Bria Jourdain                                                                                                   1/5/14

Synthesis Page                                                                                                812

Title: Random                                                                                      Author: Tom Leveen

Synopsis: The book Random is a story about a teen that discovers what her actions truly meant. Victoria Hershberger (Tori) battles facing the truth of the cyber bullying that took place in her life. She is faced with the question “Am I responsible?”

Question: What really hard things are happening in the text? Are these things happening in the real world? Where?

Tori and others were blamed for the death of Kevin Cooper, who, committed suicide after he read comments that was posted by them. Tori got a call from a stranger (Andy) stating that he is going to kill himself.

On page 158 it stated, “Whatever happens, Tori… I really do thank you. No kidding. Okay? Thank you.”

Note: Suicide is not only hurting the people who go down that path but most importantly the people involved. It’s where people go when they think there is no more hope in the world and others are sucked into that. (Page 158)

Overall: This conflict of course plays a big part in the text. It’s becoming the center of Tori’s problems. She faced the responsibility that helped others when possible. This is also happening in our society for example when helping others in time of need. This book also deals with cyber bullying.

Quote: “I told you, people are talking all kinds of stuff about me! But I’m still here.” (Page 146)

Note: The one friend that Kevin thought he had wasn’t there. Kevin and Tori are two different people. Tori can handle the hate. Yet, Kevin processed the fact that no one was on his side. Tori still has people in her life. Even though they are different people, they deserve the same respect. (Page 146)

Overall: Again bullying is coming up as a conflict. However, people have many different views. Tori is saying that Kevin death isn’t her problem though, she is sorry for what happened. Tori believed that Kevin should have had tougher skin like her. But people aren’t the same and they handle problems differently.

Quote: “My God, if ever there was a person who gave Cooper a bunch a crap, it was Coach Scordo… Any boy who couldn’t run a lap got ostracized;”(Page 11)

Note: Respect seems to be forgotten. It’s something that people don’t understand and don’t give really any attention too. How could this be simply taught when it’s not put into people’s daily lives? (Page 11)

Overall: There’s a lack of respect that I find in Tori’s actions towards Kevin. This seems to be the root of the problem and why this are unbalance between others. If Tori actually thought that her words had power towards Kevin like the things that she read about herself, she would think differently.

Quote: “Could you, um hold on for just a sec?... Or maybe a minute or two?” (Page 57)

Note: Tori is doing anything in her power to save Andy. And Andy tried everything in his power to save himself. They had a connection where at their lowest point they are ready for the greatest change. (Page 57)

Overall: People have responsibilities to help each other because at their lowest points they geared to do anything. By having the right guidance it won’t be pointless. This happens in our society when people have each other.

Conclusion: Tori is learning about respect and leadership through her mistakes. Andy is her new quest to understand what she did in the past. I have learned that society isn’t going to the source of the problem. In addition, others don’t fully understand how actions can affect many variables. Tori, as much as she is in denial, she knows the truth about Kevin Cooper.