EDU 330- Book 1

My first book that I have chosen to read is entitled "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers. This National Book Award finalist, among other awards, was a gripping story from the very first page. This story is told by a young boy, only sixteen,(he is black, which I believe is an important factor contributing to discrimination in the book) and named Steve Harmon. Steve is telling this story from his own view point, which is at current behind bars at the Manhattan Detention Center. Steve is battling being on trial for murder. This book is written, as though Steve, is directing a movie with screen shots, scenes, camera angles, separations for character speech, as well as a listing of the important characters in the book- many of whom are fighting against Steve. All of this is being told through Steve's writing, which is being kept in his notebook, one of the only things he was able to keep. Although most of the book is written as a movie script, he has journal entries throughout that add to the impact of the story.

Throughout this book, we encounter Steve telling the story, piece by piece, of how he was charged with murder. A case, in my own opinion, of the "wrong place, wrong time" scenario for Steve who ended up taking the fall for another's actions. The bulk of the story takes place with Steve in his cell, although we do move with him as he goes to trial (in the courtroom) and his daily life around jail. The title of the book comes from a name that the prosecutor calls Steve, as he is in the courtroom, during the trial. The main characters of this book involve Steve's attorney Kathy O'Brien, who seems to disbelieve Steve from the beginning. Sandra Petrocelli, the prosecutor, who seems to have it out for everyone. James King, a thug involved in the crimes and "Bobo" Evans who seems to have the biggest mouth around, willing to do whatever it takes to cover his own behind. There is also Osvaldo Cruz, a gang member who tries to put on an act to save his reputation and other witnesses who were at the scene.

I think the reason I liked this book so much was the accessibility of it. The reading, or language more importantly, was easy to read. I could relate to the vulnerability of Steve and his determination to fight for what he believed was the truth, as well as his innocence. I wanted to give Steve the benefit of the doubt, believing that he was innocent along the way. At some points throughout the book, you stop and think, "Wait, maybe Steve did have something to do with this- is he guilty?" But you ultimately find yourself sticking true to the main character, almost wanting to protect him from the cruelty behind bars and of the others involved in the case. This book was a great read, fairly short, and although contains some gruesome details, you just can't put it down.