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Stand Your Ground
From the #1 Essence bestselling and award-winning author of The Personal Librarian comes Stand Your Ground, a novel about two mothers who must grapple with their faith and belief in justice in the midst of a highly charged murder trial involving the death of an African-American teenage boy.A black teenage boy is dead. A white man shot him. Was he standing his ground or was it murder? Janice Johnson is living every black mother’s nightmare. Her seventeen-year-old son was murdered and the shooter has not been arrested. Can the D.A. and the police be trusted to investigate and do the right thing? Should Janice take advantage of the public outcry and join her husband alongside the angry protestors who are out for revenge? Meredith Spencer is married to the man accused of the killing and she sees her husband and the situation with far more clarity than anyone realizes. What she knows could blow the case wide open, but what will that mean for her life and that of her son? Will she have the courage to come forward in time so that justice can be done? #1 national bestselling and award-winning author Victoria Christopher Murray’s Stand Your Ground is a pulse-pounding meditation on race, motherhood, marriage, and vigilante justice that will have readers spellbound until its shocking end.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
186 people are currently reading
3937 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Christopher Murray
67 books2,352 followersVictoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
April 20, 2015
Books typically fall into a few categories to me. The first category being that they are horrible books. No offense but these are the books in which the cover sucks, there are way too many grammatical errors to count, and the storyline simply does not make sense. The next category includes the average and very predictable books. These books typically follow the format of boy and girl meet, there’s an attraction, then there’s a conflict and maybe some sex and then there’s a resolution or it follows the current trend of ending in a cliffhanger. The next category is above average and these books are hard to find these days. The concepts are creative, the storylines are fresh, and the authors aren’t following the new age (eBook) gimmicky trends. And, then every so often you come across a book that is a gem! It is above exceptional. The authors of these gems skillfully craft a story that makes you stop, think, feel, and simply stare into space because it is just that darn good. I am quite delighted to say that Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray is one of those rare books that fall into the final category described above!
“There is nothing like being in love with a naked man.”
Whoa, while this is a definitely a way to catch someone’s attention, I scratched my head in a little confusion. I went back to the synopsis to make sure I was reading the correct book. I had to verify that this was Stand Your Ground and not a romance novel. This opening line made much more sense as I continued to read and learn more about Janice and Tyrone’s marriage and the role that the strength of their marriage would play throughout this story.
As the title states and the synopsis describes, this book centers around the controversial Stand Your Ground law that was made “famous” in Florida. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is narrated from the slain teen mother’s point of view. I don’t know a better word than heartbreaking to describe this part. While reading my mind often wandered about recent events and back to a rally that I attended in Washington D.C. in December 2014 where all of the mothers of murdered brown boys were on the same stage for the very first time together and I couldn’t seem to find the words to properly quantify the amount of strength those women must possess. Victoria’s writing from the mother’s point of view made me wonder did she contact Trayvon Martin’s mom to see how she kept her composure when the media attempted to portray her son as a thug? Did Victoria contact Mike Brown’s mom to see how it felt to know your child was dead but left by himself (or in Mike Brown’s case in the middle of the street) for an extended period of time? Did Victoria contact Tamir Rice’s or anyone else’s mother to see how they continue to press forward? All I can say is have some Kleenexes ready for this section of the book.
The second part is from the point of view of the shooter’s wife. This was truly a unique perspective and voice to hear in this type of story. Normally we only hear from the side of the victim’s family and we do not receive insight into what the other family might experience. Some of it is upsetting, some of it is not surprising, but it was all enlightening. This section leads to a question that some of us may ask ourselves even in regular everyday interactions: When there is a conflict, do we stand by the one that we love or do we stand for what is right?
The third part of the book is the trial. Everything about this section from the preparation of the defense to the ending left me exhausted. I cried. I got upset. I had thoughts (only thoughts, lol) of throwing my kindle. I smiled. I cried a little bit more. I felt relief. And, then I cried a little bit more because this book is the reality that the parents of brown/black boys currently face while living in this country. Stand Your Ground is now. Stand Your Ground is relevant. And, Stand Your Ground is the best book that I have read so far in 2015!
“There is nothing like being in love with a naked man.”
