Backderf, D. (2012). My friend Dahmer: A graphic novel. New York: Abrams.
Reading about a serial killer named Jeffery Dahmer. It does not focus on his murders but instead Dahmer is being depicted for us from the eyes of one of his high school friends. It shows us that Dahmer was a very isolated kid when he was in high school. Dahmer also use to pretend to have epileptic fits. Which we eventually learn he is mimicking from his mother who suffers from depression and has bad ticks. Because Dahmer acted out he was seen as somewhat of a celebrity and had a group of followers who imitated his movements. Dahmer friends finally see that his behaviors are coming from his poor home life. His parents fought and eventually got a divorce and through it all Dahmer was ignored and isolated. Dahmer felt more isolated because of his sexuality, he was gay and did not want to let anyone know. But being gay was not the reason he was a serial killer, his fantasies was making love to a dead man. Dahmer knew this wasn't right and turned to alcohol to dull the urges. Dahmer's friends could not believe that Dahmer was coming to school drunk. They refused to notice or they were choosing to ignore it. Once Dahmer graduated high school, he completely isolated himself from everyone and he picked up a hitchhiker who would become his first victim.This graphic novel is a great tool for middle and high school students. It highlights the negative effects of bullying and the importance of acceptance. It is a very deep book. It it shows how a child can fall through a system that is uncaring and unwilling to help. It shows that if one person would have stopped and tried to help Dahmer things might have turned out differently. A chilling memoir of horror and tragedy.
Similar reads
Long, M., & Venable, C. (2012). The silence of our friends. NY: First Second.
No comments:
Post a Comment