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Neighborhood Lines
In the heart of Boston in the 1980's—a city engulfed in turmoil and racial tensions, an unlikely friendship develops between two students at Cathedral High School. Patrick is an Irish-Catholic born leader. His friends follow him with blind allegiance. Nate is a young, disciplined, black athlete—focused on finding his way out of the neighborhood alive. The two young men find themselves on hectic school grounds, in a culture that shuns friendships like theirs.
Through a tragic turn of events, we see stereotypical statuses turned upside down. The contrasting characters display the power of individual choice and response to life's circumstances. Though the corruption and racism of Patrick and Nate's Boston culture posed an equal threat to both, their respective choices to pick themselves up, find their resolve, and get past their environment, caused them to rise above it all.
This is the story of a Boston friendship that crossed neighborhood lines, broke cultural boundaries, and propelled two adolescents to rethink the world around them. May we all be impacted by the education this eye-opening read has to offer!
Through a tragic turn of events, we see stereotypical statuses turned upside down. The contrasting characters display the power of individual choice and response to life's circumstances. Though the corruption and racism of Patrick and Nate's Boston culture posed an equal threat to both, their respective choices to pick themselves up, find their resolve, and get past their environment, caused them to rise above it all.
This is the story of a Boston friendship that crossed neighborhood lines, broke cultural boundaries, and propelled two adolescents to rethink the world around them. May we all be impacted by the education this eye-opening read has to offer!
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 11, 2020
‘Things are definitely changing’ – a Boston epic
Massachusetts author Michael Patrick Murphy is a Boston persona, having been born, educated, and still working there, as CEO of A. Murphy, Inc (a Union Electrical Contracting company) and, as a wellness and fitness enthusiast, CFO of Zen Den – a fully integrated wellness practice bringing holistic healthcare to the South Shore of Boston community. He knows his city well and has captured that in his debut novel NEIGHBORHOOD LINES – an enlightening novel he wrote in college about the milieu in Boston vis a vis the aftershocks of court-ordered busing to public schools as they lingered on, integration of the all-white housing projects had begun, and the murder rate had reached record-breaking figures between 1988 and 1995.
Michael’s ability to relate mood and atmosphere of a city in struggle and that pivoting period in the last decades of the past century that drew attention to inequality is greatly enhanced by his sense of humanity, and in doing so he encourages us to reconsider how people from different ethnic backgrounds react. In his successful presentation of his novel he shares that, ultimately, true friendships are color blind. As he has stated, his hope in writing the novel is that it be ‘used as a tool to open up dialogues about race, class and the common ground that can be achieved by working together to solve conflicts.’
As Michael offers in his Preface, ‘As a child growing up I paid an extreme amount of attention to what was going on in the world. From the adults around me to society as a whole, the war between good an devil, politics, history, news, sports and the streets…Many incidents were fueled by racial feelings and fear during those years. The imbedded, pre-established brain viruses and behavioral norms of the youth were clearly passed down through the realities, experiences, and truths of the adults within Boston’s culture and society. The two main characters of the story, Nate and Patrick, meet on each side of the racial lines, drawn by a newly implemented integration program of a longtime historic Boston Irish Catholic high school…’ This degree of insight and sensitivity pervades every page of this excellent novel, and in addition to composing his story, Michael hopes to bring attention to our history and persistent challenge of racial tension, to ask important questions – and to feel and react and raise our consciousness.
Distilling the plot, the provided synopsis works well: ‘In the heart of Boston in the 1980's—a city engulfed in turmoil and racial tensions, an unlikely friendship develops between two students at Cathedral High School. Patrick is an Irish-Catholic born leader. His friends follow him with blind allegiance. Nate is a young, disciplined, black athlete—focused on finding his way out of the neighborhood alive. The two young men find themselves on hectic school grounds, in a culture that shuns friendships like theirs. Through a tragic turn of events, we see stereotypical statuses turned upside down. The contrasting characters display the power of individual choice and response to life's circumstances. Though the corruption and racism of Patrick and Nate's Boston culture posed an equal threat to both, their respective choices to pick themselves up, find their resolve, and get past their environment, caused them to rise above it all.'
Writing of this quality is usually found only with experienced authors, but Michael Patrick Murphy’s fluid prose captures not only a fine story, but also a philosophical guide for all of us to embrace. Very highly recommended.
Massachusetts author Michael Patrick Murphy is a Boston persona, having been born, educated, and still working there, as CEO of A. Murphy, Inc (a Union Electrical Contracting company) and, as a wellness and fitness enthusiast, CFO of Zen Den – a fully integrated wellness practice bringing holistic healthcare to the South Shore of Boston community. He knows his city well and has captured that in his debut novel NEIGHBORHOOD LINES – an enlightening novel he wrote in college about the milieu in Boston vis a vis the aftershocks of court-ordered busing to public schools as they lingered on, integration of the all-white housing projects had begun, and the murder rate had reached record-breaking figures between 1988 and 1995.
Michael’s ability to relate mood and atmosphere of a city in struggle and that pivoting period in the last decades of the past century that drew attention to inequality is greatly enhanced by his sense of humanity, and in doing so he encourages us to reconsider how people from different ethnic backgrounds react. In his successful presentation of his novel he shares that, ultimately, true friendships are color blind. As he has stated, his hope in writing the novel is that it be ‘used as a tool to open up dialogues about race, class and the common ground that can be achieved by working together to solve conflicts.’
As Michael offers in his Preface, ‘As a child growing up I paid an extreme amount of attention to what was going on in the world. From the adults around me to society as a whole, the war between good an devil, politics, history, news, sports and the streets…Many incidents were fueled by racial feelings and fear during those years. The imbedded, pre-established brain viruses and behavioral norms of the youth were clearly passed down through the realities, experiences, and truths of the adults within Boston’s culture and society. The two main characters of the story, Nate and Patrick, meet on each side of the racial lines, drawn by a newly implemented integration program of a longtime historic Boston Irish Catholic high school…’ This degree of insight and sensitivity pervades every page of this excellent novel, and in addition to composing his story, Michael hopes to bring attention to our history and persistent challenge of racial tension, to ask important questions – and to feel and react and raise our consciousness.
Distilling the plot, the provided synopsis works well: ‘In the heart of Boston in the 1980's—a city engulfed in turmoil and racial tensions, an unlikely friendship develops between two students at Cathedral High School. Patrick is an Irish-Catholic born leader. His friends follow him with blind allegiance. Nate is a young, disciplined, black athlete—focused on finding his way out of the neighborhood alive. The two young men find themselves on hectic school grounds, in a culture that shuns friendships like theirs. Through a tragic turn of events, we see stereotypical statuses turned upside down. The contrasting characters display the power of individual choice and response to life's circumstances. Though the corruption and racism of Patrick and Nate's Boston culture posed an equal threat to both, their respective choices to pick themselves up, find their resolve, and get past their environment, caused them to rise above it all.'
Writing of this quality is usually found only with experienced authors, but Michael Patrick Murphy’s fluid prose captures not only a fine story, but also a philosophical guide for all of us to embrace. Very highly recommended.
December 19, 2020
I devoured this in a sitting. I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. Neighborhood Lines provided a compelling window into working-class Boston in the early 90s. Racial prejudices are frankly illustrated. It definitely made me uncomfortable at points, but that is a good thing.
Characters were realistically portrayed, and despite the short length of the book, there was solid character development.
It was an interesting, informative and timely read
Characters were realistically portrayed, and despite the short length of the book, there was solid character development.
It was an interesting, informative and timely read
July 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book and found it to be a great read. The story of these two unlikely friends who kept the friendship going through all sorts of hardships and crisis, and were able to maintain their ability to communicate with each other although they seemingly came from different backgrounds and worlds, and yet, turned out to be not so different after all.
July 20, 2020
A Coming of Age Story that Deals with Real Issues
Neighborhood Lines artfully shows a snapshot of Boston history through the eyes of two teenagers in the thick of it: Patrick, an Irish American Catholic, and Nate, an African American Christian. They have hard lessons to learn, and prejudices to overcome, but as they discover how alike they are, their stories are no longer about succumbing to despair alone, but overcoming it together.
Racial tension between characters and communities in newly un-segregated Boston showed the invisible “neighborhood lines” that defined where you could go, and maybe, who you could be. I hoped that as neighborhood lines shifted, so did opportunities for Nate and Patrick to stay safe in the midst of police shootings, gang turf wars and poverty that at times made the idea of “making it out” seem like a pipe dream. Michael Murphy beautifully illustrates how geography affects communities, and more importantly, how communities change their neighborhood lines and destinies.
I enjoyed the stories told, and characters I met in Neighborhood Lines. And I’m hoping for a sequel!
Neighborhood Lines artfully shows a snapshot of Boston history through the eyes of two teenagers in the thick of it: Patrick, an Irish American Catholic, and Nate, an African American Christian. They have hard lessons to learn, and prejudices to overcome, but as they discover how alike they are, their stories are no longer about succumbing to despair alone, but overcoming it together.
