Literature
as a Portal to Transcendence
The theme that will be explored in this annotated
bibliography is the idea of literature as transcendence. We all encounter
struggles in life, and sometimes we have difficulties finding appropriate
coping mechanisms. The theory here is that we can use books as an escape, or a
coping mechanism. Even if one cannot directly relate to the topics in the books
discussed, the courage and strength that the characters demonstrate can give
the reader the encouragement needed to continue on in a healthy way. Thus, a
book can be very important.
Three different sub-topics that these books can be
categorized into are: sexual abuse, physical abuse, and self-inflicted abuse.
Not only am I targeting adolescents that have a personal connection to these topics,
but I also hope to reach those that are struggling to find their place in the
world. For if these characters can endure the abuses that they suffer, and
still find their place in the world, then the reader can too. Not only do I
hope that that these books help soothe those that have suffered similar
experiences, but I hope that the other readers learn not to judge others based
on their appearances, or simply from what they’ve heard, and can extend
kindness toward those that feel outcasted.
These topics are very important for adolescents to
explore because they are topics that are very prevalent today. Although it may
not seem as if these topics are very relatable to adolescents today, these are
simply topics that are very well disguised in society. Therefore, these topics
are very relevant to adolescents. This is something that adolescents should be
aware of. Not only should they know that these things happen in the world,
could happen to them, or even that it could happen to one of their family
members or friends, but they should also be aware that by trying to reach those
that are isolated, they can have a huge impact on that person’s life. You may
not be able to take away the pain and suffering, but a friendly face, or
gesture, can soothe the pain for the time being, and make it bearable later on.
These topics, and books, are very accessible to
teachers to use in the classroom. All of these topics should be exposed, and
explored, in the high school classroom. Not only does it show how bullying, or
ignoring bully-like behavior, can effect a person, but also raises awareness of
issues that are very prevalent today. If these topics are approached, the
correct way, then maybe students will become more in-tune to other people’s
feelings, and way of thinking. We, as teachers, need to broaden these
adolescent’s horizons, and make them consider topics, such as the ones
provided, from a first-hand perspective.
Each of the books explored in this annotated
bibliography fall under three different subtopics: sexual abuse, self-abuse,
and physical abuse. Each of these topics is considered taboo in society today,
and therefore is swept under the carpet. Some young adult novels that fall into
the subtopic of sexual abuse are: The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, The
Blue Notebook, by James Levine, and Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson.
The chosen novels that fall under the category of self-abuse are: Cut,
by Patricia McCormick and Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson. Lastly,
some young adult novels that fall into the sub-topic of physical abuse are: Breathing
Underwater, by Alex Flinn, A Child Called “It”, by Dave Pelzer, and The
Blue Notebook, by James Levine. Each of these novels encompasses the
subtopic of physical abuse in a different way, or shows it from a unique
perspective. While Breathing Underwater is from the perspective of the
abuser, A Child Called “It” is from the perspective of the abused
victim. On the other hand, the novel The Blue Notebook shows how an
abuse victim can truly transcend the entire experience, even when stuck amidst
the violence.
Summary:
Breathing Underwater,
by Alex Flinn, is a young adult novel that is told from the perspective of the
abuser, Nick. Nick is a teenage boy who has suffered physical abuse at the
hands of his father. Consequently, Nick has turned to abusing his girlfriend,
Caitlin, in order to vent his frustrations. The problem is that Nick is in
denial. Even though there are eye witnesses to his violence, he still cannot
accept that he has turned into the spitting image of his father. That is until
Caitlin files a restraining order, and Nick is forced to attend a family
violence class. Reluctant at first, Nick eventually realizes that he needs this
class. In order to change his violent tendencies, he must work extremely hard
and divulge truths that he has hidden from his friends, and even himself, for
far too long.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
Breathing Underwater
connects to the theme if transcendence because the main character, Nick, was
able to overcome the insecurities, which held him back, and made him act
irrationally toward Caitlin. It takes Nick witnessing a friend treating his
girlfriend the same way Nick used to treat Caitlin to reach a revelation. By
witnessing his friend’s abusive actions he realizes that he was in the wrong
and desires to change. While many people who abuse others fail to recognize
their faults, Nick wants to change and realizes that the first step is
admitting there is a problem. By coming to this realization Nick is able to
clear the first major hurdle and take his first step to recovery. This novel
helps the reader understand what goes on inside the head of the abuser. It
takes a lot of courage for Nick to realize he has a problem, and it takes even
more courage for him to transcend all the barriers holding him back and seek
help. This novel can help readers to find the courage to transcend their own
issues, and seek help when needed.
