Concrete Rose (The Hate U Give, #0)
books by Angie Thomas
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.If there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad’s in prison.Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control.Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father.Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it’s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he’s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he’s different.When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can't just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He’ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man. Another notable aspect of this book is its consistency in tone and style. From the opening chapters to the final pages, the narrative maintains a steady voice that helps establish trust with the reader. This consistency contributes to a cohesive and satisfying reading experience. The book’s thematic elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, emerging naturally through character experiences. This integration prevents the story from feeling preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Readers often note the book’s ability to remain engaging without relying on exaggerated drama. Instead, it draws interest through authentic situations and believable character responses. This grounded approach adds credibility to the narrative.