Derrick Barnes's The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze is a brilliant blend of three genres that most us wouldn't think of combining. My reading experience was like dividing into the Maine ocean at this time of year, adjusting to the water temperature, and then returning to fluffy blankets and whipped cream and sprinkles topped sea salt caramel hot chocolate. It was like tasting a mixture of foods you think won't work together but taste divine.
The first genre is social justice. Henson is an eighth grader so talented in football he's been bumped up to the starting lineup of his small town's high school team. Actually for his school and town he's like a promised messiah who will lift the team from mediocrity to championship greatness. People he's close to, though, warn him that all the display of love will end the day he no longer gives them what they want...
...Henson has a young friend, Menkah, who is like a little brother to love unreservedly and protect. When Menkah doesn't show up for a football game Henson starts worrying. At halftime he learns that Menkah was beaten badly by cops and is in the hospital seriously injured. He knows he belongs at his brother's side...
...but the crowd thinks differently. They see him as owing them the victory. They see 10-year-old Menkah as a little thug who got what he deserved. They start chanting "START THE GAME! NO ONE CARES!"
The second genre is coming of age.
"Henson couldn't believe his ears. These were the same people who all week had shown how proud they were of him. How excited they were to see the Marauders play. How happy they were at just the mere sight of him. Yes, these were the same townsfolk who were so nice and loving to him and treated him like he was family."
Henson's world is shattered when he learns, during a time of crisis, that his majority white town cares only about his athletic performance and sees a child he loves as a little thug who is getting what he deserves. Now he has a really difficult decision to make: does he really want to rejoin the team after all he's learned?
The third strand, interwoven like fairy lights through the narrative, is made up of myth, legend, magic, tales passed on from generation to generation.
If you're, like me, lucky enough to find The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze at your local library or bookstore (hopefully an independent) give it a try. I think you'll like it.
On a purrrsonal note, even though it's supposed get up to the 30s I'm not going further than my mailbox. Mostly I plan to read near the tree and work on my studio and gallery. Eugene should be happy when he gets home. I'm making his mother's baked Mac & cheese from scratch. It's very much a cold weather comfort food. Way back when Eugene's mom asked what I wanted for a wedding gift I asked for recipes for food he ate growing up. Best gift possible.
A great big shout out goes out to my mother-in-law who gave birth to and raised my wonderful Eugene.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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