Push

Push: A Powerful Story of Hope and Resilience

Push is a critically acclaimed novel written by Sapphire, first published in 1996. It tells the compelling story of Precious Jones, a young woman living in Harlem, New York, who overcomes numerous obstacles to find her voice and transform her life. The book gained widespread attention for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the issues faced by marginalized communities, earning both accolades and controversy.

The Plot

The story unfolds through Precious’ own narrative voice, providing a poignant and authentic perspective of her tumultuous journey. She is a sixteen-year-old African-American girl who suffers physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of her parents. Precious is illiterate, pregnant with her second child, and struggling with obesity.

Despite these hardships, Precious finds solace and escape in her imagination. She dreams of a better life and embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she enrolls in an alternative school, Each One Teach One. With the help of her teacher, Ms. Rain, and a supportive group of classmates, Precious learns to read and write, breaking free from the constraints of her upbringing.

The novel explores themes of trauma, racism, poverty, illiteracy, and the enduring power of hope. It sheds light on the adversity faced by young women like Precious and provides a unique perspective on the intersectionality of social issues.

Awards, Criticism, and Acclaim

Push received widespread recognition for its bold and daring narrative. It won numerous literary awards, including the Book-of-the-Month Club’s Stephen Crane Award for First Fiction, the American Library Association’s Alex Award, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association’s First Novelist Award. The book was also adapted into an Academy Award-winning film called “Precious” in 2009.

However, the novel also faced criticism for its graphic depiction of abuse and harsh language. Some readers found the content disturbing and challenging to read. Nonetheless, many praised Sapphire’s ability to tackle difficult subjects with honesty and authenticity, painting a realistic and raw picture of the experiences faced by marginalized individuals.

Important Characters

Precious Jones: The protagonist and narrator of the story. She embodies resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Ms. Rain: Precious’ compassionate and dedicated teacher who helps her discover her potential and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Blue Rain: Precious’ first child, born with Down syndrome. He becomes a source of unconditional love and support for Precious.

Mary: Precious’ abusive mother, who perpetuates the cycle of abuse and neglect through her actions.

Carl Kenwood Jones: Precious’ absent father, whose abandonment has a profound impact on her life.

Joanna, Rita, and Consuela: Precious’ classmates at Each One Teach One, who become her lifelong friends and allies in her journey towards self-empowerment.

In Conclusion

Push captivates readers with its gritty and honest portrayal of Precious’ struggles. Sapphire’s powerful storytelling sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, giving a voice to those who have been silenced. Though the novel confronts difficult subject matter, its ultimately hopeful message of resilience and self-discovery provides inspiration to readers around the world.