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.
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.