A review by jenlabrador
After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay

5.0

This was so good! Definitely 5 stars for young adult. Loved how the book addresses:

1) Lost souls and trying to help when someone doesn't help themselves.
2) Racism and classism though it is a backdrop, not the main focus--a given that has to be dealt with while every day life still goes on.
3) Friendship and growing up. How to repair a friendship when hurt, jealousy, and loneliness get in the way.
4) Being used by the white system and how to still try to succeed as a person of color.

I love how Ribay brings sensitivity to these two boys and shows how they grapple with their emotional depths without shame in a traditionally macho and violent setting.

The writing style is light and a fast pace. I praise the author's ability to give it that air of lightness while losing none of the gravity of all the complex issues it addresses. The beginning is a little slow, but since it reads quickly it's easy to get through.