Racial tension between characters and communities in newly un-segregated Boston showed the invisible “neighborhood lines” that defined where you could go, and maybe, who you could be. I hoped that as neighborhood lines shifted, so did opportunities for Nate and Patrick to stay safe in the midst of police shootings, gang turf wars and poverty that at times made the idea of “making it out” seem like a pipe dream. Michael Murphy beautifully illustrates how geography affects communities, and more importantly, how communities change their neighborhood lines and destinies.
I enjoyed the stories told, and characters I met in Neighborhood Lines. And I’m hoping for a sequel!
June 23, 2020
I grew up in the ’80s so I appreciated this book on a personal level. This book couldn’t be more relevant in today’s society. It’s the story of a young black boy who becomes friends with an Irish-Catholic born leader during a time when it was frowned upon to have those kinds of friendships.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story, heartbreaking moments and power play moves in this book. There are a lot of moments in the book that could destroy the friendship between them but it doesn’t. Instead, we see boys who are willing to pick themselves up and look beyond what society expects from them. This is a great time to read a story that is going to make you have hope for the human spirit and believe that there is more good in the world than we could ever realize.
This is Boston in the ’80s and it’s a story about friendship that breaks cultural boundaries. I recommend everyone read this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story, heartbreaking moments and power play moves in this book. There are a lot of moments in the book that could destroy the friendship between them but it doesn’t. Instead, we see boys who are willing to pick themselves up and look beyond what society expects from them. This is a great time to read a story that is going to make you have hope for the human spirit and believe that there is more good in the world than we could ever realize.
This is Boston in the ’80s and it’s a story about friendship that breaks cultural boundaries. I recommend everyone read this book.
June 2, 2020
The timing of my reading this book was too coincidental, considering the protests, mostly in the USA and some of Canada's big cities. They are protesting the filmed murder of a black man by a white police officer who sat on his neck for over 9 minutes, even while he pleaded to stop because he couldn't breathe.
Here we have a story of 2 high school boys, in the heart of Boston, during the 1980's, when there was serious racial tension. Patrick is an Irish-Catholic born leader. His friends follow him with blind allegiance. Nate is a young, disciplined, black athlete—focused on finding his way out of the neighborhood alive. The two young men find themselves on hectic school grounds, in a culture that shuns friendships like theirs.
This was a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers and I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to read this candid and raw story. It would be an excellent book to have high school students read, not only for dealing with the racial components, but to show the importance of family, hard work, true friendship and having a goal to aim for in life.
Here we have a story of 2 high school boys, in the heart of Boston, during the 1980's, when there was serious racial tension. Patrick is an Irish-Catholic born leader. His friends follow him with blind allegiance. Nate is a young, disciplined, black athlete—focused on finding his way out of the neighborhood alive. The two young men find themselves on hectic school grounds, in a culture that shuns friendships like theirs.
This was a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers and I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to read this candid and raw story. It would be an excellent book to have high school students read, not only for dealing with the racial components, but to show the importance of family, hard work, true friendship and having a goal to aim for in life.
August 20, 2019
I was really impressed with this book. It was so concise that I thought it wouldn’t be able to pack a punch but that wasn’t the case. The story, characters and historic details were all included in details. It really brought up an awareness of the social assumptions we make, racial profiling, subconsciously or not, and our ability as humans to not take responsibility for our actions. Really thought provoking.
Fantastic read and I will be looking forward to more from Michael Patrick Murphy.
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for my complimentary copy.
Fantastic read and I will be looking forward to more from Michael Patrick Murphy.
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for my complimentary copy.
March 15, 2020
I thought this would be a book about a friendship which crossed racial and social lines, but it was so much more. Set in Boston in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the story unravels we learn not only about the lives of Patrick and Nate, but also the social history of the area, which included racial segregation and organised crime.
It explores a number of themes, including loyalty, commitment, racial profiling, and vengeance, in an engrossing and sensitive manner.
I hope to read more by Michael Patrick Murphy.
* Discloure: I received a review copy of this book from Voracious Readers
It explores a number of themes, including loyalty, commitment, racial profiling, and vengeance, in an engrossing and sensitive manner.
I hope to read more by Michael Patrick Murphy.
