Synopsis:
Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can’t escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.
Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it’s Justyce who is under attack.
Yeah, there are no more “colored” water fountains, and it’s supposed to be illegal to discriminate, but if I can be forced to sit on the concrete in too-tight cuffs when I’ve done nothing wrong, it’s clear there’s an issue. That things aren’t as equal as folks say they are.
I know, I know. It seems like all the books I review, I always rate them as 5, (which is the highest number on my reading review scale) but that’s because they are all so good! I love reading other reviews and this one had some excellent reviews. My mom listened to the audible and really enjoyed it so, I was really excited about reading it!
This book was short but very captivating and if you read and loved The Hate U Give you will love this book as well! I read this book last month but wanted to post it this month in honor of Black History month!
You ever consider that maybe you not supposed to ‘fit’? People who make history rarely do.
Here are 10 reasons why I like this book:
- The end of each chapter, Justyce (the main character) writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! They are so powerful and in some ways, funny because it’s almost as if he expects Dr. King to write him back and I love that.
- This book does not shy away from the (much needed) conversation about racism in America.
- I think that it’s so amazing that in 200 pages it educates you a little bit about African American history and issues that are happening right now!
- As I was reading this book, I thought about the fact that it is a book that everyone should read. Even though this book is fiction it also highlights issues that are happening in today’s society, such as racism (some so subtle you may not be able to tell), stereotypes about race, and police brutality.
- I LOVE THE COVER! I found myself flipping back to cover while reading it. That is definitely the way I would imagine Justyce looking. I LOVE his name and spelling!
- This book is written in 3rd person aka present tense and it’s hard to find books written in this style which is also why this book is so unique.
- I like the secondary characters because they added more realness to the plot.
- Sarah Jane is an AMAZING character. She is so smart, strong, and isn’t afraid to voice her opinions.
- I love how Justyce is so educated and self-aware about present issues. He is such a realistic teen and he seems really sweet too. (Definitely, a guy you can bring home to meet the family!)
- This book had me in my feelings…One minute I was emotional and crying and other times I was smiling. To me, when an author can strike different emotions out of a reader they have truly succeeded.
You can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you. When it comes down to it, the only question that matters is this: If nothing in the world ever changes, what type of man are you gonna be?
Nic Stone did an amazing job with this book!!! I’m a fangirl for LIFE and definitely will be reading other books by her. READ THIS BOOK!