On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

On the Come Up

by Angie Thomas

Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning author

New York Times #1 bestselling author

The highly anticipated second novel from Angie Thomas returns to the world of Garden Heights for a powerful story about hip hop, freedom of speech - and fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you.

Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri's got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy and portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it - she has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.

Reviewed by Joséphine on

5 of 5 stars

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February 20, 2019

My full book review is now up on Word Revel.

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January 14, 2019

Initial thoughts: Excuse me while I collect myself. This book is so powerfully written, and demonstrates the hardships Bri has to deal with due to racism and poverty. On the Come Up challenges stereotypes and makes readers stop and think about the world we live in. I have too many and too few words to explain the impact this book had on me as reader. I'll take a day or two to process more before typing up a full review on my blog.

As with The Hate U Give, I agree with all who say that On the Come Up needs to be on everyone's radar.

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Note: I received an advanced reading copy from a local distributor in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 14 January, 2019: Finished reading
  • 14 January, 2019: Reviewed