Not Nothing

For people like Alex, Josey, and Olka, redemption is not just a personal matter, but one undertaken through relationships with others. Alex begins the story believing he is irredeemable and has done something beyond forgiving. His violent actions toward Toby and the label of “criminal” weigh on him constantly. It is because of the people at Shady Glen, who all see a different side to Alex, that he becomes capable of seeing and accessing that better self, illustrating the theme of finding redemption through community.

It is clear through the story of Olka and Josey that forgiveness can inspire a person to change. Olka tells Jozef, “It’s as if you’ve invited out my better self and, in doing so, invited me to rise to the occasion, rather than sink to it” (99). This line frames the emotional arc of the book, because it implies that people become their best selves when someone else sees them that way. Josey’s love for Olka, and later his mentorship of Alex, demonstrates this. He forgives Olka’s sharp words and pushes her toward something greater without even intending to. 

In the same way, Josey believes in Alex when Alex cannot yet believe in himself. When Alex is caught taking lasagna from a bus tub, Maya-Jade’s grandmother harshly calls him a “criminal,” reinforcing his self-perception, but Josey realizes Alex’s loneliness and, eventually, opens up to the young boy by sharing stories of his past. Josey’s stories inspire Alex to rethink his life and make better choices: As he tells the social worker, “No one should be remembered for the worst thing they’ve done when they’ve done so many best things” (125). This idea becomes more solidified as the novel goes on and Alex also learns to forgive himself. His real turning point comes when he starts to want a future, and when he finally believes he is capable of good.

Mrs. Winston, who initially bans Alex from returning to Shady Glen after finding out what he did, ultimately changes her mind after seeing how much Alex meant to Josey and everyone else at Shady Glen. Alex must continue to redeem himself and prove that he has changed. At the courthouse, Alex is surrounded by his community—his aunt and uncle, Maya-Jade, the social worker, and the residents of Shady Glen. Josey’s final request, that Alex be allowed to return to Shady Glen, solidifies the fact that Alex still has much growing to do, and much more to give. Through this, Alex learns that redemption comes from love, community, and having the courage to see what others see.