Saturday, July 25, 2009

Book review: "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers

Whether or not you are a fan of courtroom dramas, this is an engrossing book that will have you riveted until the very end and, even then, will still leave you wondering what actually happened and who was actually telling the truth.

This novel is unusual as it mostly written in a screenplay format with character's dialogues appearing as lines as if meant to be read by actors on a stage.

The story is about the trial of Steve Harmon, a 16 year old boy, accused of being an accomplice in a robbery and murder at a drugstore in Harlem. While most of the drama takes place within the courtroom, there are snippets of flashbacks, photos, and handwritten diary notes to help provide background information. The reader is taken along the journey of how courtroom motions and questioning are handled right up to the final verdict.

Although the book describes the grittiness of prison life, I was somewhat surprised that there is very little, if any, profanity at all in this book.

Nonetheless, I will leave it to you to decide whether Steve Harmon was truly guilty or innocent and please let me know as I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Age recommendation: 14+

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