When we discussed this book ahead of time in class I wasn't sure what I would think. I've never read a story about a young man who went to war, and this was actually the first literature I've read about the war in Afganistan (other than some non-fiction poetry). After reading this I have to say I did enjoy the story. There are so many elements to discuss between the "broken" main character Travis and his issues, to the strong female character Harper Gray. What I really want to focus on is the way Travis tells the story so honestly.
There is a lack of young adult literature written from the male perspective. There are books written about boys (Harry Potter, for example) but not many that are written from their perspective. That being said, we don't get to see into the mind of the young male character very often. In this book, Travis gives us that insight. We see into his visions of Charlie, his thoughts about his father (that's another can of worms that I'm sure we'll open in class) and his progressing love for Harper Gray. The honesty he writes with is refreshing. Not only do we see the male perspective, but he makes the story so real and believable.
I think young adults would enjoy the honesty of this story. Kids are the most honest people in the world so I think they appreciate honesty as much, if not more, than adults. I wouldn't choose this as a class novel but I would suggest it to students in my classroom if they were interested into books that allow you to be apart of the story.
Would you prefer offering this books to students over "Refresh, Refresh"? I do think that this novel is more accessible for students, and Doller does an excellent job creating a story.
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting to have a book from a male perspective. I really enjoyed hearing his side of the story from his own mouth. I am interested to see how male readers like this story? I assume they like it as well, but would like to her their opinions.
-Allison