"THE KID"

“The Kid”

By: Sapphire

Controversial Author Sapphire brings her readers the sequel from her tragic 1997 release of Push. In the conclusion of previous heartbreaking story “Push” heroine Precious walks away victorious with the custody of her children and a hopeful life ahead of her. The opening of “The Kid” introduces us to young Abdul at the age of 8 preparing for his mothers’ funeral that day. Succumbing to complications from AIDS Precious has passed away and left Abdul vulnerable to society. Sapphire, true to form, illustrates how Abdul’s world is turned upside down as the result of his mothers’ death and was soon placed into foster care where he soon experiences the dark-side of the system. Following along Abdul’s transformation from a young intelligent child with a future, into a victim and soon after a victimizer in a Catholic orphanage is heart wrenching to witness however it opens the readers’ eyes to how easily Abdul’s situation can be applied to a non-fictional character. 

The patterns of speech and thought in ‘The Kid’ are somewhat complicated to understand. The confused ramblings of a 8, and 14 year old transform into the clear views of a man nearing adulthood. Past stories of Abduls’ grandmother and great grandmother gives insight into the cycle of molestation, incest, rape, and poverty that both Abdul and his mother were cursed to be born in. I can’t say that this book is enjoyable to read, even if you can take “Push” its sequel is much more difficult to stomach. However it is beneficial to read as far discussing the issues of sexual abuse that runs rampant in the Black community under the shroud of secrecy. It also exposes the holes of the legal and foster care system that have long needed to be discussed and fixed so that “The Kid” does not have to one day be the reality and autobiography for another. However you get it make sure you go out and READ A BOOK!