Angie Thomas can do no wrong! This prequel for THUG takes us smack into Maverick’s life as he juggles life, love, parenthood and survival in Garden Heights pre Starr. ⁣
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I loved this prequel. It was so nice to get Maverick’s backstory and see life from his POV as he struggled with teen fatherhood (we don’t see this often enough and I absolutely loved how real it was!), school, trying to make ends meet while keeping on the right side of the law, gang violence, drugs and more. ⁣
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Maverick is such a strong and compelling character. While reading, you can understand his struggles and feel his love for his children. I love how Thomas doesn’t try to sugar coat or glamorize. She writes honestly - showing the good and bad, the circumstances faced by young black men and the decisions they make trying to get ahead. ⁣
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Family is a strong theme in all of Thomas’ books and it definitely shines through here. We not only see Maverick’s mom and cousin but also the people in the community that act as his family, shaping the man he is through their tough love and compassion. I loved seeing how the main characters in THUG came about and the circumstances between the relationships of their parents. ⁣
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If you enjoyed THUG, I highly recommend you do not miss this prequel! You won’t be disappointed. ⁣
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