Posts Tagged: Nic Stone

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

A Letter To Nic Stone: Dear Martin

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I received this book for free from Crown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Letter To Nic Stone: Dear MartinDear Martin by Nic Stone
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 17th, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, YA
Source: Crown Books for Young Readers
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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.

Dear Nic Stone,

I know you’ve had a lot of people already telling you this and my voice is no more important or valuable than theirs but thank you for writing this book. Thank you for giving this gift to the world.

You probably already know this but the world sucks right now and honestly, books like Dear Martin make it a little better. I am glad people will walk into a bookstore and pick this book up (and I know, I am going to be pushing it at literally anyone. I already got someone to check out a copy!)

This year has been chock full of amazing books (one of the few things that don’t suck about this year) and Dear Martin still stands out because it is so wholly unique. I love your writing and I absolutely loved getting to know these characters.

Justyce’s story is a heartbreaking one (as you well know) and honestly, page 123 in the book KILLED ME. I had to go to work right after finishing this book too and had to explain to my coworker/friend why I sounded like I had a cold (FROM TRYING NOT TO CRY.) It was a time. But also, 110% worth it.

The way you examine and break down racial relationships in the United States in Dear Martin left me in awe and will be eye opening to many readers. It was eye opening to me as well and such an important read.

I am so immensely grateful that you chose to write this book and I hope many other readers will feel the same way.

Thanks so much,
Rashika