Chapter 2 & 3

Write about the relationship between two characters and how it is changing or developing. What are the characteristics of the relationship? What does work or not work? How do they affect one another?

In the second chapter, Jus is hanging out with Manny and playing video games with him. The police encounter still weighs on his mind and he’s very jittery and jumpy, the sound of the game console makes him anxious. He asks Manny if they could play a different game and Manny doesn’t even ask why, he just gives Jus a supportive shoulder squeeze and leaves him alone. That gesture surprised me, it showed me that Manny’s and Jus’ relationship is very tight, they trust each other and they understand when to give the other person space and not bug them. Manny proceeds to ask if Jus wants to talk about the incident (Jus already told Manny what happened, another sign that their friendship is strong) but he isn’t ready. Instead of saying “Come on, tell me!” or “You should really talk about it” Manny just replies with “You know I’m like…here if you do, right?”* He doesn’t pester Jus to talk to him, he acknowledges that Jus needs some time to think and that it’s not the best moment for him to talk about the encounter. It’s great to see that they respect and rely on each other, we need more friendships between males that aren’t toxic and where they don’t hide their feelings, but openly talk about and not shun them.

Analyse the style of writing the author uses. Pick out certain words and phrases

The next chapter takes place before class. Dr. Jarius “Doc” Dray pulls Jus aside and talks to him before class starts. He wants to know how Jus is feeling, and he tells him that today’s debate might not the suitable for Jus at the moment, and he can sit outside if he feels uncomfortable. It’s immediately clear that Doc cares about Jus a lot. He treats him with respect and he has a lot of sympathy for him. Similarly, Jus looks up to Doc and feels comfortable in his class. That’s why he chooses to participate, and as soon as the bell rings, the writing style shifts drastically. The author chose to write the following discussion like a screenplay. I’ll give you an example:

SJ (Sara-Jane): It’s simple: women still aren’t treated as men’s equals. Especially by men.

Jared: (Rolls eyes.)

Doc: Okay. So there’s Women’s Rights. Any other areas where you guys feel like we haven’t quite reached the equality bar?

Everyone: ( . . . )

Doc: Feel free to consider current events.

SJ: You would make a terrible lawyer, Doc.

Everyone: (Nervous laughter)

Doc: I know ya’ll know what I’m getting at here.

Manny: I mean, we do…but you really wanna go there, Doc?**

This is very unconventional, books are normally written differently. But it also gives the reader a breath of fresh air, it’s something new and exciting. I personally like the writing style, it gives the book it’s unique quirk. There are three distinct writing styles, it starts in the third-person p.o.v., the most common one, then it shifts into the first-person p.o.v. when Jus writes his letters to Dr. King, and for lots of dialogue this “screenplay” type of style is used. It CAN get a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to reading, but it’s not too challenging and the author makes it work.

*Page 15, row 20

**Page 23, row 2-12

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