Push and the Relate-ability of Precious

Recently, there has been a lot of noise about a movie called "Precious", featuring Gabby Sidibe. As a general rule, I try to read the book before I see the movie (one of the many reasons why I refuse to see the apparent beauty of Robert Pattinson on the big screen) and so I rushed to my nearest book store to buy Push, by Sapphire.

As an English major with a general background in British Literature, I'm usually quite put off by any writing that is less than grammatical. I knew, coming into it, that Push was likely to be upsetting, and not only because of its content. I was actually more worried about if I would be able to force myself through a book where "maff" is the interpretation of the word "math" by a nearly illiterate girl.

I know, I know, I'm awful. Many amazing books have had to be put down because of this very issue. But after a term of Caribbean literature, I've been learning how to read books in Creole, or in a mix of English and Creole, and this addresses my issue nicely. The problem is that I don't hear words in my head as I read, so I get easily confused by forms of phonemic orthography. With some practice I've been improving at hearing a voice in my head, and it was because of this that I found myself very able to enjoy Push.

The story starts out when Precious gets kicked out of school for being pregnant. She seems to embody all sorts of contradiction -- she yells at the teacher, she won't open her textbook (she can't read the numbers). In that same class, she becomes known as the peace keeper, and the teacher appreciates her ability to control the unruly math-student masses.

Without school to turn to, Precious returns home to her abusive mother. Reading about all the hardships that Precious has been through, the inappropriate sexuality, the beatings, the malnutrition, I fully expected the book to come off like a twisted game -- where the author tries to horrify, and in case that isn't enough, here's something worse!! Surprisingly, I was very touched by her stories of abuse. Though the scale was different, every moment was relatable to me, not least the moment when she learns the word for what her father did to her and was able to vocalise it, screaming "rape" over and over.

The social issues laced throughout the book also affect readers in their everyday lives; Saphire takes each situation and makes it into hyperbole. The saddest part is that, for some people, it isn't. As a reader, though, these pictures of racism, homophobia, low-self esteem, poverty and abuse are echoed small-scale through most people's lives. Some particulars may resonate more than others.

I know that some reviewers found the character of Precious to be transgressive and carnivalesque (in a bad way), but I can only speak for the novel. I found the character to be likable and it was her ability to learn and to reason that got to me. She gives me hope that even people who are raised with intolerant beliefs, such as Precious's homophobia, can see the error in such thinking and love people, particularly Ms. Rain and some of her classmates, despite her initial prejudices regarding their sexuality and gender expression.

Great book, and will definitely see the movie. As soon as it starts playing in Toronto... or ANYWHERE remotely near me.

(Update: It seems to be opening at Scotiabank Theatre on Friday. Score!)