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edshara's review against another edition
1.0
After finishing this, I can honestly say, this book just felt like an attempt to capitalize on a popular trend. I went into this knowing it was being compared to THUG and Dear Martin, but hoping it would stand out since the synopsis seemed unique. In the end it did stand out, just not in a good way.
The characters were very generic and not at all unique. Quirky teens that like Tupac...how original. I didn’t connect to any of them. They read more like side characters. Also the adults in this book were lacking as well. Principal Dodson alone, was enough, to make me want to DNF.
The overall plot seemed like a good idea, but it wasn’t crafted well and had a lot of holes. I know the system is corrupt and their are cops literally getting away with murder, but the situation involving the accused officer in this book, left so much untouched, unsaid and unexplained. As much as I wanted to buy into it, it just didn’t seem believable.
Usually I’m not overly picky about profanity and crude remarks/jokes, so it may be my petty kicking in, but the usage of both in this book felt, at times, forced and unnecessary. I was really looking forward to this book and other than the beautiful cover, it was a total let down. It’s been a couple days since I finished this and I’m still mad. Read at your own risk.
The characters were very generic and not at all unique. Quirky teens that like Tupac...how original. I didn’t connect to any of them. They read more like side characters. Also the adults in this book were lacking as well. Principal Dodson alone, was enough, to make me want to DNF.
The overall plot seemed like a good idea, but it wasn’t crafted well and had a lot of holes. I know the system is corrupt and their are cops literally getting away with murder, but the situation involving the accused officer in this book, left so much untouched, unsaid and unexplained. As much as I wanted to buy into it, it just didn’t seem believable.
Usually I’m not overly picky about profanity and crude remarks/jokes, so it may be my petty kicking in, but the usage of both in this book felt, at times, forced and unnecessary. I was really looking forward to this book and other than the beautiful cover, it was a total let down. It’s been a couple days since I finished this and I’m still mad. Read at your own risk.
lucyprough's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
tiffanydf12's review against another edition
2.0
This just wasn’t it for me… I felt no connection to any of the characters and just ended up skimming through the lasts 100 pages. What exactly was the deal with the principal? The interactions with the police seemed very exaggerated too, like every single cop in the city was out to get Marvin… Also way too many plot holes.
heather_19's review against another edition
4.0
I wish the ending hadn't been left so open but otherwise a powerful book with a sadly all too often real story.
samabenamer's review against another edition
3.0
i really enjoyed this story. the language was very beautiful and raw and real. and it was very genuine. and it's just really horrible to see these events unfold and be able to connect it to events that have actually happened. but this book really serves a reminder for people, of the realities disenfranchised people have to go through everyday because of the color of their skin. this story really resonated with me, and it made me feel very empowered to do something lol. stay woke ppl
torireads06's review against another edition
5.0
Probably my favourite book I've read this year so far. Honestly, I think it'll be better if you go into this not knowing much.
This book made me laugh, cry, I was angry and shocked. I loved the diversity in this book and I think I realized that this book made me realize just how bad police brutality really is. I highly, highly recommend this book. I know this book will stick with me for a while.
This book made me laugh, cry, I was angry and shocked. I loved the diversity in this book and I think I realized that this book made me realize just how bad police brutality really is. I highly, highly recommend this book. I know this book will stick with me for a while.
taylorlechat's review against another edition
4.0
They state in the synopsis that his brother is shot and killed, yet it takes roughly 3/4 of the book to get there. I wish there was more discussion of the aftermath instead of building up for something you already knew was coming, but still a good and worthwhile read.