Scan barcode
A review by regina_1
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This book is well-written and really brings the reader in. It discusses themes about racism, Black Lives Matter, and activism. After reading this book, I wish things are better than what they are, but discrimination and racism are still seen in our world today and this book solidifies it. This is because all the events in the novel brought me back to the murder of George Floyd in 2020, and to the events that happened in Minneapolis following the murder. It makes you question how far has our world come and how far it has yet to go until black lives fully matter.
The story follows Marvin Johnson, who is a senior in Sterling Point, Alabama. Marvin and his friends face many experiences of racial hate from police officers. One night at a party the sound of gun shots ring out through the noise. Marvin goes looking for his brother but cannot find him. After contacting the police station, sending out detectives, and a video being leaked Tyler, Marvin's brother, is found. Marvin fights for justice and equality. At the end of the story, it leaves you questioning, what is Marvin's life like? How many people in our world have been in Marvin's shoes? Will our country ever change and grow?
I recommend this novel before reading "The Hate U Give". It is little bit of a lower reading level, but brings up the same themetic messages. It is an easy page turner and a great plot to follow. At times, I felt the book jumped from point to point drastically, but it had to because there were so many story lines happening.
The story follows Marvin Johnson, who is a senior in Sterling Point, Alabama. Marvin and his friends face many experiences of racial hate from police officers. One night at a party the sound of gun shots ring out through the noise. Marvin goes looking for his brother but cannot find him. After contacting the police station, sending out detectives, and a video being leaked Tyler, Marvin's brother, is found. Marvin fights for justice and equality. At the end of the story, it leaves you questioning, what is Marvin's life like? How many people in our world have been in Marvin's shoes? Will our country ever change and grow?
I recommend this novel before reading "The Hate U Give". It is little bit of a lower reading level, but brings up the same themetic messages. It is an easy page turner and a great plot to follow. At times, I felt the book jumped from point to point drastically, but it had to because there were so many story lines happening.