Alisha Netis

Ok so I initially picked this book up to get away from all the Black trauma stories. Because this is a thriller I thought it would be a nice change from having my realities thrown into my face by a talented writer who could possibly peak my interest, and also looks like me. Honestly I really only ever read books from cover to cover written by people who look like me. Mainly because I’ve been in school for the better part of my life and aside from attending Spelman I’ve always been required to read books written by white people. Anyway my hopes were quickly shattered as the first few chapters are written about the vivid atrocities of gentrification and whites inability to have to feel even a sliver of uncomfortableness. However this book clearly wasn’t authored towards the white gaze and the thrilling parts of the story are written between the lines where I’ve noticed most reviewers state “it’s slow to pick up”. Sure the parts nearing the end are of the traditional thrilling variety, but I promise view this book through the lens of a Black person and you’ll see the thrill. Despite being reminded of the daily horrors me and my community faces I thoroughly enjoyed this read! It’s gripping, challenging, hilarious, and kept me on the edge of my seat telling my bf every crazy detail. I highly recommend this book to everyone who comes across it especially those of the majority who need to challenge their perspective and hopefully gain a sense of community in sitting with the uncomfortable. Well done Alyssa Cole!!