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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Push summary
Sapphire
Brief summary
Push by Sapphire is a powerful story that follows Precious Jones, an illiterate African American teenager, as she navigates a world of abuse, poverty, and hardship, while finding strength and hope through education.
Table of Contents
Push
Summary of key ideas
Precious: From Victim to Victor
In Push by Sapphire, we're introduced to Claireece "Precious" Jones, a 16-year-old girl with two children who lives in Harlem, New York. She's been mistreated severely both mentally and physically, by those around her. Despite this, she still harbors dreams of a better life. After being expelled from her junior high school due to her second pregnancy, Precious is encouraged to enroll in an alternative school where she can continue her education.
At the "Each One, Teach One" adult literacy program, Precious encounters Ms. Rain, an understanding and dedicated teacher. Ms. Rain sees potential in Precious and begins the arduous task of teaching her to read and write. Slowly, Precious starts to break away from her previous state of illiteracy; she learns to express her thoughts and emotions via writing, opening up new avenues of communication for her.
Unearthing Dark Secrets
In the midst of Precious's educational journey, heart-wrenching secrets start to surface. Precious reveals that her father has been sexually abusing her since she was young; her first child, known as "Mongo" (short for Mongoloid), was born with Down Syndrome as a result of this incestuous act. As if this revelation isn't shocking enough, it's also unveiled that her mother has been emotionally and physically abusive, even going as far as forcing Precious into performing sexual acts.
Upon receiving the devastating news of her HIV-positive status, passed to her by her father, Precious doesn't allow this new adversity to keep her down. She continues persevering, fueled by the anger and disgust towards her parents and a steadfast determination to provide a better life for her kids.
The Healing Power of Love and Acceptance
Precious's life begins a transformative phase as she experiences love and acceptance in the midst of chaos. Within the confines of Ms. Rain's classroom, Precious finds a safe haven where she is surrounded by other girls who have experienced harsh realities. A newfound kinship forms, uplifting her through the challenges.
Additionally, Precious gets engaged with a nurse, named Ms. Weiss, who helps her navigate through the process of admitting her abusive past and eventually reporting it to authorities. This is an important step in helping Precious to understand that the abuse isn't her fault and to start the healing process.
Journey Towards a Brighter Future
Despite her harsh circumstances and past, Push ends with a sense of hope and inspiration for Precious's future. She garners courage to sever ties with her abusive mother and moves into her own apartment with her two children. She accepts her diagnosis, seeks proper medical treatment, and focuses on improving her skills and her children's future.
In conclusion, Push takes us on a poignant but uplifting journey, speaking volumes about survival, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of education. Precious’s story encourages readers to strive for better, regardless of where they come from or the adversities they face.
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What is Push about?
Set in Harlem in the 1980s, "Push" tells the story of Precious Jones, an illiterate and abused teenager who finds the strength to overcome her circumstances and pursue a better life. Through raw and powerful prose, Sapphire explores themes of resilience, trauma, and the power of education. This novel offers a poignant and unflinching look at the harsh realities faced by many young women, while also celebrating the possibility of redemption and self-discovery.
Push Review
Push (1996) by Sapphire is a captivating and important book that sheds light on a difficult subject matter. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Through a raw and honest portrayal of the protagonist's life, it offers a stark look into the realities of poverty, abuse, and resilience.
- With its compelling narrative and vivid descriptions, the book draws you into the world of the characters, evoking a range of emotions.
- By touching on themes of hope, redemption, and survival, Push challenges and expands our understanding of strength and humanity.
Who should read Push?
- Readers who are interested in exploring the themes of trauma, resilience, and personal growth
- People who enjoy character-driven, emotionally impactful stories
- Individuals who appreciate raw and gritty storytelling that tackles difficult subjects
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Book summaries like Push
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Push FAQs
What is the main message of Push?
The main message of Push is the resilience and strength of an abused teenager fighting for a better life.
How long does it take to read Push?
The reading time for Push varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Push a good book? Is it worth reading?
Push is a compelling and thought-provoking book, exploring themes of abuse, resilience, and hope. It offers a unique perspective and is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Push?
The author of Push is Sapphire.
What to read after Push?
If you're wondering what to read next after Push, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda