by Andy Mulligan
Cover Art: Alex Williamson
Publisher: Random House, Inc.
Year of Publication: 2011Format: Softbound
Number of Pages: 232
Book's Awards and Citations:
- Best Children's Book (Publisher Weekly)
- Best Book of the Year (School Library Journal)
- Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2011
- Carnegie Medal 2012 (shortlisted)
(Photo Credits: http://guyslitwire.blogspot.com)
At first glance, you may think of Trash as just another one of the many young adult novels being displayed in your favorite bookstore. Andy Mulligan's name may not ring a bell as well. It is; however, a very good read and Filipinos, in particular, will find it interesting.
"In an unnamed Third World country, in the not-so-distant future, three "dumpsite boys" make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on the outskirts of a large city," the book description begins.
But with characters named Jose Angelico and Raphael Fernandez, and places called Smoky Mountains, Green Hills, and McKinley Hills, there is no doubt that the novel is primarily set in the Philippines.
But with characters named Jose Angelico and Raphael Fernandez, and places called Smoky Mountains, Green Hills, and McKinley Hills, there is no doubt that the novel is primarily set in the Philippines.
Andy Mulligan speaks during the Trash book launch at National Bookstore
(Photo Credits: http://thedxmatillashow.blogspot.com)
"These children are doomed to breathe the stink all day, all night, sifting the effluence of the city, rats and children, children and rats, and you sometimes think they have pretty much the same life."
This is such a powerful description of the hardships children who work and live at dump sites have to go through each day. Their situation is so inhumane that they become comparable to rats.
Even worse, they are treated like rats--like trash--by the government, the police, the more affluent in society. This bleak picture is portrayed throughout the story without making the reality too overbearing or depressing for its young adult audience.
Even worse, they are treated like rats--like trash--by the government, the police, the more affluent in society. This bleak picture is portrayed throughout the story without making the reality too overbearing or depressing for its young adult audience.
Alternate (and much better) book cover of Trash
(Photo Credits: http://sassisamblog.com)
Andy even transforms the story into an adventure through the streets of the city, from the Behala Dump Site, to the Ermita Police Station, to Central Station, and the Green Hills by the sea (it is fiction after all).
The story is told in rapidly shifting first person points of view, from the protagonists Raphael, Gardo, and Rat to other characters such as Father Julliard and Sister Olivia, always keeping you at the edge of your seat.
The story is told in rapidly shifting first person points of view, from the protagonists Raphael, Gardo, and Rat to other characters such as Father Julliard and Sister Olivia, always keeping you at the edge of your seat.
Trash isn't set in a fantastic world or filled with magic, it is not a romance or growing-up story. It is a gripping real-world adventure that teenage Filipinos should definitely read.
In fact, I think it would make a good addition to the reading list of local high schools in the country. It tackles so many issues from corruption in the government/police system to generosity and friendship.
In fact, I think it would make a good addition to the reading list of local high schools in the country. It tackles so many issues from corruption in the government/police system to generosity and friendship.
(Photo Credits: http://bookzone4boys.blogspot.com)
Parents will also find this a good book to buy for their teenage child, or to give as a gift to other teenagers. It's safe too, in case you don't want to be mistakenly accused of promoting witchcraft or violence among the youth (more on this issue later).
For more information on this novel, please visit the official website of Trash by Andy Mulligan. Also, the book is currently being turned into a movie, which means teenagers all over the Philippines will be hearing about and reading this novel soon.
You can also watch Andy talk about his inspiration for this novel in the video below:
You can also watch Andy talk about his inspiration for this novel in the video below:
Andy Mulligan was brought up in sought London, but now divides his time between his hometown and Manila. He teaches at British School Manila and has written several young adult novels including Ribblestrop and Return to Ribblestrop.
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