ORDINARY PEOPLE by Judith Guest

Bibliography:  

Guest, Judith. 1976. ORDINARY PEOPLE. New York, NY: Penguin Books. ISBN 9780140065176 

Plot Summary:  

ORDINARY PEOPLE is a sad story about a family dealing with the tragic loss of a son/brother a year before the book begins.  The story is told through the eyes of two characters, the father, Calvin, and the son, Conrad.  As the story switches from one character to another, the reading begins to see how much pain the whole family is dealing with.  Conrad is returning to high school, after spending time in the hospital for attempting to commit suicide.  He is unsure of how to act around others, and finds it difficult to connect with anyone.  Calvin is desperate to hold his family together while dealing with his own pain.  Both learn to deal with life’s challenges as difficult times seem to be never ending. 

Critical Analysis:  

The themes of loss and dealing with death are clear throughout this book.  How people deal with grief and depression guide the characters through the story.  The author’s writing seems very authentic and realistic as characters interact with one another.  Some readers will connect with the hurt and sorrow the characters are dealing with.  They, like me, may be shocked at how disconnected Conrad’s mother is from her hurting son.  This was painful for me to read as she seemed to turn a cold shoulder to him, and eventually abandoned what was left of her family.     

Reviews:  

·        1976 Kafka Prize

·        Mark Vonnegut (author of THE EDEN EXPRESS):  “It’s been quite a while since I was able to simply enjoy any book remotely related to mental illness.  ORDINARY PEOPLE disarmed me completely.  It was too good a story, too well told for me to keep my distance.” 

Educator’s Note: 

I, as an educator, would not suggest this book to my students, even those at the high school level.  The book contains mature subject matter that was concerning to me as an adult.  I would be careful sharing this book because of the following issues:  death of close family member, mental illness/depression, attempted suicide, profanity, and serious family issues whereas the mother seems to abandon what is left of her family. 

Connections:  

Age Level:  Could not find information
Reading Level:  Could not find information
Pages:  272
Genre:  Realistic Fiction 

·        Watch the 1980 movie

o   Compare and contrast the events that happen in the book and how each version portrays the characters.

·        Do an author study to research and analyze the author and her other books that have been published.

·        Discuss depression and ways of dealing with it.

·        Before, during, and after Chapter 18, discuss test taking strategies, and how Conrad experienced test anxiety during a test.