Book Review: Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. Amistad Press, 1999.

[281 p]. [$6.95]. 9-780064-4047311

Told from the point of view of Steve Harmon, Monster plays out like a courtroom procedural screenplay, flashing back and forth between the script playing out court room events and the handwritten journal musings of Steve as he waits in jail. Prior to the events that have landed Steve in jail, he had dreams of being a filmmaker, hence his story being told in the form of a screenplay. The reader is never directly told whether or not he is innocent or guilty, despite him being acquitted of all charges. That decision is left up to the reader, even though it is clear that Steve’s own lawyer does not believe in his innocence, instead considering him a monster, which Steve at times believes himself to be. Since he has been put in jail, he is unable to see himself as the boy he once was, and those around him are unable to see him as the boy he was. His father in particular struggles with this, rarely coming to see him and all but ignoring Steve once he is home again, no longer truly knowing his child and how he could have become involved with people who would have brought him into such a troubled event.

Though not a big fan of the screenplay format, it is a fitting format for this story, particularly since Steve was and potentially still is an aspiring filmmaker. Knowing little of the story, but only of the honors and praise this book has received I can now say the story is worthy of the praise and awards. Monster is a well written an engaging story that draws readers in until the end. By not decisively stating whether or not Steve is innocent or guilty Myers allows the reader to draw their own conclusion based on the trial proceedings and history we are now aware of. The verdict is not directly clear, which speaks to many events that are seen in the media both today and in the past. There is always more than one side to the story and every person will have their own view an opinion on what the correct side really is. Overall Monster is a well written statement on the unfortunately true issues that many face.

Rating, based upon Voya's review codes:

3Q 3P S