The Road by Cormac McCarthy was a great book. Once it got interesting I could barely put it down. I think that if anyone were to learn a couple of virtues from the book, they would have to be trust and determination.
Trust played a large role in the father and son's relationship.
"Why do you believe me?" the man asked.
"Because I have to."
The boy has to put his trust in the man because there is no one else around. The man serves not only as a father to the boy, but also as a leader and protector. On the other hand, there was a point in the book where I felt that the man put had some 'panic' trust in his son. While hiding in thick brush from possible murderers, Papa tells his son to take the pistol and kill himself if they are found. The man later regrets his decision to say this, saying that he panicked at the time.
The traveling couple are determined to get to the south to find a better living condition and a better way of life. While the old man is on his deathbed, he tells the son to have resilience, to keep traveling, and most of all, to be determined. To do what he has to to survive.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I'm glad I decided to read it.
