CHAPTER SUMMARY AND NOTES

CHAPTER 9

Summary

Reuven and his father go to the scheduled appointment with Dr. Syndman. After examining his eye, the doctor gives the boy a clean bill of health. Reuven is delighted to learn he can resume a fully normal life -- reading, writing, and playing without any problems.

After the examination, Reuven goes to look for Billy, the boy from his hospital room.

When he finds Billy's father in the room, he asks about Billy's eyes. The father sadly replies that his surgery has been unsuccessful. Reuven is upset with the news. He suddenly hears Mr. Savo's voice saying, "Crazy world. Cockeyed."

Notes

This is a short chapter; its main purpose is to give the status of Reuven's eye, which has returned to normal. He is pleased that he will now be able to resume all of his studies, including reading and writing. The sensitive side of Reuven is also revealed. After his examination, he goes to check on Billy, the blind boy from the hospital bed next to his. He is upset to learn that Billy's operation has not been a success. It seems "cockeyed" to him that Billy will remain blind throughout life.

CHAPTER 10

Summary

School is dismissed for the summer, and Danny and Reuven spend much time together. They meet regularly and sometimes study with Reb Saunders, who now willingly and graciously accepts Reuven into Danny's life. The boys also follow the news of the war and spend time in the library reading and studying. In particular, Danny continues his study of German, which he still finds frustrating and laborious.

One day when they meet to study, Reuven finds Danny in an ugly and reticent mood; it is obvious that something is troubling him. Then in the middle of a discussion, Danny suddenly takes a loud breath and begins to smile. Later he explains that he had realized that his study of Freud could be made easier by using a dictionary of psychological terms.

During the summer, Reuven and his father take a small trip. When they return, Reuven finds that Danny has gone to visit a friend in Lakewood. After his return, the two of them resume studying together in the library. Reuven notices that his friend blinks a lot, as if his eyes bothered him.

Notes

This short chapter describes the summer vacation of Reuven and Danny. Both boys take separate, short trips, but much of their time is spent together. The meet regularly to study in the library or with Reb Saunders. They also follow and discuss the news of the war.

Danny continues his study of German, which he finds difficult. Troubled by the fact that he finds it frustrating to try and read Freud in German, he suddenly realizes that it will be easier if he uses a good dictionary of psychological terms. This solution gives him a sense of relief.

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