Okay, I have to admit. I was really worried about this book.
I mean, really worried. When it comes to writing a new novel, especially when your debut is as great as The Hate U Give, a lot of people are going to criticize and compare that book with your newest piece. Well, I have to say that... I really did enjoy this book. While there are few connections to the events in THUG, it doesn't overpower the story of On the Come Up. The story of Brianna "Bri" Jackson, an aspiring rapper, hits very close to home and is definitely a realistic take on discovering yourself and self-worth. As the story begins, we learn that Bri is struggling with issues a 16-year-old should never encounter, but does occur more often than anyone of us could realize. Her relationship with her mother is strained due to her mother's past drug use, which was worsened by the murder of Bri's father. Older brother Trey forgoes his dream of going to grad school, while trying to help their mother with the bills by working at a local pizzeria. The family barely scrapes by and are on the verge of homelessness. Bri's authority figure who she relies on is her Aunt Pooh, who is far from a role model. Bri goes to a school where security mostly and unfairly targets Black and Latinx kids due to the events in THUG, and also their own ignorance. Her solace from her reality are her friends, Sonny and Malik, and her dream of becoming a successful rapper, something her father was close to becoming before his life was cut short. She wants to help her family and have a better life, and feels becoming a rap star is the way to help her succeed. However, she finds herself living in her father's shadow and among people who try to exploit her in a variety of means. This book really hits the nail on the head with its realism and drama. Angie Thomas is phenomenal when is comes to expressing Bri's emotions through rhyme and the sign of the times. Racism is still a major issue, especially with today's social climate, and Thomas does not shy away from that. The mother-daughter dynamic between Bri and Jay is as raw as it can be. The distrust and abandonment is still felt, but you find yourself sympathizing with the Jackson family. They are trying to survive the best way they can, even though they are met with extreme challenges. I personally found myself wanting to throttle Aunt Pooh, who is definitely a lost soul who tries to justify her means that are not wholesome. Then there's Bri, who is no doubt hotheaded to a fault. She is a flawed character, but you understand who and why she is the way she is. Her struggles are real. Her life is real. Anyone who has had to deal with what she has gone through can truly relate and understand her. There are lessons to be learned through this story, which I hope everyone does take to heart. Two of those lessons which really brought it home to me were that 1.) actions and words do have consequences, and above all else 2.) be your authentic self, not what others want you to be. I give On the Come Up 4 out of 5. It's not better than The Hate U Give due to its connection, but it is so damn close. For a sophomore novel, Angie Thomas nailed it once again by bringing the realism to the page.
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Where has my time gone?!
Sorry for neglecting this site. I've taken on new responsibilities at work, which has taken all of my time and energy. Thankfully, a three-day weekend is upon us (well, for some of us) and it will give me some time to practice self-care and prep for a new year of reviews. I'm currently reading Angie Thomas's second book, On the Come Up, which I will review hopefully before the month is over. I am also binge-watching The Umbrella Academy on Netflix. I've read the comic series, written by former My Chemical Romance frontman, Gerard Way, and it is something. There's no doubt Way is gifted (I've been a fan since MCR's debut *aging myself here*), but the series is really impressive and dark. Definitely expect a review, even though it's not necessarily a YA series. So much in store before my annual pilgrimage to New Mexico. Until then, stay tuned to more Library Lady Reviews. |
Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
January 2024
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