Book Review -- The First Part Last (Module 6)

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003. ISBN 0689849222.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Angela Johnson’s book concerns unplanned teenage pregnancy and its effect on all involved. It is told in flashbacks of “then” and “now” through the experience of the main character, Bobby.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Johnson has been honored with one Coretta Scott King Honor Award and two Coretta Scott King Awards. In this story, Bobby, the protagonist, is dealing with a crisis in his sixteen-year-old life. He has fathered a child with his teenage girlfriend, and struggles with both the idea and the responsibility of fatherhood so young. In flashbacks and current slices of “then” and “now” Bobby candidly describes his feelings toward his girlfriend, Nia, his new role as a father, and his new baby. It is refreshing to read a novel of this subject matter told through a male voice. Details of his life in New York and time spent with his girlfriend before, during, and after the baby’s birth set up the poignancy throughout, and an unexpected twist tests Bobby’s maturity to its core.


4. Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

School Library Journal review:

“…[The twist in the story], which explains why Bobby is raising Feather on his own against the advice of both families, seems melodramatic. So does a chapter in which Bobby snaps from the pressure and spends an entire day spray painting a picture on a brick wall, only to be arrested for vandalism. However, any flaws in the plot are overshadowed by the beautiful writing. Scenes in which Bobby expresses his love for his daughter are breathtaking…”

Publisher’s Weekly review:

“A 16-year-old tells the story of how he became a single dad. In a starred review of this companion to Heaven, PW said, "The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain."

5. CONNECTIONS

This book would be suitable for discussing the need for responsibility and doing what must be done regardless of age when the worst has already happened. It addresses making wise choices, and how some choices can have life-long, irreversible effects. The subject matter is a story of crisis met. It could be beneficial for showing that youth does not necessarily negate adult-level problems.