The First Part Last

Kayla Hernandez

The First Part Last
By: Angela Johnson


Bobby is a high school student who has now gained bigger responsibilities then being an alumni. At the age of sixteen, Bobby became a dad. "But I figure if the world were really right, humans would live life backward and do the first part last"(4). It was all so unexpected for him, hearing the news from his girlfriend, Nia. Nia was still in school as well, and didn't know what she was going to do with the pregnancy. Not only was it a shock for both Bobby and Nia but also their parents.  They all had different perspective on what to do about the pregnancy, but Nia was the one to decide. Throughout the book, Bobby continues to go between then and now. He mentions the good times he spent with his two buds and all the fun he had then, at parties, being a teenager. Now it all seems to just be memories from the past and reality has kicked in.
Feather is now a couple months old and lives with Bobby at home. To Bobby, Feather has become his most important person and his world. "Sometimes she looks at me like she knows me. Like she's known me forever, and everything I ever thought, too. It's scary how she looks at me"(80). Bobby did use to live with his mom and now lives with his dad. Now when Bobby has a chance, he will leave Feather with her sitter and with his friends he will go across the city to visit Nia at the hospital.

I believe this book is a connection to generations of now a days, because some of them get themselves in situations like Bobby found himself and they now have to take upon bigger responsibilities then high school. It's a tragedy to have to become parents at such a young age, but it occurs in our world of now. It also brings on the responsibilities to balance, school, school work, baby, friends and even family. This book is something to learn from and that unexpected events can happen.
I personally connected with it, because it is easily something realistic that occurs all around in our society. I do believe it's wrong and very against our social norms, but I think it gives teens the experience of adulthood and parenthood. It gives them a lot more responsibilities and prepares them for the world, at a much rather early age, but it happens. I believe it was it well written book and would recommend it to friends. I would also recommend it to this audience.