it's the day to day living that wears you out." That's a favorite saying of mine by Anton Chekov. I was reminded of it while reading Tyrell by Coe Booth this week. I found myself comparing Tyrell's and his mother's reactions to the stressful crisis they both found themselves in during one cold week in winter. What kind of choices do you make when tragedy visits your family? Depends on who you are. If you are emotionally stunted like his mother, you might tend and remain inflexible, just waiting for something to happen to you, or for someone to do something for you. So much became clear when Tyrell recounted that his mother had been with his father since she was fifteen – “ah, so that’s where the self-absorbed irrational whining is coming from.” She has’t really matured much despite all the opportunities. In their family, the mother is reserving the right to act like a fifteen-year old, which negates Tyrell’s rights to be a teenager.
If I had this book in my library (when I have this book in my library?) I would guide discussions around Tyrell’s reactions to his circumstances. This is the universal message for any reader. The novel offers so many ways to support the YAL developmental assets. Really challenging ones, too, regarding developing one’s character. Tyrell is a terrific read, because like all good YAL novels, you get a character that allows you think about yourself and grow emotionally from having exposed yourself to his life and world.
I have no doubt that if Tyrell heard Chekov's observation he would respond with a "true that." But without realizing it, Tyrell is following another credo that's more applicable and useful for his life. The motto for the U.S. Marines is "Adapt, Improvise, Overcome". As Tyrell proves, following this formula is a safe bet for anyone who wants digging out from all kinds of adversities.
It’s not necessary at all to be able to correlate exactely Tyrell’s particular circumstances with one’s own in order to learn from them. Reader’s shouldn't’t finish Tyrell and only experience gratitude that maybe their lives, -- despite all its own complications -- are not as gritty and stressful. Everyone’s problems are valid. Comparing lives does’t really help anyone grow or change. However, following his example of not exploding, not going against his principles, not caving in to pressure the next time something happens in your life that’s unexpectedly shitty would be a great way to prove to yourself that you have absorbed the higher lesson in this novel.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I wanted to strangle Tyrell's mother for not being a role model and for not giving him the support he deserves. Yet, Tyrell was a role model and support to his younger brother.
The Chekov definitely fits. If you were talking to teens about the book I wonder what they would say about where Tyrell gets the strength to go on day to day even when each day wears you out.
Tyrell's mother is the villain, for sure. Knowing why she's the way she is still doesn't allow any pity from me. She just didn't step up. I think the seven year old brother kept Tyrell's priorities in focus. Somehow knowing that Troy's own mother could not be relied on to take care of him gave Tyrell the strength to keep going.
Post a Comment