Status Updates From Devils Within

This book constantly catches my attention and makes me interested. The descriptions of the horrors Nate faced made me deeply sympathize with him. The author does a great job at making the reader sympathize with Nate. The pages that Nate gave to the reporter were detailed in such a descriptive and sympathetic way. The connection with Brandon coming clean with Nate keeping his past a secret felt so influential

I’ve surprised myself with being capable of reading this much. My reading level is low, but I wish to improve my abilities. This book has to be a great start. I’m deeply invested in the plot and the characters. I feel bewildered by figuring out Maddie’s personality, as we have only seen it through the lens of Nate. To the point I stopped reading, I was surprised by the confrontation Bev and Nate’s uncle did

It’s pretty good so far. I like the descriptions the author used to describe Nate, he isn’t written as a the ‘ideal’ victim but rather a victim who has adapted to his previous environment. This entire book concept is pretty dark, but I feel as if it is handled really well. So far my favorite character is Brandon. He’s sweet and outgoing. Everything I like in a character.

-ime period we can only read about but I felt connected to Nate. This story was one of self discovery as much as it was one of injustice, and as a female in her 20s that is my entire life right now. A good read overall with good lessons to take from it!

I’m indifferent about the ending. Sad that Nate genuinely wanted to do better but lost so much up until the end but also happy, because him losing it all inspired much needed character development. Even so, I’m not sure what type of ending I was expecting but it did feel slightly lackluster to me. Overall this story has such a unique perspective on an important topic. Not only did I gain a new perspective on a t

"I choose to be shaped, polished by my past."
This is a word! As an individual that has made more than a handful of decisions she could have went her life without, I wouldn't change any of it. Whenever I think back to something and I cringe or get the urge to cry of embarrassment, I focus on the present. I redirect my mind, my energy. I'm grateful I no longer make certain choices & that's enough to keep me going.

"Another notch on my gruesome belt" is a great way to describe the pressure from the guilt Nate is feeling in his stomach.

Not everyone who claims to be an ally is one. There are racists, too cowardly to be bold about such, so they pretend. It's a real thing and it's scary. They have not loved us, and they do not love us, this is something we as a people must know

Nate is in distress and almost flabbergasted that The Fort managed to frame him once again. This part just reminds me of how easily and often African Americans deal with wrongful accusations/arrests. Throughout the story, I've noticed that the author places Nate in situations similar to this- enlightening him on the extent of injustice minorities face by making him to experience it

Racism is a hive of hibernating hornets."
It is, it always was and as time goes by, I begin to believe that it always will be. The hatred for people of color is rooted so deep in the blood of these people, you start to think that it would be a waste if they were to stop now. What a time to be alive.

& the damage has already multiplied. (289>) This part reminds me of that golden rule they drill into our heads pretty much every day until high school graduation. "Treat people how you want to be treated." B/c if not, you'll end up like Nate - in the same position as your victims. I think placing Nate in a position to be judged based only off of what people think they know about him, was needed & well done.

Nate becomes aware of his privilege and to me, this revelation is comforting yet tragic all at once. Comforting b/c as a minority, nothing is worse than a privileged individual that refuses to recognize themselves as such. It almost feels like they are begging to be in our position, like it is some game they were left out of. The tragedy weighs more. Realizing that his regret changes nothing-

-ime period we can only read about but I felt connected to Nate. This story was one of self discovery as much as it was one of injustice, and as a female in her 20s that is my entire life right now. A good read overall with good lessons to take from it!