Is this an American Dream story or the opposite? Is it a story of hope or a story of despair? Or is it not that simple - and why?

It is NOT that simple. The story does have elements of a ‘story of hope,’ the American Dream so to speak, but also it contains elements that liken it to a ‘story of despair.’ The beginning of the book left me paralyzed with feelings of shock and horror. I am very grateful for everything I have and I understand that not everyone is lucky enough to have the same opportunities. With that being said, there is much compassion in my heart, and I make it a point never to judge anyone. But the beginning of this story was so bad that my own personal empathy could not seem to reach that far. The very first line “I was left back when I was twelve because I had a baby with my fahver” reveals horrifically that her father had an incestuous relationship with her, and she is uneducated to boot. Added to the horror is utter disgust when Precious describes some of those particular encounters: “I’m gonna marry you, he be saying…But I keep my mouf shut so’s the fucking don’t turn into a beating.” In addition to all this, we learn that her mother is actually MUCH WORSE than worthless, in her own way of ‘aiding and abetting’ her Carl’s behavior. She also makes Precious wait on her hand and foot because she hasn’t left the apartment in years (wow), nor does she even get off the couch. If this isn’t despair, then I don’t know what is. At this point she makes a decision that really affects the outcome of her future. Despite the hopelessness of her situation, despite the atrocities she has both seen and experienced, she decides to follow up on the alternative school and check it out for herself; and this is where the story morphs into a ‘story of hope.’ Sapphire leaves a quote before the novel begins: “Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.”- The Talmud. Perhaps this describes an innate trait we possess as human beings, a trait that enables us to ‘push’ through adversity to turn something from nothing.

A glimmer of hope presents itself when she meets Miss Rain and begins attending the alternative school. She slowly begins to learn to read and write, and conversely, slowly begins to break free from the constraints that confined her to an assured abysmal future. Most importantly, her attitude begins to change. She reveals, “I’m alive inside. A bird is my heart. Mama and Daddy is not win. I’m winning.” Also, “I think how alive I am, every part of me that is cells, proteens, neutrons, hairs, pussy, eyeballs, nervus system, brain. I got poems, a son, friends. I want to live so bad.” The optimism is a great testimony to how much she has really begun to turn her life around. She has also successfully broken free from her mother’s chains, made new friends who genuinely care for her, and met people who can and want to help her. The future certainly looks bright for Precious. As a reader of this fictional story, I really WANT to believe that Precious will get educated, get some independence, get custody of her kids, and live happily ever after. I’d like to believe that this is, indeed, a ‘story of hope,’ the ‘American Dream.’ However, realistically, let me assess the situation. She needs a place to stay. Exactly how long is she going to be able to stay in the halfway house? How will she support herself and her kid, especially since she is uneducated? How is the fact that she carries HIV going to affect her? She must rely on so much support from government agencies that it almost seems impossible. She needs to give up her son for adoption, and try her best to balance going to school and getting a job; in other words, she needs to focus on herself, like Miss Rain said. This is precisely why it is hard to argue against this story being one of despair, because it seems like Precious is already so far in the hole that she no longer has much of a chance (she never really did to begin with). There is a glimmer of hope, however, and it certainly can be done, but it is going to take ALOT of help (is that help going to be a constant?) and ALOT of perseverance on Precious’ behalf.