Cool Read: Smack
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Cool Read: Smack

Four out of five stars, pretty good stuff!

63
Cool Read: Smack
Chiara Marchesan

Melvin Burgess' novel Smack (or Junk, depending what version your read) is a phenomenal piece of literature. I had to read this book for my Good Novels English class, in which we focus on British literature published within the past twenty years. The book itself highlights the English heroin epidemic in the 1980's by telling the story of two rebellious youth, Gemma and Tar. In this book, they see the roughest parts of society. Dodgy anarchists and vagrants help paint a picture of the early British punk subculture in a shocking and insightful way.

This book is particularly special to me because I come from an area full of drug abuse, and a lot of the emotions and ideas conveyed in this book are relatable. Still, the fact that it takes place in England only adds another perspective on a problem I see so often locally. The characters themselves remind me of myself at their age. Ignorant, insecure know-it-all's with little concern for what anyone else may think. It is fascinating to imagine how different things could be if I'd made a few wrong choices and ended up in their shoes.

Smack reminds the reader that demons used to be angels, and an addict can come from any background. Oftentimes there seems to be a societal stigma that only poor people can become addicted to drugs, but that is far from the truth. The protagonists come from two very different families, one overbearingly authoritarian, but loving, and the other more laissez-faire and neglectful.

The book is an easy read. It could probably be read by any high schooler. It is a very fast read too, as it is only three hundred fifty pages long. Still, regardless of whether you're a heavy reader or not, I recommend it with a solid four out of five star rating.

There is some debate about the book. Many feel that Burgess' roughly three hundred fifty page novel glamorizes drug abuse and vagrancy, and encourages youth to runaway from their parents. I personally find these claims ridiculous. In reality the author give a voice to the members of society so often forgotten. Melvin Burgess' Smack tells the story of young people just like you or I, and it reminds us that we must count our blessings every chance we get.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86169
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52076
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments