Why was Johnny significant to
the story? Johnny’s role was to aid Lynn in
the development of self-confidence. He showed her that money was not the answer to all her problems. Neither was it the object
of satisfaction. He was a rich, white boy who had everything in the palm of his hand, but he was still missing something.
In life, there are many Johnny’s who are trapped inside the mind that he or even she is too valuable to associate with
the so-called inferior people. Whether that Johnny deals with the color issue, social status problems, or stereotypical belief
between boys and girls, the fact that he must hide his true feelings to blend in with the norm remains. Who are we to determine
what sort of people a person can only associate with or which type of behavior is only used to distinguish a certain group
of people? All of us share some things alike, and that itself can never be replaced, nor can one be forced to “act their
race” because what defines the actions of a race. We have to look beyond materialistic things and find value in people.
Lynn’s family reactions to a White boy in their midst shows that prejudice can be displayed on both sides of the color
border, and it is all stimulated from fear of not knowing what to expect, how to feel, or even what to say in their presence.
Johnny shows how often times black families shy away from other cultures as well. Because the family did not know that much
about him, other than he is the farm owner’s son, they struggle with the distinctiveness of him, and that frightens
them. It was not the fear that he was White; it was the fear of what capabilities he possessed. They never once took the time
to find out Johnny’s reason for being among them. It was Lynn who provided Johnny with unconditional love through a
family structure he longed to have, and Johnny in return anchors the raging storms inside of her through their make believed
world; thus strengthening her to rise above oppression through an equally balanced friendship. Johnny, as well as Lynn, encourages
readers to communicate with, listen to, and accompany someone in order to understand him or her. The cover of the book can
not tell the story within it, just like the outside of people can not reveal the capabilities of them. Amity is deeply rooted
within the two friends and goes far beyond their sight. Both of them disown the fixed ideas held by their family and allow
love to shatter the walls of fear to see inside the heart, so they can stop being blinded by colors. The beauty of friendship
grows as we find comfort and support in people instead of trying to find reasons not to trust them. The outer appearance can
not speak for the heart. Through Johnny, I can cover my eyes, and listen to the words from his soul.
Click on the graphic to vote for this page as a Starting
Point Hot Site.
** I am currently working on the second novel in the series ~More Than a Spoon Full~. Thus the family
saga continues.