Practical
Application:
This novel is appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Because this novel circulates around a group of 16-year-olds, it would be most
appropriate for grades 9 and 10. Not only does this story encompass the
struggles of putting on a façade to fit in, but it also zeros in on troubles
that arise in relationships. At this age the students are basically
relationship crazy, and therefore they can relate to the way some of the
characters feel and react. This novel can be used in the classroom to discuss
topics such as: what is a healthy relationship, should you have to pretend to
be someone you’re not to fit in, and what are the repercussions of ignoring
someone who is abusing others. This novel is definitely a tool to discuss, and
dissect, bullying, the reasons why people bully, how it can be dealt with, and
what are the repercussions are if not dealt with properly. This text includes a
wide variety of readers, but the primary focus is on, the bully, Nick and his
steps to recovery. However, the female voice is not particularly dominate in
this text. Therefore, female readers may have some difficulties connecting with
the text. Feminist readers, especially, may have difficulties witnessing the
abuse that many of the female characters accept without much of a struggle.
Summary:
A Child Called “It”,
by Dave Pelzer, is a horrifying tale of child abuse, which is recounted from
the point of view of the child victim. This is a true story of how a young
child survived years of brutal abuse at the hands of his mother. Out of four
brothers David was singled out, by his mother, in order for her to vent her frustrations.
What started out as a bit of verbal, and emotional, abuse, quickly escalated to
a fight for survival. Each day David’s mother would dream up a variety of
punishments for David. Some of David’s punishments included: starvation,
beatings, ingesting dangerous cleaning chemicals, breathing in noxious gases
(also created from cleaning chemicals), lying on top of the burning gas stove,
and even occasionally ingesting his baby brother’s feces. Occasionally, David’s
mother would take things too far and David would end up in the emergency room
with spoon fed excuses on how he obtained the injuries. The only way David was
able to mentally, and sometimes physically, survive his mother’s torture was to
bide his time and think of ways to outsmart her. This heart breaking tale tells
the horror of abuse at the hands of one’s own mother. Even though Davis was
trapped in his own personal hell, he was able to escape it physically and,
eventually, emotionally.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
It takes a lot of courage and strength to overcome
the kind of abuse that David suffered; but not only did he overcome it, he also
learned from his mother’s mistakes. The majority of abuse victims become
abusers later on in their lives, but David did not allow himself to fall victim
to this statistic. He was able to overcome the trauma, and become a better
person. This book can help other physical abuse victims find the strength, and
courage, to overcome the traumas that plague their own lives. Not only can this
book inspire those that have suffered the same experiences, but it can also
inspire those that are having difficulties in life find a way to overcome their
struggles. If a boy like David can survive the third worst case of child abuse,
on record, in the entire state of California, then surely those that are having
difficulties can find a way to overcome their obstacles.
Practical
Application:
A Child Called “It”
is a very popular book for middle school students and adults. The way that
David’s experience is described makes an impression on even the most reluctant
readers. The vivid descriptions of the cruel beatings, and horrifying
punishments, both enthrall and terrify the reader. This book can be used
successfully used in the classroom to discuss the topic of bullying. The main
character, David, was not only subjected to abuse at home, but he was also
forced to endure the other children’s snide remarks, and cold behavior, at
school. Because of his appearance David was bullied at school. Those at the
school, even some of the teachers, refused to see the whole picture when
looking at David Pelzer. In the classroom, or on the school grounds, David was
labeled either as a trouble maker, or the smelly kid in class. These people
refused to acknowledge that David was a kid fighting for survival. School could
have been a comfort, and a safe haven, for him if more people, children and
adults alike, were able to look past the desperate actions, and appearance, of
this small child, and see that he was hurting and needed a friend. This book
can be used to teach students to not judge a person by their appearance.
Although David kept to himself, and had a ragged appearance, he was desperate
for the friendship and affection he lacked at home. This book could be used to
show kids the difference they can make by being kind to those who are being
bullied, or outcasted. This book can really appeal to all readers; however, if
you have a weak stomach some of the descriptions can be a bit gruesome. Not
only can A Child Called “It” relate to a large audience, but it can
specifically touch those who have been, or currently are, struggling with abuse
at home. David’s story, although horrifying, is uplifting as well. David was
not defeated, he did not allow his mother to crush his spirit, and those that
endure similar acts of violence should not allow the experience to crush their
spirit, but learn from it, as David did.
