lcl_reads's Reviews (211)

A perfect encapsulation of the tragically unremarkableness of a randomly chosen day where another ten children were killed from gun violence.

This book is not about solutions, nor does it pick cases that are well-known, rather it confronts that gun violence is so normalized and common, that on any given day it is barely a blip on most people's radar.

The writing for this one was on point (I'm a sucker for narrative journalism). I appreciated the way Younge centered the stories of the children and their families, while also adding context and commentary as necessary.

I also really appreciated his criticism of exceptionalism, which is something I have thought about a lot. Because of the concept of this book, many of the children killed were not "perfect" or as he says "angels." Most of them were teenage boys, doing the things teenage boys do (that all kids do because they are young and reckless and pushing boundaries and exploring their world), but that is the complexity of life and death.

None of their deaths were any less significant than the stories that hit the news cycle and in some ways the telling of them is even more cruical because they highlight just how normalized gun violence has become and it is that normalization that sets the stage for the big, noteworthy stories of gun violence.

Very solid story overall. I liked each main narrator's story as a standalone, but the thread connecting them seemed a bit forced.

A very compelling mix of memoir and commentary on the conditions that have created a systemically racist police force. Raymond's upbringing, worldview and actions put him in a unique position to see the system of the NYPD in an usual way. I am still digesting my understanding of the conclusions he draws based on his experiences, but I appreciate the nuanced way he puts forth the things he knows to be true and his unflinching dedication to what he believes.

His narrattion added depth and I would highly recommend this one as an audiobook 

This book was highly disturbing, which I guess is good for a thriller. Like after reading it I really wanted to know if the author is ok. The plot was unique and although I had a hunch about one of the twists at the end, I was genuinely surprised by most of the end.

I wasn't really sure how to rate this book. I am an American who does not identify as a Christian, nor was I raised in Christianity so my knowledge of Christianity is somewhat limited (as limited as it can be in a country where Christianity is the de facto religion).

What I liked:
- Alberta does an excellent job of writing in a way that is quite accessible. I never felt like my lack of knowledge of the Bible or Christian teachings as a hindrance while reading. It felt very much like having an informative conversation.
- While it was clear Alberta identifies as a Christian, I felt he was respectful. He seems like the kind of person I could meet have a discussion with share my thoughts and learn his and walk away agreeing to disagree.
- He does not shy away from difficult conversations. It seems like he is not afraid to report things as he sees them and is not concerned with avoiding conflict.

What I'm still not sure about:
- Alberta clearly believes that the behavior of contemporary evangelicals is antithetical to the Bible and Christian teachings and I'm just still not sure I'm convinced. I still wonder how many times can Christianity be used as a justification for disgusting behavior before one can say that the religion itself is the problem. Alberta states in the introduction the purpose of the book, so he cannot be completely faulted, but I still could help but want a more critical lens on the stances/people he positively highlights particularly in the Glory section of the book. 
- This was a very long book. I think Alberta wanted to ensure he was thorough and told every story, but I seriously contemplated not finishing about 3/4's of the way in because I was beginning to get bored.