On the Come Up

A solid 4/5.

Now, before I get into it I have to admit that The Hate You Give (Thomas's debut novel last year) is easily one of my favorite books. It's so full of heart and raw and such a product of the times.

Another thing I want to recognize about this book is I am not its primary audience. This might very well mean something more to a black audience than me.

What struck me is that while Bri is not as likable as Starr, she's probably very indicative of what it's like to be a young black woman to certain people.

The critique I am comfortable giving is that I think that the end could've been more towards the middle, so we could've seen Bri push past Supreme and grow more into herself. I felt like ending when it was just beginning was a bit anti-climatic. I also didn't really care for the Malik subplot, I didn't really care.

Where the book does shine (like THUG) is in its familial relationships, specifically Bri and her mom. Her mom is a recovered drug addict and as someone who has lost family to addiction, it was just so amazing to see such a positive example of recovery for the addict and those who love the addict.

It's so easy to forget that there's a human on either side, and I love Jay and everything she does for her children. I'm also happy to see them taking hard but necessary steps to get back on their feet. The seen where Bri goes with Jay to the shelter to get food was so powerful. It is shameful because unfortunately we live in a country where a significant amount of people think that handouts are shameful.

And as a teenager its doubly hard because while trying to find yourself you look to external factors like brand names and where you shop to help try on some different personas. 

Thomas continues to be strong. I'm definitely still a fan. If anything I would read this first, before THUG, but if you had to pick one, THUG all the way. But I'll have a special place in my heart for Bri and Jay.