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Article Title

The Closest I've Come

Authors

Amanda Bishop

Keywords

Dependable, Young Adult, Masculinity, Latino, Friendship, School, Racism, Abuse, Poverty

Document Type

Book Review

Abstract

Marcos Rivas wants to share all the love he has, but in his neighborhood, emotions stay hidden. Marcos lives in poverty with his neglectful mother and her racist and abusive boyfriend. School isn’t a place where Marcos feels welcome either. It isn’t until he is chosen for a program that helps low-achieving students find their success that Marcos begins to find hope. The only reason Marcos even shows the faintest interest is because of the cute, punk girl he has a crush on. They become close friends, but feelings aren’t reciprocated, and Marcos has to discover that friendships can be more meaningful than romantic relationships. He forges new friendships through the class and learns that he doesn’t need the approval of his mother when there are others in his life who want the best for him. Throughout the school year, Marcos finds the drive inside himself to look toward future success and to do everything he can to escape his rough neighborhood.

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