Based
on the small amount that I have read of my book, Lullabies of little criminals,
I find it quite interesting so far. I have to admit that I don’t usually enjoy
the books that I have to read for class because I can’t really relate to the
stories or understand them properly. However this novel really interests me due
to the setting and especially the characters. I may not be able to directly
relate to the drug factor and lack of mother figure that seem to be prominent
points in this novel I can still sympathize with the characters dealing with
these circumstances. I have formed a mental image of Baby and her father, Jules.
Baby’s appearance in my mind has been altered due to the fact that there is an
illustration of her on the front cover of the novel, nevertheless I still
picture as a sweet looking thin brunette who appears happy and neatly
presented. Her father on the other hand seems to be less appealing and trashy.
He has scabs on his arms due to his heroin addiction but I still like him as a
character so far despite his flaws as a father. Considering Baby and her father
have been separated twice already due to her father’s addiction I don’t believe
they will ever be able to fully stay together. Unfortunately I don’t think
Jules is ever going to be able to stop doing drugs and I think that is going to
have serious consequences for his and Baby’s futures. I am interested to see
how Baby handles her life situations whether she stays with her father or not.
I enjoy Baby’s character. She seems strong despite the hardships she has faced
in her short life. She needs to learn to separate her life from her fathers to
a point though. When he leaves to get drugs she should listen to him and stay
at home where she is safe from drug dealers and a scene that is unfit for a 12
year old. She was also struck by a car while chasing after her father due to
another one of his careless mistakes. I believe that this book’s target
audience is fairly broad. Although I think it is better suited for young
adults. It isn’t a children’s book. My values and worldviews affect the way I read
this book to a point. I understand drug addictions are hard to overcome but I still
believe that a parent should do whatever they can to create the best life for
their children. In this case Jules needs to stop doing drugs and better provide
for Baby. I hope that later on in this novel Baby and Jules can live together once
again. I hope Jules gets sober and stays that way so Baby can have a much more
positive role model in her life. I am looking forward to reading more of this
novel so I can see what happens to these two characters and see them hopefully
overcome their many hardships.
That's great that you like the book, the definitely makes projects easier. Baby seems like a very complex character for a 12 year old and she's definitely seen a lot more than most kids her age. I get what you're saying about Jules' addiction being a selfish act. So I was wondering why you think he continues to use drugs even though he has a young daughter?
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your points. Baby is such a complex child that has such a strong character. She has her downfalls but she is able to pick herself up since no one else can. Based on the fact that she's alone, allows her to adapt to life without her father and progress as a person. Because of her growth, do you think Baby will slowly forget about Jules and do her own thing?
ReplyDeleteI am not reading the same book as you but first of all I am like you in that I often don't find school books all that appealing. That being said its awesome that you are enjoying your book so far ! Being that I am not reading the same book as you, I don't know how far along in the story you have gotten, but from what you have written it sounds like the characters have already experienced a lot! You explain a lot of very hard situations that Baby has gone through already at the age of 12 and so do you think that she realizes that she is in as bad of a situation as she is ? Or do you think that she is sheltered from seeing what a better life is like?
ReplyDeleteHey Jess we are reaidng the same book! I really agree with your post about how school books usually aren't interesting, but just like you I am really enjoying this story. Do you think that we will ever find out more about Baby's mother? And how will we find about her? Who will tell her? And with your comments regarding Jules, I have to disagee. I don't think he is a good role model. How do you think he can get better? Will she have to "grow up" to realize the mistakes he makes?
ReplyDeleteHi, I am reading the Book of Negros, but I like to read other response of different books to see what people think of them! You had a very good blog, I'm glad you are enjoying your book so far. The characters in this book seem really interesting, and I can't wait to see what will happen to the Baby and Jules as the story progresses. Have you thought maybe the Baby will not want to see Jules in the future?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not reading the same book as you, I found it very easy to make connections to my novel, and even in the sense that I don't normally enjoy reading, yet I enjoy my ISP book so far! Your post gave me a good idea of what the story is like, and i begun to wonder, what do you think would happen if Jules were to continue doing drugs? Even if she did stop, do you think that Baby would still want her in her life as a role model?
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very complex book that has a lot of difficult topics in it and was just wondering what made you choose this specific book to read? I'm personally not reading this book but I have made some connections based on your descriptions you have presented, which I find interesting. Also, is the story told from Baby's perspective or is it someone else's?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog post. I am reading the Book of Negroes but find your blog to be very interesting. You give a nice overview of the events and situation that are taking place in the first part of the novel which allows people like myself who are not reading it to get an idea of what is occuring. It sounds like a heart-wrenching novel. I feel pity for Baby due to the fact that at such ayoung age she has to live, see and experiment the effects of drugs. The role-model in her life is practically teaching her “do what I say, not as I do” mentality. Creating a horrible enviornment for her to live in, Jules would rather satisfy his addiction than work towards providing a better future for his daugther.
ReplyDeleteI know you said you are not far into the book yet, but is Baby an only child? What role does the mother play in all of this? Do you think Baby will pick up the same habits and addictions as her father?
Jess, I love how you brought the book cover into the discussion of this book. I have not completely finished the book yet, but I am not sure that the book cover accurately depicts this main character. As you mentioned, this character has had a lot of hardships and struggles, yet she is depicted on the front cover as a “happy-go-lucky” free spirited child skipping. I can not bring myself to see her in this state of mind...yet she is often so open to let-downs and heart breaks throughout the novel. Your thoughts?
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