SuitabookImaginary Enemy
Julie Gonzalez
- Reading
- Because the book is described as a series of loosely connected moments, try reading it in short sections and pausing to track Jane’s explanations, relationships and attitude to responsibility. Revisit the pattern after Bubba writes back.
- Themes
- Responsibility and blame: Jane blames Bubba when things go wrong and is described as needing to face responsibility for her actions. The framing presents blame as a recurring problem while pointing towards possible personal responsibility; the precise development is not clear.
- Belonging and exclusion: Jane cares about fitting in at school and is affected when neighbours begin excluding her from their plans. The story clearly examines Jane’s concern about belonging, but the limited information does not establish whether exclusion is criticised, justified or resolved.
- An imaginary enemy: Jane has written to Bubba since second grade, but later receives a letter from him. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Be aware of references to drinking and smoking, including adults or teenagers drinking to excess and a teenager smoking. The book also includes kissing, sexualised references and one use of “boobs”.