Book Review: Blackout by Dhoneille Clayton

Title: Blackout

Author(s): Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 256

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook

"Six critically acclaimed, bestselling, award-winning authors bring the glowing warmth and electricity of Black teen love to this interlinked novel of charming, hilarious, and heartwarming stories that shine a bright light through the dark.

A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks...

A first meeting.

Long-time friends.

Bitter exes.

And maybe the beginning of something new.

When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truth. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was fine, I thought I'd try out anthologies, but I don't think they're for me. I was far more interested in the consistent story throughout the book as a whole. I like to get to know my characters and love them before we do follow through with their stories or who they are interested in. Just ok, but not really for me. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

 Title: Dear Justyce

Author: Nic Stone

Series/Standalone: Dear Martin (Book #2)

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"In the stunning and hard-hitting sequel to New York Times bestseller Dear Martin, incarcerated teen Quan writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American prison system.

Shortly after teenager Quan enters a not guilty plea fro the shooting death of a police officer, he is placed in a holding cell to await trial. Through a series of flashbacks and letters to Justyce, the protagonist of Dear Martin, Quan's story unravels.

From a troubled childhood and bad timing to a coerced confession and prejudice police work, Nic Stone's newest novel takes an unflinching look at the flawed practices and ideologies that discriminate against African American boys and minorities in the American justice system."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm starting this by saying that black authors do not write books to educate white people, nor should they. So if aspects of this book or other books from p.oc that deal with realistic fiction (ex. not fantasy or science fiction) or nonfiction books make you have questions, do your own research! This book follows a character from the first book, Quan. A teen who is charged with the murder of a police officer and his story. The things that he experiences throughout life and how he ends up where he is (both his own choices and those in place by society). The only reason this book didn't reach a five out of five stars for me is that I wanted just a bit more. I would also love a novel about Doc and his life, and Martel. I look forward to reading more from the author and would recommend this to anyone interested in the subject matter. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Dear Martin by Nic Stone

 

Title: Dear Martin
Author: Nic Stone
Series/Standalone: Dear Martin Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Social Justice, Fiction
Pages: 210
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook

"Raw, captivating and undeniably real, Nic Stone joins industry giants Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers as she boldly tackles American race relations in this stunning debut.

Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy Leauge but none of that matters to the police officer who just puts him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers on the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up- way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack."

My Rating: 5/5

This book is going to really sit with me. It is no one's responsibility to educate white people on the oppression of people of colour! I think this is an important fact to state. I don't expect that author's who are black to write their books thinking about how it will affect white people. I do hope that this reaches as many black people of colour as possible. Not because they need to be educated, but the ability to be seen in media and pop culture is important!  That being said, I also think this is a great read for everyone to remember what the Black Lives Matter movement is about. It's this story. The idea that while we claim everyone to be equal, we certainly (as a society) do no act like it. This perspective was heartbreak, and unfortunately accurate for many. I'm grateful that I read this book and got to know more about these characters. I am curious about the next book in the series and would STRONGLY recommend.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny