Book Review: One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite
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From the author’s note:
“One of the good ones” is usually code for a person our country seems worthy. That importance is usually tied to level of education, income, class, zip code, gender identity and sexual orientation. If most or all of those acceptable boxes are checked, then we care.
This right here!!!
EVERY time a Black person is killed in this country a background check is done to see if they are “one of the good ones” and use that to determine if they should receive justice. When George Floyd was killed in broad daylight, folks brought up that he had a criminal record. What does one have to do with the other? You mean to tell me he deserved to die the way he did just because he had a record? I think not. Floyd deserves justice. Along with countless other unarmed black folks. Period.
Then on the other hand you have Kyle Rittenhouse who crossed TWO state lines armed with a gun and shoots up a BLM rally and they plastered his Boy Scout photo all over the internet to make him less threatening. See the difference. 😒
This book covered a lot of themes and also informed me of events in Black History that I wasn’t aware of and had me researching as well. After reading this book, I ordered a copy of The Negro Motorist Green-Book. Despite the circumstances Black folks faced we ALWAYS overcome the obstacles placed in front of us and that’s one thing I love about my people.
Moulite came out swinging in their sophomore novel & held NO punches!! I did find the ending to be a little rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this impactful story that made me stop, think and reflect on the stereotypes and prejudices of this country.
About the Book:
A shockingly powerful exploration of the lasting impact of prejudice and the indomitable spirit of sisterhood that will have readers questioning what it truly means to be an ally, from sister-writer duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.
ISN’T BEING HUMAN ENOUGH?
When teen social activist and history buff Kezi Smith is killed under mysterious circumstances after attending a social justice rally, her devastated sister Happi and their family are left reeling in the aftermath. As Kezi becomes another immortalized victim in the fight against police brutality, Happi begins to question the idealized way her sister is remembered. Perfect. Angelic.
One of the good ones.
Even as the phrase rings wrong in her mind—why are only certain people deemed worthy to be missed?—Happi and her sister Genny embark on a journey to honor Kezi in their own way, using an heirloom copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book as their guide. But there’s a twist to Kezi’s story that no one could’ve ever expected—one that will change everything all over again.