One-line summary: “Push” is a powerful and heartbreaking novel that follows the journey of Precious Jones, an illiterate and abused teenager, as she finds hope and strength through education and self-discovery.

Precious Jones: A Life of Struggle and Resilience

In the novel “Push” by Sapphire, we are introduced to Precious Jones, a sixteen-year-old African-American girl living in Harlem in the 1980s. Precious’s life is marked by unimaginable hardship and abuse. She is sexually abused by her father, Carl, and physically abused by her mother, Mary. Precious is also a victim of poverty, illiteracy, and obesity. Her life seems to be a never-ending cycle of pain and despair.

An Unexpected Opportunity: Literacy and Education

Precious’s life takes a turn when she is offered a chance to attend an alternative school called Each One Teach One. There, she meets Ms. Rain, a dedicated and compassionate teacher who believes in Precious’s potential. With Ms. Rain’s guidance, Precious begins to learn how to read and write, opening up a whole new world for her.

As Precious discovers the power of education, she starts to gain confidence and self-worth. She forms relationships with her classmates, including a fellow student named Rhonda, who becomes her closest friend. Through her education, Precious begins to challenge the oppressive and abusive environment she grew up in, finding her voice and asserting her rights.

Self-Discovery and Healing

As Precious continues her education, she also begins attending counseling sessions with a social worker named Ms. Weiss. Through these sessions, Precious confronts her traumatic past and starts to heal from her emotional wounds. She learns to express her feelings and confront the people who have hurt her, including her parents.

Throughout her journey, Precious also becomes a mother herself, giving birth to two children, Abdul and Mongo. Despite the challenges of being a teenage mother, Precious loves her children fiercely and is determined to provide them with a better life than she had.

As Precious gains more confidence and self-awareness, she starts to dream of a future beyond her current circumstances. She envisions a life where she can break free from the cycle of abuse and poverty, and pursue her dreams of becoming a writer.

Key Takeaways:

• Education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and self-discovery.
• Supportive relationships and mentors can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
• Healing from trauma requires confronting and processing past experiences.
• Love and resilience can help overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

“I’m gonna break out of this cycle of abuse and poverty. I’m gonna be somebody. I’m gonna be a writer.”

In conclusion, “Push” is a heartbreaking and inspiring novel that explores the themes of abuse, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Through Precious’s journey, we witness the strength of the human spirit and the importance of hope in the face of adversity. Sapphire’s powerful storytelling serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light and the possibility for a better future.