Summary:
The Blue Notebook,
by James Levine, follows the story of Batuk. Batuk is a young girl, age 15,
sold into sex trafficking by her father. Although this book is a work of
fiction, this unforgettable experience is something that is very common in the
streets of Mumbai. One minute Batuk is a child enjoying the simple things in
life, and the next she is stuck in a nightmare trying to survive each hour one
at a time. At home Batuk enjoyed playing
in the river, and eating sweet cakes that her mother rarely made. However, once
her father betrayed her the term sweet cake takes on a whole new meaning. Young
and naïve Batuk enters the world of child prostitution, which she terms making
sweet cake. Not only was her youth and innocence robbed from her with the blink
of an eye, but every day she has to endure the physical abuse that some of her
clients bring to her. One particular client, Iftikhar, is excessively brutal.
Iftikhar beats Batuk mercilessly simply because he can. Any frustrations that
he encounters are immediately vented on poor Batuk. However, Batuk is a fighter
and escapes her many torments by writing and making up stories.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
If a character like Batuk can demonstrate resilience
in her dyer situation, then there is hope that we can overcome our struggles as
well. Batuk is able to transcend the horrors she faces every day, and make the
best out of a sticky situation. Through the characters flounder and triumphs,
we, the readers, are able to find the strength to transcend our own problems.
If the character Batuk can survive betrayal, sexual abuse, and physical abuse,
and still come out on top, then surely we can too.
Practical
Application:
The Blue Notebook
is not a novel meant for the average adolescent audience. Due to its vulgar and
vivid descriptions, only extremely mature readers should be presented with this
work, and even then parental consent is suggested. I would use this novel in an
advance junior, or senior, classroom. Because Batuk’s predicament is actually
very common in Mumbai, it is definitely a topic that should be acknowledged.
Some discussion topics appropriately linked with this book would be: how
desperate the family would have to be in order to resort to selling their own
flesh and blood, why is it important to be secure with who you are, and what do
insecurities drive us to do. Using a book like this in the classroom not only
makes the students more aware of cultural differences, but it can also
enlighten the kids as to how insecurities, such as the ones that Iftikhar and
Batuk’s mother demonstrate, can make people act irrational. In The Blue
Notebook Iftikhar allowed his insecurities to prompt him to do brutal
things to a 15 year old girl. He used Batuk as a scape-goat for his unchecked
frustrations, and insecurities. As previously stated, this book is not meant
for the average reader. The gruesome details and vivid descriptions make this
book riveting. It is as if it is a train wreck that one is horrified by, but
cannot look away from. What makes this book appealing is Batuk’s attitude.
Although she has suffered a great amount, she is still able to hope and dream.
She still sees the positive side of things. This text would be less appealing
to those who prefer light hearted, or romantic, novels. The dark nature of the
book makes it difficult to read, but impossible to stop reading at the same
time. Although the reader bears witness to Batuk’s suffering, the character’s
appealing nature makes the reader root for Batuk to come out on top. Therefore,
even though the topics of physical and sexual abuse are sensitive, and almost
taboo, they are realities that need to be acknowledged. Those that survive
these harsh experiences need to be recognized and commended.
Summary:
The Color Purple,
by Alice Walker follows the character Celie through her journey to
self-discovery. Abused physically, and sexually, at home, by her father, and
taking on the role of the supportive mother figure for her brothers and
sisters, Celie struggles to come to terms with who she really is. Eventually
Celie escapes her father’s abusive ways, but only to fall into the role of wife
to another abusive husband, Mr. _______. Because of Celie’s history with
abusive men, Celie turns to Shug, a friend of Mr. ______’s, as both a role
model and lover. However, Shug seems to be a bit unreliable, and tests Celie’s
limitations. Although Celie struggles with Shug’s free spirit at first,
eventually she comes to terms with their relationship, and is able to accept it
for what it is. Celie’s struggles are serious and occur frequently throughout
the novel, but she finds a way to be happy and self-sufficient in the end. This
is a big accomplishment for Celie and it takes a lot of work to overcome the
hurdles life had dealt her.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
This text connects to the overall theme of
transcendence because Celie is able to find her place in the world. Even though
she is insecure, timid, soft spoken, and is constantly placed in abusive
relationships, she eventually she comes into her own. With all the odds stacked
against her, Celie transcends her hurdles and perseveres. Her story sends a
message to the readers: even though the storm clouds may seem thick, there is
always light at the end of the tunnel. This novel could also help those that
have previously struggled with sexual and physical abuse. The consequences of a
traumatic experience, such as what Celie suffered, can either make or break a
person. The outcome is solely in the victims hands. In this case, Celie choose
to transcend her difficulties. Hopefully, readers that can relate to Celie will
find strength in her story, and be to do the same for themselves.
