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bookdragon217's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Wars are either fought in secret or they're right in your face."
True True by Don Hooper was a gut pinching read for me because it shines a spotlight on how the education system is stacked against Black students, the Double burden of being a Black immigrant and how the idea of achieving the American Dream through hard work and education comes with a daily dose of violence, racism and microaggressions if youre a Black student. I was triggered by so many of the things that happened to Gil in this book because they were some of my same experiences, which soured me on the idea of attending college when I was a teenager.
I am, however, grateful that this book exists because it gives voice to the plight of Black American students and those of immigrant parents. Hooper's writing is raw, emotional and honest and it makes this one a book I will forever recommend because of it's importance to Black educational experiences. Thanks to @penguinteen @cocoachapters for the opportunity to share my 10 thoughts on this one.
🇯🇲 Privilege is not only a birthright but a way of life that is taught and modeled by white supremacist parents.
🇯🇲 Black students of immigrant parents carry a heavy burden to make their parents' dreams come true, as opposed to being able to have their own dreams.
🇯🇲 Black students are never safe in all white spaces and face daily racism.
🇯🇲 White women often name themselves as allies without actually doing the work of decolonization and continue to cross boundaries.
🇯🇲 Black people are never centered in diversity & inclusion efforts. HBCU tours are not offered.
🇯🇲 Black students' intelligence and achievements are always attributed to affirmative action.
🇯🇲 Black people's work, especially in STEM is often stolen and never credited.
🇯🇲 White supremacists will never give up any power and have no problem flexing their money and influence to ensure their children stay on top.
🇯🇲 Black students have the extra burden of not only representing themselves but their entire race, community, neighborhood, gender, etc.
🇯🇲 In order to achieve true equity in education, Black people need to be in positions of power and have decision making ability.
True True by Don Hooper was a gut pinching read for me because it shines a spotlight on how the education system is stacked against Black students, the Double burden of being a Black immigrant and how the idea of achieving the American Dream through hard work and education comes with a daily dose of violence, racism and microaggressions if youre a Black student. I was triggered by so many of the things that happened to Gil in this book because they were some of my same experiences, which soured me on the idea of attending college when I was a teenager.
I am, however, grateful that this book exists because it gives voice to the plight of Black American students and those of immigrant parents. Hooper's writing is raw, emotional and honest and it makes this one a book I will forever recommend because of it's importance to Black educational experiences. Thanks to @penguinteen @cocoachapters for the opportunity to share my 10 thoughts on this one.
🇯🇲 Privilege is not only a birthright but a way of life that is taught and modeled by white supremacist parents.
🇯🇲 Black students of immigrant parents carry a heavy burden to make their parents' dreams come true, as opposed to being able to have their own dreams.
🇯🇲 Black students are never safe in all white spaces and face daily racism.
🇯🇲 White women often name themselves as allies without actually doing the work of decolonization and continue to cross boundaries.
🇯🇲 Black people are never centered in diversity & inclusion efforts. HBCU tours are not offered.
🇯🇲 Black students' intelligence and achievements are always attributed to affirmative action.
🇯🇲 Black people's work, especially in STEM is often stolen and never credited.
🇯🇲 White supremacists will never give up any power and have no problem flexing their money and influence to ensure their children stay on top.
🇯🇲 Black students have the extra burden of not only representing themselves but their entire race, community, neighborhood, gender, etc.
🇯🇲 In order to achieve true equity in education, Black people need to be in positions of power and have decision making ability.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Racial slurs
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
gkaltam's review
challenging
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
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