Whoa, while this is a definitely a way to catch someone’s attention, I scratched my head in a little confusion. I went back to the synopsis to make sure I was reading the correct book. I had to verify that this was Stand Your Ground and not a romance novel. This opening line made much more sense as I continued to read and learn more about Janice and Tyrone’s marriage and the role that the strength of their marriage would play throughout this story.
As the title states and the synopsis describes, this book centers around the controversial Stand Your Ground law that was made “famous” in Florida. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is narrated from the slain teen mother’s point of view. I don’t know a better word than heartbreaking to describe this part. While reading my mind often wandered about recent events and back to a rally that I attended in Washington D.C. in December 2014 where all of the mothers of murdered brown boys were on the same stage for the very first time together and I couldn’t seem to find the words to properly quantify the amount of strength those women must possess. Victoria’s writing from the mother’s point of view made me wonder did she contact Trayvon Martin’s mom to see how she kept her composure when the media attempted to portray her son as a thug? Did Victoria contact Mike Brown’s mom to see how it felt to know your child was dead but left by himself (or in Mike Brown’s case in the middle of the street) for an extended period of time? Did Victoria contact Tamir Rice’s or anyone else’s mother to see how they continue to press forward? All I can say is have some Kleenexes ready for this section of the book.
The second part is from the point of view of the shooter’s wife. This was truly a unique perspective and voice to hear in this type of story. Normally we only hear from the side of the victim’s family and we do not receive insight into what the other family might experience. Some of it is upsetting, some of it is not surprising, but it was all enlightening. This section leads to a question that some of us may ask ourselves even in regular everyday interactions: When there is a conflict, do we stand by the one that we love or do we stand for what is right?
The third part of the book is the trial. Everything about this section from the preparation of the defense to the ending left me exhausted. I cried. I got upset. I had thoughts (only thoughts, lol) of throwing my kindle. I smiled. I cried a little bit more. I felt relief. And, then I cried a little bit more because this book is the reality that the parents of brown/black boys currently face while living in this country. Stand Your Ground is now. Stand Your Ground is relevant. And, Stand Your Ground is the best book that I have read so far in 2015!
February 5, 2017
Janice Johnson ideal life is put to a halt when her beloved son unexpectedly dies. Little explanations and an ongoing investigation is what is making her behave like a delusional and broken mother. Tyrone her husband demands answers as to what happened to their intelligent son who had a bright future ahead of him. Marquis Johnson was a smart seventeen year old who excelled in his academics and was the glue that tied his parents together. Struggling to find answers, Janice does not even want to live without the presence of her son. Morning she thinks about Marquis touch, afternoon she thinks about his kindness, evening she thinks about his confidence. All throughout the 24 hours in a day, she is consumed with the thought of Marquis not being there for her side.
Due to the color of Marquis skin, Janice does not believe in equality for all. If she can help it, she would do anything to make sure that she is treated fairly. Later on, she tries to do things the right way but her anger starts to get the best of her, but her demeanor proves that she still has things to get over.
According to the police, there is not enough evidence to convict the man responsible for Marquis's death. Janice grows bitter and tired of the law, affirming that she is going to take things in her own hand. Tyrone follows the lead but his actions can cause their case to be forgotten in a second thought. Handling things the right way has never gotten them far, thus he calls on a close relative to solve things the unlawful way. While Janice is trying to find solace with her peers and an old flame, the truth about her son can shed light about the misconceptions.
As the story progresses, Meredith is standing side by side by her husband who has ties to the death of Marquis. Holding a deep secret over his head, she tries to put on a good impression that her husband is free of guilt but her conscience is not all that convincing. Even when her mother in law tells her to be the faithful wife and mother, she thinks that she should tell the truth about what really happened the night that Marquis life ended.
Two stories correlate ending in a memorable,debatable and intriguing conclusion about how racial tension gets the best out of us.
Wow!!!!!!!!!! I cannot express to you how much I enjoyed this book. The content of this book is so relevant to society that this should be required reading for all middle and higher education schools. I never felt so connected to characters in a long time.
The first time in a looooooong time that a book with this content impressed me in more ways than one.
Words cannot describe this gem, very deserving of the five stars; it has now become one of my favorite books!
