MADreads

The psychic in the smoke

November 11th, 2008 Kylee

I’m not, nor have I ever been, a teenage boy, but after reading Joanne Proulx’s novel Anthem of a Reluctant Teenage Prophet, I think I can almost imagine what it might be like.  Luke Hunter considers himself the epitome of average.  He doesn’t think he’s particularly smart, funny, or good-looking, and he spends most of his free time in the basement hanging out with his stoner friends.  One night, when he has a vision of a his good friend Stan becoming the victim of a car/skateboard accident, his life is suddenly not so ordinary.  He shares this experience with his friends, but he assumes it’s some sort of strange hallucination; he doesn’t think he’s developed any kind of psychic power, until the accident actually happens, exactly as he sees it - and so do others.

This is an utterly engrossing novel that impressively manages to be universal and relatable, despite the far-fetched plot.  Though Luke’s situation isn’t something every teen faces he does deal with the familiar - namely, problems with girls, friendships, school, and family.  The wry honesty with which he deals with his thoughts and feelings is refreshing and funny, even when dealing with subjects as dark as death.  Proulx does an excellent job foretelling the consequences of Luke’s reactions to his premonitions.  She really made me care about this lost but good-hearted kid.  And I have to say, I’ve always wondered what goes on in those basements full of teenage boys…

Entry Filed under: Literary Fiction, Young Adult