Roofless

Paul Volponi

pg. 1-199

This week I read the entire book of Roofless. It is a Gateway Award Nominee book, and was excellent! Clay and Addison Reynolds are cousins that grew up together in the housing projects, and were later ripped apart by a family argument. When they become reunited in a drug-treatment program called Daytop run by Andre and Miss Della., they attempt to work out issues and rise above their problems which include the selling of weed and the influence of many other drugs. But it all changes as soon as Addison chases down a friend named Clorox who rightfully owes him money that he hoped to use by paying off his supplier. Addison is shot by the police after believing to be up to trouble. The rash of events that follow are very throught-provoking over topics including racism to the blacks and ethinicities but mainly the truth of what actually happened on the rooftop of Clorox’s building that night.

I noticed that the author did not hold back at all when writing this story, because it was somewhat of an innapropriate story. I wonder as well what caused Paul Volponi to write such a strong story. The way that Clay overcame his addiction and other problems in the end really proved to tie the stoy together. What’s important to remember is probably that once Clay became a more responsible person, he tried to help Addison’s brother Darell overcome the use and buisness of drugs himself, and he accomplished that also. I think the reason why they included Addison getting shot is not only because it makes the story emotional and a climax for the story, but because it makes Clay realize that he doesnt need the result of drug abuse and weed when life is going bad, no, he overcame that and dealt with his problems through family and Daytop as well. He finds other solutions to his problem and i want to remember that for days to come. I hope a lot of people will as well. My favorite part was when Clay and one of the police officers Henry, was on the roof discussing Addisons death. There were candles surrounding them where loved ones left them to burn on the rooftop. What makes this my favorite part is that Henry is the reason, the reason why Clay overcame his addiction because he finally saw more to life. And in the end of this story you will notice and find the same result.