However, the group forces him and the other members to care about each other, high school and G.O.D. Only because of a bet with his father does he create G.O.D. Leader of G.O.D, Doug, feels indifferent towards the high school experience. The fantasies teens have about Cobain’s life most likely did not match his reality.Īpathy is another important subject of Rats Saw God. Nevertheless, Cobain committed suicide, which by definition implies he was unhappy with certain parts of his life. As a worshipped figure by teens, they idolize his life and him. In the book, the reveal of Kurt Cobain’s death also impacts this theme. It’s only through looking at his old life does he realize the negative effects of this attitude. He views the world as too painful and people as too damaging to care for. The too pessimistic California version of Steve shuts everyone out. So when he discovers life is not perfect, he crumbles. In his life in Houston, Texas, he’s naïve and hopeful. Steve experiences both degrees of these extremes. It’s either a complete hellhole or heaven on earth. As extremist, teens often see the world as a polarizing place. reality expresses an important truth about teenagers. However, this flaw doesn’t detract from the many glaring assets of Rats Saw God. The biggest turn of events in the novel can be predicted even by the most distracted readers. The only negative element of Rats Saw God is its predictability. It effortlessly portrays many of the struggles of growing up, but it keeps the balance between being funny and tragic. Overall, Rats Saw God is one of the best young-adult novels out there. Steve’s essayistic journey reawakens the part of himself that enjoys life. His essay letters unfolds the funny and heartbreaking adventures of his former group G.O.D (Grace Order of Dadaists), and his relationship with former girlfriend Dub. To graduate, he must write a 100-page essay. Steve York’s senior year consists of smoking pot and barely passing classes. Rats Saw God’s authenticity transcends age limits. Their raw and realness matches those of your friends, family and neighbors. None of them feel like caricatures of teenage behavior and attitudes. Unlike similar modern novels, this one creates 3D teen characters.

Rats Saw God, by Rob Thomas, captures the timeless struggle of adolescence.

Rats saw god