Author: Angie Thomas
Review by: @readswithrosa
“If you change the world around you, you will find yourself changing the world. There are issues you can change. Care enough to change them.” – Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas is the truth and WE STAN!!! The award-winning and critically-acclaimed author who cites Tupac Shakur as an inspiration for her writing, stated in an interview with The Daily Telegraph that her aim is to ‘show the truth and tear down stereotypes’. Her bestselling debut novel ‘The Hate U Give’, (the first letter of each word spells THUG, a reference to the tattoo across Tupac’s abdomen), was made into a movie, bringing to the fore themes of racial injustice, police brutality, the power of language, duality, and community loyalties. Concrete Rose is her latest book and Thomas does not disappoint!!! Although it is a prequel to T.H.U.G., this book can be read as a stand alone text.
Garden Heights is home to 17 year old Maverick Carter, son to a mother who is working two jobs to support her family, and a father who is a former gang legend serving time in prison. Thomas takes the reader through the complexities and tragedies of gang loyalty and the difficult decisions that Maverick is faced with, torn between the King Lords blood running through his veins or trying to do right by his family. I loved that the whole book revolved around Maverick’s journey, from his daily shenanigans, school life and friendships, to the questionable choices and hard lessons that ultimately land him in a life-changing situation, and thrust him into manhood. Furthermore, we also get to read a narrative that is not often told due to ideas around toxic masculinity. Thomas teaches us that despite the stereotypes, black boys like Maverick experience a range of emotions just like anyone else, therefore he has the right to cry, the right to be vulnerable, the right to be angry, the right to be happy, and the right to be gentle. Maverick is caring, he is resilient, he is a decision-maker, he is a learner and teacher, he is courageous, he is selfless, he is a survivor, he is not perfect, but he is human.
Regardless of the journey that you have travelled, there will be some aspect of this story that resonates with readers from all walks of life. Enjoy!
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