* Discloure: I received a review copy of this book from Voracious Readers
January 24, 2025
Neighborhood Lines is an engrossing tale about the hardships and accomplishments of Boston life during the 1980s desegregation period. It follows two high school young men, one white and one black, navigating racial conflict, cultural gaps, and the struggle of combining familial devotion with emerging friendships. The book accurately depicts Boston's history, from bussing to corruption, while providing light on common humanity and long-standing difficulties. Its detailed representation of empathy and relationships hits home, providing both historical context and a dramatic, fascinating tale. An essential read for anybody interested in Boston's rich, complicated history.
December 9, 2021
A history of friendship between young people with great cultural, economic and social differences. Two neighborhoods in Boston in the 1980s, controlled by gangs manipulated by powerful criminal groups. the effort of these young people to find a good future in their lives despite the adversity that surrounds them ... a true story that should not be missed ... a great lesson that it leaves in our lives, especially in the youth ...
October 19, 2020
In the preface of the book, Michael Patrick Murphy states "I hope this book kmakes you laugh, cry, ask important questions, and most of all, feel."
We're then catapulted to two different sides of Boston through the eyes of two teenagers: Patrick/Paddy (Irish and Catholic) and Nate (African American, Christian), who meet in high school thanks to a programme that brings black kids to a previously all-white school.
We see the blatant racism from the kids towards the new students, also fueled by their own parents, who claim that nobody helped them get where they are, and why do the black families get "special treatment" when they didn't.
It's quite a short book, so I read it all in one afternoon. It's not specially well written, but there is character development. Even though I appreciated the conciseness of the text, I also felt that it was a bit rushed. We go from Nate and Paddy screaming at each other about how the other one doesn't understand them to them being close friends. Yes, we can feel the blanks, but it felt like a very big jump to require of the reader rather than the author putting the effort in.
I also liked the research that has gone into the book, with pictures from the time showing what was going on and linking the story to the relevant events of the time.
So, did I cry, laugh and feel? I definitely felt, but (perhaps due to the shortness of the book) I didn't cry or laugh. I didn't have the time to establish a relationship with either character. I was in it for the ride, but I din't feel attached to either.
Many thanks to the author and Voracious Readers Only, who gifted me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
We're then catapulted to two different sides of Boston through the eyes of two teenagers: Patrick/Paddy (Irish and Catholic) and Nate (African American, Christian), who meet in high school thanks to a programme that brings black kids to a previously all-white school.
We see the blatant racism from the kids towards the new students, also fueled by their own parents, who claim that nobody helped them get where they are, and why do the black families get "special treatment" when they didn't.
It's quite a short book, so I read it all in one afternoon. It's not specially well written, but there is character development. Even though I appreciated the conciseness of the text, I also felt that it was a bit rushed. We go from Nate and Paddy screaming at each other about how the other one doesn't understand them to them being close friends. Yes, we can feel the blanks, but it felt like a very big jump to require of the reader rather than the author putting the effort in.
I also liked the research that has gone into the book, with pictures from the time showing what was going on and linking the story to the relevant events of the time.
So, did I cry, laugh and feel? I definitely felt, but (perhaps due to the shortness of the book) I didn't cry or laugh. I didn't have the time to establish a relationship with either character. I was in it for the ride, but I din't feel attached to either.
Many thanks to the author and Voracious Readers Only, who gifted me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
I received a copy of this book through VRO in exchange for a review. The story unfolds when Patrick, an Irish American Catholic boy and Nate an African American Christian boy met by chance in Cathedral, a Boston city high school. As their friendship blossomed, their lives would eventually intertwine unintentionally. While their relationship becomes complementary and supportive, there was also a contrast and difference to their approach to life. While Nate was not born with a silver spoon, he had to be careful always to make the right choices. On the other hand, since Patrick was from the middle class, was smart and a natural born leader, his chances for success was within easy reach. Yet as circumstances happened, it was Patrick who ended in jail temporarily and Nate who went to college on a scholarship.
The writer wrote a treasure trove of life experiences that are typical and reflective of the time period. Interracial tension was pervasive and so people tended to be prejudiced and suspicious. This is a gem of a book that is giving us subtle hard lessons that will live in our hearts forever. You can't judge a person's worth from the color of one's skin. Hard work, sacrifice and perseverance are what we need to accomplish our goals.
The writer wrote a treasure trove of life experiences that are typical and reflective of the time period. Interracial tension was pervasive and so people tended to be prejudiced and suspicious. This is a gem of a book that is giving us subtle hard lessons that will live in our hearts forever. You can't judge a person's worth from the color of one's skin. Hard work, sacrifice and perseverance are what we need to accomplish our goals.
