In this novel, Nixon has done a great job creating a character that is modeled after teenage behavior while instilling values that will help her readers with their developmental needs.
Nixon's main character Samantha exhibits many classic teen characteristics, which makes her an easy person for teens to relate to. Her impulsive nature is referenced many times in the book, as she makes hasty decisions that are not always the best ones. In one instance, she makes a decision to visit her Aunt Thea when most adults would have seen reasoning against the idea. Her parents are constantly telling her "slow down and think this out," (Nixon, 10) but her impatience always wins out and Samantha realizes the possible error of her ways after she has acted upon her ideas. As quickly as she makes decisions, she is also rather easily bored. "People-watching was interesting for only so long," (Nixon 31) she thinks after having spent a minor amount of time observing a few of the other characters in the book.
Just like other teens, Samantha cares very deeply for her peer relationships. She is constantly thinking what parts of each situation she encounters she will share with her friend Darlene. When something exciting happens, her first thought is also of how much Darlene would love it.
Nixon also forwards the developmental needs of her readers through Samantha's decisions. She provides adult role models for support but also allows Samantha to see their flaws. In the beginning, Samantha idolizes Augustus because he is a famous writer. As she gets to know more about him, she finds he a hot-tempered man who has seen failure in the beginning of his career. These flaws allow Samantha to grow in her psychosocial development - her identity as a writer and feeling she has to learn that from another writer. Aunt Thea also provides a winning personality to appreciate, but has made her own mistakes. This realization that adults and parents are not perfect is an important method of development for Samantha and other teens according to the AACAP.
Nixon does well to provide examples of the Havighurst traits through Samantha during the course of the story. Samantha is very creative and participates in activities which emphasize this daily. Writing in her journal also shows her commitment to learning. Samantha furthers her learning and creativity with Darlene by creating and solving codes - all of which help cognitive development with hypothetical, abstract, and verbal problems (Piaget). This cognitive ability is able to help Samantha solve the mystery that poses as a problem concerning her aunt. As she works her way through this code to discover a hidden manuscript and a murderer, Samantha also faces the ethical dilemma of discovering a group of people's potentially harmful secrets versus knowing them to unveil the murderer. While most of the adults reach a consensus that no one shall read the manuscript to protect everyone of its harmful content, Samantha believes in her own value to uncover the murderer because it is the socially responsible thing to do. Once she has discovered the manuscript and the murderer - she agrees that while some of the evidence in the manuscript is not socially responsible, it benefits her personal values to destroy it and save the people she cares about from harm.
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2 comments:
I enjoyed this book. As the Pavonetti article pointed out, there's a bit of wish fulfillment involved when Sam is able to solve the clues that the adults are confused by. It appeals to the YA's longing for uniqueness. It is also nice to read about a smart female protagonist.
Most of the book revolves around finding the manuscript. While the plot is interesting, I couldn't help but focus on Agustus' murder. None of the other guests seem particularly bothered by his death, although the murderer is still on the loose. The only emotion they seem to feel is relief. Since they all feel threatened, the relief is understandable on some level...but it seems that they also knew Augustus on a personal level...wouldn't they feel shocked, at least? With the closing sentences of the the book (making reference to the title), I thought Nixon was trying to make a point about death and giving YA readers a chance to explore their feelings on the subject. More development on the reactions to Augustus' death could have been another opportunity to do so.
I liked this book too, partly because it was fast-paced and a very quick read. As we talked about in class, this makes it a good book for reluctant readers. Sam is also an appealing character; Megan's post nicely points out all Sam's YA traits that help make her recognizable to young readers.
Diana: I agree that Augustus' death didn't seem to have much of an effect on the group's emotions, and it might have been interesting to explore those issues more. I think this has something to do with the genre. While definitely not fantasy, the book does seem to take place outside reality, in mystery-world, where stock characters gather in a forbidding mansion while a storm cut off all contact with the outside world. You almost expect someone to turn up murdered, and Nixon further softens the blow by making Augustus such a mean-spirited character.
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