Push
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4.5 • 221 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A new 25th anniversary edition of the instant classic that inspired the major motion picture and Sundance Film Festival winner Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire, whose power and ferocity influenced a generation of writers.
Precious Jones, an illiterate sixteen-year-old, has up until now been invisible to the father who rapes her and the mother who batters her and to the authorities who dismiss her as just one more of Harlem's casualties. But when Precious, pregnant with a second child by her father, meets a determined and radical teacher, we follow her on a journey of education and enlightenment as she learns not only how to write about her life, but how to make it truly her own for the first time.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
The only way to understand how this dark and important novella became such a cultural phenomenon is to read it for yourself. Claireece “Precious” Jones is a ninth grader growing up in ’80s Harlem. She’s been enduring violence and sexual abuse from both of her parents for all her life while living in intense poverty. Precious is also functionally illiterate, but when she begins attending an alternative high school, her life starts to change. Author Sapphire does everything she can to make you see the horrors Precious endures through her young heroine’s eyes. (Be warned: her depictions of abuse are graphic.) But what’s somehow even more affecting is Precious’ growing facility with language. Since the novella is presented through Precious’ journal entries, we get to watch as her writing skills become more sophisticated—and with them, her thoughts, ideas, and hopes for herself. Push makes a profound statement about the transcendent power of words.
Customer Reviews
Heavy
The way this book started reminded me of the way the Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I knew then it was going to be a heavy read. Despite everything she was going through she still kept pushing through and wanting a better life not only for herself but her children as well. The movie did this book justice because some movie adaptations steer far and over-exaggerate or under value certain themes from the book. I look forward to reading “The Kid” next!
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Amazing
This book put a lot into perspective. Sapphire’s ability to use different writing techniques shows not only her intellect but her cry for help for black and brown voices to be heard. We hear you, Sapphire! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.