Review: Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

Small, David. (2009). Stitches: A Memoir. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 331 pages. ISBN 9780393068573

Awards/Selection Lists:
- Richie's Picks
- NBA Young People's Award Finalists 2000- 2013

Author's Website: http://davidsmallbooks.com/

Brief Summary:  Born into a dysfunctional, cruel and angry house, the young David Small suffered in sadness and darkness, just wanting to be loved and taken care of, so much so that he looked toward the hospital staff when he had surgery at the age of 14 to remove a growth, as a sort of family. That was, until he saw what they had actually done to him, and later found out why. Fumbling for his own way, his right of passage burned on until he finally found a way to be true to himself and break free of the cycle set before him , to forge his own path.

Personal Reaction: The book jacket described this book as a silent film, and I have to agree with them. The images scream so much louder than any words could, and it's appropriate, given the operation that the author undergoes as a teen and the stifling cruelty and dysfunction of his family. I was sad, the entire time I read this book, and troubled. I felt like that kid. I went where he went, was terrified when he was, desperate with a small glimmering of hope that was none to bright at the end, but the only thing to latch onto. This was a very, very powerful book and there was no better way, in my opinion, to portray it than in this graphic format. It was painful, but, in a way, cathartic, for when you break a cycle, you feel vindicated, and somehow, powerful where you had none of it before.

Front/Back Matter: Title page, copyright page, dedication, secondary title page, content, pictoral background on author, acknowledgments, about the author.

Content Evaluation: This book is, for all intense and purpose large graphic novel, and brilliant in my opinion, at that, so it does not have the typical format of an autobiography, and no references of course. But what it does have is character and heart, you can practically feel the uncomfortableness and sad cruelty in the illustrations before we ever get to the word. It is very powerful.

 

Review: American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey In the New China by Matthew Polly

Matthew, Polly. (2007). American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey In the New China. New York: Gotham Books. 224 pages. ISBN 9781592402625

Awards/Selection Lists:
- A Compilation of Nonfiction titles on Best Books for Young Adults Top  Ten lists, 2001-2010
- Alex Award-Winning Nonfiction Titles, 1998-2013

Author's Website: http://mattpolly.com/

Brief Summary:  This is the story of author Matt Polly, and his rise from a skinny American kid, lost in the ways of the world, with only one desire, to go to China and learn KungFu from the Shaolin Monks themselves, to the defender of Shaolin tradition, tournament style. He learns discipline, he learns pain, he learns how to navigate the turbulent waters of China a mere stones throw in time from the period of Tiananmen Square, and the prejudice that Americans are expected to endure as foreigners in a contradictory land of corruption, honor, tradition and change. Because of his dedication and skill, Matt Polly became the first American ever inducted into the Shaolin Temple but it was not without sacrifice and an emotional inner journey.

Personal Reaction: Matt Polly writes of his 2 year journey in China with style and wit. He is undoubtedly funny and has maintained a sense of humor, even when recounting the most humiliating and difficult times of his journey in a country where walking on eggshells was necessary for daily living, as loyalties shifted as easily as a rolling tide. At times some of the technical jargon of KungFu can become distracting, but I found myself still enjoying the story, as if a favorite friend was telling me a story of their great adventure. Even though it wasn't one of my favorite books, it is one of my favorite stories and his reactions then, and the flavor of his address is charismatic and familiar. I would definitely recommend this book to reluctant readers who may be feeling a little lost in the world, but who also have some interest in martial arts. The chapter on Iron Crotch Kungfu alone had me in stitches. His reactions and recollections were priceless, and very easy to relate to. I love this man's writing style.

Front/Back Matter: Title page, dedication, table of contents, a note on spelling and pronunciation, secondary title page, Chinese proverbs, prologue, author's note, acknowledgments.

Content Evaluation: I would have liked to have seen a little more about Chinese culture, as references or appendixes in this book, but a beginning primer for the more important Chinese names, and Polly's explanation of his education in Chinese culture is enough to get you through. The tone is funny and relatable, at times serious, but still maintaining and element of play. It is laid out logically and does not include an index or source notes, typically because this is a first hand telling, an autobiography, rather than a research project.