them like some kind of beast. When I was really young, I used to ask him if a sunflower was going to grow inside of him since he ate the seeds so much. He was always watching some kind of game, like football or basketball, and he’d turn to me just for a second, just long enough to not miss a play, and say, “Sunflowers are all up in me, kid.” Then he’d shake up the seeds in his palm like dice, before throwing another bunch in his grill to chomp down on.
But let me tell you, my dad was lying. Wasn’t no sunflowers growing in him. Couldn’t have been. I don’t know a whole lot about sunflowers, but I know they’re pretty and girls like them, and I know the word sunflower is made up of two good words, and that man ain’t got two good words in him, or anything that any girl would like, because girls don’t like men who try to shoot them and their son. And that’s the kind of man he was.
It was three years ago when my dad lost it. When the liquor made him meaner than he’d ever been. Every other night he would become a different person, like he’d morph into someone crazy, but this one night my mother decided to finally fight back. This one night everything went worse. I had my head sandwiched between the mattress and my pillow, something I got used to doing whenever they were going at it, when my mom crashed into my bedroom.
“We gotta go,” she said, yanking the covers off the bed. And when I didn’t move fast enough, she yelled, “Come on!”
Next thing I knew, she was dragging me down the hallway, my feet tripping over themselves. And that’s when I looked back and saw him, my dad, staggering from the bedroom, his lips bloody, a pistol in his hand.
“Don’t make me do this, Terri!” he angry-begged, but me and my mom kept rolling. The sound of the gun cocking. The sound of the door unlocking. As soon as she swung the door open, my dad fired a shot. He was shooting at us! My dad! My dad was actually shooting… at… US! His wife and his boy! I didn’t look to see what he hit, mainly because I was scared it was gonna be me. Or Ma. The sound was big, and sharp enough to make me feel like my brain was gonna pop in my head, enough to make my heart hiccup. But the craziest thing was, I felt like the shot—loudest sound I ever heard—made my legs move even faster. I don’t know if that’s possible, but that’s definitely what it seemed like.
My mom and I kept running, down the staircase into the street, breaking into the darkness with death chasing behind us. We ran and ran and ran, until finally we came up on Mr. Charles’s store, which, luckily for us, stays open 24/7. Mr. Charles took one look at me and my mom, out of breath, crying, barefoot in our pajamas, and hid us in his storage room while he called the cops. We stayed there all night.
I haven’t seen my dad since. Ma said the cops said that when they got to the house, he was sitting outside on the steps, shirtless, with the pistol beside him, guzzling beer, eating sunflower seeds, waiting. Like he wanted to get caught. Like it was no big deal. They gave him ten years in prison, and to be honest, I don’t know if I’m happy about that or not. Sometimes, I wish he would’ve gotten forever in jail. Other times, I wish he was home on the couch, watching the game, shaking seeds in his hand. Either way, one thing is for sure: that was the night I learned how to run. So when I was done sitting at the bus stop in front of the gym, and came across all those kids on the track at the park, practicing, I had to go see what was going on, because running ain’t nothing I ever had to practice. It’s just something I knew how to do.
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4.9 out of 5
98.00% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry In Motion
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Castle Crenshaw — who goes by Ghost — has been running for most of his life. At least ever since his father's gun went off. It was pointed in the general direction of Ghost and his mother, and, like in all track races, the shot was a signal to start running. His father went to jail for it. They went back to a home that stopped feeling like home (they sleep in the living room, near the front door, just in case something else happens and they need to run again). And Ghost feels as if he never stopped. Only this restlessness he has felt inside has no real outlet, and it bubbles up, bursting outwards at times of stress and conflict. He lashes out, and gets in trouble for it often.⠀⠀And then one day, taking the usual long way back to his house, he stops to watch a group of kids his age during a track meet. He scoffs at the notion that people have to work at running, which comes so naturally to him. So he decides to show them up by beating their most promising and arrogant stars in an impromptu race. The coach is impressed and asks him to join, which Ghost, with some reluctance, eventually does.⠀⠀The feeling of running, Reynolds has said, is of your body going through trauma, as it fights against exhaustion and suffocation. Running is about feeling like you are about to die, and getting used to that sensation. And running is about breaking through, and overcoming that feeling.⠀⠀Castle Crenshaw — who goes by Ghost — has been running for most of his life. At least ever since his father's gun went off. It was pointed in the general direction of Ghost and his mother, and, like in all track races, the shot was a signal to start running. His father went to jail for it. They went back to a home that stopped feeling like home (they sleep in the living room, near the front door, just in case something else happens and they need to run again). And Ghost feels as if he never stopped. Only this restlessness he has felt inside has no real outlet, and it bubbles up, bursting outwards at times of stress and conflict. He lashes out, and gets in trouble for it often.