I AM...: The unsettling truth

by T.H. Moore

“I AM…” follows a young successful African-American couple, police sergeant Xavier and trauma surgeon Sandy, who are forced to pick up the pieces of their marriage after the violent loss of their young godson at the hands of a local police- man. The couple’s tragic loss sparks not only their community’s anger but also the rage of a vigilante. A nationwide killing spree ensues, targeting corrupt police officers, beginning in Texas and spreads to the nation’s capital in Washington, DC where a suspect is ultimately charged. The burden of justice falls upon a DC jury who must deliver the country from the brink of anarchy. Yet, regardless of their verdict, America will never be the same.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2019

Reviews

[Morgan Hogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books that deal with police murdering innocent black men, women, and children and they all end the same: with protests that fall on deaf ears and cops (slave patrol) getting away with murder --as they have been doing for centuries.

BUT

This book is so different. I don't want to give any parts of it away because I want anyone who reads this to experience it for themselves but I will say this: I have always dreamed that what happened in this book would happen in real life.

If I could sum this book up in one sentence, it would be a quote I love from Malcolm X: “Concerning nonviolence, it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.”

If you're fed up and need a release, read this book.
If you've ever wished that the pendulum of justice would just ONCE swing in favor of the Black man, read this book.
If you want a suspenseful, can't-put-it-down page turner, read this book!

[Denise Relf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. The concept of a black wife that’s had enough, and takes justice into her own hands is one I haven’t heard of before. The chapters in court were moving, that defense attorney sure put on a show to make us all think. I appreciated the raw historical references of how racism has plagued this country since it’s inception. I appreciated the infusion of more recent racial injustices as it was brought into the court of law, very nice touch. The text was very descriptive and yet not over done as is expected with a good book.
The parts I didn’t care too much for was some of the interactions between the main character and her husband, it felt overly hostile in the early to middle part of the book. I also would have loved to hear a bit more about the husband’s struggle with it all, maybe that can be a second novel...we’ll see what the author does. I am definitely excited to read more about this female vigilante!

[Paige | Booked Not Bothered · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revolution Not Reform

This is the book to read for those who feel what it means to be Black in America. For those who pray every morning that their husbands walk back through the door at night. For those who know the shiver felt when your blood drains from your body when you catch the red and blue in your review mirror. For those who have to give The Talk to their son who still wears dinosaur pjs to bed. For those who are weary but keep going on.

Many books mirror the true-to-life struggles of Black Americans and other POC dealing with the same topics as this one; police brutality, racism, fascism, nationalism, workplace harassment, and generational trauma to name a few. However, unlike the disappointing and downright despicable yet expected outcomes witnessed time and time again, this novel reimagines a timeline where accountability is demanded and rage knocks.

I AM demonstrates the difference between having to bring your own chair to the table when you have no seat, or building your own table and making a place for yourself. Revolution isn’t a dinner party, it's simply a petition to eat.

[Classy Storygraph mgr_classy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I Am” grabbed my attention immediately, but it started to wane along the way. Halfway through, I begin to lose interest because some things were unbelievable in my opinion and the pacing was slow. The falling action of the arc seemed to go on forever and I questioned where the story was going. I may have struggled with this book because it mirrored the current events with police brutality, so my review may change once I settle down and unpack what I just read.

[Dwinetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had potential. I applaud the author for putting an interesting trust in the ending and for the main character being the ultimate badass. However, the writing style and lack of transitions threw me off. Again, great message just delivery and flow needed some editing.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like saying very much about this story will be a spoiler. The basics are that Sandy (a doctor) and her husband Xavier (a police officer) are a happily married couple. But when a police officer shoots a person of color under questionable circumstances and Sandy realizes how easily this could have been her, Xavier, or others in their community, things get shaken up.

This story looks at a long-time issue in the US of law enforcement appearing to be too quick to pull the trigger and then suffering no consequences. I Am is an intense, educational and thought-provoking tale.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **