Roan Cassidy

808      3/27/16

Growing up without a dad can be extremely hard, you can become someone who makes excuses for their mistakes based on their life at home. In the book “The Living” by Matt De La Pena the main character Shy grows up without a dad and his family is family is slowly going into poverty but yet he still has priorities straight. For example his family, friends and school. Through thick and thin shy still seems to keep his priorities straight.

During the time he is on his voyage he gets a call from his his mother telling him that his nephew is diagnosed with Romero disease, the same disease his grandmother died from. Instantly shy decided to offer every single dime he has to buy him the medicine to make sure he doesn't die a gruesome death . Another example of shys decision making is on the island after they were out at sea when he makes sure everyone is safe when the island is burning instead of just looking out for himself.

Both example show that shy is not only looking out for himself but for others around him and his family. It is definitely not easy to give up all you have for another person but shy is one to do that without hesitation. Also risking your life not to mention is extremely courageous. I think the author wanted to show that doing good things for others is very important.