⠀⠀And then one day, taking the usual long way back to his house, he stops to watch a group of kids his age during a track meet. He scoffs at the notion that people have to work at running, which comes so naturally to him. So he decides to show them up by beating their most promising and arrogant stars in an impromptu race. The coach is impressed and asks him to join, which Ghost, with some reluctance, eventually does.⠀⠀The feeling of running, Reynolds has said, is of your body going through trauma, as it fights against exhaustion and suffocation. Running is about feeling like you are about to die, and getting used to that sensation. And running is about breaking through, and overcoming that feeling.⠀⠀Running is also, in Reynolds' hands, an exceedingly useful metaphor — not only for the particular issues that Ghost faces, but for life in general. Because what is life if not just a series of races you have to break through in order to breathe again? For Ghost, running is initially a means of escape, useful only when he wants to put as much distance between his problems and himself. He doesn't find the act itself uncomfortable — his life is suffocating enough, after all, what is a little sprinting compared to the day to day? "Running ain't nothing I ever had to practice," he boasts at the beginning. "It's just something I knew how to do." It's only after he joins the team and it becomes an increasingly important aspect of his life that he properly begins to feel this suffocation, as he starts to come to terms with the heavy things he's been carrying inside — this scream, as he calls it — for most of his life.⠀⠀Ghost is about a lot of things, but it is mainly about dealing and living with trauma. There is a talk Jason Reynolds gave where he told the story about a childhood friend who, decades after the fact, recognized that he had been traumatized at a young age, and that he just went through life as if these feelings were normal, only to later realize that they were not supposed to be, and how surprised he was at this understanding. No one, you see, made him aware of the fact. It's a particularly cruel problem, and one we can only address by paying attention to the people around us. This is what Reynolds work does for his audience — his books are all about being seen. In this novel, seeing one another is what Ghost's teammates do, as they accept him as one of their own. It's what his mother does, who, despite demanding job, studies at night in order to give them a better future. It's what Mr. Charles, the elderly owner of the local store shop does every time Ghost pays his store a visit and they fall into an established, familiar — and familial — routine. And most importantly, it's what his track coach does, seeing in Ghost some of the same struggles he faced growing up. The kind of struggles that makes you want to disappear, like a ghost, and run away, instead of being present, the burning in your chest a reminder that you are still alive and able to run free. Ghost may not entirely realize the full extent of his trauma, but he is smart enough to know when the people around him care for and want the best for him, which in turn, of course, makes him want to be better for them. "You can't run away from who you are," the Coach tells him at one point, "but what you can do is run toward who you want to be."⠀⠀The novel ends with a different kind of shot that makes Ghost run. Only this time, instead of running away, you are certain and hopeful that he's running free, breaking through the struggle, towards a better future.⠀⠀Jason Reynolds has written yet another lyrical and poetic book chockfull of meaning, and which helps us see these kids in a better and more understanding light. I loved reading it.⠀Ghost is about a lot of things, but it is mainly about dealing and living with trauma. There is a talk Jason Reynolds gave where he told the story about a childhood friend who, decades after the fact, recognized that he had been traumatized at a young age, and that he just went through life as if these feelings were normal, only to later realize that they were not supposed to be, and how surprised he was at this understanding. No one, you see, made him aware of the fact. It's a particularly cruel problem, and one we can only address by paying attention to the people around us. This is what Reynolds work does for his audience — his books are all about being seen. In this novel, seeing one another is what Ghost's teammates do, as they accept him as one of their own. It's what his mother does, who, despite demanding job, studies at night in order to give them a better future. It's what Mr. Charles, the elderly owner of the local store shop (who, in a brilliant example of Reynold's humor, looks like a white James Brown) does every time Ghost pays his store a visit and they fall into an established, familiar — and familial — routine. And most importantly, it's what his track coach does, seeing in Ghost some of the same struggles he faced growing up. The kind of struggles that makes you want to disappear, like a ghost, and run away, instead of being present, the burning in your chest a reminder that you are still alive and able to run free. Ghost may not entirely realize the full extent of his trauma, but he is smart enough to know when the people around him care for and want the best for him, which in turn, of course, makes him want to be better for them. "You can't run away from who you are," the Coach tells him at one point, "but what you can do is run toward who you want to be."⠀⠀The novel ends with a different kind of shot that makes Ghost run. Only this time, instead of running away, you are certain and hopeful that he's running free, breaking through the struggle, towards a better future.⠀⠀Jason Reynolds has written yet another lyrical and poetic book chockfull of meaning, and which helps us see these kids in a better and more understanding light. I loved reading it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great track book
Great book absolutely loved by my mom and I. Definitely recommend reading this book and going on to the next one! P.s. Do read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You!
