John Hubner's Last Chance In Texas

In John Hubner’s 2005 book, Last Chance in Texas, readers are given insight into the fundamental curriculum that is embedded at Giddings State School. The book is divided into two parts, it begins by giving the point of view of the boy’s at Giddings and then shifts to the girl’s perspective. A significant chapter in the girl’s portion is chapter twelve, in which Hubner centers on Candace, a subject of the book. Readers learn her life and crime story and are able to understand the effects Giddings has had on her life and also how she, herself, affected the campus life. Chapter twelve not only further develops Candace as an individual, but also introduces more depth into the Special Services Committee. Hubner begins the chapter by briefly describing

This section of the chapter reveals how Candace would use older men for money while they used her for sex. This was Candace’s attempt to turn the curse around to her benefit. Hubner records how Candace ended up staying with, Angel, where she was introduced to crack cocaine and was presented with an ultimatum: have sex with men or get out. Candace choose the latter option and it seemed as if she found her protector, Derrick, who as Hubner puts it, “figured out how to take Candace away from her troubles” (237). He may have steered her from her troubles momentarily but he then steered her in the direction of stealing on a grand scale. Hubner explains their elaborate method for their stealing trips which made it possible for them to rob 120 convenient stores in just six months. He then describes the rush stealing gave them, however this adrenaline came to a halt after Candace became sick with chlamydia and the couple realized they had no money for medical care. Next, the author adds how in an attempt to pick up cash, Derrick and Candace were caught red-handed. Hubner incorporates the difference in the charges for the dynamic duo. While Derrick was sentenced to four years in state prison, Candace was sent to the TYC facility with a ten-year determinate

This chapter gives us perspective into the girl’s side of campus and also gives us deeper access into the Special Services Committee. Hubner presents this information while adding his own writing style. One of the techniques the author utilizes is that he paraphrases the events in her life but uses direct quotations when he is trying to emphasize a point or catch the reader’s attention. He also does not censor her life which gives the chapter a realistic appeal. His word choice sways the reader into feeling compassion and sympathy for Candace. Throughout the chapter he refers to Candace as a marvelous actress. In doing so he presents her as a subject who is adored by the public, but also as someone who is capable of portraying herself in multiple character roles opposite of who she really