Powerful stories are rarely the ones that are sunshine and rainbows. They’re the stories about young men and women going through something that is traumatic and often caused by outside circumstances. In the case of Dear Justyce, we see a young man who has been failed by the system as well as society. This story pulls no punches and gives you a clear look into what the American prison system is like for young Black men. There is so much emotion behind each and every word written, and like Dear Martin, it’s unforgettable. It’s my hope that this book, and others like it fall into the hands of those who need it the most in this world, especially if it helps spark change or conversation. This story has quite a few content warnings, such as depictions of abuse, violence, police brutality, racism, and use of the N word and graphic language. This is not an exhaustive list, but just some of the ones that stood out the most to me. Please use your own judgement when adding it to your TBR, but as I said, I think this story is a necessary read for everyone who can manage it.
Dear Justyce is the sequel (of sorts) to Dear Martin. You don’t have to have read Dear Martin in order to pick this one up, but it certainly helps. In Dear Justyce, Quan is awaiting trial after entering a not-guilty plea for the shooting of a police officer. His story is told through a series of letters to Justyce, the protagonist of Dear Martin. Quan takes a look at his troubled past and the systems that got him where he currently waits, and just how flawed the American system is toward African American young men.
Quan’s perspective is so refreshingly straightforward from the beginning of this story, and I was hooked on every word. Despite hiding behind some tough guy bravado, there is also a young man who is hooked on graphic novels and loved reading The Series of Unfortunate Events as a kid. His desperation to have a stable and safe home are palpable, especially at the beginning. The summary on Goodreads mentions an unraveling and that’s exactly what it feels like is going on. We get to start at the beginning with Quan’s early years and having an unstable home due to an abusive step-parent and witnessing police brutality at a young age too. This was incredibly hard for me to read and not get choked up about it.
Saying the odds are stacked against Quan is an understatement to say the least. Even so, in his letters, and in the flashbacks, Quan is actively trying to rise above it all…and consistently beaten down. I’m not sure why, but the most memorable scene for me is Quan bringing home his math test. Even though his dad was determined for Quan not to be like him or live the same life, his circumstances lead him to join a group of young men that offer him the semblance of family and protection..and then he ends up incarcerated. I don’t want to say more than this for fear of spoilers, but let me tell you, this story is deep, dark, and will take you on a very compelling journey.
The exploration of the American justice system in regard to African American boys I felt is deeply explored, even if we don’t get to see too much of what it’s like inside of the prison. Readers do get to see glimpses of Quan’s experiences inside, but I feel like it was more about the bigger system outside of it. It’s about the police officers, lawyers, and judges who seem more preoccupied with finding blame with someone rather than about an actual fight to find justice. If your gut reaction to this is anger, then you’re feeling the right feelings. This book will bring up lots of feelings, and I encourage you to explore them all. All of Nic Stone’s books have made me feel some way after reading them.
If you’re not someone to read author’s notes (like me, I’m one of those), do yourself a favour and read this one. Nic makes such a strong statement about the fact that while this story is a work of fiction, there are many stories like Quan’s that are very real, and likely don’t end up the way that this one does. I’ll say it again, this book is very needed and should go on everyone’s shelf. I’m glad I have my copy and I hope you’ll add this one to your TBR! This story is a 10/10, I’d honestly rate it higher if I could. I’ve got my fingers crossed it ends up on the best seller’s list.
Dear Justyce is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
In the stunning and hard-hitting sequel to the New York Timesbestseller Dear Martin, incarcerated teen Quan writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American prison system.
Shortly after teenager Quan enters a not guilty plea for the shooting death of a police officer, he is placed in a holding cell to await trial. Through a series of flashbacks and letters to Justyce, the protagonist of Dear Martin, Quan’s story unravels.
From a troubled childhood and bad timing to a coerced confession and prejudiced police work, Nic Stone’s newest novel takes an unflinching look at the flawed practices and ideologies that discriminate against African American boys and minorities in the American justice system.
