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foreverbookwandering's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When Jay's sister Nicole goes missing, no one seems to be looking for her, least of all the police so Jay sets out to find her. Initially I thought this would have similar vibes to Monday Is Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, which is also about a Black girl who goes missing but this is a very different storyline.
Every avenue Jay explores, he seems to make slow, if any progress and so the mystery deepens with each turn of the page. But it's not just a story about a missing teenager, it's also a story of prejudice. Of how, people assume that because Nic is from a rundown area, hangs out with a drug seller and disappears for a day or two on occasion, she isn't worth searching for, of how everyone assumes Jay is good for nothing because of where he lives and the colour of his skin - all things relevant to today.
The last 50ish pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat. With books such as these, unfortunately we know so often from real life how these things end, which means you are never quite sure how the book will conclude. Essentially it is a story of family, of friends, and how they will always be there no matter how many times you push them away.
I really enjoyed this book and definitely think it is worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Drug abuse, and Drug use
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