Due to the color of Marquis skin, Janice does not believe in equality for all. If she can help it, she would do anything to make sure that she is treated fairly. Later on, she tries to do things the right way but her anger starts to get the best of her, but her demeanor proves that she still has things to get over.
According to the police, there is not enough evidence to convict the man responsible for Marquis's death. Janice grows bitter and tired of the law, affirming that she is going to take things in her own hand. Tyrone follows the lead but his actions can cause their case to be forgotten in a second thought. Handling things the right way has never gotten them far, thus he calls on a close relative to solve things the unlawful way. While Janice is trying to find solace with her peers and an old flame, the truth about her son can shed light about the misconceptions.
As the story progresses, Meredith is standing side by side by her husband who has ties to the death of Marquis. Holding a deep secret over his head, she tries to put on a good impression that her husband is free of guilt but her conscience is not all that convincing. Even when her mother in law tells her to be the faithful wife and mother, she thinks that she should tell the truth about what really happened the night that Marquis life ended.
Two stories correlate ending in a memorable,debatable and intriguing conclusion about how racial tension gets the best out of us.
Wow!!!!!!!!!! I cannot express to you how much I enjoyed this book. The content of this book is so relevant to society that this should be required reading for all middle and higher education schools. I never felt so connected to characters in a long time.
The first time in a looooooong time that a book with this content impressed me in more ways than one.
Words cannot describe this gem, very deserving of the five stars; it has now become one of my favorite books!
June 30, 2015
In the first few pages of Victoria Christopher Murray’s new novel, Stand Your Ground, I was thinking, “This is it -- one of those rare novels that will change me forever.” I was right.
A black teenage boy is dead. A white man shot him.
From there, the story is set in motion and two women…the mother of the dead boy and the wife of the shooter take center stage. One searching for truth and the other being certain of it, their lives and hopes intersect through public shame and private pain. There are two sides to every story and Victoria Christopher Murray challenges the reader to see both. The recurring theme of standing your ground, taking a position, making a decision based on what you believe was not just the title, but persistent and thought-provoking words that echoed throughout the book.
The plot twist caused my heart to constrict. But while, I as the reader (a mother of two black sons) was only gripped with fear, Janice Johnson was living the nightmare. During this story I felt so many emotions: anger, sadness, helplessness and at times, empathy and relief. In the end I was forced to ask myself: What is right and what is wrong? What do I really believe? In the same way a character was forced to with these words:
I didn’t care if the attorneys knew or if the judge knew—they could have thrown me into jail for contempt or for perjury; it didn’t matter. When I told that lie, I didn’t even care that God knew—I would pray for forgiveness later.
Who said that? You’ll have to read it to find out. As always with Victoria Christopher Murray, there are layers and there are secrets and there is… the past. Detailed characterization is this writer’s gift. Memories shown through flashbacks added to the intensity as I turned page after page after page into the wee hours of the morning.
This was a brilliantly written book that I would recommend to all readers. I also hope to see it take its place alongside other great critical works of Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Zora Neele Hurston and the like who have written stories that climbed into our hearts, made inroads through our souls and changed our consciousness.
Reviewed by Rhonda McKnight
A black teenage boy is dead. A white man shot him.
From there, the story is set in motion and two women…the mother of the dead boy and the wife of the shooter take center stage. One searching for truth and the other being certain of it, their lives and hopes intersect through public shame and private pain. There are two sides to every story and Victoria Christopher Murray challenges the reader to see both. The recurring theme of standing your ground, taking a position, making a decision based on what you believe was not just the title, but persistent and thought-provoking words that echoed throughout the book.
The plot twist caused my heart to constrict. But while, I as the reader (a mother of two black sons) was only gripped with fear, Janice Johnson was living the nightmare. During this story I felt so many emotions: anger, sadness, helplessness and at times, empathy and relief. In the end I was forced to ask myself: What is right and what is wrong? What do I really believe? In the same way a character was forced to with these words:
I didn’t care if the attorneys knew or if the judge knew—they could have thrown me into jail for contempt or for perjury; it didn’t matter. When I told that lie, I didn’t even care that God knew—I would pray for forgiveness later.
