"I Was A Teenage Doorknocker" Is A Good Read

 

Following the rules of a religion can be a difficult thing. I guess it can be even more difficult when you’re a teenager trying to make your way in the world. In Jonathan Burger’s novel “I Was A Teenage Door Knocker”, he takes you into his teenage years consumed by being a Jehovah’s Witness and trying to balance his religious life with his emerging social one. Together with his friend, Dylan, and Jonathan's brother, they engage in many of the hallmarks of adolescence.

I learned a lot about Jehovah’s Witnesses in reading this book. It seems like a strict religion with many rules and regulations about how to live your life. Even when Jonathan tries to go on a first date with a girl at the mall, he is caught by an elder of his church who scolds him for not having an adult escort accompany them.

Jonathan narrates the story in an almost diary like way. You don’t just have stories of a religious upbring, but many stories anyone who has been a teen can relate to. Of course, this is a bit tougher for Jonathan, as he tries to do this all under the nose of his strict mom, who is very committed to her religion and dad, who believes his kids rebellion can be easily cured by a summer job.

Trying to be a normal teenager, while adhering to this religion, can be tough. With all religions, there comes a time, as Jonathan experienced, when you have to decide if you continue with the religion you were born with or strike out on your own. Through an unfortunate event towards the end of the book, Jonathan must make that decision.

This is a good read that gives people insight into growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, and the difficulties of living in modern society while following all the rules and regulations of a strict religion.