Title: Tiger Eyes
Author: Judy Blume
Date/year published: 1981
Genre: Young Adult/ Middle Aged
Format: e-pub, borrowed from local library using Libby App and read on Kindle
Why did I choose to read it:
“Tiger Eyes” appeared on a banned books list I’m attempting to work my way through. I enjoy reading banned YA books to see if I can identify the thing – action, theme, words, etc – that managed to land the book on someones no-no list. I’m often left scratching my head as I realize that the “bad” thing is usually something to which many YA readers, and readers of all ages, can relate. In this regard, “Tiger Eyes” did not disappoint.
Synopsis:
Davey’s father was shot and killed in a hold-up (not a spoiler, it’s mentioned at the very start) and her mother decides it would be best if the family moves across the country to New Mexico to heal. While there Davey hikes the nearby canyon and meets a young man who gives her the nickname “Tiger Eyes”. While Davey deals with her own grief and anger, her mother and brother try to do the same, each with varying results. Slowly, Davey learns to live with her grief and move on.
Thoughts:
Judy Bloom makes it onto banned books lists often, for good reasons. She is a master at expressing teenage inner turmoil in a relatable way – whether you’re going through it, or looking back. Her books also seem to be ageless. There were a few things that date the book, but overall it holds up. Of course, it may feel that way to me because I was alive and reading chapter books when it was first published. Read it with your favorite tween / teen and see if they think it holds up. I may be wrong. 😉
This was a good read, easy but not lighthearted. I can see why someone thought it should be banned; many adults seem to believe grief is a bad thing and that children should be shielded from ever experiencing it. But I think that is a huge disservice. Everyone will grieve at some point and losing a parent at a young age is isolating. “Tiger Eyes” exemplified loss, yet there was hope as the story progressed and Davey found her way through, not over, her grief.
As more and more youth are losing parents, why wouldn’t a well written book that gives perspective to that kind of loss be useful?
I realize shootings and the death of a parent may be triggering for some. That’s ok. Those folks should avoid the book, but that doesn’t mean it should be banned. Readers should be permitted to decide for themselves if they are emotionally able to tackle such a topic. For example, I’m not a fan of horror, it gives me nightmares, so I don’t read books that contain graphic or gruesome horror elements.
Would I re-read or recommend it?
Re-read? Probably not. It was good, but I got what I needed from it the first time.
Recommend? As mentioned above, because it might be triggering, it would depend on the person. But anyone dealing with a grieving teen, might want to give it a once over.
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