Reviews

This book is worthy of so much more praise than I could ever give. Lyrical. Brave.
Real. Raw. Authentic. Pain. Family.
In the beginning of this book, Kiara talks about how investments seem to escape Oakland. Right down to the roads - the potholes. No one cares enough to even invest to care for the roads. What an amazing metaphor for the occupants of this town - everyone wants to get out but they all get stuck. Their optimism withering. Their dreams. Their families. Withering.
Kiara only has her brother, Marcus, left. Spending months focusing on his rap career, Marcus hasn't worked in months. Kiara carries the burden of bills, rent - no available jobs force her onto the streets.
Discovered by cops, Kiara is forced to attend their gatherings, staring at the ceiling with guns pressed to her forehead.
The joy in her life - 10 yo Marcus, Dee's son. Kiara cares for him while his mother is missing - again. And her long time friend - Ale. Kiara has so much love in her life - optimism, focusing on the good in her life.
This book will not fail to feed into your rage.

cameronreadsbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

moniipeters's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

abstab's review against another edition

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4.0

Tough read showing the hardships people go through just to support themselves and their families

shelbylynnn's review against another edition

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3.0

I’m struggling with how to rate this one because I really didn’t enjoy most of it but I think it’s an important story that needs to be told. The writing just wasn’t for me and it took me a very long time to get into it. The last third was much more enjoyable and less tedious to read but I did still find myself skimming sometimes because the language was so overly-descriptive. I definitely don’t regret reading this but it wasn’t my favorite.

taras2's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

It is impressive that the author wrote this when she was only 17 years old. This story was a heartbreaking and challenging read.

Content Warnings

ituchmann's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 - so beautifully written and important message. Loved the author’s note. BUT predictable imo and was slow for the first half

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