Book Overview
“Dear Martin” by Nic Stone is about a boy named Justice who lives in Atlanta. One night, he visits his ex-best friend who is drunk. During this encounter, a police officer approaches Justice and his ex-girlfriend, who is both white and Black. The officer is suspicious because it’s late at night, and Justice is talking to a white girl. Following the encounter, Justice is instructed to call someone, and he calls his mom and the girl’s parents. Despite his cooperation, the officer insists on handcuffing him, causing shock and confusion.
Evaluation
One aspect of the book that I liked was how it depicted the reactions of various cops, especially when people were unjustly arrested or killed. The book demonstrated that not all cops agreed with the actions of their colleagues, and this felt realistic. While it was a tough choice not to arrest some individuals, it portrayed the harsh realities of life, including racism and the persistence of injustice.
Book Impression
I genuinely enjoyed the book. It felt very realistic, even when tragic events occurred. The book made me reflect on whether these incidents were based on true stories, as it was so authentic and true to life. The authors seemed well-researched and skillfully wove real-life experiences into the story.
Characters
Justice is the main character, and he is determined to fight for justice even when he ends up in challenging situations. Justice is 17 years old, soon to be 18, and aspires to attend college. He is a good student and remained resolute despite the hardships he encountered.
Another character is his best friend, who sadly did not escape arrest, unlike Justice. Justice’s relationship with his best friend was significant, and he tried to prevent many people, including her, from being arrested. They had been close friends since childhood.
Theme and Takeaways
The book primarily addresses issues like racial violence and people getting killed. It encourages us to stand up and make a difference. Despite adversity, the story emphasizes resilience. The book illustrates how standing up and protesting against injustice can make a difference, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Target Audience
The book is for everyone, but it appears to be primarily targeted at younger audiences. It seeks to inspire the next generation to take action and work against injustice.
Personal Connection
I have seen instances of racism over the years, and even though I personally haven’t experienced it, it saddens me to see people subjected to discrimination and name-calling. For instance, as a child, someone once refused to play with me because of my race. It’s a hurtful experience that my mom still remembers. The book’s themes resonated with me because, as someone with a white mom, I’ve grown up in a diverse environment. While our generation has made strides against racism, it’s crucial to embrace diversity and accept everyone for who they are. Reading this book further emphasized the importance of unity and equality to me.
