Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.16, 2014, under Biography or Autobigraphy, Multicultural Fiction, Non-fiction, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? People who like the books of Walter Dean Myers or are interested in what it would have been like to grow up in Harlem in the 1940s and 50s.
The goods on this book: Walter Dean Myers tells his personal story from his youngest days until he enters the service at the age of seventeen. His family situation was complex, and he was raised by relatives whom he called “Mom” and “Dad.” A bright and active boy, Walter struggled to find his way in Harlem. A gifted athlete and never shy about getting into fights, Walter had another side that he had to hide. He couldn’t let his reputation be ruined by being seen as a bookworm or a writer, so he pursued these passions in secret. His early experiences were also multiracial, so he faced severe disappointment when he encountered racism. His problems came to a head during his high school years, and these years were also when literature became his lifeline. His discussion of how specific books affected his thinking is captivating. The events of his life makes this book worth reading, and the style in which he writes makes this reading especially meaningful.
The details: 214 pages; 2002 Review by Samrarian
