Push by Sapphire

In 2009 “Precious”, the movie that is based on Push, was highly acclaimed and received multiple Academy Awards. I wanted to know what all the hype was about, but I wouldn’t watch the movie because I was afraid it would be unsettling. So, I decided to read the book. The book is intense. I was not prepared for its graphic nature. Both the language and subject matter are very disturbing, albeit authentic to the author’s traumatic experience. It must have taken Sapphire a great deal of courage to put her story on paper and share it with the rest of the world. I admire her for that. The story is heartbreaking, but it’s also inspiring. The perverse and demoralizing adversity that the heroine, Precious, overcomes through strength of character and the loving support of her unconventional teacher and classmates is truly amazing. I read the entire book in one sitting, which is not typical for me. I needed (what I presumed would be) a hopeful ending to such a heart wrenching story. As with all captivating stories, finishing Push was bittersweet. I want to know more: Was Precious able to better her situation? How did her healing process progress? Was she able to forgive the people who hurt her? If a sequel to Push is ever written, I would definitely read it.

Written by Brooke C., Youth Services