ISBN: 9781933693583
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press (2009)
239 p.
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press (2009)
239 p.
Reading Level: Grade 9 and up.
Summary:
Zach is an eighteen-year-old who, instead of finishing high school with the straight A’s he worked hard for, finds himself in rehab for alcoholism. He doesn’t remember how he got there, but he fights his memories, buries his feelings, and builds himself a wall in his heart to keep others out. As the reader uncovers the mystery along with Zach of how he appeared at the rehab facility, readers embark on Zach’s voyage of coping with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), learning to let people into his heart with the help of his therapist, Adam, and other friends in the facility. This hauntingly lyrical novel keeps the reader on the edge of suspense, page-by-page, as they learn snippets from Zach’s past. Topics such as violence, hatred, sadness, and God are dealt with directly, but sensitively. When Adam tries to discuss with all the group members how they are in charge of themselves and not to let their substance abuse of choice take over,
Zach thinks,
“I hate this.
The list makes me really sad.
I’m thinking about bourbon.
I’m thinking about how bourbon was my higher power. I’m feeling very anxious.” (p. 68).
I’m thinking about how bourbon was my higher power. I’m feeling very anxious.” (p. 68).
Only by doing the work can each of them defeat his monster.
Critical Evaluation:
This realistic portrayal of a facility where lost and broken souls go to heal and battle their addictions rang true while I was reading it. The characterizations of not only Zach, but of his therapist, Adam, and his friend and eventual mentor, Rafael, as well as the minor characters, all give this novel a breath of life in which readers feel that they, too, are in the therapy circle. The blending of Zach’s past and present as well as his readiness for the future is presented with much insight by the author. Zach’s internal conflict will keep readers glued to the book as they, at the same time as Zach, learn and remember the past. One other interesting aspect of the book is that Zach is not characterized in any sexual way. Although he suffers at the hands of his mother and promises another boy a kiss, there’s nothing that gives the reader the idea that Zach has any sexuality at all. As I was reading this novel, I found his relationship with Rafael touching and hoped, perhaps, that they would find love together. Now I know that it was a different love than I surmised, but love and peace were found nonetheless. This vagueness of Zach’s sexuality and the fact that the author did not spend inordinate amounts of time on it truly reflect that sexuality is only one of many parts of a person and that, in this case, the most important action for Zach is to mend his broken heart, wail against the monster, and start building a life of forgiveness and love.
This realistic portrayal of a facility where lost and broken souls go to heal and battle their addictions rang true while I was reading it. The characterizations of not only Zach, but of his therapist, Adam, and his friend and eventual mentor, Rafael, as well as the minor characters, all give this novel a breath of life in which readers feel that they, too, are in the therapy circle. The blending of Zach’s past and present as well as his readiness for the future is presented with much insight by the author. Zach’s internal conflict will keep readers glued to the book as they, at the same time as Zach, learn and remember the past. One other interesting aspect of the book is that Zach is not characterized in any sexual way. Although he suffers at the hands of his mother and promises another boy a kiss, there’s nothing that gives the reader the idea that Zach has any sexuality at all. As I was reading this novel, I found his relationship with Rafael touching and hoped, perhaps, that they would find love together. Now I know that it was a different love than I surmised, but love and peace were found nonetheless. This vagueness of Zach’s sexuality and the fact that the author did not spend inordinate amounts of time on it truly reflect that sexuality is only one of many parts of a person and that, in this case, the most important action for Zach is to mend his broken heart, wail against the monster, and start building a life of forgiveness and love.
Reader’s Annotation:
“The monster wants me dead.
I wonder if I’m the only one who has a monster.” (p. 40)
I wonder if I’m the only one who has a monster.” (p. 40)
Author Biography:
Benjamin Alire Sáenz was born in 1954 and raised on the outskirts of Mesilla, New Mexico. He received a BA in Humanities and Philosophy from St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado, and then studied theology at the University of Louvain in Belgium.
Sáenz discovered a love for Paris, Spain, and Italy as well as painting. After three years as a priest, after having been ordained in 1981, he enrolled at the University of Texas where he received an MA in Creative Writing. Sáenz has won an American Book Award for a book of poems and has written fifteen books for adults, teens, and children.
Sáenz discovered a love for Paris, Spain, and Italy as well as painting. After three years as a priest, after having been ordained in 1981, he enrolled at the University of Texas where he received an MA in Creative Writing. Sáenz has won an American Book Award for a book of poems and has written fifteen books for adults, teens, and children.
Some of his novels include Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, which he took inspiration from during his high school years and as the Vietnam War “left a permanent mark on him, in 2008, partially out of his outrage for the war in Iraq, he wrote Names on a Map. Sáenz explored the way in which a war can destroy a family.” His novels deal with realistic and tough topics for both teens and adults.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties:
This novel could be successfully used in a Creative Writing class. It is a perfect example of how realistic fiction can be enjoyed for its story, but also for its honest and straightforward writing style. This could also serve a class in a reform school as an example of a character who receives one more chance in life. This novel provides a literary analogue for the students to entice them toward self-reflection and recovery.
Booktalking Ideas:
- What does the title mean? What does it mean to Zach? To Rafael?
- How do the stories of the others in the group help Zach cope?
-What steps does Zach take to finally remember?
-What is in charge of your life?
Read-Alikes:
-Split by Swati Avasthi.
-I am the Cheese by Robert Cormier.
-The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin.
-Lush by Natasha Friend.
Challenge Issue:
This is a very realistically written novel, and in the real world people, especially those fighting demons, swear—a lot. I would ask a reader and any parents to think about how this book would help teens who are fighting substance abuse and violence in order to break out on the other side and be able to have a fulfilling life. The freedom to read includes all types of books. Realistic and gritty fiction is a favorite of teens. Even if they themselves are not going through what Zach goes through, perhaps their friend is, and maybe this book will help them reach out.
Reason to include in blog:
Both the title and the haunting cover pulled me in at the bookstore and made me grab the book and read the summary. One of my favorite Robert Cormier novels is I am the Cheese, and this seemed to contain the same eerie, beautiful prose as Cormier’s. I was not let down. This is a haunting tale of a young man who needs to forgive himself, look his demons in the eye, and win back his life.
References:
Sáenz, B. (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from
http://www.benjaminaliresaenz.com/methodology.php
Sáenz, B. (2009). Last Night I Sang to the Monster.
El Paso, Texas: Cinco Punto Press.
Last Night I Sang to the Monster read by the author Benjamin Alire Sáenz
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