Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted by members for the Young Adult additional read



Concrete Rose

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Marvelous choice!

I thought The Hate U Give was excellent and I hope to read this prequel eventually. I really enjoyed Thomas's writing.

It’s on my list and I placed a hold on the audiobook from my library. Currently says 6 weeks, but sometimes that goes a lot quicker 🤞🏾🤞🏾

I read this last month and was not disappointed. It didn't quite stir the same emotions of The Hate U Give for me, but it was a very real and powerful story.

This book was enjoyable and I gave it 5 starts. I listened to the audio version, it was so well done! I was right there with Maverick listening and visualizing his choices to do the right thing for his family.

Thanks for your comments and all the updates. I enjoyed Thomas’ book, The hate U give. I didn’t know she published a new book. This is whyyyyy I am on Goodreads !! I can’t wait to read this new book !