Practical
Application:
The Color Purple
can be used in the classroom as well. This novel is most appropriate for high
level ninth graders to eleventh grade. Some
key issues that should be touched upon when reading this novel are: the effects
of low self-esteem, how Celie’s upbringing affected her personality, and how
people can learn from their struggles, and turn their lives around. This novel
will help the students better understand how far Celie, and people like Celie,
have to go in order to put their lives back together. This text is centered on
a female character finding her power. Therefore, there are struggles riddled
all throughout the novel. The uplifting scenes are far and few in between.
Thus, this book is not for those who need an uplifting read. Although the end
is heartening, the duration of the novel is dark and slightly depressing.
However, the text can appeal to those who are struggling in their lives.
Through this book the reader will feel as if they are taking the journey with
Celie.
Summary:
Speak, by Laurie
Halse Anderson, tells a tale of a young girl trying to come to terms with the
aftermath of a traumatizing experience. The main character, Melinda, was
sexually assaulted at a high school summer party. However, she is having
trouble finding the courage to speak up about it. Melinda feels wounded,
embarrassed, and humiliated, and she has no one that she feels safe enough to
turn to. Because Melinda called the cops after the incident, the party was
broken up and some of the kids there got into some trouble with the
authorities. Therefore, the majority of the high school population either
ignores, or harasses, Melinda. Therefore, she becomes very withdrawn and
unmotivated for the majority of the school year. She cannot focus on her
studies, does not socialize with many people at school, and has to look her
abuser in the eye on a daily basis. Due to the amount of stress that Melinda
has endured, she even starts skipping classes. However, through Melinda’s
struggles the readers are able to access her worries, fears, and seemingly
delinquent behavior, and relate it to today.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
This text connects to the theme of transcendence because
Melinda is able to overcome the obstacles that hold her back. Although she is
reluctant to recover right away, Melinda eventually decides to live her life
instead of hiding from the inevitable. At many times in life we feel defeated,
and sometimes we allow that feeling to swallow us whole, but in the end we have
to find the courage to pick up life’s pieces and continue, just as Melinda did.
Practical
Application:
Teachers can also use this text in class to approach
the topic of bullying. In Speak,
Melinda is bullied by her peers, and even by those she used to consider her
friends: “The girl behind me jams her knees into my back. They are sharp as her
fingernails. I inch forward in my seat and stare intently at the team. The girl
with the arrested brother leans forward. As Heather shakes her pom-poms, the
girl yanks my hair.” (Anderson 29). This
passage shows how Melinda was treated in school. Due to her meltdown at a
summer party, she was treated cruelly and outcasted from her peers. If kids
will turn on one another for something as trivial as this, then what would the
repercussions be if Melinda committed a greater offense in the eyes of her
peers? This book would be a great springboard for a discussion about bullying.
It would be very interesting to see what kids feel is a justified punishment
for a “crime” like Melinda’s. At the end of the novel, when the kids find out
what happened to her, they can reassess their first responses, and see if they
change their minds. This could then lead into a discussion about the
motivations behind people’s actions, and end with the assertion that we should
never judge a book by its cover. If we
judge someone before we get to know them, then we can find that not knowing the
extenuating circumstances caused us to treat a person unfairly, which could
possibly have a devastating impact on that person’s life.
Although
this text is a great teaching material to help students understand one another,
it is also a great piece to draw in reluctant adolescent readers. One of the
main reasons that this text can appeal to adolescent readers is because of
Anderson’s ability to capture the essence of high school students. For an
adult, she is unusually in tune with the adolescent reader, and can replicate
what they experience daily in a voice they both understand and enjoy. In Speak, Anderson captures the cruelty
that adolescents can treat one another with, as well as the compassion they can
reluctantly demonstrate to those being singled out. For example, the character
Ivy reluctantly tries to extend some kindness to Melinda, but only in art class
or outside of school so as not to be ridiculed by her peers: “Ivy opens her
mouth to say something, then closes it again. Mr. Freeman studies my homely
project […] Ivy tries again. ‘It’s scary’ she says. ‘In a weird way. Not a
clown scary, um, how do I say this? Like, you don’t want to look at it too
long. Good job, Mel.’” (Anderson 64). This tiny positive comment from Ivy was
enough to slightly lift Melinda’s spirits. Although Ivy’s reluctance is
prevalent, she made an effort to speak to Melinda, which lets her know that she
is not as hated as she thinks. In the face of animosity, Ivy hesitantly,
demonstrates a small amount of kindness, which is common in a high school
setting. Also, the way that Ivy formulated her opinion about Melinda’s art
project is directly reflective of how an average adolescent would react in a
similar situation. Ivy is slightly hesitant and doesn’t want to sound overly
congratulatory. This way she extends a hand of friendship, while exercising
social restraint in order to deflect ridicule from others who may disapprove of
the friendly gesture. While this shows the peril of the adolescent world, it
also shows that kindness, no matter how small, is received with gratitude.