May 26, 2022
How much do teenagers think about their life decisions anyway? Or adults come to that! This engaging tale is set in historic Boston and so well described that you can almost smell and see the characters and locations. I like the way that the author keeps you guessing up to almost half way through the book by using nicknames. Nicknames are so common in some circles, that certain individuals may never be known generally by their given name, some in fact refuse to answer to it for a variety of reasons. The author cleverly uses this concept in his writing.
The questions of self control and parental guidance, blame and friendship are all themes to be discussed in this story, in addition to the obvious one of race. It was quite a page turner once I had started. The chapters are short and nothing of great difficulty to understand. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. I think it is a good read for young adults or those who don’t read regularly. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and particularly liked the ending that displayed a growing maturity amongst the main characters. I’d be happy to know what comes next in their lives.
The questions of self control and parental guidance, blame and friendship are all themes to be discussed in this story, in addition to the obvious one of race. It was quite a page turner once I had started. The chapters are short and nothing of great difficulty to understand. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. I think it is a good read for young adults or those who don’t read regularly. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and particularly liked the ending that displayed a growing maturity amongst the main characters. I’d be happy to know what comes next in their lives.
June 9, 2021
I think I’ve started this book more than once, sorry it took so long to read it through now that I did.
The story between two kids going to a good school; both having hard lives, both growing up without hard working fathers. Yet the poorest one had a mom that worked hard and would not let him do as other kids on the block. The other kid’s mom, a hard worker as well, but didn’t have much left to push her kids. One boy Irish the other African American.
I enjoyed the build up of there friendship, if with their walls raised, both trying to do right by their mothers.
Insight into each of their lives, friends, expectations and neighborhoods helped me to understand better. Never having lived in this type of setting, I was able to gather that neither boy had a great life.
Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for sharing the ins and outs of inter-urban life, gangs, neighborhood lines and who govern them. I enjoyed learning and living with Patrick and Nate. Thanks to voraciousreadersonly.com for this copy.
A good read for anyone.
The story between two kids going to a good school; both having hard lives, both growing up without hard working fathers. Yet the poorest one had a mom that worked hard and would not let him do as other kids on the block. The other kid’s mom, a hard worker as well, but didn’t have much left to push her kids. One boy Irish the other African American.
I enjoyed the build up of there friendship, if with their walls raised, both trying to do right by their mothers.
Insight into each of their lives, friends, expectations and neighborhoods helped me to understand better. Never having lived in this type of setting, I was able to gather that neither boy had a great life.
Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for sharing the ins and outs of inter-urban life, gangs, neighborhood lines and who govern them. I enjoyed learning and living with Patrick and Nate. Thanks to voraciousreadersonly.com for this copy.
A good read for anyone.
September 4, 2020
Neighborhood Lines is a story about two boys, one Black and one White, their family and friends, and their journey from boys to men in the seemingly segregated city streets of Boston. The story was well written and I found the characters completely relatable. The story itself, with some of the details changed, could easily be happening now. I appreciated the empathy shown to both characters at any given time. This, among other things, made it easier to connect.
At a time when race and overall civil rights are back at the forefront of the collective minds of the country and even the world, this story is even more appropriate and needed. Although there were, for me, a few minor issues, I enjoyed this book and am glad to have given it a chance.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers Only and the author Michael Patrick Murphy in exchange for my honest review.
At a time when race and overall civil rights are back at the forefront of the collective minds of the country and even the world, this story is even more appropriate and needed. Although there were, for me, a few minor issues, I enjoyed this book and am glad to have given it a chance.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers Only and the author Michael Patrick Murphy in exchange for my honest review.
February 25, 2023
The book starts with a young man in prison named 'Prospect' before going back a little earlier on, capturing the friendship formed between two teenagers in '80s Boston across a neighborhood and cultural divide. Nate lives in a predominantly African-American neighborhood where kids his age are pressured into joining gangs, and has a clear path in sight to make something of his life. Patrick lives in an Irish neighborhood and plans to make something of his life too, although he is kind of coasting along. The actions of those around them have an impact on their paths, as well as their own decisions.
I found the book interesting and engaging, and felt quite invested in the outcome for the friends. The photos dotted throughout from that point and place in time gave it an authentic feel.
I found the book interesting and engaging, and felt quite invested in the outcome for the friends. The photos dotted throughout from that point and place in time gave it an authentic feel.
April 11, 2021
Wow. This was one of those books where I needed to let it sink after finishing it.
