Blog Post #5

       In this ISU blog post, I wanted to summarize the novel, The Monkeyface Chronicles. The book is separated into three parts: his eighth grade introduction, his problems in grade 12 and then his recovery from a major motorcycle accident.
     In the first part, the novel introduces the main characters, which include the protagonist Philip, his twin brother Michael, his parents and the students at school. It also introduces the setting, which takes place in Faireville, Ontario in 2012. Moreover, it shows the everyday hardships that Philip goes through at school and how people behave with him.
     In the second part, the novel resumes 5 years later and Philip has a girlfriend, named Adeline, he has a group of friends and he plays hockey at school regularly. Sadly, Philips senior year turns horrible after his brother gets seriously hit during hockey. Michael faces many injuries including a broken neck, broken vertebrate, broken hip and a severe concussion, leaving him near dead in the hospital. During all of this, Philips home gets destroyed and he finds out that who he thought was his grandfather was, was really his father. After all of this happens, Philip tries to run away but gets into a terrible motorcycle accident which leaves most of his body shattered.
      In the final part of the novel, Philip spends two years recovering at The Hospital for Sick Children. After months of surgeries, treatments and therapy, he is released as a new person. He returns home to Faireville and finds out that his brother is on a wheelchair and he has no control over his body. Ten years later, he gets married, has children and lives a happy, beautiful life.
     This book was one of the best books I have ever read because I can make many connections to the novel. It is an amazing book that shows the ups and downs of a boy's life with many plot twists that will leave the reader wanting to read more. It is easy to connect with and it is very detailed, which allows the reader to be in Philip's shoes. It shows what life can throw at you and that you should always keep fighting. Lastly, the novel taught me that one should never give up, even at the worst moments of your life because life does get better.