Book Review: Kings of B’More by R. Eric Thomas
Thank you Bookish First for my review copy.
I was all excited to read this Black joy story and it didn’t work out exactly in my favor as I hoped it would. I wanted a carefree story, but both of the main characters are dealing with some heavy issues. Then there were several incidents of racism and can we not in these Black joy books? I deal with that a lot in my everyday life. I just want to read a book about Black people at our best! No heavy themes, topics. Just carefree living life Black people. Not asking for too much.
Back to the book. There were some fun moments along the way. I do like the way the main characters were able to talk to their parents and have open dialogue at the end. I loved that this book focused on the importance of friendship and how platonic love doesn’t necessarily lead to romance which is a good thing. The story also had good diverse side characters as well which helped the story progress.
CW: Abandonment, mental health issues, incidents of racism.
About the Book:
With junior year starting in the fall, Harrison feels like he’s on the precipice of, well, everything. Standardized testing, college, and the terrifying unknowns and looming pressures of adulthood after that—it’s like the future wants to eat him alive. Which is why Harrison is grateful that he and his best friend, Linus, will face these things together. But at the end of a shift at their summer job, Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: He’s moving out of state at the end of the week.
To keep from completely losing it—and partially inspired by a cheesy movie-night pick by his dad—Harrison plans a send-off à la Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that’s worthy of his favorite person. If they won’t be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day together. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party, all while keeping their respective parents, who track them on a family location app, off their trail. Harrison and Linus make a pact to do all the things—big and small—they’ve been too scared to do. But nothing feels scarier than saying goodbye to someone you love.