You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bedwellbooks 's review for:
Chain-Gang All-Stars
by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Chain-Gang-All-Stars is a dystopian fiction story centered around the future American prison system, with its roots stemming from current laws and practices. The author does a phenomenal job connecting the story to current issues such as immigration, ICE, detention centers, the over-representation and incarceration of African Americans, as well as how the media spins violence. In this story, prisoners have a chance to be free if they sign up to compete in Chain-Gang-All-Stars: a Hunger-Games-like show on future American television that capitalizes on the deaths of the prisoners that sign up, offering only a slim chance at freedom if they can make it through the ranks. The propaganda that is shown on television is nothing like the reality these prisoners face on a daily basis. Humanity is a huge theme in this story, centering around the fact that prisoners are often seen only as criminals, not as humans, justifying their mistreatment. I encourage everyone to read this book, and even move it to the top of your TBR, as the underlying themes are very relevant in current US politics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism