Category: Fiction
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN-13: 9781416562030
Pub. Date: April 2009
Date Read: July 2009
"The first pain came at noon but she didn't tell anybody about it. My mother was thirteen and she want about the afternoon being every part of such a precarious age."
Abraham Singleton's birth surprises his very young mother and her family. The world he becomes a part of is one filled with gangs, poverty, drugs and all other sad circumstances you can think of that abound in a housing project.
Even some of Abraham's own family get caught up in the vices found in Ever, the housing project. But, thanks to Abraham's strong and loving grandmother though, he can actually have dreams beyond Ever. Dreams that involve learning, colleges and opportunities.
There are many difficult moments in Abraham's life. Moments that are sad as we see his mother faltering as well as one of his uncles. And, yet, Abraham just observes and matures. He doesn't judge but he doesn't make excuses either.
What I really liked about this book were the descriptions. Whether describing a basketball game or a character breaking down from so much sadness, the reader can really get into the story.
The violence is never excused but I think the author makes an excellent argument about the never-ending cycle those who live in these situations face and what leads to trouble. Despite the grim situations, I didn't find the book depressing, just thoughtful and full of hope.