Who said that? You’ll have to read it to find out. As always with Victoria Christopher Murray, there are layers and there are secrets and there is… the past. Detailed characterization is this writer’s gift. Memories shown through flashbacks added to the intensity as I turned page after page after page into the wee hours of the morning.
This was a brilliantly written book that I would recommend to all readers. I also hope to see it take its place alongside other great critical works of Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Zora Neele Hurston and the like who have written stories that climbed into our hearts, made inroads through our souls and changed our consciousness.
Reviewed by Rhonda McKnight
April 19, 2015
I received an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. It was all that I thought it would be AND then some.
Here is my review:
Victoria Christopher Murray is the mistress of first lines. From the very first sentence to the last I was drawn into the story of two women: Janice and Meredith. Two women from different worlds who share one thing in common: death. With artful descriptions, Victoria put me inside their hearts and minds. I did not just enjoy this read, I lived it. I lived every scene on BOTH sides! I finished it in hours. I had to. When I read the last line, I knew that I had been schooled. I had seen the impact of Stand Your Ground laws and I knew this book would stay with me, always. There is forgiveness, love, twists, turns but above all: Truth. Real. Insightful. Unadulterated and told without apology. A must read.
I had so so many to choose from but this pivotal MOMENT so eloquently described is my absolute favorite from Stand Your Ground.
"We weren’t friends. But we were something. We were two women. Two mothers. One with a son and one without. We were two people whose lives were forever linked and forever changed. We were Janice Johnson and Meredith Spencer. Forever hopelessly connected." Quoted with permission from Stand Your Ground.
Here is my review:
Victoria Christopher Murray is the mistress of first lines. From the very first sentence to the last I was drawn into the story of two women: Janice and Meredith. Two women from different worlds who share one thing in common: death. With artful descriptions, Victoria put me inside their hearts and minds. I did not just enjoy this read, I lived it. I lived every scene on BOTH sides! I finished it in hours. I had to. When I read the last line, I knew that I had been schooled. I had seen the impact of Stand Your Ground laws and I knew this book would stay with me, always. There is forgiveness, love, twists, turns but above all: Truth. Real. Insightful. Unadulterated and told without apology. A must read.
I had so so many to choose from but this pivotal MOMENT so eloquently described is my absolute favorite from Stand Your Ground.
"We weren’t friends. But we were something. We were two women. Two mothers. One with a son and one without. We were two people whose lives were forever linked and forever changed. We were Janice Johnson and Meredith Spencer. Forever hopelessly connected." Quoted with permission from Stand Your Ground.
August 20, 2015
This book evokes so many emotions. It is extremely well written and contains just the right amount of legal reference without being overwhelming. Telling the story from the aspects of both wives was brilliant! The story pulls you in and doesn't let go until the last word of the book.
Stand Your Ground is a tough (subject matter), yet compelling read. This is definitely VCM's best writing thus far, and that says a great deal about his exceptional author.
Stand Your Ground is a tough (subject matter), yet compelling read. This is definitely VCM's best writing thus far, and that says a great deal about his exceptional author.
April 19, 2017
This is the first time that I'm reading anything written by the author and I picked up the book solely based on the subject matter. Through her characters, the author did a good job of presenting the nuanced views that people have regarding this social issue (the killing of black boys and men). I also liked how the author showed that there are differences of opinion even within a community. This is shown when Janice and the Brown Guardians clash over whether justice should be served on the streets or in the courts and when Wyatt feels uncomfortable with the views of the folks at Big Red. The author also did a good job of portraying the grief that Janice and Tyrone felt.
That being said, i'm not sure if it was effective to leave Wyatt's story until the end because it left me without a complete understanding of his character and his motives. The way that Wyatt was portrayed, he seemed to have contradictory views. Did he really come to consider Andre as a friend or did he think that it made him seem less racist by having a black employee? Wyatt also said, "I didn't think every black person in America was bad. I just didn't like thugs". The question that comes up then is, what does Wyatt think a thug looks like? One thing that I found was that it was possible to explore human nature through Wyatt's character. We might think of ourselves as open and inclusive, but of course our biases influences our actions and reactions which may lead to microagressions and/or outright racist practices that targets certain groups (who are most often marginalized). By not delving deeper into these questions, the book only skims the surface of this issue. By introducing Wyatt's perspective earlier on in the book, the author could have explored the motives and the mindset which results in the occurrence of violent incidents such as the killing/murder of Marquis. And what about that ending? Was justice served at the end? The answer to that depends on what you understand Justice to be. To me, it felt as if I was back at square one. It left me thinking, did Wyatt learn anything from this incident?
