Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Dear Martin series, book 1
(2017) 224 pages

When reading the blurb of this book, I expected it to be a slow burn due to the minimal information provided. I was proven completely wrong as soon as I started the novel. Nic Stone uncovers aspects of racism and identity crisis in ways that are interesting, informative and beyond intelligent. The protagonist, Justyce McAllister is an African-American teenage male who goes through many hardships throughout the plot. There was never a dull moment in the book due to the constant additions of conflicts and hardships. This book was the perfect formula of drama and romance, while still teaching valuable lessons that drive the book to success. Since the plot takes place in Justyce’s senior year of high school, every student is stressed about college. This causes many types of characters to evolve such as Manny, Justyce’s best friend and star basketball player, along with Jared, a peer who clearly displays his resentment towards Justyce. While some of Justyce’s peers are friendly and respectful, others are racist and arrogant leading to major conflicts that result in unexpected plot twists. All of the characters in this novel have roles that form the entertaining novel that Stone has created. Overall, this novel has much deeper teachings and morals hidden in the pages than seen at first glance. The storyline hooks you and makes you want to reread the book again for the first time.