Jay's Journal (Anonymous Diaries)
#2 of 7 in Anonymous Diaries Series
on Goodreads (7,583)
What’s inside...
Jay was a sweet, bright high school student with ambitions and a happy outlook on life. However, when he starts associating with a crowd involved in drugs and the occult, he finds himself overwhelmed and engaging in activities he never imagined. As he becomes fascinated by the dark arts and falls for a dangerous girl, Jay's life spirals out of control, leading to a path of addiction and ultimately, his own demise. His journal sheds light on the tragic progression from experimentation to addiction and despair.
Character compass
Jay
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Jay to keep a journal? How do you feel about expressing your own thoughts and feelings through writing?
Jay undergoes many challenges in his story. Which ones do you think were the hardest for him, and why?
How did Jay's choices and experiences affect those around him, like his family and friends?
What lessons can we learn from Jay's experiences about handling difficult situations or emotions?
If you could give Jay advice at any point in the book, what would you say to him and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their understanding of the book’s themes by relating them to their own experiences. This helps personalize the story’s impact.
Discuss the consequences of Jay's decisions to provide a deeper understanding of accountability and responsibility.
Ask your child how they might have handled similar situations differently, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use the book as a gateway to discuss the importance and impact of mental health, guiding them to understand and express their emotions constructively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of peer pressure
Explanation: In 'Jay’s Journal', the protagonist Jay experiences significant peer pressure which leads him to make detrimental life choices, impacting his mental health and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize peer pressure and develop strategies to assert their own values and choices, regardless of others' influence.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Jay struggles with opening up to his parents and friends about his feelings and challenges, which exacerbates his problems. The book illustrates how lack of communication can lead to isolation and misunderstanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings openly and to seek help from trusted adults when faced with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding the risks of exploring the occult
Explanation: The story dives deeply into Jay's fascination with the occult, which ultimately plays a role in his downfall. It serves as a narrative to explore the impact of delving into dangerous and unknown practices.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of making informed decisions and understanding the potential risks and consequences of their curiosities and actions.
Example Lesson: Impact of decisions on mental health
Explanation: Jay’s poor decision-making, influenced by external pressures, leads to severe consequences on his mental health. The book shows how choices can profoundly affect one's mental and emotional well-being.
Real-World Application: This educates children on the importance of making decisions thoughtfully and the role of mental health in their overall well-being.
Example Lesson: Seeking help during struggles
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jay faces many personal struggles but often chooses to cope with them alone, which leads to tragic outcomes. It highlights the importance of seeking support during tough times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing challenges is part of life and that seeking help from parents, teachers, or counselors is not a sign of weakness but strength.