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MONSTER

Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper

Media Type: Paperback book

This book has 281 pages not counting the extra material.

Summary:

This novel is written in a journal format and movie script by Steven Harmon. He is a 16 year old accused of murder. Because he is having a difficult time coping with the reality of being in jail he decides to document everything as if it were a movie. Although most of the book takes place in the prison and the courtroom, some scenes are flashbacks of his life before the arrest. In the end he is found not guilty. Yet he struggles to understand what people see when they look at him, do they see a monster? He even mentions a distance that was created with his father due to the trial.

Response:
I really enjoyed this book especially because it was a quick read. It did keep me wondering if maybe he was guilty. At times it made me feel like if I was one of the jurors and I was having the case presented to me. It also made me think of just how many young African Americans are innocent yet prosecuted due to stereotypes.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 7-This book was given many awards including the Printz award.
Chapter 10- The genre of this book is realistic fiction.

Other books by the author