Monster
Myers, W.
D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper.
Walter Dean
Myers Monster is a novel written like a film script with parts in the form of a
diary narrated by the main character Steve Harmon. Steve is a 16-year-old black
kid from Harlem. By all accounts he comes from a loving home with hard-working
parents and his little brother Jeremy.
Steve is on
trial for allegedly participating in the murder of drugstore owner Mr.
Alquinaldo Nesbitt. He is accused of being the “lookout man” for two thugs who
robbed the drugstore and killed the owner. Steve declares his innocence and
finds himself in the fight of his life. Steve’s fears and desperation about his
future in and out of prison is too much to handle. Walter Dean Myers brilliant
depiction through script form and journaling not only wrestle with the conscience
of Steve but, also gives insight to other important characters in the story as
well- his parents, Prosecutor Petrocelli, Defense Attorney O’Brien, the thug
James King, and the “rat” Richard Bobo Evans.
We are left
with a verdict of not guilty for Steve. This book will leave you with more
questions than answers. Why did King implicate Steve in the planned robbery it
is wasn’t true? Did Steve lie under oath? Who really shot Mr. Nesbitt? Why did Steve’s
father move away? Do you agree with the verdict? Why was the attorney general
not receptive to Steve’s appreciation at the end of the trail? This novel has
all the making of a made-for television movie whose content unfortunately is
still very relevant today.
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