Thanks in large part to Anderson’s ability to connect to the adolescent
audience, this message rarely goes amiss.
This is a good article to consider when discussing sexual abuse, and the healing process.
This is a good article to consider when discussing sexual abuse, and the healing process.
Summary:
The book Wintergirls, by
Laurie Halse Anderson, focuses on teens struggle with self-image. Due to media
influence, many young girls are under the impression that a healthy weight is
over weight. These young girls fail to realize the ammounts of makeup, and
touching up, that goes into these models that they aspire to be. In cases such
as this, appearances are decieveing, and they have deluded young girls into
mutalating their bodies to achieve the impossible. The book Wintergirls
follows a young girl, Lia, through her recession into aneroxia. Lia’s best
friend’s death triggers a high point in her disease. Lia refuses to eat
anything substantial, and only eats enough to stay concious so that her parents
won’t catch on. Lia is so distressed with her appearance that she starts to cut
herself to relieve the pain and disappointment. She refuses to help herself
until she is on her deathbed. This disease almost destroyed Lia’s life, and
directly contributed to a major decline in her health. Although Lia comes to
her senses, Anderson strives to reach those that are still lost.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
Although it takes a major wakeup call to get Lia to
take care of herself, she is able to overcome her obstacles and face her
greatest fears. Lia’s condition is a disease, or sickness, and one needs to
want to get better before they can recover. Sometimes people need to take a
step back from their situation, and see how their actions affect others, as
well as themselves. Journeying with Lia through her struggles will help young readers
that are struggling with self-image realize that they are not only hurting
themselves, but also those that they are close to. Witnessing how Lia’s actions
affect those around her can help people who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or
even cutting realize how their actions affect their loved ones. A story, such
as Wintergirls, may be enough to inspire someone to overcome their
struggles as well. However, not only can this novel help adolescents that
suffer similar experiences, but it can also help the friends and family members
understand where these negative thoughts come from, and what it drives these
young people to do what they do. Overall, this novel can inspire those that
need help to seek it. It should also inspire those that are close to the people
suffering become more understanding.
Practical
Application:
Wintergirls
is a novel that is appropriate, and even essential, for grades six and up.
Students should really be aware that eating disorders are not as uncommon as
they seem. Due to the heavy media influence on maintaining a slim figure, many
people go overboard to reach their goal weight. Most people do not realize how
distorted the media actually is, and therefore set unattainable goals. By
introducing Wintergirls to a young age group, and discussing the
appropriate topics, we may be able discourage the type of self-mutilation seen
in this novel. However, by introducing the novel to an older audience we also may
be able to prevent further self-destructive behavior, and help the student
learn to accept themselves the way that they are. Some topics that should be
brought up when reviewing this novel in the classroom are: what are the types
of things that motivate adolescents to be self-destructive, how does this
self-destructive behavior affect others, and where can those that are suffering
find help. These topics are important to discuss because not only will this
give the reader insight on why the character does what she does, but it will
also let those that are experiencing similar feelings know where they stem from,
and how they can get help.
This novel is geared toward an adolescent audience,
but it is also very enlightening and heartening for any reader that is, or has
previously, suffered from an eating disorder. Anderson writes in order to help
teens through that awkward stage in life. She has an uncanny ability to capture
the teenage audience and counsel them through a character’s experience. She is
able to portray the teenage voice flawlessly, which may be a turnoff to some
adult readers, but is the major factor that connects her to the adolescent
audience.
Summary:
Cut, by Patricia
McCormick, is a novel about a young girl, Callie, trying to come to terms with
her inner turmoil. Callie comes from an average, middle class, family; but when
her younger brother, Sam, develops a severe case of asthma, things start to go downhill.
