On The Come Up (By Angie Thomas)

Reviewer: Miriam Arend
Warning: Spoilers 

Last summer I read The Hate U Give (also by Angie Thomas) and really enjoyed it. I recently read Thomas’s second novel, On The Come Up, and thought it was just as interesting. While On the Come Up is not a sequel to The Hate U Give, the book is set in the same fictional neighborhood, Garden Heights. None of the characters are the same, and the plot is extremely different, but Thomas does reference Khalil (a central character from The Hate U Give) a few times throughout the novel. Thomas’s experience as a former rapper strengthens her portrayal of the protagonist in her second novel.
Overall, I would give On The Come Up a 4.8 out of 5. I enjoyed reading it, although there were some aspects I didn’t like. The book shares a similar theme with The Hate U Give, and both raise awareness about the challenges faced by young African Americans, especially in inner-city areas. The book flows well and the plot isn’t confusing, though it does make readers question whether some characters are really “the good guys or the bad guys.” Thomas does an excellent job of portraying realistic problems, some of which lead characters to make questionable moral decisions or even break the law as they attempt to solve these problems. 
The novel starts with Brianna (Bri) waiting for a call from her Aunt “Pooh,” on whether she will battle in the Ring that night. The Ring is an old boxing ring now used for rappers in Garden Heights to battle each other and try to grow fame. Bri’s father, Lawrence “Lawless” Jackson, was a talented rap artist who was well known in his neighborhood, gaining more fame every day until he was murdered. As a result, everyone knows Bri and expects her to do what her dad could not: succeed as a professional rapper. Inspired by her father, Bri is an aspiring rap artist and she has been waiting for a chance to battle in the Ring for a long time. Bri grows up listening to her father’s songs and soon rapping becomes second nature for her. Bri shows talent in her debut in the Ring and instantly begins gaining fame. Unfortunately, in the coming days biased security guards at her (mostly white) school harass Bri, which causes her to react strongly. Long and Tate (the security guards) are responsible for monitoring everyone coming into the school with metal detectors and breaking up any fights that might start. However, the guards usually target non-white students entering the building, forcing them to go through the metal detector again or hand over their belongings. Bri is told to do this, even though the detector has not beeped. She refuses to do so and the situation quickly escalates when the guards throw Bri to the floor for no reason. After this act, the guards are temporarily suspended, but when they come back, everyone begins pressuring Bri into going public with her story. Eventually Bri relents and uses her ability as a rapper to publicize the incident in a music video. Working with her aunt and local producer to record this first official song, Bri releases it under the title “On the Come Up.” The song references the many wrongs in her world, and is meant to be ironic, attacking outsiders who stereotype her community. However, her lyrics are vastly misinterpreted by fearful parents as well as gangs, causing Bri even more problems. 
Aunt Pooh starts out as one of Bri’s most loyal supporters. She is responsible for giving Bri a shot in the Ring and has always believed in her. Unfortunately, she is also a member of one of the biggest gangs in Garden Heights and she earns money by selling drugs. Eventually this business consumes her and she is unable to help Bri achieve her dreams. 
Bri’s mom, Jay, is a former drug addict who has been clean for eight years. She isn’t as supportive of Bri’s rap career, but she does want what she believes is best for her. Trey (Bri’s brother) generally backs up his mom’s opinions, and supports Bri in whatever ways he can. Besides her family, Bri is supported by her best friends, Sonny and Malik, but they also help her know when to draw the line. Bri is a headstrong character who always has the right intentions but her tendency to rush into situations usually ends up reflecting negatively on her. 
On The Come Up accurately shows life in an inner-city community, and highlights both Bri’s successes and failures. Thomas creates fully developed characters all trying to get their own “come up,” and no one is fully good or bad. This book shows realities that many books often ignore, and portrays most characters as doing what they think they need to do to make it on their own.

Comments

  1. AditiFebruary 14, 2020 at 7:01 AM

    This is a good post and it sounds like a good book. I like that you talk about how realistic it is and especially how it's not clear who are the "good" and "bad" guys, because that's not always how life works. The Hate U Give was pretty impactful when it came out, do you think this book is just as important for people to read? Also, do you think writing a song about her experiences was a good idea or should she have gone to the police or a journalist or some other authority? I'll probably be checking this book out soon. Thanks for you review!

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  2. Tracy LiFebruary 25, 2020 at 12:56 PM

    Great review! I like how you mentioned how On The Come Up is similar, yet different, to Thomas's famous The Hate U Give. I also thought it was interesting how Khalil was mentioned (easter eggs) through On The Come Up. Thomas's realistic portray of real-life issues and the ever-present moral gray area sounds pretty interesting in your writing. I liked The Hate U Give, so I might give On The Come Up a try soon!

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  3. JohnMarch 8, 2020 at 5:43 PM

    I read THUG for my banned books project last year, and I really liked it. It was a very interesting story, that rose awareness for a real world problem. My sister has read On the Come Up, and she says that it is really good, although not as good as the first. The concept seems interesting. Probably more interesting than the one of the first book. I might just read it. Thanks for the review!

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