Dear Justyce

With the horrific treatment of George Floyd, there couldn't have been a more apposite moment to read this book. Quan wonders if there is any way that he could have made different decisions, ones which wouldn't have lead to gang membership and incarceration on a murder charge. As we follow his life, we see how events are stacked against him, and how trivial acts of racism eat away at him (he's accused of cheating because his test score is so good, and despite the fact that books are his escape, the new librarian treats him as if he's going to cause trouble...)
This is a novel that helped me to understand how privileged I am, and it made me feel very angry. However, it's also a gripping read: Quan is such a likeable character, and you are really rooting for him. I'm going to be recommending this book as a great read, and I'll be looking out for Dear Martyn to read the back story, too.

I feel uncomfortable saying I enjoyed this book as at the heart of this narrative is injustice that people of a minority experience everyday. The form of the letters allowed the characters to speak their truth. Quan’s story may be one that many others have experienced but it was interesting to read Nic Stone’s additions to reveal further truth beyond the fiction. Some moments of the narrative are romanticised; I wonder if this is for the benefit of the reader? I wonder how I would feel if these moments reflected the truth?
.
This is a must read. And I have now added Nic Stone’s Dear Martin to my TBR list.
.
I would definitely recommend this to my secondary students (14+)

Dear Justyce, powerful, raw, unflinching and honest. It's a book that lingers with you long after you've finished reading. An important, extremely relevant and topical read for anyone who wants to educate themselves more on the black lives matter initiative. It should be added to every schools reading list.

This book is a sort of sequel to Dear Martin but works well as a stand alone novel. Opening with an author's note about why she has written it, it hooks you in from the beginning. Justyce has had a complicated childhood and has an awareness of injustice from a very young age. This is a timely and important read and the writing is both gripping and accesible. Would recommend this as an essential read from early teen years through to adulthood.

Thank you to netgalley for this advance review copy. (For reference I read this during Covid 19 lockdown)

I read this story in one sitting. The writing was amazing. It was able to transport and immerse me in a life completely different to my own. This sequel was as good as the first.