Scan barcode
hobbithopeful's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to Penguin for this ARC
Powerful, moving, and all too relatable, True True follows Gil and his experience at his new mostly white prep school. Racism and getting jumped in his first week leads to probation for him, and of course no punishment for the popular white athletes who attacked him. He soon plots revenge against the admin based on The Art of War. When Gil finds out other Black students at the school have had similar experiences, he encourages them to speak out, but the consequences and response to them trying to get their voices and concerns heard soon takes over his life.
The moment I picked up True True, I could not stop reading! (Except to get snacks of course!) The writing style was so engaging, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I resonated so deeply with what Gil experienced, the frustration, the lack of being heard, the anger. At its heart while this is a book primarily about vengeance, I felt it was also about speaking other, and not letting your voice be silenced. Not taking the bread crumbs you are given with a smile on your face, but instead asking for equal treatment. (And acceptance!) Realising that certain situations are bigger than you, and to share your burdens with others. Not giving up no matter what, and daring to speak out because change doesn't come to those who are silent.
I loved the inclusion of robotics, I don't really know anything about the subject but it was really cool to see! I have seen clips of robotic competitions on Tiktok and now I want to go watch some more. I also thought Gil being a black belt and seeing a peek into Karate was so interesting! (Also really loved the symbolism!)
I am really glad that Gil had such a great support system, especially when he realised it was there. His Granma was so sweet, and I could feel the love for his family. The reality of his Dad not being present because he didn't want to get deported just gave me all the feelings. I could go on a many paragraph rant about how America treats immigrants, and the failure of our government in regards to the legalization process, but I'll spare you my rant.
If you have ever experienced microaggressions, racism, or your voice being ignored you will see so much of yourself in this. The microaggressions in this book were hard to read, and so accurate. How do you speak up about seemingly innocuous situations that others don't care/realise is harmful? The scene with Lydia claiming to be an "ally" had me immediately knowing what box to place her in. I was completely unsurprised by her actions after that reveal, and how she was just touching hair without consent.
The vibes and theme of this book reminded me of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, a favorite of mine. It's also incredibly disheartening to know that no matter where you live, you are not safe from this type of treatment. I have definitely seen a trend in recent years of authors writing books about race and what it is like to be at a predominantly white school, and I am 100000% on board with it. Do not read this on an empty stomach, all the food descriptions had me so hungry! I had to take a snack break multiple times.
I also love the cover, it matches the vibe of the book perfectly.
I read and review a lot of books, and if you are ever curious which ones you should for sure read, this is one of them. Seriously- read this book!
Powerful, moving, and all too relatable, True True follows Gil and his experience at his new mostly white prep school. Racism and getting jumped in his first week leads to probation for him, and of course no punishment for the popular white athletes who attacked him. He soon plots revenge against the admin based on The Art of War. When Gil finds out other Black students at the school have had similar experiences, he encourages them to speak out, but the consequences and response to them trying to get their voices and concerns heard soon takes over his life.
The moment I picked up True True, I could not stop reading! (Except to get snacks of course!) The writing style was so engaging, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I resonated so deeply with what Gil experienced, the frustration, the lack of being heard, the anger. At its heart while this is a book primarily about vengeance, I felt it was also about speaking other, and not letting your voice be silenced. Not taking the bread crumbs you are given with a smile on your face, but instead asking for equal treatment. (And acceptance!) Realising that certain situations are bigger than you, and to share your burdens with others. Not giving up no matter what, and daring to speak out because change doesn't come to those who are silent.
I loved the inclusion of robotics, I don't really know anything about the subject but it was really cool to see! I have seen clips of robotic competitions on Tiktok and now I want to go watch some more. I also thought Gil being a black belt and seeing a peek into Karate was so interesting! (Also really loved the symbolism!)
I am really glad that Gil had such a great support system, especially when he realised it was there. His Granma was so sweet, and I could feel the love for his family. The reality of his Dad not being present because he didn't want to get deported just gave me all the feelings. I could go on a many paragraph rant about how America treats immigrants, and the failure of our government in regards to the legalization process, but I'll spare you my rant.
If you have ever experienced microaggressions, racism, or your voice being ignored you will see so much of yourself in this. The microaggressions in this book were hard to read, and so accurate. How do you speak up about seemingly innocuous situations that others don't care/realise is harmful? The scene with Lydia claiming to be an "ally" had me immediately knowing what box to place her in. I was completely unsurprised by her actions after that reveal, and how she was just touching hair without consent.
The vibes and theme of this book reminded me of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, a favorite of mine. It's also incredibly disheartening to know that no matter where you live, you are not safe from this type of treatment. I have definitely seen a trend in recent years of authors writing books about race and what it is like to be at a predominantly white school, and I am 100000% on board with it. Do not read this on an empty stomach, all the food descriptions had me so hungry! I had to take a snack break multiple times.
I also love the cover, it matches the vibe of the book perfectly.
I read and review a lot of books, and if you are ever curious which ones you should for sure read, this is one of them. Seriously- read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Dementia, Hate crime, Racism, Classism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Bullying and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual assault and Deportation
More...