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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
A capturing narrative of Maverick's background story that makes the reader feel a bittersweet nostalgia for Garden Heights. Thomas humanizes a system that is stunting BIPOC communities, leaving the reader wondering, how can we spark change?
Wow wow wow Angie Thomas has done it again folks. This book was absolutely incredible. It was such a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved getting to know maverick and Lisa and finding out what made them “them”. If you haven’t read The Hate U Give, you really should. This is a prequel to that book and both of these books are so good! This book is heartbreaking, funny, puts a smile on your face, and makes you feel so many emotions. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone and can’t share my love for Angie Thomas’s books. I have On the Come Up on hold at the library and I can’t wait to read that one! ⠀
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Seriously, if you haven’t read either of these books, you need to
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Seriously, if you haven’t read either of these books, you need to
Angie Thomas does not disappoint. I love how real and gritty and heart warming her writing is. I loved hearing Mav’s story. I love how realistic it is. I love the compassion this book naturally cultivates into its reader about real looks at life in a ghetto. I love the community.
Stop what you are doing and go read this book. Then use what it teaches to be a better human. All of the stars for this one.
Stop what you are doing and go read this book. Then use what it teaches to be a better human. All of the stars for this one.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
There is a mastery in the intelligent and subtle way Angie Thomas talks about themes that are dear to her. I loved this novel for all it offers: a piece of history about a character who never really chose his destiny, while dealing with topics like black masculinity in an underprivileged urban setting. I loved the character of Maverick in The Hate U Give, and Concrete Rose reinforced my opinion about the density of the character. Intense, fair, sometimes shy in his demonstrations, this character is absolutely magnificent. And everything related to child parenthood, schooling, precariousness, socialization by the gang are practically scientifically accurate. A great book to put in all hands.
A fantastic prequel to an already amazing book.
For those who don't know, this book is about Maverick Carter, Starr's (THUG) Dad. The book is set while Maverick is 17 and goes through his struggles with being part of the set but not wanting to be. It shows the realities of teenage pregnancy, post-partum, single parenthood, gang relations and touch morality choices.
Maverick wants to be the best for the child he has found out is his. He wants to do the best for his Ma, and for his cousin Dre. He wants to make clean money and raise his son to be a good man, but how can he do that when he's still in the set and everyone sees clean as 'weak'?
This book initially didn't grab me as much as THUG or OTCU, however, I got into it pretty quickly and it became a page-turner. I enjoyed taking a trip back in time and getting to see all of THUG's characters in their baby days and how and why they have turned out the way they have. Seeing how Starr's parents faced adversity and how they pushed back, the subtext showing us how Starr ended up being the strong girl she is because of the strength of her parents.
Of course, I am a white girl. I haven't had these experiences but I have seen them in the world and around me. But through a frosted window. Angie's books are exceptional at painting a portrait and characterising real life experiences clearly for all audiences. I look forward to the next book, and every other book she writes.
I received this ARC from Harper Collins NZ in exchange for an honest review
For those who don't know, this book is about Maverick Carter, Starr's (THUG) Dad. The book is set while Maverick is 17 and goes through his struggles with being part of the set but not wanting to be. It shows the realities of teenage pregnancy, post-partum, single parenthood, gang relations and touch morality choices.
Maverick wants to be the best for the child he has found out is his. He wants to do the best for his Ma, and for his cousin Dre. He wants to make clean money and raise his son to be a good man, but how can he do that when he's still in the set and everyone sees clean as 'weak'?
This book initially didn't grab me as much as THUG or OTCU, however, I got into it pretty quickly and it became a page-turner. I enjoyed taking a trip back in time and getting to see all of THUG's characters in their baby days and how and why they have turned out the way they have. Seeing how Starr's parents faced adversity and how they pushed back, the subtext showing us how Starr ended up being the strong girl she is because of the strength of her parents.
Of course, I am a white girl. I haven't had these experiences but I have seen them in the world and around me. But through a frosted window. Angie's books are exceptional at painting a portrait and characterising real life experiences clearly for all audiences. I look forward to the next book, and every other book she writes.
I received this ARC from Harper Collins NZ in exchange for an honest review
Maverick was my favorite character from The Hate U Give, so it was awesome to read about his backstory. I still have some unanswered questions about some of the connections between the two books but overall I loved it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
