What is the What #1

Quote #1: Now he searches for a solution. He begins to open drawers. I hear the rattle of silverware and worry that he might do something drastic. He opens five, six drawers and cabinets. Finally he emerges from the kitchen with a phone book and holds it over my head. "Young man! What are you doing?" He drops the book. It is the first time in my life that I have seen something coming toward me and have been unable to properly react. I try to turn my head but still the book lands squarely on my face. ~Pg.50, 5th paragraph.

This quote relates to the question "What challenge do the characters face upon their arrival?" This relates to the quote because Valentino is being robbed and the robbers left him in his apartment tied up and mouth taped over. This is a challenge because all the objects he owns are now gone and is now hit in the head with a phone book.

I can connect to this because I also saw something coming toward me and have been able to properly react. I was just playing outside and playing catch. He threw the ball up really high and came straight to me. I knew I should have moved but I just kept staring at it, watching it get bigger, until it impacted on the side of my face.

Have you ever seen something come straight to you and was unable to properly react?

Quote #2
As I lie here, I realize that the tape over my mouth is loosening. The saliva from my mouth and the persipitation on my face has softened the tape's grip. ~Pg. 47, 1st paragraph

This quote relates to this question "What challenges do the characters face upon their arrival?" I think that this quote relates because Valentino has been robbed and now he is tied up in his own apartment. Valentino was being watched by a little boy who just watches TV. The tape is about to loosen and now Valentino can ask for help from the little boy or scream for help for anyone to help him. In the story, whether its the present or a story that Valentino is sharing when he was still in Africa, Valentino has faced many challenges. Getting robbed, tied up, and even chased my lions.

I can connect to this because Valentino is tied up as if he is in a tough spot. He has to make smart decisions fast. I connect to this because I could be playing tag and I would get cornered by five other people. I would have to make smart decisions fast so I can get away.

Have you ever been in a situation where it seems like its impossible to get out?