Book Review: The Abstinence Teacher
Sometimes I pick up books because they have a character named Ruth. In the case of "The Abstinence Teacher" by Tom Perrotta, I'm glad I did.
Perrotta doesn't hide from the complexities and gray areas of human nature set in present-day America. Tim Mason is an ex-musician, recovering drug-and-alcohol addict, and divorcee who is struggling to reclaim his life and be a good father to his preteen daughter. He finds hope and community in Christianity, but it still leaves him with some unanswered questions.
Ruth Ramsey prides herself on living honestly and standing up for what she believes is right. One of the things she believes is right is giving teens a no-bullshit sex education so they can make good, informed decisions. Sexuality is an essential part of being human and there is nothing shameful about it. But that type of teaching style doesn't sit well with a group of evangelical Christian parents with influence at the school where she teaches. She is booted out and replaced by a perky blonde who can't say enough how much she loves being a virgin and teaches abstinence only education.
When Ruth's teenage daughter decides she's a Christian, Ruth is at a loss how to keep her own beliefs without infringing on her daughter's. She is unexpectedly drawn to Tim and he to her, in spite of their differences.
I really enjoyed this novel for it's realness. Nothing is polished up or tied with a bow. You aren't left with cut and dry answers, because real life is messy. Relationships are multi-layered. The book explores human sexuality and our needs, our desires. It delves into Christianity, and what religion can mean to different people. For some it is transformative and life-saving. For others it is confining and even harmful. It also tackles topics like homosexuality (Ruth's best friend in the book is a gay man) and loneliness.
This is my first Perrotta novel, and I liked his writing style. He brought elements in about each character slowly, introducing pieces and parts that gradually formed your picture of them and their past. I also liked that he didn't have a completely blatant agenda, like many authors do, but told the story from various viewpoints and let the reader draw their own conclusions. An interesting read with present-day relevance.
More summer reads coming to you soon. I've been driving a ton, so you know what that means: audio books (my favorite)!
Perrotta doesn't hide from the complexities and gray areas of human nature set in present-day America. Tim Mason is an ex-musician, recovering drug-and-alcohol addict, and divorcee who is struggling to reclaim his life and be a good father to his preteen daughter. He finds hope and community in Christianity, but it still leaves him with some unanswered questions.
Ruth Ramsey prides herself on living honestly and standing up for what she believes is right. One of the things she believes is right is giving teens a no-bullshit sex education so they can make good, informed decisions. Sexuality is an essential part of being human and there is nothing shameful about it. But that type of teaching style doesn't sit well with a group of evangelical Christian parents with influence at the school where she teaches. She is booted out and replaced by a perky blonde who can't say enough how much she loves being a virgin and teaches abstinence only education.
When Ruth's teenage daughter decides she's a Christian, Ruth is at a loss how to keep her own beliefs without infringing on her daughter's. She is unexpectedly drawn to Tim and he to her, in spite of their differences.
I really enjoyed this novel for it's realness. Nothing is polished up or tied with a bow. You aren't left with cut and dry answers, because real life is messy. Relationships are multi-layered. The book explores human sexuality and our needs, our desires. It delves into Christianity, and what religion can mean to different people. For some it is transformative and life-saving. For others it is confining and even harmful. It also tackles topics like homosexuality (Ruth's best friend in the book is a gay man) and loneliness.
This is my first Perrotta novel, and I liked his writing style. He brought elements in about each character slowly, introducing pieces and parts that gradually formed your picture of them and their past. I also liked that he didn't have a completely blatant agenda, like many authors do, but told the story from various viewpoints and let the reader draw their own conclusions. An interesting read with present-day relevance.
More summer reads coming to you soon. I've been driving a ton, so you know what that means: audio books (my favorite)!
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