"People make mistakes. They look at the surface of things and see what they want to."
This one quote from the book perfectly sums it up. Tariq Johnson, a black teenager, is just sixteen years old when he is gunned down by a white man. But the question everyone needs an answer to is why? Was he armed as some bystanders said or was he only holding a chocolate bar? Had he just robbed a convenience store or did it just appear that way? Was he a gang member as some claimed or holding strong and resisting initiation as others said? Was the shooter acting in self-defense or was it a race issue? Why was he let off so easily? Was it because he was actually innocent or was it yet another case of white privilege?
This is a story told in multiple perspectives from Tariq's family members, friends and a various members of the rough neighbourhood where he grew up. There are many, many viewpoints, yet the way they're all written, flowing from one into the next with clear captions doesn't makes it at all confusing, so don't overthink it and you'll be just fine. You'll be left with a cohesive panorama shown from many clear points of view.
This is the kind of book that makes you think. It shows how easily people jump to conclusions when these types of terrible events take place. So much depends on individuals' own perspectives, biases, and status. It's how a human life can mean a lot or nothing at all and how people can literally get away with murder when facts and fiction are blurred.
Judge the cover: 5/5
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