Callie just happened to be watching her brother when the first asthma attack
hit. Callie’s brother almost died that night, and ever since that night Callie
has blamed herself for her brother’s sickness. Due to Sam’s severe asthma, Callie
and her mom are constantly cleaning the house, and making sure there is very
little dust and pollen to trigger an asthma attack. Due to the amount of stress
that is on the family, Callie is forced to take an adult role in life a lot
earlier than expected. She is constantly cleaning and taking care of her
brother. When she is allowed a few precious minutes to herself she usually goes
for a run, or watches the TV on mute, so as not to disturb her mother and
brother. This hectic life soon gets to Callie, and instead of talking about it,
she cuts herself. She uses pain as an escape from the guilt and frustration she
feels. Callie is soon placed in a treatment facility where she is supposed to come
to terms with her grief and start the healing process. However, for the
majority of Callie’s stay she is resistant to any kind of treatment. Callie
simply sits by herself and refuses to talk to anyone. During her one-on-one
therapy sessions, while in group therapy, during her free time, and even during
lunch or in her room she stays completely silent. She refuses to talk to
anyone, including her parents and Sam. However, she can only stay silent for so
long. After she is threatened to be kicked out of facility, she slowly starts
to open up. Callie wants to receive the help offered to her, but she is scared
and nervous about what others will think. Once Callie starts accepting
treatment, things become more clear, and she slowly starts to recover.
Connection
to theme- Transcendence:
This novel connects to the theme of transcendence
because in the end Callie is able to sort through her problems and deal with
them in a healthy manner. We all have issues that we push under the carpet, but
those issues will always pop back up if not dealt with properly. Callie is a
prime example of a person who allows that build-up of emotion to rupture
through an unhealthy outlet, cutting herself. Although we all deal with stress
in a different way, sometimes our solution is more hurtful then helpful. For
example, some people will sleep when they become too overwhelmed; but this is a
counterproductive coping mechanism because when one wakes up from a nap, the
stress will be even more burdensome. Others, like Callie, cut to relieve
stress. By creating incisions in their bodies they are able to receive a rush
of adrenaline, and through this adrenaline rush they are able to cope with, or
repress, the stress in their life. However, eventually the unhealthy coping mechanisms
need to stop, and the person needs to find a more productive outlet. Callie is
able to do this by attending therapy sessions at the treatment center. It takes
a lot of courage to admit that you have a problem, and even more to accept help
from someone who is telling you that what you are doing is wrong. Callie is
able to find the courage to both admit she has a problem, and accept help. By
taking this journey with Callie the reader can realize the many people feel
overwhelmed by problems in their lives, and there is an appropriate way to deal
with these issues. This book could reassure readers that they are not alone, and
encourage them to get help if needed. Cut
encourages those that are struggling to transcend their issues, and put
their best foot forward in life.
Practical
Application:
Cut can be used in
the classroom for grades 8 and up. This topic is one of the topics that must be
discussed with kids while they’re still young. Cutting is something that is
serious, and should be reported. Those that are cutting are pleading for help
with their actions instead of words; and although it may seem like you are
betraying someone by turning them in, it is something that he or she will thank
you for in the long run. By drawing attention to this in the classroom, and
making kids more aware of the problem, then hopefully it will become less of a
problem. Some topics that must be discussed while reading this book are: where
someone who is cutting can find help, what motivates this kind of self-mutilation,
who can be affected by these actions, and what do the victims usually look
like. By overviewing these topics the students will understand that anyone can
be a cutter, there is help available, and their actions affect others, as well
as themselves. Also, by exploring the motivations behind self-mutilation the
students will gain a better understanding of what drives these victims to hurt
themselves. There is a method, or reason, to everyone’s madness, and that
reason is the key to recovery.
The main audience targeted by this novel is those
that are, or have previously, suffered through the same kind of mental anguish
that Callie did. This book is meant to inspire those that are having tough
times to keep going. However, it is also meant to tell the tale of those that
mutilate themselves to cope with the stress of life. It is not meant to
validate their actions, but make others aware that this is a problem, and
harming one’s self is not the answer. Everyone can relate to this book because
everyone has, at one point or another, felt utterly overwhelmed, and went about
it the wrong way. This book is enlightens the reader to the problems of the
world. Not only does this novel inform the reader about self-mutilation, but it
also allows the reader the opportunity to realize that they are not alone.
Everyone hits rough patches in life, but once the going gets tough we have to
suck it up and carry on.
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