Sunday, February 7, 2021

Book Review: "Concrete Rose" By Angie Thomas

 


“The world got some nerve going on without him. People laughing and dreaming when Dre can't.

-Mav (Pg. 120)”
― Angie Thomas, Concrete Rose

“Son, one of the biggest lies ever told is that black men don't feel emotions. Guess it's easier not to see us as human when you think we're heartless. Fact of the matter is, we feel things. Hurt, pain, sadness, all of it. We got a right to show them feelings as much as anybody else.
-Mr. Wyatt to Mav (Pg 164)”
― Angie Thomas, Concrete Rose


BRAVO! Angie Thomas keeps hitting Home Runs and this time it's with Concrete Rose.
Life is never guaranteed but one thing is for certain it does go on!
Angie Thomas is a splendid writer that amazes me with every novel because it's always one hell of a ride with her in the drivers seat.

Regardless of the subject matter, the characters, or the storyline -Angie comes at you with such force, demanding your attention, while creating riveting dialogue that leaves you speechless.

The story begins with Mav a young black man trying to make a life for himself while catching hell for being a THUG, a drug dealer, a baby daddy with not one but two babies with two different momma's.

He's not a loser but he's been coming up in the world of darkness and is on the fence when it comes to leaving this life of crime behind and becoming not just a boy but a man with new found responsibilities.

Not many of his inner circle believe in Maverick as they are often snarky, aggressive, and lack luster in support for him.

When he tries to hide his 'baggies' of marijuana and crack they end up in the toilet and when he tries to save others he learns quick he must save himself.

When life isn't fair you turn to your Momma and I couldn't help but feel the emotion through the writing here with regards to not only his parental structure but his love life and the trials and tribulations involving both.

Seven was as cute as a button but bringing up a boy in this hateful world is a delicate matter especially for colored individuals and those from inner cities in which the economic factors just aren't strong nor flourishing. The world is in a constant state of chaos with every man, women, and child for themselves struggling for mere survival.

Without connections, without funds, without that foundation that many of the upper class possess how can one make it.

Look to the sky, educate don't hate, get better not bitter -were just some of the takeaways that came to mind for me.

Ged's are the central topic, finding a well paying legitimate job, respecting yourself enough to not have to sneak around gang banging and selling drugs is part of this topic.

I love how this wrapped up in the end and became a beautiful central piece on the table for all parties involved especially for the children and that beautiful baby girl.

Love it all!

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