Whats Happening Now.

Nia, Bobbys girlfriend died from a eclampsia. Bobbys new baby, which is named Feather had to be removed from Nias stomach, so she was born pre-mature. That left Bobby with all the responsibility. His social worker gave him the option to put Feather up for adoption but he refuses. Bobby is now happy with Feather and he cares and gives her all his love.

The Theme

I think the theme of the book is love. Throughout the book the author made it very clear that Bobby loves his daughter and girlfriend so much. It was very deep. In one of the chapters after Bobby's girlfriend had died, he tells his daughter about her mother, and how beautiful and strong she was, and all those little things Bobby as her boyfriend noticed. And in another chapter, it talks about how a social worker is giving Bobby the option to put Feather up for adoption, but he refuses. He says that she is his child and he will be the one to take care of her and watch her grow up. So as I read the book the biggest word that stood out to me was "love".

The First Part Last

"It scared the hell out of me. Then, when Feather moved on my stomach like one of those mechanical dolls in the store windows at Christmas, the tears dried up. Like that."

This quote shows the love Bobby has for his daughter. He was crying because he was scared of all the changes since he had a baby now. He was also sleeping with his newborn daughter. Then she moved, and he felt more secure and safe. Like she made him forget everything. I found this quote to be very emotional, for Bobby. I liked it too.

The Problem!

The problem in the story is that Bobby got his girlfriend pregnant. So now they have to face having a child together at the age 18. He is still in school, and the story hasn't told much about his girlfriend. But from what was told in the story was that Bobby loves his daughter, Feather, very much. He sleeps with her instead of putting her in a crib. Feather always cries when she's away from Bobby. And Bobby always tries his hardest to come home from school quick to pick up Feather from the babysitter. So there isn't really a problem, except for the fact that Bobby's girlfriend was pregnant. But that's not a problem anymore.

The Setting

The setting of The First Part Last is similar to the ghetto. There are alley ways, and trash all over the ground, and people living on the streets. The main character of the story is named Bobby. He lives in a small apartment with his mom and dad, and now, a baby. He rides the subway and takes the taxi to visit his girlfriend, Nia. Bobby narrates the story, and he says that the city lights up at night far in the distance from his apartment. He also says he went to the Empire State Building, so I guess he lives in the ghetto part of New York City.

Author's Biography

Angela Johnson was born on June 18, 1961, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She grew up in Windham Ohio with her brother and parents. She remembers the one special person who gave her the love for books. She wrote throughout her childhood. Although she went to Kent State University, she left before earning her degree to focus on her writing.  Angela Johnson wrote over 40 books since she began her career in 1989.