I've read all of Randi Pink's books and I will say that she's definitely improved since 2016 with this one. As a resident of Alabama, I always get that "I know this or I recall that" moments when reading and it's so easy to relate.

This book did a lot of stereotyping the Black and white of the world for Toya and Alex. Being from Alabama and going to a diverse school where the politics, culture, and society catered to the white students and their parents. So, when Diante talks about being an Oreo, then I can definitely understand that PULL and PUSH of finding an identity that makes you comfortable, safe, and likable even when it changes who you are. Peer pressure and society's association of centering whiteness all the time makes it harder for an individual to just be seen for who they are.

The book is very predictable in some places and it reads as exaggerated and overly dramatic. It seems like Pink wanted to throw all of the horrible insults and scenarios between white and Black people to make sure her narrative had a relatable connection to her Southern readers. When it's too heavy, it just bogs down the scene. However, when you realize the character(s) are changing and transforming, then it takes you a bit of time to process their actions.

Nonetheless, it was not great but it wasn't bad either. There were both funny and sad scenes throughout the book, but if you're a young boy or girl and grew up in the South, then this may be just the right book for you.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)

Thanks, @libby.app, for the free ALC.