Who Put This Song On?

Who Put This Song On?

YA/adult novel
"This is a story about me, and I am the hero of it. It opens
with a super-emo shot of a five-foot-nothing seventeen year old black
girl--me--in the waiting room at my therapist's office, a place that I
hate. It's so bright outside it's neon, and of course the soundtrack
is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, because I have more feelings than
anyone knows what to do with."
Morgan, protagonist of Morgan Parker's Who Put This Song On,
feels trapped in her small Southern California town. Trucks sport
conservative political and religious stickers. The population is
overwhelmingly white and defensively clueless when it comes to
racism. Conversations, even ones with friends, can leave her feeling
like she's walking on eggshells. One night her younger brother is
picked up by the police for walking in his own neighborhood at night.
Then there's her school, Vista Christian. Classrooms are
decorated with religious posters. Students are encouraged to go to
Christian colleges so that their pursuit of "rigorous education won't
cost them their "walk with God". Classes, from sex ed to history,
leave out a lot.
Finally, following an incident the previous summer, Morgan has
been diagnosed with Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and
put on meds. She feels that she's a major disappointment to her perky
former cheerleader mother. She fears that her friends will find out.
"This is a very popular sentiment at home, at school, in my
whole tiny world. Every bad mood is temporary, just waiting to be
overcome. I've always been told that the solution to all problems is
prayer and serving others. If you are holy, you are happy..."
Whether you're navigating your own teen years, parenting a teen,
or anywhere in between or beyond, you'll find this poignant and
powerful novel, based on the author's experiences, to be a most
excellent read.
On a purrrsonal note, well I had a wonderful surprise last night. I
was reading Mother Jones Daily Newsletter on my iPod touch. I had
answered an invitation to readers to share what we'll do with our
stimulus money. They shared four stories including mine.
"Focusing on grad school
I am an older graduate student who went back to school after my kids
grew up. I lost the job I used to pay tuition and fees because of
COVID. My refund will help me not have to take time off. That makes
me overjoyed!!!--Jules"
I made Mother Jones! YASSS! I get chills imagining progressives all
over the nation reading my words. (Jules)
That's my hooman. I iz proud of her. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Mother Jones for hard hitting,
informative, inspiring journalism.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


Sent from my iPod