Member Reviews
I Loved this so much!! I'm proud of how many books especially YA are starting to talk about more serious topics an taboo ones and handle them with such grace and interesting, well-written and well-rounded characters.
This was beyond good. Great if I must say. I can’t wait to rave about this to everyone. If you are looking for a good book, pick this up.
This book was so good! It was very immersive and I felt connected to the well developed characters. The writing gripped me from the beginning, and I was so invested the entire way through. The storyline felt real. I was able to relate to the characters either myself or through someone I knew. There is such depth to this story. This is definitely a classic in my opinion!
Thank you NetGalley and PTP Press for an ARC in exchange for me honest and voluntary review.
Buzzardville, Alabama is home but the racial tension is palpable. Zenetta Henchman is witness to the result of the racism when she witnesses a black girl being gunned down right in front of her by a store clerk. Zenetta is torn between her love for her father and his job as the only black member of the police department. She learns just what kinds of torture that humans can impose on each other for no reason other than the color of their skin and how the very institution that is supposed to protect and serve is sometimes the one inflicting the torture. This novel opened my eyes to the racial injustice that our African American brothers and sisters face on a day-to-day basis. It is an emotional roller coaster so prepare yourself, it is a bumpy ride.
I did enjoy this book, particularly the scenes in court towards the end. I also liked the issues raised through the novel and seeing racism through a different perspective. However, I think that some of the characterisation was unrealistic and believable at times which made it difficult to get emersed in the book. I think I would have preferred a dual POV where the main character's father was included as narrative voice.
D.N.F’d at 43%.
I had read enough about a child being physically and verbally abused by her parents. The variations of the N-word that showed up frequently were also troublesome. Just couldn’t push myself to read any more.
Thank you to netgalley and PTP Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed this book.
A fathers desire to be accepted uncovers racism that runs rampant in the police force.
Zenetta is a 15 year old struggling to survive in Buzzardville, Alabama. Her world is turned upside down when she witnesses the murder of a classmate by a stock clerk simply for being black. She experiences the harsh reality of racism due to the color of her skin. Zenetta is often at odds with her father who is an officer and turns against his own people. Zenetta and her former best friends brother are attacked by police officers after going to a store in a predominately white neighborhood. This attack begins to unravel the evil that runs rampant in the police department as more victims are found. Zenetta learns the truth about her family as the case comes to a close.
Nikki T. Anthony's, "The Price We Pay" is a gripping novel about racism and its devastating effects on African Americans. Zenetta's frustration at her father causes much turmoil in her household. Nikki's take on racism was difficult to read in some parts, but much needed to help in understanding the horrible reality o this topic. The description of the two places gives readers a stark contrast of a black and white neighborhood. I feel this books is an important addition to the topic of racism.
I recommend this book.
Things are never as black and white as they seem. But when it comes to injustice, there are no gray areas. Zenetta Henchman has a nothing-to-lose attitude and a strong personality beyond her young years. She witnesses a fatal shooting that divides her community. A string of racial attacks turn into accusations when Zenetta's father, the only Black police officer on the force, chooses the wrong side of the law.
Racial injustice, social prejudice, police brutality and wrongful conviction are themes in new YA novel, The Price We Pay. I felt the tension and conflict through the pages. However, I found it hard to stay interested while reading because of my strong dislike for most of the main characters. Zenetta had a powerful voice but didn't use it. She was silent when she should have spoken up and opened her mouth when it was best to stay quiet. Her parents were no better. It was maddening!
I suppose it was the author's intent to prove there is a price to pay for silence. In this regard, well done! I just wish I could sympathize more with the characters.
Happy Early Pub Day, Nikki T. Anthony! The Price We Pay will be available on November 12.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie