La Cruz y el Punal Book

I decided to read this book, because of the controversial religion in this book. Previously going to a religious school, i found this book would be a good read to experience a main male character, going through adventures other men i have read about have not. As i have not read a lot of this genre, i felt it would be good to expand my knowledge. Learning about other problems in this world, beside the ones occurring in my part of the world is important in exploring what the world has to offer.

On the bingo board, this book fits into the category of a main male character. David Wilkerson, a pastor for his small town's church, embarks on a wild chase into New York to spread the word of his religion to the less fortunate. The situations, many life and death, leave him battered and bruised, and we watch as he fights to bring justice and faith into a community in ruins. This makes him a strong male character, as many wish to have the will power to not give up.

My favorite quote from this book is 'Yeah, you could do that. You could cut me up into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you.' This line moved me a great amount because it bluntly shows the unconditional love this man has. He has no hatred or energy to be horrid. Even though Nikki, the boy David is speaking to in the book, has done things David's religion despises, this quote brings us back to the reality of how much David cares. All he wants is to prove to Nikki that someone is willing to die for him, and still love him unconditionally. I think this is something that all humans in this world yearn for. The sense of belonging to someone, and having them utterly love them. To understand what David is trying to say, we must read between the lines and understand the deeper meaning behind it. This is why it is my favourite quote from this book.

I learnt from this book, that no matter where you live, or what you do, someone will always love you. You might not even realize it when you should, but in this world, the most unexpected people can be the ones you rely on the most. This made me open my eyes in my life, and look at my relationships from another perspective. When girl you walk past everyday silently smiles has effects your day, by making me smile back. She does't know you, but she is sharing something that people lack, but is what they need most. Love and happiness, even through a smile this can be seen. I learnt from this book, that love comes in different forms, and even when you think you are alone, there is always that one person willing to go the extra mile for you.

A setting that i found interesting was the city of New York. When we see it presented, it looks bright and exhilarating, a big, extravagant, perfect city. All my life, reading books and watching movies it has been a place i desperately wanted to visit because i thought of it as an utterly clean, healthy city. But reading this book, shattered my dreams of this pumping city. The prostitutes, gang streets, murders and the types of societies that cover the basis of most of the city shocked me. As much as i did not enjoy finding this out, it was fascinating to see how much of this cities flaws had been hidden from tourists. I learnt that nothing is quite what it seems, especially to a inexperienced child. That is why i found the city of New York an interesting setting.