This novel hit very close to home for me, having had a who brother dealt with similar issues. Not often is this issue confronted in literature responsibly, but Schumacher hits the mark. Not often is the point of view from a loved one suffering over a sibling's heartache offered to the reader with such intense honesty, and the perspective is true to the trials and tribulations a younger sibling has to go through. Depression not only affects the person going through it, but includes the family of the depressed. Black Box undoubtedly will touch many young adults (and adults who've gone through it, also) with its real testament to the second hand effects of loving someone going through such a hard time.
I would teach this book--over and over and over again. The message being portrayed is something young adults need in their lives to understand and empathize with the realness of a very common occurrence. Accompanied by an eloquent and well formulated author's note at the end of the novel, Schumacher breaks new ground with an invaluable read for the young adult audience.
Her writing is easy to understand for a young adult and incredibly realistic. Nominated for 2009 Best Books for Young Adults, Black Box is a clearly defined must read.
6 comments:
It is this type of literature that helps people through such trials. Thank goodness the author was responsible enough to look at the issues of depression and handle the topic with care. Many teenage students are dealing with depression. I know I did and a book of this caliber would have made me open up and see more of myself during my teenage years.
I agree with you, Tara, that there are far too many books that just toss around depression and all that goes along with it, but based on your review, this is not one of them.
I would also be willing to teach this book...so here's a question: would you do it as a stand alone unit or is there a cannonical text out there that could be used as a tie-in (and an easier way of getting its use approved!)?
Nice job, Tara! Your voice really comes through. I especially love the way you mix the unusual and mundane issues of adolescence, in your intro paragraph(s).
I'm adding this to my list of good books--it seems very pertinent to the lives of many teens today.
TP
I've thought about connecting it to a canonical text, something with a theme of helplessness, but I'm drawing a blank. I definitely think that the book could most certainly stand alone, and would be a relatively short unit (maybe one or two weeks).
I am really interested to read this book. I don't think there are enough books that focus on depression through the perspective of someone not experiencing it. I have suffered with depression and bi-polar disorder for years and have only just begun talking with my sister about how it has affected her. I definitely think this is a book worthy of teaching. It would be good as an independent read as well, but by teaching it, there would be an ample opportunity to discuss the topics in detail.
Wow...seems like it would have a connection to Speak...I can't wait to read this one. I also had a teenage sister who suffered with depression. It truly is a "family issue" that affects everyone. Thanks for your honest, heart-felt review! Really makes me want to read it!
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