A review by desiree930
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
This is the second book I've read this week that was written in verse. I listened to the audiobook, which is a format I tend to enjoy when consuming books written this way. As far as the actual story goes, I found myself at turns heartbroken and outraged, because I know that while this book is a work of fiction, this is heavily inspired by one of the co-author's experiences. Even if it wasn't, I know that this type of thing happens to young Black people all of the time, and it's absolutely unacceptable that it is not only allowed by our 'justice' system, it is a primary function of that corrupt system. I won't say broken system, because it's doing exactly what it has been designed to do.
This is a very quick read (the audiobook is only about 4 hours long), but it contains very intense and important discussions within its pages. It is beautifully written and knowing that it includes words that Yusef Salaam wrote when he was wrongfully incarcerated was really powerful as well.