Dear Martin by Nic Stone
I’ve had this book on my tbr for a long time, I think ever since I read THUG and I heard people mention that Dear Martin was equally good. But as always with these kind of books, I need to be in the right mindset for it.
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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 Martin by Nic Stone
MY THOUGHTS
Dear Martin was a pretty quick audiobook. I actually listened to it in one sitting since it’s only 4 hrs and 32 mins long. Short BUT powerful.
As with THUG, the story and message was emotional, and captivating. It reflects the news we hear almost weekly here in the US. Black teenagers being killed, and police officers not being charged.
For me, these kind of books are a reminder that I’ve had it easy, compared to others. I grew up white, and in Europe, and have never been judged and profiled because of the color of my skin. Now as an adult it’s my duty to remind myself that stories like Dear Martin and THUG are actually based on real life. This is happening every year, multiple times a year. And I can never forget that.
Dear Martin was full of moments that made me think, but also made me sad. The injustice and hopelessness was crushing at times.
Overall I’m incredibly glad I finally picked this book up. Because the hype is REAL! And it’s another of these must read books, in particular when it comes to own-voices.
About the Audiobook:
The audiobook was really well done. It was a quick and easy listening experience, and definitely a medium I would recommend.
| last thoughts |
Now, although I enjoyed Dear Martin, it didn’t quite enthrall me as much as THUG did – nevertheless it’s a book I would recommend anytime, same as Felix Ever After and All Boys Aren’t Blue. These books are all somewhere in the same category, they teach us, remind us, and open our eyes of all the things that are still wrong in our society.
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Dear Martin by Nic Stone
I’ve heard a lot about Thug! Those moments when we realise we’re privileged are both humbling and earth shaking. Because how could we have not seen it before? The suffering around us? Or the pain? Lovely review. Your review is as powerful as you described the book to be.
I agree, the eye opening moments when I compare my childhood with theirs, my upbringing, my privileges. It’s quite humbling and a bit heart breaking too that I never thought about any of it before I read THUG.
It is. *hugs you*
That one has been on my TBR for so long now Corina! But I think it’s difficult to beat THUG!
I agree Sophie, I don’t think there is a book that can measure up with THUG. BUT I would definitely recommend it, I think the story will stay with you.
This is one of those books I always planned to read. I really should now that I’ve read your review. It sounds even better than what I expected.
It’s never too late to pick up a book. Look how long it took me 😀
And if you enjoyed THUG, you’ll enjoy this one too. AND it’s not very long, so not a huge commitment either if you have a full reading schedule.
I loved this one. It just really sat with me for a bit.
It sat with me too – every book that covers topics like Dear Martin and THUG are hard to shake for me.
i’m glad you loved this one corina! it definitely is such an important book — i really enjoyed it as well, and i can’t wait for the sequel to come out later this year!! (also just wanted to let you know that “colored kids” isn’t a great term to use, “kids of color” or “people of color” is better! ?)
Thanks, I fixed it.