A Caldecott Honor winner! Prepare yourself for something unlike anything: A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds. Jason Reynolds and his best bud, Jason Griffin, had a mind-meld. And they decided to tackle it, in one fell swoop, in about ten sentences, and 300 pages of art, this piece, this contemplation-manifesto-fierce-vulnerable-gorgeous-terrifying-WhatIsWrongWithHumans-hope-filled-hopeful-searing-Eye-Poppingly-Illustrated-tender-heartbreaking-how-The-HECK-did-They-Come-UP-with-This project about oxygen. And all of the symbolism attached to that word, especially NOW. And so for anyone who didn’t really know what it means to not be able to breathe, REALLY breathe, for generation s , now you know. And those who already do, you’ll be nodding yep yep, that is exactly how it is. Amazon.com: A...
For me, the Death of Vivich Oji by Akwaeke Emezi was an amazing novel. I typically do not read fiction, but this book unearthed memories and emotions I had not felt in many years. The relationship between Ocita and Vivek reminded me of a similar relationship I had when I was a teenager. Having to hide the love you have for someone is difficult enough but when you are afraid to the point of hurting the very object of your affection, something is very wrong.
ReplyDeleteVivek's mother reminded me of my own mother and the deep-seated disdain she had for the gay community. Vivek's mother, Cavita, only realized how she and her husband created a home where Vivek could not feel comfortable and safe until it was too late. Vivek only felt happy and comfortable turning to his close friends for acceptance and safety to express his true self.
I was surprised at the number of sex scenes in this novel. They were handled with finesse by the author and I could appreciate the imagery and language used to create the scenes. However, I am not sure I would feel comfortable using this novel in school due its graphic nature. Maybe I am just being old fashioned. But the themes and message are so good and I think the students would so enjoy it, especially because of the LGBTQAI+ issues, which are all present in the novel that it may be well worth the attempt.
The one scene that will stick with me is near the end of the book, when Ocita is telling us what actually happened to Vivek the day he died. I am still angry that Ocita did not tell Cavita the truth. I think this is what would most likely happen in real life, but I wanted Ocita set free as well.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel for an adult audience. I am not sure that I would use it in school, though I truly would like to. I would be open to suggestions on how this book could be used in the classroom.