I’ve never been in love. I don’t want to die, not yet. I’m think I’m only starting to figure out who I am.
~ Christina Hammond Reed
Ashley Bennett is a normal teenager enjoying her perfect life. She has friends, normal family and a reckless sister.
She vaguely aware about the Rodney King riots of Los Angeles 1992, but she isn’t much affected.
She’s always been told to be the perfect type, the perfect height, the perfect way to walk, the perfect way to dress, boys to date and in high school prom.
She’s always been a part of “US” but one day her life changes when she becomes “THEM“.
This is the story of Ashley trying to fit into something she’s born as but not brought up as. She’s suddenly “The Black Kid“.
The plot of the story is very emotional , specially during these times.
There is so much resemblance of that time to today’s world and the readers see how not much has been changed and how The Black People are still *Them*
The narration is lucid, there’s no discontinuity despite the fact that the narration jumps from one situation to another.
The character development of Ashley is the most striking feature of the novel: from a kid that has been sheltered by her parents since childhood, she realizes her identity when she steps out into the real world.
The cover of the book is mesmerizing, a burning Los Angeles can be seen being reflected in Ashley’s glasses. It resembles not just the physical fire but also the fire against injustice in the hearts of people.
Inkandfables 