Overall, What I wanted from this book was complex characters, diverse perspectives on this issue and some sort of guidance on where the characters (and we as a people) go from here. Unfortunately, I didn't get that from this book. However, I do think that this is a timely story that needs to be told.
That being said, i'm not sure if it was effective to leave Wyatt's story until the end because it left me without a complete understanding of his character and his motives. The way that Wyatt was portrayed, he seemed to have contradictory views. Did he really come to consider Andre as a friend or did he think that it made him seem less racist by having a black employee? Wyatt also said, "I didn't think every black person in America was bad. I just didn't like thugs". The question that comes up then is, what does Wyatt think a thug looks like? One thing that I found was that it was possible to explore human nature through Wyatt's character. We might think of ourselves as open and inclusive, but of course our biases influences our actions and reactions which may lead to microagressions and/or outright racist practices that targets certain groups (who are most often marginalized). By not delving deeper into these questions, the book only skims the surface of this issue. By introducing Wyatt's perspective earlier on in the book, the author could have explored the motives and the mindset which results in the occurrence of violent incidents such as the killing/murder of Marquis. And what about that ending? Was justice served at the end? The answer to that depends on what you understand Justice to be. To me, it felt as if I was back at square one. It left me thinking, did Wyatt learn anything from this incident?
Overall, What I wanted from this book was complex characters, diverse perspectives on this issue and some sort of guidance on where the characters (and we as a people) go from here. Unfortunately, I didn't get that from this book. However, I do think that this is a timely story that needs to be told.
February 29, 2016
Hands down this is one of my favorite reads I myself would read this again and I never reread anything. Mrs Victoria took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions that had me crying tears, to fussing, to ready to hurt somebody. Kudos my sista a very informative read.
June 14, 2015
Stand Your Ground was a page turner from beginning to end. Well written, informative, a thriller!!!! It was easy to relate to and believe in the characters and to the plot, which felt like it was torn from today's headlines. I highly recommend it! Certainly, the author's best work to date!
December 6, 2015
Victoria Christopher Murray penned another wonderful work. The work takes you into the lives of two families centered on this tragic event (the parents of the slain African American teenager and the wife of the Caucasian entrepreneur who is knowledgeable of her husband's actions). The travesty, as one could imagine, will wreck havoc on the families and things will never be the same.
The work, has as its backdrop, America, a country that has too many stories where an African American male meets an early demise because of its issues with race. The writer takes us from Florida to Philadelphia. We journey with her from the knock on the door that alerts the parents to the court decision.
In between the pronouncement we meet the girlfriend, Heather, who was present when the tragedy took place, the questioning and holding of information from the officers, preconceived notions that gang affiliation and carrying a gun is the norm for young man of color, to the different ways that people, regardless of who they are, deal with loss. Race relations affects us all. We must recognize this for the evil that it is.
I recommend this book without hesitation. It will cause you to reevaluate a number of things. There will be several attestations that you will use for conversation afterwards. One statement that pierced my heart was echoed by Janice. She stated that she didn't want her son to be remembered for how he died but how he lived. I could go on...but it's best that you read it for yourself.
The work, has as its backdrop, America, a country that has too many stories where an African American male meets an early demise because of its issues with race. The writer takes us from Florida to Philadelphia. We journey with her from the knock on the door that alerts the parents to the court decision.
In between the pronouncement we meet the girlfriend, Heather, who was present when the tragedy took place, the questioning and holding of information from the officers, preconceived notions that gang affiliation and carrying a gun is the norm for young man of color, to the different ways that people, regardless of who they are, deal with loss. Race relations affects us all. We must recognize this for the evil that it is.
I recommend this book without hesitation. It will cause you to reevaluate a number of things. There will be several attestations that you will use for conversation afterwards. One statement that pierced my heart was echoed by Janice. She stated that she didn't want her son to be remembered for how he died but how he lived. I could go on...but it's best that you read it for yourself.
