FlumeAward – The Death of Jason Porter Discussion page for The Death of Jayson Porter.
Gritty novel describing a very miserable 16-year-old living in the projects in Bandon, (nicknamed A-Bandon) Florida. Every day Jayson fantasizes about jumping from the rail in the hall of his 18th floor apartment. This rail calls to him and seems to seduce him each time he sees it. Jayson’s mother beats him relentlessly when she’s drinking – and often when she’s not drinking. His father lives in an even worse part of town as a crack addict, and is described as looking as though he were in a concentration camp. Jayson does attend a fine private school in a very white town nearby on scholarship. His grades are okay, and he does his best to stay out of trouble, though his interior comments reflect his gangster-type anger. When his best friend Trax blows up in a meth lab, Jayson thinks the rail looks even more appealing. Jayson’s only way out, in his mind, is to jump. After an emotional visit to Trax’s burned apartment, he decides to jump from the 7th floor, and in the moments during the fall, he seems to find value in life after all. He miraculously survives but needs much therapy. A very hopeful ending helps Jayson to find his way out of the projects, and out of Florida. Pretty harsh book, lots of "swearing" and descriptions of drugs and sex. I thought I’d hate it as this isn’t my kind of book, but I think it was extremely well-written and compelling. The six pages of complete black were a powerful depiction of Jayson’s time in a coma after the fall. This book permits a very majority population (in NH anyway) see what some minorities must endure and the harsh realities of life for some kids. Not sure it would be a popular read if it made the 13, though. If another title beckons, go with the other title.
Lisa Houde Rye Public Library