Dawn answers “I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Greenlights:

I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and 10th grade campus (ages 14-16)...in Texas...and I'm getting lots of requests for this book. Is there anything that stands out that would make it objectionable for that audience? Note: some foul language would not necessarily exclude it, but it would if it were too much or just done for shock value (the reviews don't seem to mention any overly salacious content).

Dawn I'm going out on a limb here (and no doubt you've already decided what to do), but my main concern is with the glossing over of domestic violence and …moreI'm going out on a limb here (and no doubt you've already decided what to do), but my main concern is with the glossing over of domestic violence and misogyny throughout this book. I work with high school students, I give them a lot of credit for being able to grapple with tough topics––the use of swearing or sex doesn't impact my views.

However, McConaughey's normalization of violent situations was very unsettling. He repetitively states that his father (parents) were not abusive, and then colorfully describes really violent episodes that made me cringe. There's not much that makes me uncomfortable, but I really feel that his explanations of his father's temper, his verbal/mental and physical "abuse" (I'm calling it) were classic of abuse victims: I had it coming; he was just teaching me a lesson; I let him down... these descriptions bothered me, and I'd hate to see younger readers take this in, coming from an actor they may find cool, and think this is ok or normal.

Ditto for his explanations of women, and how he views them. Throughout his life, there is a lot of ego and privilege, that (again, my opinion) is used in a demeaning way toward women. Numerous readers have called out how he treated his now wife, on their first date, but it goes back to how he saw girls in high school.

In sum, I'm not a fan of the book. I think his positivity is inspiring, but I also feel that he has things to look at a bit closer. I can't help but think he wrote every story about his dad with an eye toward not tarnishing his dad's reputation, when in fact the stories speak for themself. (less)

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Lisa I agree! The story about the high school girl and the loud speaker on his truck made me want to throw up.
Apr 11, 2022 09:55PM · flag

Will Well said!
May 13, 2022 03:17PM · flag

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