Monster, a fiction story of a teen in trial for murder

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper.

 A fiction story of a boy accused of murder and on trial. He has doubts of himself that maybe he did kill the drug store owner. The story is played out as the start of the trial and fleshes out the story with flashbacks to scenes before Steve is arrested. Steve shows his emotions bout awaiting trial in prison with his view of the dynamics of jail. His fears and confusion make him think that maybe he did kill the store owner. At this price of his crime he wants out even if it means committing suicide to be free. This book gives a good view of detention center and how everybody is treated guilty or not. The book does not explain who did the crime whether he or his friend though in the eyes of the law if he participated in the crime is much guilty as the one who pull the trigger. At the end he is presume not guilty under the assumption of lack of evidence.

This book deals with moral issues that transcend human behavior. How black people are seen guilty just on the fact that they are black. It is depicted on Miss O’Brien’s behavior towards him. It also gives an inside look on what happens in the detention centers and jails with brutality, rape, and discrimination across America. It is written like a movie and some say difficult to follow or drags in some parts.

This are other reads with similar topic of racial discrimination.