Farewell

After two hundred and ninety-eight pages later, I have completed this unpredictable roller coaster of a novel. The book was recommended to me by a friend; when I started the novel the only knowledge I had was that it was a book about a boy who makes questionable decisions and goes to Jamaica. To be honest, I thought the recommender was leaving out some important details. However, if I were to recommend the book, that's exactly how I would describe it.

From an AP standpoint, that's not exactly a great claim to fame as the novel lacked complexity. However, from a reader's standpoint, it is not necessarily bad. I've struggled to get through some of the less interesting books this semester, but I had no trouble flying through this novel. The book is easy to read, intriguing, and at points a serious page turner.

Similar to Song of Solomon, Rule of the Bone is a coming of age novel. Other than that, it does not share any similarities with novels we have read this year. It does not involve science nor an all controlling government. It has a theme of abandonment, and follows a teen on his journey as he experiences real events (no flying or white peacocks in this novel). The main character is young, and the book takes place in modern time which allows the book to be easily relatable.

That said, the book was not all that relatable as I have minimal family issues, have never lived anywhere but with my parents, and am not into drugs. I can relate to Bone as we are both teenagers, which allows me to understand his thought process and interest at many points throughout the book. However, for students that face issues similar to Bone, they would find the book highly relatable.

I would recommend this book to any student that has trouble staying interested in a book. It is perfect novel for a student that has trouble getting through lengthy novels as it is has some meaning that can be analyzed but is also an easy to read, interesting novel. Although I argued it was not AP worthy, it does still have some literary merit and could be used for lower level classes. However, due to the its vulgarity, I do not think the book is fit for anyone younger than a junior in high school. Drugs and sex are consistently referenced throughout the novel.

This book stands out from the crowd of books we have read this year. When I think about classic AP English novels, my mind drifts towards dull and complex novels (don't worry Mrs. Laclair, you have avoided that) and this novel is anything but mundane stereotype. This book is modern and covers many topics I would have never imagined would be in a book I read for an official class. Although I had criticisms along the way, Banks had me turning the pages at a fast rate and I found myself enjoying the novel.