Flight - Sherman Alexie

While I was at Princeton 2 weeks ago, I participated in a seminar titled "Young Adult Fiction for Pastoral Care." I've never really spent much time reading young adult fiction, but after a great discussion of the powerful stories contained in some of these novels, I decided to give it a shot.

I went to the library last weekend and picked up Sherman Alexie's Flight. It's a quick read - took me about 4 hours - but I was struck at the way the story gave language to the struggles of many teenagers.

The book is about a 15 year old kid named Zits. (Not his real name, but how he wants to be known at the beginning of the book.) He is an orphan who really does not trust or care about anyone. Through his journey we see him confront this inability to care, struggle with race and class, repress memories of child abuse, and cope with the faulty system many foster children find themselves caught in.

Through all of this, we see Zits' transition from a deeply troubled teenager to a young man full of hope and redemption.

I should warn you, this is by no means a "christian" novel. It will make you uncomfortable. More importantly though - it will remind you of to whom we are called. Troubled teenagers just like Zits - who still have a chance as long as someone is willing to take a chance on them.

If you check it out, let me know what you think.

Comments

[Ben]

Did you get, or have any other recommendations?

[-Justin-]

Ben- Yeah, we did get a recommended reading list.

If you like, I'd be happy to send it on to you.