Tears of a Tiger

 Tears of a Tiger

Bibliography

Draper, Sharon M. 1994. TEARS OF A TIGER. New York, NY: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780689806988

Plot Summary

Andy Jackson, a young basketball player, crashes his car while drunk driving. One passenger is killed; his best friend and teammate Robert Washington. Andy is guilt-stricken and begins distancing himself from his family, friends, teammates, and his girlfriend. He is losing sight of the future and must figure out how to forgive himself before his dark thoughts take over. The book is told through different modes; letters, conversations, and thoughts from Andy and his friends.

Critical Analysis

Sharon M. Draper masterfully tells the story of how the aftermath of the tragic death of a young teenager can change the lives of those that were closet to him. Tears of a Tiger is a book of tragedy, guilt, hope and love and shows how hard it is to forgive yourself.

This book is told mostly from the experiences of Andy Jackson, the character who inadvertently causes the death of his friend and how he struggles to accept the fact that his friend is gone and forgive himself for what has occurred. We see how his attitude changes toward his friends and girlfriend, how he begins acting out and school and how his grades begin to drop, how his cries for help go unnoticed and unheard by many, and how his guilt eventually consumes him. Draper illustrates his decent into darkness in a harrowing and sorrowful way, and we see this not only through Andy's eyes but though the eyes of his friends and girlfriend, who are also still struggling from Robert's death. Draper chooses her words carefully, in a way that doesn't somehow glorify Andy's actions but shows the readers how to recognize these signs of depression in ourselves and in others.

Andy is, in a way, a warning for those that suffer from the feelings he has to get the help that they need to overcome the intrusive thoughts that can get in the way of our healing and happiness. Draper knows that there is hope, as she shows at the end of the story with Andy's brother, Monty. There can be forgiveness and redemption. There are people out there that love you and will be there for you. This is the lesson that Draper wants us to take away, especially if we are Andy.

Tears of a Tiger is a great read for teens and adults and for those that need to learn how to forgive ourselves for our past transgressions and realize that this is not the end.

Review Excerpts

Publishers Weekly: "Though the issue-oriented plot can get a bit preachy, the combination of raw energy and intense emotion should stimulate readers."

School Library Journal: "...the characters' voices are strong, vivid, and ring true. This moving novel will leave a deep impression."

Horn Book Guide: "...it is intense and truthful in its exploration of suicide, drinking, and other potent issues."

Connections

Continue the Hazelwood High Trilogy: Forged by Fire

                                                                Darkness Before Dawn

More by Sharon M. Draper: Romiette and Julio (1999)

                                             Copper Sun (2006)

                                             Out of My Mind (2010)

Activity: Like the characters in the book, write a letter to someone you care about that you feel has wronged you in some way.