Excellent value for the money. Super fast delivery and top-notch product condition.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
I enjoyed reading this lots! The story is about a seventh grader named Castle ‘Ghost’ Cranshaw living with his mother in New York City and his attempt to stay out of the trouble that follows him by joining one of the best track teams in the city. While doing so, he realizes many things about his past and future all while learning valuable life lessons in unexpected places. Ghost is the narrator and one of the main characters in the book. Coming from a poorer neighborhood with no Dad and a cafeteria worker for a mother makes him a target for bullying. Yet he has potential to achieve success if he can control his emotions. He has gone through a lot, especially with his Dad, who is a key reason to why and how he runs. His playful voice makes it seem like he’s sitting right next to you as you read, full of emotion and genuine passion about the story, which is why the book is so easy to read and fall in love with. Another main character is Ghost’s track coach, someone who is wise beyond his years and can identify with Ghost, which is what makes their bond so strong throughout the book. He wants the best for everyone (even if it means making them push themselves) and is the type of person who would go to the ends of the earth for the people he cares about- especially the team. The last four main characters are Lu, Sunny, and Patina. They are all new to the track team- just like Ghost. They each have unique quirks and secrets that make their stories alluring to Ghost and the reader as well. Conflict in the story unfolds when Ghost can’t keep his promise to his coach and his mother to stay out of trouble while being on the track team. He cuts corners and lies to cover up the trouble and many things he gets involved in that he’s not proud of, more importantly the things he knows his mother and coach won’t be proud of. There is also an internal conflict as Ghost struggles to overcome his past and turn the anger and hurt he’s experienced into motivation to run fast- and not from his problems. The book is pretty unique, mainly because the characters are extremely unique. Each are so intriguing because the reader can relate to at least one of them, which makes the characters and the story more exciting, as you root for the characters in the story. Also, Ghost’s ‘voice’ or the author’s style of writing makes the story so easy to visualize, because as you read, it seems like you are casually conversing with Ghost about the entire story. The resolutions to the conflicts Ghost encounters also contributes to book’s uniqueness. I liked the fact that the book could appeal to so many people because it discusses how to deal with conflict, something we all face. But the characters, surprises within the plot, and overall uniqueness of the book made such a common issue an extraordinary story. There is one thing I disliked though, and that is the book’s abrupt ending. The entire moment the book seemed to build up to- Ghost’s first track meet- seemed to be cut short. Just as he begins to run, the book ends. This left me unsatisfied, as I would’ve liked to see how Ghost performed and how all of his work payed off in the end. I do enjoy an ending that thoroughly wraps all elements of the story up though, so maybe that’s just my preference. Also, there is a sequel so maybe the ending was setting up the sequel, but regardless, I was disappointed with the ending. I would classify this novel as realistic fiction because the setting, events, and characteristics of the characters Ghost comes in contact with are very real. This novel applies to youth, more specifically teens or pre-teens, as it tells the story involving a conflict everyone faces, yet in a way that appeals to youth and a way that youth can fall in love with the book’s characters and apply the themes that are demonstrated in the book. This book reminds me of the movie The Blindside, which follows the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. Both stories are similar in the sense that they follow a character who has to turn the hurt and anger they have experienced into motivation in order to succeed in a sport and in the end, life with the help of a mentor. Both have similar themes and messages and overall highlight important themes and lovable yet imperfect characters. In conclusion, I enjoyed reading the book and would rate it a solid four out of five stars.
5.0 out of 5 stars Running Toward Redemption
In Ghost, Jason Reynolds introduces readers to Castle Cranshaw, known as Ghost, who harbors dreams of becoming the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team. However, the scars of his traumatic past weigh heavily on him, holding him back from reaching his full potential. After a harrowing childhood experience in which he fled from his father with a loaded gun, Ghost has often run away from his problems rather than confronting them.As he joins a diverse group of talented runners—Lu, Patina, and Sunny—each from different backgrounds with their own struggles, Ghost finds himself in a competitive environment. Together, they have the chance to qualify for the Junior Olympics, but first, they must overcome personal obstacles and learn to work as a team. Their explosive personalities often clash, but as they push each other to improve, they also reveal the depth of their shared experiences and aspirations.With the guidance of Coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist who believes in Ghost's raw talent, he heads toward a critical juncture in his life. Ghost is a powerful story about harnessing one's potential, facing the past, and discovering the importance of support and friendship. Reynolds's electrifying prose and authentic character development make this an inspiring read for middle schoolers and anyone navigating their own challenges on the path to self-discovery and redemption.
macht Spaß, tolle Sprache
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A Must Read!
Ghost is an excellent book as it vividly highlights how your passion can overcome the hardships and struggles of poverty and bullying. It emphasizes on determination, perseverance, hard work, friendship and standing up for one another which are vital in your growing up years . Truly a must read !
A great insight into another side of life.
This book slaps you in the face and demands your attention right from the first few pages. It's a story of hope and finding the right path through life, especially when you haven't had the easiest start. Personally I loved it, and have now handed it to my 9 year to read for his opinion on whether it should be for Y6+ or if Y5 could read too. This book will challenge some, with an introduction to a violent father in the beginning of the book, but it is done in a sensitive and non sensational way, and very much in context to illustrate Ghost's challenges to be overcome in the story. You will leave the story uplifted, and all the richer for stepping into the shoes of another's life.
Great story for boys and girls.
This is a fabulous story of Ghost who has been through a lot and has somehow stumbled onto a track team. He finds he is not among peers on the surface - the others are well outfitted, well trained and seem better suited to a team. But, with time and patience, coach brings him along, helps him to work out a dispute with a retail store and shows Ghost that its his choices that can help him overcome his past. My class was cheering at the end!
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Ghost (1) (Track)
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