RaveThe GuardianFor me...the novel’s strength lies in the way it explores the loves, fears and friendships of an African American community that is doing its best to survive under an increasingly hostile administration ... This makes On the Come Up sound worthy and heavy going, but it is actually joyous and very funny. Bri often acts without thinking, with potentially dangerous consequences, but she is deeply loyal and has a great repertoire of one liners ... Her friendship with Sonny and Malik is exquisitely portrayed ... It is also a celebration of African American cultural achievement in music, TV and film, bursting with references that feel like a gift to readers who don’t usually see their lives represented in this way.
