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funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book! I usually don't enjoy the second book that an author writes as much as I enjoy their first, but this one was just as enjoyable to me as The Hate U Give. The characters were lovable, and the story had a good flow and a pleasant ending. I recommend this book.
I am in awe of Angie Thomas's writing in On the Come Up. She has evolved so much since writing The Hate U Give. The book was an incredible story following Bri, who is the daughter of a famous deceased rapper in her area, as she wants to make it big. At her school, however, she is a hoodlum to the guards and teachers, and as she expresses herself into a song, she goes viral for the wrong reasons. I loved Bri as a character because like anybody, she is not perfect. At times she may be rash and burst out, tarnishing her image. But at the same time, she advocates for equality for all colored kids who are victimized by law enforcement. Bri is resilient and will not let anyone silence her for speaking what is on her mind. There are many other figures in the novel that help shape Bri and guide her motivations in the story. Her mother Jay struggles to keep a roof over her children's heads. She is now a sober woman who has left her rough past behind and proves that anyone can change and turn their life around. Jay really cares for her children and did not want to leave them when she was not in a good place. The social situation gave Bri the motivation to go out and find people who will make her big. But she got sucked into the business and let a manager control her like they controlled her father. Bri was perfectly capable to work for herself and she learned not to let others manipulate her and to be true to herself. In addition to her family, she had friends like Malik, Sonny, and Curtis who were there to support her in her struggles. With her friends and family, Bri managed to get through the judgment of people from her church, people at school, and finding herself in all the mess. My favorite character in the novel was Aunt Pooh because she was always there for Bri at her battles, and she helped Bri through her fame. She really wanted to change, and I know that she will change for sure. Pooh is still in the process of finding her full potential and she gives this hope to readers that one day they will find what they were meant to be. Aside from all the major plot elements, I was astonished by the beauty of Angie Thomas's words. She crafted Bri's raps so well and the meaning behind them was exquisite and true to what happens today with many black lives. I also loved that even in the midst of drama and strife, Thomas wove in comedy and relief into the plot beautifully (especially remarks to Black Panther and Star Wars). This book filled me with so many emotions. It carried such a great message that many people today should know. Even with people tearing you down and doing awful things in the world, do what you can to change the world. Speak up and be who you are. Even if people are putting you down, you still have your voice, so use it. Bri was not a quitter and she managed to find hope in all that was lost. Overall, On the Come Up is a literary masterpiece that everyone should come by in their lifetime.
A brilliant and thought-provoking book by a powerful author. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles tough social topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer. Thomas's books should be required reading for everyone.
"There's only so much you can take being described as somebody you're not."
Full Book Review
Sixteen-year-old Bri Jackson lives in the Garden Heights neighborhood, and her dream is to be a rapper. Her deceased father was a local rap legend, and while she loves having that connection to him, she's ready to make a name for herself and make her own way. But her family is struggling to keep the heat on and food in their fridge, and she keeps running into trouble at her mostly-white school. Bri decides she can't wait to be discovered - she HAS to make it, and soon.
"I lost my cool so bad that I’ve lost more than I realize. I’m lost. I’m so lost that I’m exhausted from trying to find my way."
My Thoughts...
I really liked this book, but it didn't draw me in quite like Thomas's The Hate U Give, which I absolutely love and tell everyone to read. However, On The Come Up opens the discussion on such important topics like poverty, drugs, racism, loyalty, family, community, and authenticity. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles these topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer.
"While some of us are afraid of the impact songs will have on our children, there are parents who are absolutely terrified for the safety of our children at the hands of people who are supposed to protect them."
Angie wrote some really clever rap lyrics, and she painted the image of Bri rapping so well, it was really mesmerizing. Her characters are well-rounded and detailed, both rough and tender at the same time. I felt like I really got into their stories. Now go read this book so we can discuss!
"There's only so much you can take being described as somebody you're not."
Full Book Review
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Bri Jackson lives in the Garden Heights neighborhood, and her dream is to be a rapper. Her deceased father was a local rap legend, and while she loves having that connection to him, she's ready to make a name for herself and make her own way. But her family is struggling to keep the heat on and food in their fridge, and she keeps running into trouble at her mostly-white school. Bri decides she can't wait to be discovered - she HAS to make it, and soon.
"I lost my cool so bad that I’ve lost more than I realize. I’m lost. I’m so lost that I’m exhausted from trying to find my way."
My Thoughts...
I really liked this book, but it didn't draw me in quite like Thomas's The Hate U Give, which I absolutely love and tell everyone to read. However, On The Come Up opens the discussion on such important topics like poverty, drugs, racism, loyalty, family, community, and authenticity. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles these topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer.
"While some of us are afraid of the impact songs will have on our children, there are parents who are absolutely terrified for the safety of our children at the hands of people who are supposed to protect them."
Angie wrote some really clever rap lyrics, and she painted the image of Bri rapping so well, it was really mesmerizing. Her characters are well-rounded and detailed, both rough and tender at the same time. I felt like I really got into their stories. Now go read this book so we can discuss!
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this book!! It is wonderfully written and it moves so quickly. I think this is a great book for all young adults to read because it talks a lot about success and staying true to yourself. The ending was very satisfying!
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While I preferred The Hate U Give over this one, it was still impressive. She writes so realistically, that her books read like non-fiction.