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A review by cassiesnextchapter
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
4.0
A brilliant and thought-provoking book by a powerful author. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles tough social topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer. Thomas's books should be required reading for everyone.
"There's only so much you can take being described as somebody you're not."
Full Book Review
Sixteen-year-old Bri Jackson lives in the Garden Heights neighborhood, and her dream is to be a rapper. Her deceased father was a local rap legend, and while she loves having that connection to him, she's ready to make a name for herself and make her own way. But her family is struggling to keep the heat on and food in their fridge, and she keeps running into trouble at her mostly-white school. Bri decides she can't wait to be discovered - she HAS to make it, and soon.
"I lost my cool so bad that I’ve lost more than I realize. I’m lost. I’m so lost that I’m exhausted from trying to find my way."
My Thoughts...
I really liked this book, but it didn't draw me in quite like Thomas's The Hate U Give, which I absolutely love and tell everyone to read. However, On The Come Up opens the discussion on such important topics like poverty, drugs, racism, loyalty, family, community, and authenticity. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles these topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer.
"While some of us are afraid of the impact songs will have on our children, there are parents who are absolutely terrified for the safety of our children at the hands of people who are supposed to protect them."
Angie wrote some really clever rap lyrics, and she painted the image of Bri rapping so well, it was really mesmerizing. Her characters are well-rounded and detailed, both rough and tender at the same time. I felt like I really got into their stories. Now go read this book so we can discuss!
"There's only so much you can take being described as somebody you're not."
Full Book Review
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Bri Jackson lives in the Garden Heights neighborhood, and her dream is to be a rapper. Her deceased father was a local rap legend, and while she loves having that connection to him, she's ready to make a name for herself and make her own way. But her family is struggling to keep the heat on and food in their fridge, and she keeps running into trouble at her mostly-white school. Bri decides she can't wait to be discovered - she HAS to make it, and soon.
"I lost my cool so bad that I’ve lost more than I realize. I’m lost. I’m so lost that I’m exhausted from trying to find my way."
My Thoughts...
I really liked this book, but it didn't draw me in quite like Thomas's The Hate U Give, which I absolutely love and tell everyone to read. However, On The Come Up opens the discussion on such important topics like poverty, drugs, racism, loyalty, family, community, and authenticity. Angie Thomas definitely does not disappoint in how she handles these topics, incites your anger at obvious injustices, and also opens your eyes to more nuanced problems that don't have an easy answer.
"While some of us are afraid of the impact songs will have on our children, there are parents who are absolutely terrified for the safety of our children at the hands of people who are supposed to protect them."
Angie wrote some really clever rap lyrics, and she painted the image of Bri rapping so well, it was really mesmerizing. Her characters are well-rounded and detailed, both rough and tender at the same time. I felt like I really got into their stories. Now go read this book so we can discuss!