Hi all!
Today I am back for Day #11 of the Black Resilience Booksta Challenge. I explained all the rules in my first post here. I’m hoping this will inspire other readers to read, review and amplify more black voices. Feel free to join me! You can refer to the template below. You can also check out the dedicated category on the main page of this blog for all the posts that came before this one.
I chose Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas for Day #11 because it is a beautiful coming-of-age story set 17 years prior to the bestselling: The Hate U Give.
If there’s one thing Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad’s in prison. Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control. Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father.
Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it’s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he’s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he’s different.
When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can’t just walk away. He’ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.
I read Concrete Rose this month and it hit so hard in all the best ways. As a parent myself, I was equally triggered and comforted by Maverick’s struggles. He is forced to grow up in an absurdly short amount of time. As a reader, you cannot help but feel sympathy for a boy that has everything against him. There is so much tragedy and heartache. I definitely preferred The Hate U Give but as it is set in the same universe, it felt comforting and familiar. I loved re-visiting some of my favourite characters and getting to see the inspiration behind Seven and Starr’s names. I will say, the story is definitely more character driven than plot driven. Not a whole lot happens but I didn’t care. I just wanted more of these lovable people. Maverick may be fictional but he’s as real as they come; reflected in the lives of those that possess good hearts and true intentions.
If you are interested in getting a copy, you can order it here.
Thank you so much for reading, I will see you next time for Day #12.
Peace & Love xoxo
Disclaimer: This post contains a link to my Book Depository Affiliate. I am not being paid or sponsored for this post/products – all my thoughts/opinions are my own