You might have to Push a little to Read PUSH

Push by Sapphire


Random House Publishing


Precious Jones is sixteen years old and feels that her life is at its end. She's suffered through abuse by her mother, rape by her father and has been abandoned by the rest of society. Her life begins to change because of a teacher. This teacher opens her eyes to life and joy of learning. She helps Precious to realize that she can overcome her difficulties. 
 I decided to read this book after hearing about the movie it's based on, Precious. I have yet to see the movie but I've heard great things about it. I had a hunch that if people liked the movie so much that the book must be even better. At first I was taken aback by the language and the disturbing images used to describe Precious' life. But when I got to where her teacher opened her eyes to knowledge and writing I was hooked. Being an educator you know I love that part! :) The book made me feel sad at first about the difficult childhood had but as Precious learned about knowledge I began to feel more optimistic. The writer does an excellent job using story elements to portray Precious life in Harlem and how she fought to make her life her own. At only a 180 pages it is an easy read. The author, Sapphire reminds me of Zora Neale Hurston. However, I would also warn people about it's use of language and the graphic description of incest. I love the theme of the book that when life gets rough you have to push. I would definitely recommend this book because of it's life lesson.