Monster

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper. Steve is a "monster" or so says the prosecuter in his murder trial. Steve is on trial for a murder he didn't commit and wasn't even in the same room when the murder occurred. The author used a unique writing style when he wrote it in the form of a movie screenplay. The novel moves back and forth between the present, the murder trial, and the past events leading up to the murder. Readers will enjoy the unique way this novel is written. High school students will relate to trying to look tough, but then finding yourself in a position where that toughness might land you in prison for 25 years. Sitting in that jail cell knocks the toughness right out of you. I found myself reliving the end of the trial just as Steve does. Why did his attorney not hug him? What does she see? Lying is the common theme during this novel. Some lie to save themselves. Some lie to save someone they know. Some even lie just to hurt someone else. Lying is what got Steve into this situation. Hopefully the truth will get him out though.