4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
A Bloody Book was published in late 2016 and written by Chris Bowen, a recognized high school teacher from California. As Teacher of the Year for his high school, school district, and for Los Angeles County, Bowen’s success and teaching ability far surpasses that of the average high school teacher. His story, unique and full of remembrance, pulls readers in with a yearning passion. The story is told in the form of narration by the main character, Maxx.
Like most young scholars, Maxx entered Kindergarten with an eager thirst for knowledge and a love for reading and learning. Kindergarteners all seem so happy to be in the presence of knowledge- but fast forward a few years and that yearning is simply gone for some. By thirteen, Maxx and several of his peers are placed in what they refer to as “Reading Hell,” which can only be synonymous with a remedial class for the uninterested. What happened? When did they just stop caring? Maxx’s chilling experience to the point when he stops caring is devastating and hard to forget, and one you simply will not be able to put down.
First of all, I read the entire story in one sitting. It’s not a long story by any means, but I mean, I read 162 pages straight without so much as a ten second break. I could feel Maxx’s frustration and sense of defeat intensely. Because most of the children mentioned in the story are falling behind and giving up due to their home lives, I was immensely sad for them. As the parent to a First Grader, I often volunteer for school activities. Although my son has never experienced hunger or homelessness, walking through those halls can be crushing to imagine what some children live through once 3 PM comes.
Although the story is fiction, it reads as one of those lasting-impression stories that you want to tell everyone about. I feel as though it’s a potentially great read for Young Adults and teachers, in order to give them a glimpse to what they could possibly encounter. Because most of the children have given up and lost hope because of their home lives, the themes within the story include domestic violence, drug use, homelessness and despair. One of the secondary characters who immensely stands out is a teacher in “Reading Hell.” Mr. Foxx takes a new turn on his teaching antics, one that he hopes will leave a lasting impression on the kids.
I’m pleased to give A Bloody Book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The story line was delivered with a precision that shows an understanding for despair, while also communicating the importance of education for yourself and your own future. The editing was well-done, as I found no errors throughout reading. I would recommend the story to generally anyone, but especially to teachers and young adults.
******
A Bloody Book
View: on Bookshelves
Like klbradley's review? Post a comment saying so!
