Michael’s a B*tch
In a teenage boy’s life, a father shapes you a lot. You learn how to carry yourself, speak, and what kind of man you want to become. But sometimes a father teaches you in the opposite way. Certain times you learn from his mistakes, weakness, and the things he does wrong. In Black Swan Green, Michael Taylor, or “Dad,” ends up being one of the most important people in Jason’s life for that exact reason. He matters not because he is the epitome of a great father, but rather because Jason is constantly watching him and slowly realizing the kind of man he does not want to be. Early on in the story, Dad is already portrayed as distant and secretive. His office is described like a “forbidden chamber,” and when Jason answers the phone, he hears Sesame Street in the background, then a crying baby before the line goes dead. Right away, it is obvious (to the reader) that something is off with Dad. As the novel goes on, Jason keeps picking up on the cracks in...