Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. Amistad.
16 year old Steve Harmon is on trial for
murder, and this novel unfolds in a dynamic fashion as it is written like a
screen-play. It wasn’t my favorite format, but it did keep it more interesting,
I suppose. I kind of wish I had listened to it as an audiobook. Walter Dean
Myers brings many questions to the forefront, and leaves the reader to decide
on their own what they believe in regards to faulty court systems, racial
prejudice, and justice. The truth to Steve Harmon’s past is never fully
revealed and we are left to decide- victim, or criminal? I will say, I had a
hard time trusting Steve, and for me, characters are what really pull me into a
story. I wish I could’ve trusted Steve more, but some of the story just didn’t
add up for me, and I badly wanted him to prove that he should be vindicated in
the end. The strength of this book, in my opinion, is that it has the potential to really pull in young adults who do not necessarily love to read. The format of the writing makes it quick and helps it read more like a movie. The mood and the tone of this novel is fitting for the subject matter, and it is certainly suspenseful, which will keep you reading. I just couldn't fall in love with any of the characters and for me, that's everything.
Monster provides young adults with a good opportunity to explore that post-conventional thought process regarding morals and ethics where they step away from their child-like thoughts of rewards versus consequences, and operate more based on humanity and what they feel in their heart to be right or wrong. I think it would be a great book for high
school readers to debate- have the class split by who believes Steve is guilty,
and who believes he is innocent. It could be a great debate for mature high
school students! Perhaps consider letting the class listen to it as an
audiobook, as well. The Beast by
Walter Dean Myers is a similar book to consider reading if you enjoyed this
one.
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