The Closest I've Come
Absorbing, realistic, hopeful tale of teen in the projects.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Closest I've Come is a coming-of-age story about 15-year-old Marcos that takes an unblinking look at life in a Tampa Bay, Florida, housing project. Violence includes physical and verbal abuse that Marcos suffers from his mother's boyfriend, with descriptions of the fear, dread, and pain that Marcos endures. He and his friends also punch, slap, and get into fights. Strong language is frequent and includes "p---y," "f--k," and racial slurs like the "N" word and "spic." Sexual content is mostly Marcos wondering what sex is like, based on the pornography he's seen. Teens mention women's body parts, and there are a few mentions of masturbation, such as wondering if it makes you a "pervball" or speculating that someone is "fapping" in a bathroom. Adults abuse alcohol and teens drink beer or malt liquor a few times. A friend starts dealing drugs, and Marcos is afraid for him. Marcos and Amy smoke pot once, though Marcos mentions a few times that he doesn't really like it. Marcos is a good role model despite some misbehaving, because he's smart and thoughtful and wants to feel more connected to the world and the people around him, and because he learns from observing and thinking about things as well as from his own mistakes.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In THE CLOSEST I'VE COME, high school sophomore Marcos Rivas is in danger of flunking the whole year. He definitely doesn't want to repeat 10th grade, but beyond that doesn't see much point in going to school. He'd much rather have a job so he can take his crush on a real date, get a cell phone that works, and maybe even a pair of shoes without holes. Other items on Marcos' wish list include proof that his mother cares about him, an end to the abuse he suffers at the hands of her boyfriend, and putting aside the tough facade he has to wear in the projects so that he can make real connections with people and find his place in the world. When he's placed in the Future Success after-school program, he starts to think that maybe he's smart after all, and maybe he's even a worthwhile person who can take control of his own destiny.
Is It Any Good?
Debut author Fred Aceves has written what he knows, and his honest look at life in the projects for 15-year-old Marcos is sometimes hard to take yet ultimately full of hope for the future. The Closest I've Come doesn't flinch from the realities of being not just broke but truly poor, as seen through the eyes of high school sophomore Marcos. Teens from any background will relate to Marcos as he struggles to understand his place in the world and seeks to make and keep deeper connections with those around him. They'll admire his growing determination not to stay stuck in the projects forever, and easily relate to the typical teen struggles he faces, like getting up the courage to talk to his crush, or the pressures from a seemingly uncaring school staff and administration.
Aceves doesn't wrap everything up in a pretty ribbon or solve Marcos' problems with a magical solution; he keeps it real all the way through. But it is ultimately a hopeful story, and one that can inspire teens to care about themselves even when it seems like no one else does.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in The Closest I've Come. Is it realistic? Does that make it OK? Why, or why not?
What about the violence? Is it realistic? Is reading about it different from seeing it in real life, or watching it in movies or videos?
Is Marcos a good role model? What are his strengths and weaknesses? How do you think things will turn out for him?
Book Details
- Author: Fred Aceves
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: November 7, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 21, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Darius & Twig
Quiet, sometimes poetic story of teens' scholarship quest.
-
Dear Martin
Boy faces racial profiling in powerful, realistic tale.
-
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Literary story of two boys' life-changing friendship.
For kids who love coming-of-age tales and characters of color
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate