100 Miles per Hour, Upside Down and Sideways by Rick Bragg

 Summary:
In this essay the author expresses his feelings regarding his 1969 General Motors convertible. He describes the power and magnitude his car had, as well as the music he would play while driving in it (The Eagels Gretest Hits). He also mentions the struggle and sacrifice it required in order to obtain his vehicle like working with his uncle in the summers under the heat and only getting payed minimum wage.  As an average teenager he liked to drive fast and feel the rush of stamina throughout his body. On his way back home, he is tempted to race against another boy who he described as ridding a "loud running Chevrolet." He gives into his temptation and stepped down the gas pedal to 100 miles per hour. His lost of control left him upside-down against a ditch, oddly enough completely unharmed and completely saint. His car was not as lucky, he described the scene of his car as a shiny piece of paper crumbled and completely disregarded. He did however kept a few words from a wrecker operator who said, "The Lord was ridding with that boy." From that day on he learned to value the things he had weather it was his car or his life.

Analysis of writing techniques:
Bragg's essay is written in first person to give the reader a better understanding of the point of view in the book. His use of vocabulary and emotions he used when he described his 1969 car provides the reader with understanding of how much he cared for his first car. Also the message that Bragg transmits through his writing is a positive and not at all blunt. He uses the plot line to deliver his story telling that directs the reader to the climax of the story. His explicit ditails also build up suspense in the reader's head and ultimately maintains the readers attention.

Opinion:
In my opinion this essay was  very interesting and powerful. The authors vocabulary and use of suspense kept me wanting to read more.  I can relate with the main character in this essay, being immature and inexperienced with responsibilities is something I identify with. It fallowed a climatic plot and was also a pleasurable reading piece. My favorite part of the essay was when he described the labor he had to endure and the sacrifices he had to make in order to obtain what he wanted.