BDCHS Advanced Reading discussion

I give the novel “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers a 4 out of five. I gave it this rating because it really gave a perspective on the judicial system. Its construction really interested me because it makes it feel like a boy actually wrote it, not an author. Which allows me to connect with the protagonist more. Overall, I enjoyed the story of “Monster” because of the perspective it gave, along with the concept of the writing.

“Monster” takes place in New York, and was about a sixteen year old teen Steve Harmon, who in the eyes of the judicial system is a murder. Written mostly in first person this book starts off in the middle of the storyline and goes back and forth through flashbacks. He is accused as being a lookout for a robbing of a local Harlem drugstore in which the owner was murdered. Steve accused accomplices were James King, Richard “Bobo” Evans, and Osvaldo Cruz. They were all being prosecuted by Sandra Petrocelli, while Steve’s Defense Attorney is Kathy O’ Brien.

While the story progresses Steve writes a journal that switches between screenplay and journal entries. Steve wants to create a movie named after what he was called by the prosecutor “Monster”. Steve has to prove himself to the jury, prove that he is not guilty. As he faces life in prison Steve goes through many hardships. Steve eventually perseveres and proves to the jury and judge that he is not guilty. Yes, I learned what it would be like to be on trial for murder, as a young teen. Yes, I enjoyed this book as it gives a very interesting perspective on the judicial system. Overall, his book was a very interesting story of what it is like to be a teen, who is on trial for murder.

Very well written. It is an interesting glimpse inside the mind of a child in jail for murder... a point of view that most people never have to deal with. Your insights were well constructed and I am glad you enjoyed how it was written.