Book Review: The First Part Last
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What Parents Should Know
The subject is teen parents, from the boy's point of view,
and it's not glamorized. But the attitude toward the underage
sex that caused it is casual, as shown when Bobby and Nia have
sex again after she becomes pregnant. Nevertheless, it's a
realistic look at being a teen parent.
Common Sense Media Review
Johnson manages here a delicate balancing act: she doesn't
gloss over the difficulties of teen parenting, but she also
highlights the joy and love that are just as much a part of
raising a baby as diapers and lack of sleep.
Bobby, the only fleshed-out character in the story, is
an unusually sweet teen, fully open to the emotions of
fatherhood, and willing to do whatever it takes to do the right
thing. His family -- divorced parents and older brother -- are
all kind and understanding, though unwilling to remove any of
the burden from his shoulders. This may make the whole
situation seem a bit unreal, but it does focus the reader's
attention on the problems that come with the territory, rather
than any trumped up by the author for the sake of conflict.
It's a simple, gentle way of dealing with a complicated,
difficult issue.
From the Book
I've been thinking about it. Everything. And when
Feather opens her eyes and looks up at me, I already know
there's a change. But I figure if the world were really right,
humans would live life backwards and do the first part last.
They'd be all knowing in the beginning and innocent in the end.
Then everybody could end their life on the momma or
daddy's stomach in a warm room, waiting for the soft morning
light.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
