Paul Volponi

I COULD FEEL THE GUN PULSING IN MY HAND. I was very engaged with this story the whole time because of the suspense. I don't normally like to read books but this book was good and I would read it when I was done with my work. While I was reading I liked the setting and how it takes place at a normal high school.

One thing I like about this book is that you see Black (Marcus) and White (Eddie) perspectives and feelings. Like how Black has given up trying to fight the case but White is mad at him because he feels it's like giving up.

I think this book is about consequences because during the conflict Black and White are robbing a guy and then the gun goes off, almost killing the guy they were robbing. Then for the rest of the story, they are both trying to hide from the cops and not go to jail. However, when they got caught Black couldn’t play basketball then he could not attend college and his future of playing basketball in the NBA is ruined because of his actions.

I recommend this novel,” Black And White”, because of the characterization and how they show both Black and White viewpoints during high school and the conflict like how White heart was pounding trying to hide the gun and that Black was in court trying to fight the case.. But if you're not paying attention you could forget whose viewpoint you're on. Also, this novel shows Black and White's feelings like how Black was a little mad at White because he was going to jail but White wasn't. So if you like to see multiple perspectives and feelings this book might be for you.… (more)

free audiosync title 2023 - fiction inspired by true events, written by a journalist/educator (2h21m). Teen football player has just moved to New Orleans to live with his jazz musician dad when Hurricane Katrina hits; they make it to the Superdome safely but not having access to a bathroom with working plumbing quickly becomes the least of their worries.

Very effective writing that more completely describes what people lived through (and didn't live through) during the 2005 Katrina crisis.… (more)

FROM SYNC 2023:God slaps the New Orleans Superdome like a drum as he sings a hurricane song called Katrina in this riveting young adult novel. Between the authenticity of the writing and narrator Jacob Norman’s laid-back, youthful delivery, listeners will be convinced they're eavesdropping on the characters in this novel. Miles, a high school sophomore, and his pop and uncle are forced to ride out the disastrous 2005 storm in the city's shelter of last resort. The violence, the filth, and the shortages of food, water, and medical care all unfold in a way that will convince listeners that Volponi was really there. Couple the writing with Norman's authentic-sounding teen voice, and everything about this gripping descent into hurricane hell feels real. Norman sings verses from "When the Saints Go Marching In" between chapters. Luckily, his narrator's voice rings with an authenticity and passion that his singing voice lacks. M.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]… (more)

CW: Death of parent in car accident off page, death of sister in drive by shooting.

I am surprised how engaging this book was. However, I played basketball (not particularly well) throughout school, university and during my working life, right up until about 3 years ago when a peppy, over enthusiastic player crushed me and broke my leg. Thanks number 32. I am also not bitter about being asked to drag myself off the court so the game could continue. Anyhoo, residual issues aside, I understand the game. I would say about half of the book is literally a play by play of the semi-final game so I imagine this would be difficult to read if you didn't have an understanding of basketball or at least an interest in it. That being said it is so much more than a book about basketball. It looks at the potential exploitation of players, how players see the game in different ways in terms of how it can improve their lives, dealing with grief, and what it means to be part of a team. A thought provoking look at young people managing life in the world of high level sport.… (more)