blogger reads: one book, two takes

When Dana and I realized how much of closet twins we are (i.e,. owning many of the same items in our wardrobe), our two bloggers, one item series was born. When we realized that we're kind of bookshelf twins too, we joked about a spinoff series of two bloggers, one read - but then stopped laughing because actually, it's a great idea! So here's our first installment - we both read Angie Thomas' new book, On the Come Up, and today we're both filling in the same Q&A with our take on it.

Two-sentence summary: Sixteen-year-old Bri's dream is to be a rapper, but getting her come up - that is, hitting it big - feels more than a dream; it feels crucial to one day getting out of her neighborhood, as her mom struggles to make ends meet, her beloved aunt is in danger of getting caught dealing drugs, and her own school experience feels fraught with unfair labeling and treatment from white teachers and school guards. When an incident with a guard escalates, she becomes central to a controversy where the media and broader public assumes she is one thing, and she has to figure out how to channel her anger through her rapping in a way defies and redefines society's labels for young black people - with some tough decisions and stumbles along the way as she finds her voice.

What I liked most and what frustrated me: I loved how the characters feel very three-dimensional and full of heart - like how Bri is a kick-ass budding rapper and confident young woman but also has her moments of anxiety or selfishness or self-doubt or teenage poor decision making. Loved the dialogue that just sparks too, especially the rapport between Bri and her friends. And my frustration is really not the book's fault, but I would say that I would have loved the book more if I were into hip-hop/rap myself. There are so many references to songs/artists that it is clearly an homage to this genre, but I just don't have the strong associations with it as others that would put this over the top as a 5-star book for me personally.

Favorite quote: “I'm somebody's hope and I'm somebody's mirror.”

Recommended for: anyone who enjoyed Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give, of course, and other YA titles that deal with teens who are just trying to live their high school lives, but are also facing major social/racial issues (Dreamland Burning and The Sun Is Also a Star are two others I liked). Also anyone who might have a background like me (white lady) who would like to diversify their selection of authors or read/understand more about the ways people of a different race/ethnicity/religion/etc. experience the world - it's just plain a good read on its own, but it adds that element too.

Star rating: 4/5

Have you read this one yet? I think I liked The Hate U Give even more but recommend both of Angie Thomas' books for sure. And I also think you should hop on over to Dana's post to see her take on it!


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