TL;DR
Push by Sapphire is a harrowing yet hopeful novel about Precious Jones, an abused African American teenager in Harlem who finds redemption and a new life through education.
What is Push about
Push, written by Sapphire, tells the intense and heart-wrenching story of Claireece 'Precious' Jones, a sixteen-year-old African American girl living in Harlem. Overcoming extreme adversity, including sexual abuse by her father and neglect by her mother, Precious is pregnant, illiterate, and HIV-positive. Her life begins to change when she meets a dedicated teacher who helps her learn to read and encourages her to hope for a better future. The novel is grounded in the real-life experiences of students Sapphire encountered as a remedial reading teacher in the 1990s, although it is a work of fiction.
Push 6 Key Takeaways
Introduction to Precious
Precious Jones is introduced as a sixteen-year-old African American girl who is obese, illiterate, and pregnant with her second child after being raped by her father. She lives in Harlem with her abusive mother.
Precious's Struggles
The novel details Precious's daily struggles, including severe physical and emotional abuse from her mother, as well as the trauma of her father's repeated sexual assaults.
Meeting Ms. Rain
Precious's life takes a turn when she enrolls in an alternative school and meets Ms. Rain, a compassionate and determined teacher who helps her learn to read and write.
Gradual Transformation
Through education and the support of her classmates and Ms. Rain, Precious begins to transform. She gains confidence, starts to confront her past, and dreams of a better future for herself and her children.
Facing Harsh Realities
Despite her progress, Precious faces harsh realities, including discovering she is HIV-positive and dealing with the social stigma and continued threats from her mother.
New Beginnings
By the end of the novel, Precious has made significant strides in her education and self-worth. She begins to envision a future where she can break free from her past and provide a better life for her children.
Top Push Quotes
- ‘The other day, I cried. But you know what? Fuck that day. That's why God, or whoever, makes other days.’
- ‘Sometimes I wish I was not alive. But don't tell nobody.’
Who should read Push?
Push is intended for adult readers who can handle its mature and explicit content. It will deeply resonate with those interested in stories of survival, transformation, and the power of education. The novel offers significant insights for readers concerned with social issues, particularly those related to abuse and literacy.
Push Best Reviews
- The New York Times Book Review praised Push as 'a work of beauty, a work of art, and a work of love.'
- Oprah Winfrey described the novel as 'a deeply moving and powerful story of redemption against all odds.'
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Push FAQs
What is The Push book controversy?
The Push book controversy centers around its explicit content and frequent use of profanity. Supporters argue it humanizes the victims of incest and child sexual abuse, while opponents believe it is inappropriate for young readers.
Is Push based on a true story?
Push is not based on a single true story but is inspired by the real-life experiences of students that Sapphire encountered as a remedial reading teacher in Harlem during the 1990s.
What age is the book Push appropriate for?
Push is intended for adult readers due to its explicit content and mature themes. It is not appropriate for children regardless of their reading level.