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Like Sisters on the Homefront
By Rita Williams-Garcia. New York: Puffin Books, 1995, 165 pages, $4.99.
Prominent African-American author, Rita Williams-Garcia, writes with the voice of a population that appears to be forgotten, young African-American females. She aptly depicts the struggle of adolescent African-American girls in low-income communities, where love, support and guidance are in short supply. The book is a poignant reminder that our past is representative of our present and future, aspects of our lives so closely intertwined one is virtually indistinguishable from the other. Using the voice of urban African-American females, Williams-Garcia introduces to the world a culture foreign to those outside of it. Like Sisters on the Homefront lends a sense of humanity and humility to a way of life that has often been misunderstood and misrepresented.
Williams-Garcia introduces the reader to Gayle, a smart-mouthed 14 year-old woman-child and mother of one. Gayle is on the path to destruction, street-smart and opinionated. She fails to understand that the world she lives in is small and devoid of opportunity. After an abortion, Gayle is sent to live with her formidable Uncle Luther and his "bible-toting" family in the Deep South. Gayle must confront and acknowledge her past in order to begin to change her future. She discovers that she has a vital role in her family and within her community. It is here that Gayle learns the importance of self-acceptance and responsibility, lessons that will change her perspective on life, love and family.
Like Sisters on the Homefront would be most appropriate for young girls around the ages of thirteen or fourteen, particularly those in urban areas. This book may also prove effective for young, single mothers in these areas. Despite its portrayal of the young, single mother, this book can also be used by and for those struggling with self-esteem or familial issues. From the author's perspective, language, and use of the main character, the book may be used with individuals who have a relatively low reading level or even moderate learning disabilities.
Like Sisters on the Homefront would be best used in group therapy where perhaps the psychotherapist could read along with patients. The psychotherapist could use various characters' attitudinal differences to show the client that attitude is a major factor in personal development and often affects behavior. This allows the psychotherapist to formulate questions that permit the readers to question themselves and assess negative or hazardous behavior or even realize that they may be perpetrating self-defeating activities. The psychotherapist may also want to address the issue of responsibility and the effect that certain decisions have on others using characters from the book. In addition, this method offers the various perspectives of other clients and may broaden the scope of discussion. Therefore, there may be an increase in self-awareness and sensitivity to self and others.
Like Sisters on the Homefront may be used in individual psychotherapy, though once again both client and psychotherapist should read it. When used in this manner, the psychotherapist should incorporate thought-provoking questions or use specific chapters as they see fit. The client may even find it beneficial to keep a journal or write letters that describe the way that they feel about the book's happenings. Journal and letter writing may prove easier for the client to address issues that they are hard-pressed to deal with and assist them in working through various self-esteem issues. Even further it may help them to cope in their current situations, perhaps even aiding them in understanding and acknowledging behaviors that may perpetuate these occurrences.
One of the many strengths of Like Sisters on the Homefront is its realistic approach to real life issues and the manner in which it portrays the importance of family and self-love. The language of the book is easy to understand and "reader-friendly", allowing the reader to better appreciate and even empathize with the main character. Williams-Garcia manages to make the struggles of young, single mothers come alive in her story, engaging the reader in difficult life experiences. She captures the attitudes of urban youth well in that she delves into the perspective of young urbanites and the deceptive lure of the streets. Her use of language or "street lingo" paints vivid imagery, to the point where the reader can see and even smell the characters' environment and at times experience the fear and despair of the character.
Even further, Williams-Garcia approaches the issues of self-esteem and familial acceptance in a manner that allows the reader to incorporate their own experiences and understanding of relationships. She emphasizes the idea that though change is gradual and oftentimes goes unnoticed, it occurs in many different ways and is essential in order to grow.
Some limitations of Like Sisters on the Homefront include the fact that it is written for females, African-American females in particular. This, in some form, excludes other cultures at a time when the same incidents are occurring cross-culturally. Even further, it negates the importance of the actual father figure in children's lives. This manages to omit the male viewpoint at a time when the male role model is badly needed. This attitude may seem to condone single parenting. Though males may read the book, they would more than likely fail to appreciate its exclusionary approach. In addition, some readers may find the language used by the author offensive, regardless of its authenticity. Despite the fact that the book is written in the language used in urban areas and illustrates the attitudes of youth in those areas, many may not grasp the reasoning behind its use. This may also serve to alienate readers.
Like Sisters on the Homefront is well written in its simplicity, a book that everyone can understand and appreciate. Even if this does not occur, the reader is likely to identify with some aspect of the story, which is what makes the book a good read. Williams-Garcia's unique writing style blends the North and South beautifully into realistic story of extended family. It is an excellent description of the journey down the path to self-knowledge and self-love, harsh, passionate and at times, lyrical. The author encourages the reader to acknowledge the fact that every person is different and unique and in that aspect, appreciate the "skin" they are in. This book is recommended for young at-risk African American females in low-income communities who may be struggling with their perceptions of themselves, unsure of their futures and/or questioning their self-worth. This book is also recommended for female teenagers who enjoy reading and are interested in looking at various cultures and assessing societal stereotypes.