Book 3: On The Come Up
Welcome back friends! Is anybody else ready for this cold weather to go away? I'm ready for those April showers to bring some May flowers. Anyways, welcome back to my 12 book reviews in 12 months series for 2019! This is part 3 of 12 (check out part 1 and 2 if you missed them) where I share a bit about each of these books, my thoughts, how many stars I’d give it (actually it is how many Jericho’s as I’m using his cute face in place of stars. ;) ), and what other books I've read that month. Maybe we'll get lucky and Spring will be "On The Come Up!" See what I did there?
Title: On The Come Up
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: Fiction | Contemporary Young Adult
Page Count: 464
Short Synopsis: Bri is a high school girl who is aspiring to be the next big hip-hop artist so she can help get her family out of poverty. She navigates poverty, gang tensions, racial violence, media drama, and a potential record label all in the hopes to be "on the come up" (aka reaching her goal) with music. On The Come Up challenges readers to find out who they are and then stay true to themselves no matter the amount of money or fame that can be earned if they sell out. You may lose friends and material things by staying true to yourself, but what sticks around is truly what matters most.
My Thoughts: If you're looking for a book that challenges your perspective, give this book a read! While I didn't like the frequent use of cuss words and although it was a bit hard for me to read due to the African American Vernacular, it was still a great book.
As a white woman, I am often afforded privileges that people of color do not receive. I know this, but reading On The Come Up (and Angie Thomas's other book The Hate U Give) really helped me internalize this and understand that not everybody is afforded the same lifestyle as me. I loved getting a glimpse into Bri’s life as an African American; dealing with white folks in authority, being afraid of police officers, and having to worry about other gangs. It really opened my eyes to more of what minorities go through, specifically, being targeted because of their skin color (whether intentionally or even unintentionally).
“Nobody wants to say it, but if you’re black or brown, you’re more likely to end up on their radar.”
Living in Portland and working in higher education, I've experienced the controversy surrounding people of color and their fear of police officers / people of authority. I now (somewhat) understand the reasonings these people are afraid and can work at being more empathetic towards them.
“Usually when we go somewhere in Midtown-the-neighborhood we gotta abide by the rules. They're unspoken but understood:
1. If you go in a store, keep your hands out of your pockets and out of your backpack. Don't give them a reason to think you're stealing.
2. Always use 'ma'am' and 'sir' and always keep your cool. Don't give them a reason to think you're aggressive.
3. Don't go in a store, a coffee shop, or anything unless you plan on buying something. Don't give them a reason to think you're gonna hold them up.
4. If they follow you around the store, keep your cool. Don't give them a reason to think you're up to something.
5. Basically, don't give them a reason. Period.
Thing is, sometimes I follow the rules and still deal with crap.”
While On The Come Up may be fiction, it voices the thoughts and feelings that many minorities actually feel. I love that it took me outside of my comfort zone and caused me to think about situations differently. As a Bible-believing Christian, I think it is important to surround myself with people and cultures that are different than me. Jesus did exactly this; he hung out with the poor, the needy, people from different countries and backgrounds. It allows me to experience somebody else's life, see where they're coming from, and ultimately love them better.
My Rating:
Other Books I Read in March: Two Can Keep a Secret | The Identicals | Peach Cobbler Murder | Cherry Cheesecake Murder | Dies The Fire | Key Lime Pie Murder
