Mundie Moms

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

DEAR MARTIN by Nic Stone / Book Review #DearMartin


By: Nic Stone
Published by: Crown Books
Released on: October 17th, 2017 - TODAY
Purchase from: Penguin/Random HouseAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

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 is a gripping, must read debut. Nic Stone has gifted readers with a powerful book that will make you think and feel a wide range of emotions. Based on current issues, and based on recent news stories, this story is told from a mix of letters Justyce writes to Martin Luther King Jr, debate class conversations, and Justyce's point of view. This is definitely worth the read, as it tackles racism at it's core. I felt like I walked away from reading this book with my eyes more open. 

This book is a gut wrenching, raw, read that should leave you feeling a range of emotions. There are so many different elements to this story. Through out the duration of reading this book I couldn't help but feel frustration, anger, love, and hope for Justyce. Stone's debut also made me see all the different sides to inequality. She made me understand the why when it came to the characters and their choices. I'll be honest, the injustice and inequality was the hardest part to read. I will never understand hate, and the sad reality is the hate in this story is an every day occurrence that so many teens of color face. 

It's stories like Justyce's that make you want to do more, and be better. Justyce was a character I rooted for, from the moment I met him. This is a character who may be fictional, but his portrayal is real. I wanted him to rise above every obstacle he sadly faced and disadvantage he has, because of his skin color. I absolutely loved getting to know Justyce, and seeing all he does. There is hope, and the chance for a change. I was surprised to see that change manifest itself in a certain character. When you read the ending, you'll know who I'm talking about.

The characters that are part of this book all brought something crucial to the story. I felt like with Justyce, I understood them. Well except for the haters. I understood Justyce's mom's feelings, and her views. I loved the open acceptance SJ and her parents had with Justyce. I felt like I understood the choices some of Justyce's friends made. I also liked Justyce's teacher for challenging his kids to think, and for seeing the potential in Justyce, when he himself didn't see it at the time. 

There are times when I read a book like this, that I find it out hard to put into words all my feelings for it. This book is a reality for so many, and one that many of us don't always see. It's brutally honest, raw and gripping. It's a book that should be read. It's one that will move you to think, to see more clearly, and understand. Sure it's not an easy read, but that's because it will stir up many feelings over the course of this book, and make you realize that Justyce's name can be replaced with so many other names and faces. There needs to be more books like this. This is one that will definitely spark discussions. 

*There is some mild language in this book, and some violence.

2 comments:

  1. I love books that give you all those raw feelings and I'd love to read this one!

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  2. This book seems so heartbreaking yet so awesome too. I'm unsure if I wish to read it or not, but I am curious. So glad that you loved it Katie :) Amazing review, as always. <3

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