I received an advanced copy of this from the publisher via Net Galley.

I'm not sure what more to say about this book that hasn't already been said.
Convo with husband while I was reading this book:
Husband: What's wrong?
Me: Just reading a difficult book.
H: So don't read it
M: NO WAY!. Just because it's a difficult topic doesn't mean it shouldn't be read. This book makes me reflect and learn/grow as a human being.
H: Well that is a good reason.

"Light It Up" is the follow up to "How It Went Down." I have not read this one, but Light It Up provides enough background to the first story, that it can stand on it's own. There are a few instances, where context and actions from the first could be helpful in understanding character motivation, but it didn't detract.

I love how this novel was presented. Racial injustice affects the entire community, and Kekla Magoon gives up a multitude of characters to get to know. We learn how each of them is connected to the murder of Shae Tatum and how the aftermath affects them. There are many characters, but how they are presented keeps it from feeling scattered. And they are multi-dimensional, which lends to characters you can relate to.

As another reviewer commented, this book reminds me about how my viewpoint, white privilege and language I use can further harm and perpetuate hateful/racist behavior.