September 27, 2015
I Am Trayvon Martin
Janice experiences every mother’s worst nightmare with a simple knock at the door. Her child, her only child, her seventeen-year-old son, her baby is dead. Shot. How could this be? Janice and her husband Tyrone did everything right. Marquis was a good kid with a promising future. But accidents happen, right? The shooting, it was an accident, right? Wrong. Janice’s nightmare is only just beginning as she soon finds out her son was shot by a white man who claims he was defending himself from her son and hasn’t been arrested.
Victoria Christopher Murray gracefully tackles the controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law with the death of a young, unarmed, black teen, Marquis. “Stand Your Ground” interweaves the narratives of two women from opposite ends of the spectrum – Janice, the grieving mother, and Meredith, the wife of the shooter. With heartbreaking clarity, both women struggle with what has become their realities. Perfectly timed and very relevant, Victoria Christopher Murray has penned an emotional tale that will resonate with readers.
Reviewed by: Toni
Janice experiences every mother’s worst nightmare with a simple knock at the door. Her child, her only child, her seventeen-year-old son, her baby is dead. Shot. How could this be? Janice and her husband Tyrone did everything right. Marquis was a good kid with a promising future. But accidents happen, right? The shooting, it was an accident, right? Wrong. Janice’s nightmare is only just beginning as she soon finds out her son was shot by a white man who claims he was defending himself from her son and hasn’t been arrested.
Victoria Christopher Murray gracefully tackles the controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law with the death of a young, unarmed, black teen, Marquis. “Stand Your Ground” interweaves the narratives of two women from opposite ends of the spectrum – Janice, the grieving mother, and Meredith, the wife of the shooter. With heartbreaking clarity, both women struggle with what has become their realities. Perfectly timed and very relevant, Victoria Christopher Murray has penned an emotional tale that will resonate with readers.
Reviewed by: Toni
September 17, 2015
This is an amazingly written book about a very tough and emotional topic. The author was not afraid to broadcast the emotional state that any mother would have during the loss of her child.
I cried through so many parts of this book, which gave me a chance to put myself in the place of so many mothers that have experienced this in real life. I applaud the author and the narrators that performed the audio version of this book. I was truly truly touched.
I cried through so many parts of this book, which gave me a chance to put myself in the place of so many mothers that have experienced this in real life. I applaud the author and the narrators that performed the audio version of this book. I was truly truly touched.
October 26, 2015
I thought this book was amazing from first page to last. This book is filled with raw emotions and love. It tells a story that I think we should all read no matter what color we are especially if we have children. We live in a world of so much hate but why? Love overcomes all things. God is the only judge.
A true must read!
A true must read!
July 17, 2015
This is, hands down, Victoria's best novel to date. The heart it took to tell this story & to tell both sides is something I can't imagine. The pain & anger & frustration & confusion & lost-ness in this book is tangible. It has a flavor. And it's as hard to stop reading as it is to digest. Rarely does a book bring me to tears. Make me feel emotions? Of course! But tears! RARELY! This book had me tore up! I spent the majority of its 300+ pages walking my house floors because to sit meant there was nowhere for the emotional energy this novel created to go. This novel is what you want in a good book. It makes you think, it makes you feel & then it makes you think some more. Normally, I don't post reviews like this on Goodreads. However, I'm unable to verbally explain all that this is in any manner that's close to eloquent, so there's no video for this review.
September 17, 2017
I really wanted to like this book but I found myself counting the pages looking forward to the end of the story. I loved the concept and admired how the author spoke on the stand your ground law but past that the book did not stand well with me. It was 486 pages of everthing and yet a whole lot of nothing. Too lengthy, too long, too much. Sometimes even the best selling authors get it wrong.
July 7, 2015
Outstanding writing and a premise that will surprise the reader with its ability to manipulate what you thought you believed.
