Journal Entry #2

In the next few pages of the novel, the author provides a brief description of Precious. She was born on November 4, 1970, and when she has her first child she is twelve years old. However, the book flashes back from the time she is twelve until the present day, she is now sixteen. She is heavyset for her age, weighing over two hundred pounds. She is also very dark skinned. The author also mentions that the kids at school make fun of her. “Claireece is so ugly she lagging ugly”, one kid remarks. (12) Her mother is named Mary L. Johnston, who is mentioned as being much larger and uglier than Precious. She is cruel to Precious and blames her for “sleeping with her husband.” Precious father is named Carl Kenwood Jones. Precious and her mother live in the Bronx. Carl is not married to Mary, despite the fact she considers him “husband”. Carl only comes around to rape his daughter, and then has sex with Precious mother. Precious first child is named Mongoloid, commonly referred to as “Mongo” or “Little Mongo”, because she is named after the down syndrome she has. Precious says “Baby’s face is smashed flat like pancake, eyes is all slanted up like Koreans, tongue goin ‘ in ‘n out like some kinda snake.” (17) It is hinted that the child suffered from oxygen deprivation at birth, which probably could have been prevented if Precious had proper prenatal care. Her mother knew about the pregnant child and did not try to take her to a doctor. Also, the incest probably led to the development of the child, but Precious also never saw a doctor during her pregnancy. However, it is a blessing that the child remained alive.

As I read about the family, I see why Precious life is so dysfunctional. The first thing that caught my mind is Precious mother, Mary. It saddened me that she blames her daughter for all that has happened to her, when Precious had no control. As a personal connection, there is no doubt in my mind that my mother would call the police on my father, if she did not kill him first. Wouldn't any mother do this for their child? It disgust me that a father would want to have a sexual relationship with their child, and especially at such a young age.

Words: 394