Plot Summary
Carrol's diaries chronicle his life growing up on the streets of New York City. At thirteen he is a promising basketball star who uses a fake birth certificate from his coach to play in a twelve and under basketball tournament. When not playing basketball Carroll and his friends wreak havoc by sniffing cleaning fluids to get high, stealing, and getting drunk. As his life progresses he attends a Catholic school although he is not Catholic. Carroll begins to experiment with other drugs like marijuana and heroin. As his drug use spins out of control he loses his job and begins to have sexual encounters with different girls but still maintains his skills as a talented basketball player. Soon his drug addiction spins out of control and he begins selling his body to men to make money to support his habit. Carroll eventually ends up in prison for a month at Rikers. All his experiences do not cure him of his addiction. In the end he is still searching for something that is missing in his life.
Critical Evaluation
The Basketball Diaries is not an easy book to read because of its controversial subject matter. The pages are filled with Carroll's messy life including descriptions of his drug use, sexual encounters and crime sprees. The book is a dark and serious look into the deep hole the character falls into because of his drug use. Readers will want to find a silver lining in the hopes that Carroll will recognize his talent as a basketball star especially after he receives a scholarship to go to a private school based on his talent, but even that bit of hope is ruined because of drugs. The only positive message here is that drugs will destroy your life no matter how smart and talented you are. Carroll's book has been questioned by several school and library boards and many want to see it banned. Although the subject matter is controversial the author merely tells his own personal story and neither condones or supports the use of drugs. It is considered a classic in some literary circles and should be supported and included in collections.
Reader's Annotation
A rebellious young boy chronicles his coming-of-age on the streets of New York City. He is an all-star basketball player and a heroin addict.
About the Author
Jim Carroll (August 1, 1949 - September 11, 2009) was an author, poet, and punk musician. His most famous work is The Basketball Diaries. He led a interesting life working with the likes of Andy Warhol writing film dialogue and inventing character names. He also formed the punk band, Jim Carroll Band in the late 70's. He also wrote poetry and the titles The Book of Nods and Fear of Dreaming.
The Basketball Diaries accounts his teenage life growing up in New York City while battling a heroin addiction which began when he was only thirteen years old.
Genre
Memoir, crossover
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss why you think the author began taking drugs.
2) Discuss the effects of drug use on teenagers especially promising athletes.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 16+
Challenge Issues
Violence, strong language, sex, drug use, homosexuality
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the author and the serious subject matter
-Refer to the collection development policy of the library, see http://sfpl.org/pdf/about/policies/collection-development-plan.pdf
-Try to get reviews of the book from teens and adults who have read it.
Why Included in Titles Selected
One of my favorite books
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