Exploring Social Class in Two New Books

THE RUNAWAYS by Sonya Terjanian is an appealing novel for a number of reasons. First, the setting: a cabin near the Poconos and the importance of nature to this story. Second, it is a coming of age story for the teen protagonist, Ivy, but also for Mary Ellen, an emotionally lost and searching middle-aged business executive. Ivy wants to escape poverty and her Mom’s illness to become a smoke jumper out West whereas Mary Ellen is trying to develop her artistic side.  Both need to figure out the next step in their lives and Terjanian contrasts their differing needs and opportunities due to class distinctions and life experience. Ivy has run away from home and holed up in a remote retreat that Mary Ellen, also escaping her responsibilities, borrows from an artist mentor.  They struggle with trusting each other and themselves in a story which I wish had continued beyond the few days they spent together.  THE RUNAWAYS is a quick read with a mystery/drama element mixed with social commentary.     

LAWN BOY by Jonathan Evison is a new book on our shelves which also deals with class differences and therefore might work as a springboard for Junior Theme.  I had high expectations based on its reviews and publisher’s description (“novel about social class distinctions, about overcoming cultural discrimination, and about standing up for oneself”) and I did like the beginning of this book – especially since we need more novels that will appeal to male students.  The main character is Mike Munoz, just a few years out of high school and feeling unappreciated and frustrated to be working as a landscaper.  Mike is in the midst of a series of adventures in what is essentially a coming of age story.  Unfortunately, though, he is not much of a role model due to numerous poor decisions and he really struggles with staying committed to a job and building a future in the face of continuing bad luck. Change eventually comes, in part due to a developing romantic interest with Andrew, a concerned friend and sometimes activist.  Readers learn much from Mike’s internal musings, but his feelings are so self-centered and repetitive that there are many times when they, like me, will want to scream “wake up; take action” at him. That reaction, however, is more of a backhanded compliment to Evison (This is Your Life, Harriet Chance) who is skilled at providing realistic details and developing his characters. Both Publishers Weekly and Booklist gave LAWN BOY starred reviews.