Push by Sapphire - T'Keyah Johnson Journal Blog

Journal Entry #15

As the book comes to a close, I am very disappointed. The book has not much of an ending to what will become of Precious life. She continues to go to school, love Abdul, but there is not much more on her struggle with the disease. If I could make up an alternative ending for the book it would probably include, Precious building a strong relationship with her mother, beginning a family with her son, finding a true love, finishing her GED, preparing for college, and taking the fight against HIV. Precious does mention a bit of joy, and this joy comes from her son. “Look his nose is so shiny, his eyes shiny. He my shiny brown boy. In his beauty I see my own. He pulled on my earring, want me to stop daydreaming and read him a story before nap time. I do.” (140) The author does include the Each One Teach One “Life Book”, which is a “sample” of all of the classmates - including Precious's - poems and testimonies. They were very interesting to read and involved struggles similar to Precious, such as unstable relationships with family and rape among family members. Overall, I expected a better ending but, this book was amazing. The thrills, imagery, and excitement made this novel a “page-turner”.

Words: 218

Journal Entry #14

“How we would be if life was perfect. I tell you one thing right now, I would be light skinned, thereby treated right and loved by boyz. Light even more important than being skinny; you see them light-skinned girls that's big an' fat, they got boyfriends.” (114)

“Then, this part is hard to say, because so much of my heart is love for Abdul. But I be a girl or woman – yeah girl, 'cause I would still be a girl now if I hadn't had no kids. I would be a virgin like Michael Jackson, like Madonna. I would be a different Precious Jones. My bress not big, my bra be little 'n pink like fashion girl. My body be like Whitney. I would be thighs not big etc etc.” (115)

These excerpts come from Precious as she thinking about the “perfect” life and the “perfect” image, after she finds out she has the HIV virus. It was sad to me when I read this and the author's tone is very concerned and serious. It upset me because I hear stereotypes like the ones above everyday. Light-skinned people are seen by some as always prettier over dark-skinned people. This has never been true to me. I remember watching the news channel the other week and there was an elementary dark-skinned girl. The report was on low self-esteem and how your skin color affects that. It does not leave my head that this little girl felt she was ugly, and wanted to be light skinned because, she was dark-skinned and in her mind that was not pretty. It gets really sad when skin complexion plays a role in the perception of beauty. I could feel where Precious was coming from when she wishes she was a virgin. However, that is something that cannot change and will never come back. I believe that Precious felt this way because everyone wants to be able to lose something so important to the one they really love. Precious was not given this choice, she was not ready, and this was wrongfully taken away from her. Precious seemed to have everything together, but now she thinks the thoughts that will have her falling apart. However, what Precious is feeling is normal. Especially as a teenager, we all battle with self-esteem issues and being the “cover girl”. This book has definitely been interesting and there are twists and turns at every corner.

Words: 408

Journal Entry #13

Bad news: Precious tested HIV positive. “This is the biggest thing happen to Precious P. Jones in her life. I got the AIDS virus. That what tess say.” (93) Wow! When I found out the results of the test I was shocked. I have to admit I even cried. I really did not expect this to happen. For me, it changed the whole meaning of the story. It made me feel like there is never any hope, and when things go right, something else goes wrong. I am questioning a lot of things now, and more importantly the reasoning behind the test. Maybe if Precious had tested negative, there could be more hope for her. She now has to worry about her own health, while also the concerns of continuing a good education and supporting her son. This part of the story has became “alive” to me, and I believe people go through these things every day. However, there was a bit of good in this whole situation. Abdul is healthy and he does not have the virus.

Words: 178

Journal Entry #12

Just as thought everything was going well in the novel, things want to turn upside down. I am even finding myself having to “push”, in order to get through the book without tears. “Little Mongo”, Precious first born, has been placed in a special institution. Her grandmother can longer “control” her and her intellectual level is way below what it should be. There is no hope of Precious ever getting Mongo, at least no time soon. The biggest shock comes when Precious mother, Mary, comes to visits her at the advancement house. She apparently has to speak to her daughter about something very important. “She look down say, “Your daddy dead.” She come out the house to tell me that! So what! I’m glad the ni**** dead. No, I don’t mean that but so what. Mama quiet. Mama say, “Carl had the AIDS virus.” (85) As I read this part, I dropped my book. It was one thing for Carl, Precious father, to have died, but it is another for him to have AIDS. As AIDS is a very serious disease, it is crucial that people at risk be tested. Being that Precious had sex numerous times with Carl, there is a chance that she may have the disease. Also, Mongo and Abdul could be exposed as well. However, I find myself being grateful for Mary to come and tell Precious the truth. Precious could have not known the whole life about this new finding. I am hoping that Precious does not have the disease, and I predict that she does not have the disease. At this time of the story, I feel like this is the rising action of the story. Whether or not Precious or her children have the virus, will probably make up the climax. (fingers crossed)

Words: 300

Journal Entry #11

I have noticed that as the book has been progressing, Precious literary skills are improving in her “voice”. The dialect - specifically the slang - is pretty much the same, but the “baby” words are matching her improved intelligence. Also, Precious has now ran away from home. I believe this is not a sign of fear, but rather strength. Precious is becoming more independent and knows she wants to make something of her own. She is only a teenager and with a baby she will need support. However, she is determined to seek it in the right place. This is where Ms. Rain comes to the rescue! I see Ms. Rain as a character that could be a symbol of a Christ figure. She does what she can and needs to do to help the well-being of someone in need. It is hinted that she has a personal connection to Precious like no other in the classroom can understand. Ms. Rain is upset by Precious parents and their behaviors. She wishes to confront them, and sends Precious to an advancement house. The house main priority is to help young women, with and without children, advance to the next level (whatever that might be). More importantly, Abdul is able to be under adult supervision while Precious is at the alternative school.

Words: 220

Journal Entry #10