On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Length: 447 pages
Published: February 2019

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is about sixteen-year old Bri, who is an aspiring rapper. Haunted by the ghost of her father's past, she is trying to make a name for herself in hopes of lifting her family above the poverty line. This young adult novel is set in the same neighborhood of Thomas' debut, The Hate U Give. As such many of the themes, dialect, and characters are similar. It is important to note that while the sophomore book tangentially touches on the first book, it is not required reading to understand the plot.

This book was a quick read about an interesting topic. I liked how Thomas demonstrated how the main character came up with her rhymes. I also think the author did a good job of illustrating the internal and external struggles that Bri faced. Some of Bri's actions and obstinance were a little frustrating, but I suspect parents of teenagers reading this book would be able to attest that her behavior was realistic (smile, parents!). 

Like the first book, I found the characters in On the Come Up to be very real, and I believe this story is another version of Thomas sharing a part of herself. However, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The lifestyle and struggles that the protagonist suffer are not relatable to me. Having said that, they are meaningful. Additionally, this is a young adult novel. I am not the target audience, so I don't think it's really a criticism if the book didn't move me as a mid-lifer. 

Recommendation: I find Angie Thomas to be a talented writer who, in a creative way, exposes some of her own past and vulnerabilities through her writing. This is important for young adults, and I think it would be a great read for mature teenagers, especially those who enjoy poetry and prose. Please note the book does have some violence and a fair amount of curse words.   

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Rating: 4.5+ of 5 stars
Length: 325 pages
Published: August 2018

The majority of the members in my bookish groups had been telling me to run, not walk, to the nearest library or bookstore and get Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing. As luck would have it, I was able to get on the list at my local library and the ebook became available ... about six hours before Fredrik Backman's Beartown also became available, so I dug in right away. 

Where the Crawdads Sing is a coming of age story about Kya Clark who, at a young age, was abandoned by her family. We learn of her tale of survival through a chronological telling from age 6 through young adulthood. The book's setting alternates between this historical, biographical backdrop in the 1950s and 1960s and a more present day decade of the 1970s. In this more recent timeline, the reader learns that Chase Andrews, the town's heartthrob, has been found dead and probably murdered. From there, the story vacillates between the two time periods until they converge on the pinnacle point of the mysterious death. 

This story has everything: great writing, a compelling plot, mystery, suspense, and romance. Ms. Owens is a talented writer creating powerful imagery of the marsh and swamplands of the North Carolina coast. She does such a great job depicting scenes in her novel that I felt like I was there. Owens writes in such a way that the reader can't help but be transported to the very time and place in which she is describing. This book and this author's writing is a true illustration of what readers mean when they say books can take you places you've never been before. Additionally, the suspenseful elements of the book propel the reader forward. The book had a little bit of a slow start for me (hence the rating just shy of 5 stars), but the momentum quickly picked up and didn't let me go until the surprising, plot twist-filled conclusion. 

Recommendation: I was pressed for time on this book because I needed to get to my next ebook loan; however, I suspect that I would have devoured it without a deadline just the same. Do yourself a favor and travel to North Carolina through Ms. Owens' words. Run, don't walk, and pick up a copy of Where the Crawdads Sing today! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Credit: goodreads.com

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Written in staccato-rhythmic poetic verse, Jason Reynold's ninth novel, Long Way Down is a short, young adult novel that leaves a lasting impact.

Reynolds tells the fictional, yet realistic, story of William Holloman. His brother, Shawn, is the recent victim of gun violence. In an effort to follow unwritten protocol in his neighborhood, William finds his brother's gun and sets out to get revenge. On his way to do what he feels he is required to do, he gets on the elevator of his building. As it goes down, William meets someone on each floor who helps widen his perspective.

Because the story is written in verse, the pages turn quickly. I found myself struggling between savoring the creative crafting of the story but also gulping the content in a rush to get to the end and find out what happens once that elevator reaches the bottom level.

After finishing the novel and learning more about Mr. Reynolds, I definitely want to read more of his work. He has a new and refreshing take on how we can use classic literature and pop culture in tandem to get more young people, especially boys, to read and read more. Be sure to check out his interview from Jan. 23, 2018 on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Recommendation: This book is a very quick read. Most people could finish it in a day, probably just a couple of hours. But don't be afraid to go back and read it again. It is short, but also deep and complex. Reynolds' approach to writing stories for the underrepresented is noble. However, this book could (and should) have an emotional impact on any reader!

Until next time ... Read on!

Credit: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, 1/23/18

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