Monday, January 22, 2018

Dear Martin

TITLE: Dear Martin
AUTHOR: Nic Stone
PUBLISHER: Crown Books for Young Readers
PUBLISHING DATE: October 17, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Raw, captivating, and undeniably real, Nic Stone joins industry giants Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers as she boldly tackles American race relations in this stunning debut.

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.

MY THOUGHTS: So "Dear Martin" was the last book I finished in 2017 and came to me via a Christmas gift. I kind of picked it up on a whim knowing I had other books which I needed to read but I don't regret it for a minute.

Justyce attends a private school despite his meager upbringing and is headed to an Ivy League school upon graduation. Justyce not only has to contend with all the issues of attending an elite school and being an active member of the debate team, but he also spends a lot of time grappling with issues regarding race and social status. Justyce is very interested in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and he chronicles his day-to-day struggles in letters called "Dear Martin." 

I could go into all the reasons why a book like this is extremely pertinent in today's society, but I won't. I try my best to keep political issues out of my favorite hobby, and let me tell you, sometimes it's hard. However, this is one book I think more people should read. The author does a great job at looking at both sides of the race issues today. She doesn't bash anyone yet she still manages to make her views crystal clear. I think she is very fair in her assessment of today's race issues and law enforcement and I love the fact that she covers both sides. 

I found "Dear Martin" to be a quick read that holds no punches and I would highly recommend it. I stepped out of my comfort zone reading this book and am grateful I took a chance.

RATING: 5 PAWS



19 comments:

  1. Wonderful review. I can't wait to give this one a read!! I've been hearing such great things. Did you read Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist
    by Sunil Yapa? It's a tough, but incredibly important read as well. It hit me wicked hard. I had a major book hangover after that one! :)

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    1. I haven't read that but I've seen it mentioned several places. I'll have to check it out.

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  2. Great review! I’m so excited to read this book. It sounds very timely and important.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  3. This sounds like an awesome read. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I really enjoyed it and it's a great quick read as well.

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  4. I was having that exact issue while thinking of what to write for The Hate U Give. I want to talk about the story, not my own views or how they color my ideas. I love it so much and I don't want to do any injustice to this! The pressure! I am definitely going to see if my library has Dear Martin. Great review and thank you for the recommendation.

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    1. I need to read THUG and you need to read Dear Martin. I think they're both such important books in this day and time.

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  5. This is clearly an important book - thank you so much for a cracking review, Barb.

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  6. This sounds really good, Barb! I like that some of the book is told through letters. I will have to see if my library has a copy.

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    1. I loved the part but then I always enjoyed books like that.

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  7. I've been seeing a lot of good things about this one so I had to come see what you thought. I'm so happy you took a chance and it paid off. I'm excited to pick up this one myself. :)

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  8. I think there are going to be a lot of fiction books about race relations, religious differences and sexism in various genres with Trump being President. His tweets are getting more people angry and talking about these issues and trying to do something about these attitudes which is something positive to take from it. The more books that highlight important issues the better-though I admit I don't read them myself as I don't read contemporary or YA!

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    1. Yea, I wish someone would shut down his twitter account. You know this isn't my normal genre either but it was very interesting and I'm glad Mr. Barb bought it.

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  9. I am so glad you loved it Barb! Yes so relevant! I can't wait to get to it! I tried the audio book and didn't like it so I have to go physical now ;-)

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    1. I liked the physical version, especially with the letters. Hope it works out better for you.

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  10. This sounds so good! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. :D I've heard a lot of good things about this one.

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