Promise Boys

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book! I thought the style and the premise were super interesting and it really held my attention. It was a quick and easy read while still touching on important topics in an interesting way. (Included spoilers below) Pros: I really loved the characters and how unique and different they were from each other. I loved the style of the book and how it was broken up into different sections as well as different characters. I liked how easy it felt to read and the flow of the book (it didn't feel like it started to drag on at any point). I really enjoyed the end of the book and the year-later report, it tied up the book nicely. Cons: Because there were so many characters and side characters, it felt kind of difficult to get to know any of the characters. I did easily predict the actual murderer in the book which was disappointing, I wish things were more ambiguous throughout the book. I also wish we got more insight into the characters' lives. I would have loved to see more about Mrs. Hall and the cop as well as all three of the main boys.

Urban Promise Prep School is a school for the "lost boys" of the DC school system, founded by its strict, rigid, authoritarian principal, Kenneth Moore. During a Friday night basketball game, Moore is found shot dead in his office. There are three primary suspects, J.B., Trey and Ramon. All are students, two are Black, and the third is Latino, each facing their own challenges. They were all supposed to be in detention at the time of the murder. None have an alibi, and all have a motive. Promise Boys is cleverly written, made up of a compilation of chapters from the perspectives of key characters, as well as articles and interviews with witnesses, other students and parents. The story is intense, fast-paced and hooks the reader right away. More than just a murder mystery, Promise Boys explores some serious issues such as racism, poverty, abuse, gun violence, incarceration, urban gangs, and the failure of the educational system. It's clear to J.B., Trey and Ramon that black and brown boys get no benefit of the doubt and no presumption of innocence. Promise Boys is gripping, powerful and deserving of all the hype. It would also make an amazing film. Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review.