An Old Man, a Young Man and the Seaizzle

Friendship is for keeps, but at times it may be tested. In The Old Man and the Sea, the friendship between Santiago and Manolin grew as the story progressed. Overtime the friendship was rewarding, as Manolin believed in the old man, and the old man endured to successfully capture a marlin. Now the friendship between Santiago and Manolin becomes more complex, as it is put to the test in the sequel. These two friends must work together in their fishing business on a daily basis. Their friendship will undoubtedly be challenged in various ways, but it will also prove unbreakable and necessary.
To begin with, the two characters have a working relationship and are both feeling the demands of the business. In this sequel to The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago and Manolin begin a fishing business. They decide to fish together after the Old Man’s sole fishing for the marlin, “Now we must fish together” (125). Because they have found a rare type of fish that has the finest tasting meat on it, their business is exploding. This unique fish, named by Santiago as the seaizzle is in high demand by the wealthy living near the coast. Word has spread rapidly about this delicious fish and restaurants are now paying top dollar for it. Unfortunately, the hours spent fishing is increasing. Anxious to make the business successful, Santiago and Manolin must work together to keep the business running by catching fish. They are both devoted to the cause. Santiago has the experience, Manolin has the strength.
Unfortunately, in the sequel, a hurricane has damaged their fishing boat. This is a newer boat that is needed to catch the seaizzles. They must take time off from fishing to repair the boat, and this is stressful when they should be catching fish. They are getting impatient with one another. Santiago is becoming pessimistic about making the repairs. They start giving each other orders on how to fix the boat. A big argument occurs, and Manolin leaves the room where repairs are being done. Santiago is left pondering the incident. He realized how foolish the argument was and wishes the now complex friendship was as it used to be, peaceful and compassionate. He thinks the thoughts he spoke to Manolin from their earlier days: “I know you did not leave me because you doubted (me)” (10). In the meantime, Manolin returns feeling the same way. The two characters realize how naïve they were to think a business was more important than their friendship. They both decide to fish for the pleasure of catching an occasional seaizzle and to make just enough to have food and shelter. As in the first book, the friendship is more important than being overindulgent. “But it is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars” (75).
Lastly, the reader is left with hope in An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Seaizzle. Santiago is in poor health. His body has been weathered by all the hard years of work on the rough, eerie sea. “His hands had the deep creased scars from handling heavy fish on the cords” (10). Not feeling apathetic, Manolin realizes he must take the burden of the work. As Manolin goes out to fish one day, he finds it hard to be without Santiago. Yet, he knows he must do the hard labor now and continues to hope for Santiago’s good health to return. For isn’t this what a true friend would do? In the end, the hope pays off, Santiago’s health improves, and their survival continues.
In conclusion, the friendship between Santiago and Manolin is sincere but at times disjointed. Over time, the friendship is challenged and ultimately becomes stronger for the two characters. Through a business, a hurricane, and sickness, Santiago and Manolin recognize the bond they have as friends. This bond of friendship is at times tested, but a friendship that in the end grows stronger. In An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Seaizzle, Santiago and Manolin come to terms with their envious and outgoing desire to own a fishing business. This desire was only that, a curious thought that should have been left alone.

3rd quarter outside reading book review

Marley and Me by John Grogan. Harper, 2005. Genre: Non-fiction (memoir)

Marley and Me is a story based on the author, John Grogan’s life and the day to day adventures he has with his dog Marley. Marley is a yellow lab who lives with John and his wife Jenny and their three kids in Florida, and later Pennsylvania. Marley and John are inseparable and both take turns being the protagonist in this story. The conflict begins as Marley behaves mischievously. As he gets older, the conflict shifts to one of grief, as John and his family deal with the death of their dog, Marley.
“Marley’s tale is really the story of a family in the making, with all the happiness and hurts that go with it.”-South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The author writes this story using humor, but he also writes in a serious voice too. John Grogan talks about events that happened when Marley was making a movie. One story he tells is about a teenage actress in the movie who shrieks loudly during a seen as she sees Marley appear, she cries: “Oh my god, his thing is out.” (pg. 157). On the other hand, the author also shows serious events. At the end of the book when Marley is suffering, the owners, John and Jenny need to decide whether to put Marley to sleep or to put him through surgery.
The book Marley and Me reminds me of the book, Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver. In this book, a boy is adopted by a wolf cub when his dad is killed by a bear. This attachment between the boy and the wolf reminds me of the attachment between Marley and John.
“I was able to entertain our friends by yelling, incoming and watching him crash to the floor all four limbs splayed.”(pg. 95-6) This quote reminded me of my dogs. John Grogan’s writing reminds me of the times I have with my two dogs, Ginger and Chewbacca. He also makes me think of my old dog, Riley who passed away two years ago. It is amazing how attached to a dog you can get. They can drive you crazy sometimes, but as they lie next to you warming your feet, you can’t help to love them. This book Marley and Me definitely points out the bond between a man and his loyal dog!