Book Review: Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Book: 84/150

Rating: 5/5

Summary: Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.

Thoughts: I'm struggling to give this book the review it deserves; it is so so good. It is obviously an incredibly prevalent story to read today: the horrors of a kid being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, being arrested for the colour of his skin while trying to do the right thing. I appreciated that this book is from the perspective of a teen, and also enjoyed the weaving in of the teachings of Martin Luther King.

This was an absolutely fantastic read. I really didn't know anything about this book going into it; I didn't know of the big 'twist' that happened at the halfway point, but the first half of the story was so well developed and you really get to know Justyce. It is definitely a book you can finish in one afternoon. It was heartbreaking and frustrating to read about the ignorant and racist comments he deals with from his school mates on a daily basis, as well as his interactions with the police.

This one is such a worthwhile read and after finishing it was excited to learn there is a sequel coming out in the fall of 2020 called Dear Justcye.