I really thought this book was great. I was really close to what genuine life is for teens and pushing themselves to be the best. This book shows the realism of actual obstacles that kids face. This book is about best friends on their senior year of school at Frost High School. All four boys sign up to do their swim teacher's Stotan Week. This was a test to challenge their physical and psychological strength. All the boys made it though and this only made them want to work harder. It shows the struggles of life and the fight for the boys to go to state swim meet.
The characters I like are Walker and Max. Walker is what in my mind keeps the group together. He is the nice and the one that resolves all the problems. For example, he helps solve the problems that take place during Stotan Week. He also helps all of them with their problems, like Nortie's problem with his father. Nortie's father beats him every time something goes wrong. The other character I like is Max. He is the swim coach. Although he seems tough and distant in the beginning, he becomes close to the kids and helps them with their problems. For instance, the problems that Walker was having between Elaine and Devnee.
I was concerned for Nortie, when his father beats him up really bad. I thought Nortie was very lucky to have a friend like Walker. Walker takes him into his house. I was also fearful for Jeff when he almost drowns. I was also frightened when I found out that Jeff had a life threatening illness. .
I thought the character Walker reminded me a lot of Rae Schwebach. Walker is very sincere when he found out Jeff had an illness. He is also helpful to take in Nortie after his father has beaten him badly. I feel Rae is like him too because she is always willing to help someone with his or her problems.
I think the theme of this book is that if someone has hope and works hard for something they will succeed: like Walker pushing himself to be the best in the 500 freestyle and making it to state placing first.