March 8, 2022
3.5. Powerful subject, (sometimes) clumsy execution.
October 16, 2015
This is Murray's best work which says a lot because her catalog is unrivaled. This story took me through so many emotions. Anger, sadness, frusrtation, the entire gambit. But what I loved the most about this story is that covered all the sides of this tragic story that we sadly have had to endure one to many damn times. Murray painted a picture so perfectly flawed I was left confused on my stance on this issue, which was a good thing. It caused me to think and to feel. No one knows what they would do in this type of situation til it happens but Murray has a pretty good idea. I loved this book so much. I hope many will read it and it will open a discussion that so desparately needs to be had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2015
First of all, let me say this, just for the very title, the book needs to be REQUIRED READING. This book just came out and for the fact of the title, and what it may be about should be read. with that said. A young black man is dead from a middle aged white man. He claims Stand Your Ground, although the slain victim and the white man's wife knows better. How does the trial go?
July 14, 2017
This book was very detailed and eye opening. I loved how vcm told the story from both sides. You rarely see that happen in high profiled cases such as this one. Telling the story of both wives had my attention throughout. This is my first time reading a vcm book but I must say I am now a fan.
February 1, 2017
Marquis Johnson was a 17 year young man that lost his life for no good reason. In the aftermath of his murder, the story unfolds as another young black male child is killed by a white man that cries victim. Tyrone and Janice Johnson are left with memories of precious memories and massacred dreams for their only child. Tyrone places his grief on the shelf and calls on his brother Raj, leader of the revered African -American group called The Defenders to ensure that justice is served and that Marquis death is not in vain.
Then there's the Spencer's...Wyatt Spencer, the man that took the life and now has to prove his innocence, prove that his motive wasn't prejudicial, prove that he felt threatened, prove that Marquis was not a decent young man with a promising future but a thug with drug problems. Problem #1, Marquis' white girlfriend saw everything, but whose truth will she verify? Problem #2, unbeknownst to him, his wife Meredith, wrestles with what she witnessed and loyalty vs honesty. Problem #3, this has attracted national attention, who will be the sacrificial lamb, the prey or the predator?
Stand Your Ground is a very delicate topic as the realism resounds so extraordinarily loudly that trying to find the fiction in this read is indeed a job in itself. I love that VCM painted an evocative picture enhanced with deep-seeded emotions, realistic controversial dialogue and the underlying tension that this act of violence triggered across the country. There are mos def two sides to Every story, but when the truth is ugly, will the head be able to stand on it's own tail or will it duck, dodge and cry injustice when the bloodstain of an innocent person cries from the grave? I so enjoyed this read...I so commend VCM for being a trailblazer and always, always, always raising the mark a tad bit higher. She is indeed an icon because she continuously challenges her readers and our intellect as well as our opinions. Yes indeed, another thought provoking read by VCM. She is a pivotal writer! Love her style. Awesome job!
3.88
Then there's the Spencer's...Wyatt Spencer, the man that took the life and now has to prove his innocence, prove that his motive wasn't prejudicial, prove that he felt threatened, prove that Marquis was not a decent young man with a promising future but a thug with drug problems. Problem #1, Marquis' white girlfriend saw everything, but whose truth will she verify? Problem #2, unbeknownst to him, his wife Meredith, wrestles with what she witnessed and loyalty vs honesty. Problem #3, this has attracted national attention, who will be the sacrificial lamb, the prey or the predator?
Stand Your Ground is a very delicate topic as the realism resounds so extraordinarily loudly that trying to find the fiction in this read is indeed a job in itself. I love that VCM painted an evocative picture enhanced with deep-seeded emotions, realistic controversial dialogue and the underlying tension that this act of violence triggered across the country. There are mos def two sides to Every story, but when the truth is ugly, will the head be able to stand on it's own tail or will it duck, dodge and cry injustice when the bloodstain of an innocent person cries from the grave? I so enjoyed this read...I so commend VCM for being a trailblazer and always, always, always raising the mark a tad bit higher. She is indeed an icon because she continuously challenges her readers and our intellect as well as our opinions. Yes indeed, another thought provoking read by VCM. She is a pivotal writer! Love her style. Awesome job!
3.88
July 5, 2015
Janice Jackson 17 year old son has been murdered.She has so many unanswered questions but no one to ask them to.Hoping that the DA will do their job and arrest the man who has changed her life forever.With things not moving fast enough for her husband he decides to enlist a little help and get the justice that is deserved for his son.
Meredith Spencer never knew that the night that she remember all so well would drastically change her life forever.How would she ever be able to look at her husband again after he has become an accused murderer. Stuck between her lifestyle and doing the right thing Meredith doesn't know what to do.
