Molly Wray

I had a very difficult time remaining interested in this book. Even though the topic is essential to understand, and history must not be ignored, whitehead relished in rehashing the disgusting treatment of young African-American males in a fictitious Florida reform school (but semi based on an actual reform school). It was an endless exercise in reading account after account of the plethora of ways these young black men were mistreated and I couldn’t help but think about how the author drew the story out by beating a dead horse over and over again. I have several friends who said they tried to start it, but it just didn’t keep their attention and they couldn’t finish it. But, I forced myself to finish it (no matter how often I felt like I was reading the same basic concept of corrupt treatment over and over again) because I had vowed to a friend that I would read it upon his suggestion. I’ve read so many great reviews of this book and I’m wondering how many marked it high because they were just too afraid to tell the truth for fear of sounding insensitive and stirring up controversy. If you’re looking for a riveting novel I forewarn you that The Nickel Boys is just a slow and steady third person account about boys sent unfairly to a reform school and being treated even more unfairly because of the color of their skin.