All tagged own voices

Punching the Air – Ibi Zoboi

Expectation: An exploration of criminal justice inequities framed around the true story of one of the “Central Park jogger” teens.

Reality: While the verses are beautiful, the story and characterizations fell victim to typical YA tropes versus breaking new ground.

Heavy: An American Memoir – Kiese Laymon

These raw and unfiltered memories from Kiese Laymon’s early life in Jackson, Mississippi - roughly pre-teen to mid-20s - left me uncomfortable, frustrated and sad. It’s no wonder this biography is titled “Heavy,” because there is so much weight - metaphorically and physically - that the author has had to carry throughout this life. 

The Prophets – Robert Jones, Jr.

Expectation: A remarkable debut novel giving a queer perspective to the experiences of those held in slavery in pre-Civil War America.

Reality: Gorgeous writing, memorable characters and a tense last third help overcome a somewhat confusing structure. This is a book people will talk about all year.