The plot of THE USUAL SUSPECTS revolves around the discovery of a gun near the grounds of a middle school. It all comes to life through the perceptive narration of Thelonius, who is one of the most distinct characters and narrators of the year. T. is smart and knows it; he’s a trouble maker, and he’s proud of it. But there’s much more to him than that. His observations about the world and the people he encounters are sometimes funny, often cynical, and usually right on target. He knows how the world sees him: “going through life accused all the time” (44). He’s almost over-pleased with himself at the beginning, but as the gun mystery unfolds he has to question himself and make harder choices than he’s used to making. When kids move out of his way at one point as he walks down the hall, he says: “I don’t enjoy it. Suspicion is one thing; fear of us is another” (96).
He has concerned adults who try to help him, but T. mostly dismisses their efforts at guidance and identifies their weaknesses and their own self-perceptions. One my favorite moments is when Mr. Blackman and Moms are trying to share wisdom with him, including a nearly page-long speech by Mr. B. T’s response:
“With the two main adults in my life batting life lessons at me for each other’s benefit, it’s time to derail this nonsense. ‘Are you hitting on my mom?’” (224).
Though he jokes a lot, T. really works to see things clearly and get things right. While Moms warns him against “hood nonsense,” and T. sees her point, he also can see that “it’s just folks doing their best in a rigid system” (211). There’s lots more I like about this book and I’m curious to see if others rate it as highly as I do.
THE BRIDGE HOME is miles away from THE USUAL SUSPECTS in many ways (and 7,000+ miles geographically). Thelonius does struggle to survive and thrive in a challenging world, but Viji and Rukku have a different kind of survival story, where food, shelter, and personal safety are constantly at risk. Their flight to the city is tense and suspenseful. Viji’s narration works well, vividly conveying the setting while she also shares her thoughts and worries about doing the right thing. Though she doubts and sometimes reproaches herself, readers can appreciate that she’s taken on way more than an eleven-year-old should ever have to deal with, and coping amazingly well.
The use of the second person works well…it’s not overdone or distracting, and keeps the reader aware that Viji is looking back at the dangers of their story from what seems like a place of safety. I first read this a while ago and can’t remember when I became sure that Rukku didn’t make it, but it’s still a hammer blow when we learn for sure:
Arul had brought with him the new doll I’d bought you. The one you’d been too sick to play with.
When we visited you that night, I took the doll with us, hoping your eyes would light up when you saw her.
But by the time we stood by your bed, your own body was as stiff as a wooden doll’s and it was too late (153).
I was pleased to see that THE BRIDGE HOME received three Nominations in our first round. I think it might do very well in a discussion around Newbery Criteria.
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