The story was incredible. This kind of stuff was happening not too long ago, and reading it makes you realize that there are still things that need to be done to go past racial injustices and discrimination. The themes in this book are still relevant today. The author did an amazing job at writing this story. The friendship between Nate and Patrick grew slowly, but it was so strong in the end that nothing could break it, despite the difference of race between the two.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
The story was incredible. This kind of stuff was happening not too long ago, and reading it makes you realize that there are still things that need to be done to go past racial injustices and discrimination. The themes in this book are still relevant today. The author did an amazing job at writing this story. The friendship between Nate and Patrick grew slowly, but it was so strong in the end that nothing could break it, despite the difference of race between the two.
I received a free copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
January 23, 2025
Neighborhood Lines is an engrossing tale about the hardships and accomplishments of Boston life during the 1980s desegregation period. It follows two high school young men, one white and one black, as they navigate racial conflict, cultural gaps, and the struggle of combining familial devotion with emerging friendships. The book accurately depicts Boston's history, from bussing to corruption, while also providing light on common humanity and long-standing difficulties. Its detailed representation of empathy and relationships hits home, providing both historical context and a dramatic, fascinating tale. An essential read for anybody interested in Boston's rich, complicated history.
September 10, 2020
An interesting look at the 1980s set in Boston. The two main characters couldn't be more different. Both are attending the same high school but one is disciplined and focused, the other is a leader but lacks direction. Early in the book the writer interjects snippets with one of the main characters currently serving time in prison (without letting you know who until much later in the book). Found it eye-opening what people experience because of their ethnicity. This book shows the power of choice that we can all learn from.
Received a free ebook to review via Voracious Readers Only.
Received a free ebook to review via Voracious Readers Only.
February 21, 2025
"Neighborhood Lines" is a compelling novel set in 1980s Boston, exploring the unlikely friendship between Patrick, an Irish-Catholic leader, and Nate, a disciplined Black athlete. Amidst a backdrop of racial tension and societal expectations, their bond challenges cultural norms and personal beliefs. The narrative delves into themes of resilience, choice, and the transformative power of understanding, offering readers a poignant look at how individual actions can transcend deeply ingrained societal
February 10, 2021
This is an excellent written book based in America in the 1980's showing how friendship can survive against all odds. Two boys Nate and Patrick are from different backgrounds and neighbourhoods, they became true friends but their friendship broke cultural boundaries and expectations from both family and friends. This book was a page turner and I am sorry that I have finished. I can highly recommend this book. I received this complementary copy from the Voracious Readers Only.
August 8, 2021
This is a good young adult novel (except for the language - unless foul language is the norm in YA novels). The story line was interesting and relevant, it taught some lessons that were ultimately received and acknowledged, and was full of stereotypes. It's a short novel and easy to read so I finished it pretty quickly. There were a couple of typos and grammatical errors but not enough to drive me crazy.
January 1, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought it would suit ages from teenage years up to adult. It is about two different teenagers in the same school from different backgrounds, their families and their lives. It gives a good insight into the problems different races face. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 18, 2020
This us a wonderful story. If you are p.c., than be warned, the language can be rough. Otherwise, it is a very good book and if you get a chance, read it. Life is never pretty but the people around us make it worth living. This is an important story you should not miss!
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
September 26, 2020
What a story. Not living in America, it is hard to understand the drug and racial problems that have happened and are happening. Reading my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers only, really made me realise how lucky I am that I don't get judged on my race or skin colour. It just goes to show with drive and determination, you can do anything.
August 21, 2019
Complimentary copy of this book was received through Voracious Readers Only
Interesting story of two young men growing up in Boston, USA and the racial tensions that surrounded them.
Quite well written with a good hook to keep the reader guessing.
Interesting story of two young men growing up in Boston, USA and the racial tensions that surrounded them.
Quite well written with a good hook to keep the reader guessing.
October 22, 2019
When the website Voracious Readers suggested this book to me, as soon as I saw it I was thrilled to read it. This contains so many wonderful plot twists that will keep you reading until you finish it!
December 13, 2019
Very interesting story ,it’s about to young boys growing up in Boston and the racial issues that surrounds it. The story is very well written and has history as well. Great book! I received my copy from voracious readers for my review
April 26, 2020
I was sent this to read by Voracious Readers Only, thank you. An interesting book which I enjoyed reading. Having the historical notes included brings home the real life of this era, not just a story. Keeps you guessing till the end.
June 13, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. Wonderful well written characters, incredible plot twists and a great read all around. I would recommend it as a book to read for any one interested in Boston in the early 1990's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews