Monday, October 27

Shooter - Walter Dean Myers

In the aftermath of another high school shooting, investigators try to determine what caused it, and if this could have been predicted ahead of time. So far fairly well trodden ground, but Myers' versions stands out both because of his fine characterisation and the format of the novel, which is told solely through supportive documentation - interviews by a variety of investigators (local, federal and psychological) with the shooter's two closest friends, media coverage, the investigation findings, and the shooter's diary for the months leading up to the event. Not only does this layer the plot, giving the reader different perspectives of the same events, but the details of the event are concealed until quite late, increasing interest and suspense.
That Myers is able to so (apparently effortlessly) convey the personalities of both the interviewers and the teens (including the troubles killer) is a testament to his skill as a writer. I became engaged with the novel from the opening page, identifying with the kids, remembering my own emotions (particularly toward my partents) as though it were yesterday, and resenting the adults - from the pugnacious FBI agent to the blind parents (revealed solely through their children's perceptions) and wilfully negligent school officials. Then, when the interviewers' own opinion were revealed I was surprised by how quickly I flipped positions... I suspect I'm far less a critical thinker than I like to think.
Like many others writing about this topic, both in fiction and non-fiction, Myers covers the contributions of bullying and a divisive school environment, parental expectation and disapproval, peer pressure and incoherent frustration, and the media. That he is able to do so in a fresh and compelling way, keeping the level of engagement high even when outcome is a foregone conclusion, is a triumph. - Alex

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