Broken Pencils - Book Review
Book Review of : Broken Pencils
"Broken Pencil" by J. R. Rice is a captivating coming-of-age drama that delves into the turbulent life of Jonah Tarver, a teenager from a middle-class family in Oakland, California. The novel takes readers on an intense, single-night journey through the murky depths of San Francisco's nightlife, irrevocably changing Jonah's view of the world. The story begins on Jonah's eighteenth birthday, coinciding with his Senior prom. As the son of a well-respected Oakland, Ca judge, Jonah
grapples with emotional turmoil: the weight of his best friend, Keon's death, his parent's troubled marriage, his bipolar disorder, and his naivety in life.
What started as a night of celebration quickly descended into chaos. Jonah's desperate quest for purpose propels him through a series of intense and dark experiences, shedding light on the complexities of youth, mental health, and the impact of peer pressure. The night becomes a Pandora's Box, unleashing dark truths about his deceased friend and revealing an ugliness that tears at his heart. This novel stands as a poignant social commentary on the challenges teenagers face in a frenetic and often unforgiving world.
"Broken Pencil" vividly illustrates how a single night of poor decisions can dramatically alter one's life trajectory. The novel is a stark reminder of the consequences of succumbing to peer pressure and the allure of escapism through substance abuse. Jonah's internal struggle and his quest for purpose are central to the narrative. The story poignantly captures the existential angst and confusion that often accompany the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
The novel sensitively addresses the protagonist's battle with bipolar disorder and the emotional havoc it wreaks on his life. It sheds light on the importance of mental health and the need for understanding and support. "Broken Pencil" is a modern-day take on the classic "Rebel Without a Cause." Jonah Tarver, much like James Dean's iconic character, grapples with a lack of moral courage in the face of overwhelming pressure and internal conflict. The story is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles of today's youth.
While the novel's ending raises questions about the point of life, much like the analogy of broken pencils, it also serves as a powerful narrative device to emphasize the protagonist's existential crisis. The characters are well-developed, and J. R. Rice's writing captures the chaotic energy and vulnerability of adolescence with striking authenticity. Conclusion: "Broken Pencil" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of teenage life, mental health, and the search for meaning. J. R. Rice masterfully weaves a tale that is both engaging and enlightening, making it a valuable addition to contemporary coming-of-age literature.
It’s an unforgettable read that will leave you reflecting on the delicate balance between choice and consequence.
Reviewed by: Peggy S
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About J.R. Rice
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Oakland, California, there was a man named J.R Rice. He was a Black man with a passion for writing, teaching, and spoken word artistry. J.R had always been captivated by the power of words and their ability to inspire, motivate and transform lives. As a young man, he knew that he wanted to make a difference in the world through his writing and his ability to connect with people. After receiving his B.A in Creative Writing and an English Education teaching credential from California State University of Long Beach, J.R set out to pursue his dreams. He traveled abroad to Greece, where he had the honor of being mentored by the renowned author, George Crane. It was there that he honed his skills and developed his unique voice, which he would later use to inspire and empower countless others. His novella, Broken Pencils earned the 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award, the Literary Global Gold Award, 2024 Hawthorne Prize finalist, 2024 Independent Author Awards finalist in both Best African-American Literature and Best Debut Fiction, and 2024 International Firebird Book Award Third place winner in Best African-American Literature and Best New Fiction. In addition to his writing accolades, he earned the Rookie of the Year award at the 2005 National Collegiate Poetry Slam in Philadelphia. He was a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 Berkeley Poetry Slam Finals. He is the host and curator of SOCIAL SATURDAYS artist showcase in Oakland. He currently resides and teaches in the Bay Area.
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