This has become one of my top ten books of this year. VCM definitely did not disappoint with this novel.From the first sentence you were drawn in with the emotions felt from each character. You felt their pain,sadness and anger. The knowledge you learned from this book was very enlightening. Great Job.
Meredith Spencer never knew that the night that she remember all so well would drastically change her life forever.How would she ever be able to look at her husband again after he has become an accused murderer. Stuck between her lifestyle and doing the right thing Meredith doesn't know what to do.
This has become one of my top ten books of this year. VCM definitely did not disappoint with this novel.From the first sentence you were drawn in with the emotions felt from each character. You felt their pain,sadness and anger. The knowledge you learned from this book was very enlightening. Great Job.
June 30, 2015
A review for Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray
Janice Johnson and her husband received the most shocking news of their lives. It was the kind of news that no parent wants to hear. Their son is dead and no one has been arrested.
Meredith Spencer is married to the man who's been accused of the horrible deed. To make matters worse, she knows the truth but is afraid to come forth.
Although the title was familiar, the storyline was current, thought-provoking, and filled with moments that gripped your heart. Victoria Christopher Murray has written a story that embodies the heart of what many Americans are facing daily yet she put a fresh spin on it with the addition of amazing supporting characters.
This book was definitely a page turner. You had the main crisis going on while there were additional mini plots developing. My heart went out to several characters and I believe this is her best novel to date!
Janice Johnson and her husband received the most shocking news of their lives. It was the kind of news that no parent wants to hear. Their son is dead and no one has been arrested.
Meredith Spencer is married to the man who's been accused of the horrible deed. To make matters worse, she knows the truth but is afraid to come forth.
Although the title was familiar, the storyline was current, thought-provoking, and filled with moments that gripped your heart. Victoria Christopher Murray has written a story that embodies the heart of what many Americans are facing daily yet she put a fresh spin on it with the addition of amazing supporting characters.
This book was definitely a page turner. You had the main crisis going on while there were additional mini plots developing. My heart went out to several characters and I believe this is her best novel to date!
October 3, 2015
I have read nearly every title by Victoria Christopher Murray and loved them all but this on right here is her best and most important work yet. There are two sides to every story and Victoria takes you through both sides in Stand Your Ground. This work is not just another story about what happens if. This work is about bringing awarenes to a law that many do not realize exists in several states. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to have everyone read this work. This is the novel of the year.
July 20, 2015
This was a very emotional book, it made me cry it made me mad, I even laughed. I had to put it down more than a couple times. This was very a good book. SYG is a law that needs to be revised. Victoria rid a great job on this book and I was happy with ending. I really wish the wife would have stepped up and did the right thing.
July 28, 2015
Excellent novel!! Took a minute to read because of the death of Marquis but I finally went on vacation and read it. I thought Victoria did an excellent job of dealing with this complex subject. The storyline was engaging and well executed. I felt myself feeling everything the parents went through and I thought the ending was great! Very good job Victoria Christopher Murray!
July 6, 2015
THIS IS A MUST READ! This book had me experiencing so many different emotions. Victoria Christopher Murray did a great job in helping readers to think about what the victims on both sides of the Stand Your Ground law experience. Great Job Victoria!
October 16, 2016
this book starts off great and goes strong throughout. a book that can be hard to read but unfortunately true to our times! racial profiling and injustice is clearly present and white privilege doesn't get they have the privilege! I thought the end was rather fitting!
July 1, 2015
Wish I could give it more stars!!!! Masterpiece!!! Woosah! So many emotions! Hit so close to home! Bravo Victoria Christopher Murray!!!!! This is a must read!
February 27, 2023
Excellent book. The perspectives of both the mother of the victim and the wife of the shooter were reminiscent of a Jodi Picoult book. So heartbreaking that this is still happening in America, and that although this was a work of fiction, it is based on way too many realities of black Americans. So sad and we must make a change! A must read!
August 31, 2023
I loved this book!! Beautiful writing and an unexpected ending. Parts of it really made me angry, but I assume the author intended that to happen. I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria Christopher Murray at a book signing event recently. She is a smart, funny woman and I can’t wait to read “The First Ladies”, her newest book.
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