Book Report Second Draft: The Body The Body was the first book that had an interesting book cover to it, so it immediately appealed to me. I have read two other Stephen King books in the past, and that was the deciding factor in choosing this book as my last for the first semester.The Body is a very simple book to understand. It features four friends that are at the crossroads of their childhood lives. Gordie Lachance, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, Vern Tessio were at the age of 12 when the story begins. Like all the other books I've read, The Body shows the bond between Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern, which was almost inseparable because they complimented each other so well. They acted as any other group of 12 year olds would act. They had their own special door knock so they knew who it was, long and meaningless arguments and no interest in girls. Summertime is when their friendships really took off, because it allowed them time to hang out with each other. One day while at home, Vern herd his brother and his friends talking about a dead body that they had seen while they were out of town. Of course Vern then relayed what he had heard to his friends Gordie, Chris, and Teddy. Being only 12 years old, their curiosity took over their judgment and they were determined to go and look for the dead body, because they had never seen one before. In the bright Maine sunshine, they are off on an adventure into the remote forest. Following the rail tracks their conversation and actions are littered with the cruelties of children, saying things about each other that they really didn't mean. Luckily all remarks were quickly forgotten because they were rushing towards the next part of the trip. In addition, the roots of their friendships were solid enough to disregard small arguments. When needed they'll stick up for each other, even at the risk of their own lives. Things look group for Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern from the start because they go on their journey ill-equipped. With no food, a small amount of money, and no ability to direct themselves in the right direction in search of the rotting corpse. During the trip, each of the boys discuss in one-way or another, their worries in life at the ripe age of 12. Gordie Lachance worries about his parents' attitude to him after his brother's death. Chris Chambers worries about being labeled as bad guy by teachers. Teddy Duchamp worries about his father who has gone insane. Vern Tessio worries about some money that he buried before by himself. Of course, by letting each other know of their personal lives, they open themselves up to get made fun of during the two-day trip. It's special to see each of the characters in the story face their own fears in their own ways, and be successful at it. Along the way to their discovery, the boys have to face outside dangers, like the junk man and his dreaded dog, "Chopper". Ace Merrill, and his gang of hoodlums, including Chris' older brother, Eyeball, were also following...
