... [an] exuberant, exquisitely intimate novel ... The hunger in these pages is real ... And Thomas shows mothers such bighearted love in these pages ... For all the struggle in this book, Thomas rarely misses a step as a writer; only in the scenes of Bri’s budding romance does she perhaps seem uncertain over what feels like a narrative experiment ... Thomas continues to hold up that mirror with grace and confidence. We are lucky to have her...
Angie Thomas expertly dissects black culture and life in a way that is both critical and understanding ... The realities of black, working class life are given a similar treatment; subjects such as drug use and gang violence are examined compassionately rather than with finger-wagging or victim blaming. Bri’s relationships with her aunt—a drug dealer and gang member—and her mother—a recovering drug addict—are handled particularly well, leading to some genuinely touching moments as these two relationships evolve throughout the story ... While this conflict is not new to the literary scene, Ms. Thomas’ choice to tell a familiar story from the point of view of young rapper offers a valuable commentary on the ways in which black culture is both revered and demonized ... On the Come Up is a touching celebration of black culture and black girls combined in a powerful story of what it means to know who you are.
The text challenges its readers to think deeply about white privilege, police brutality and the circumstances designed to break the spirits of young people of color ... Bri’s best friends, Sonny and Malik, complicate the scenario with relatable stories of coming out and the 'friend zone' inquiry. Bri navigates these obstacles with tongue-in-cheek narration, as this brilliant burgeoning young writer learns how expensive it can be to follow your dreams. This book beckons young readers and music lovers alike with an homage to the forefathers of hip-hop that also assures the feminine voice is never dismissed from the cypher.
For 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.
It’s as gripping and truthful as the [The Hate U Give], packed with politics without being partisan and preachy, and has a fantastic, flawed heroine in Brianna ... Thomas, a former rapper herself, packs so much into these 448 pages, but they fly along with the agility of one of Bri’s freestyles.
Thomas is a rich chronicler of the love that binds and the poverty that frays black communities. She slows down the story to detail the skills it takes to be a battle rapper, the judgmental nature of black congregations and even a stretch of trash-talking over a game of Uno when the power goes out at Bri’s home ... Readers hoping for the truth-bomb impact of The Hate U Give won’t find the same scope here. On the Come Up is a more individual, and personal, tale ... Laced with a deep love of hip-hop and community, On the Come Up, lets one poetry-loving teenager find her path.
[The book] wise and witty, and it boasts Thomas’s characteristic ability to handle serious questions of systemic racism with a light and even joyous touch ... On the Come Up is earnest and warm-hearted, a careful examination of social issues that’s built around an immensely endearing main character. It’s likely to assure Thomas’s continued and well-deserved dominance on the best-seller lists.
...On the Come Up truly shines in its exploration of Bri’s resilience, determination, and pursuit of her dreams. In this splendid novel, showing many facets of the Black identity and the Black experience, including both the highs and the lows of middle-class and poor Black families, Thomas gives readers another dynamic protagonist to root for.
... Thomas should prepare for even more attention and accolades, because On the Come Up is another raw and powerful look at the challenges of being young and black in America.
Like Thomas’s first book, it’s bound to resonate with readers who don’t often see themselves and their communities at the center of a story ... I don’t know whether Bri’s life is as broadly relatable as Starr’s, but On the Come Up should appeal to a wider audience, regardless of color, background, political views, or even musical tastes ... With On the Come Up, like a hit song, the bigger themes will linger right along with the catchy beat.
...this visceral novel makes cogent observations about the cycle of poverty and the inescapable effects of systemic racism. Though the book never sands over the rough realities of Garden Heights, such as gang warfare, it imbues its many characters with warmth and depth. While acknowledging that society is quick to slap labels onto black teens, the author allows her heroine to stumble and fall before finding her footing and her voice ... Thomas once again fearlessly speaks truth to power; a compelling coming-of-age story for all teens.
This honest and unflinching story of toil, tears, and triumph is a musical love letter that proves literary lightning does indeed strike twice ... Bri's journey is deeply personal: small in scope and edgy in tone. When Bri raps, the prose sings on the page ... Most importantly, the novel gives voice to teens whose lives diverge from middle-class Americana ... The rawness of Bri's narrative demonstrates Thomas’ undeniable storytelling prowess as she tells truths that are neither pretty nor necessarily universally relatable. A joyous experience awaits. Read it. Learn it. Love it.
