On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Review by Lauren
Source: library copy; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make it out of her neighborhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri’s got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri’s life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it—she has to make it.
Review: I’ve heard a lot of people say that they prefer The Hate U Give, Thomas’ debut, over On the Come Up. However, despite owning The Hate U Give since it came out, I still haven’t read it, so On the Come Up is actually my first foray into Thomas’ work. I definitely liked On the Come Up and I thought it had an awesome premise. It was really cool to see the rap world through Bri’s eyes, and she had some amazing lyrics, that we got to read in the book.
I will say, though, that Bri could definitely be annoying. There were many times I wanted to yell at her to talk to an adult – that wasn’t her aunt, who isn’t the best influence – and to realize she doesn’t have to save her whole family by herself. I got that she felt she had to make rapping work so that her mom and brother wouldn’t struggle so much to pay the bills, and keep a roof over their heads. I can’t imagine having that fear at sixteen and knowing that if you could become famous, your money problems would go away. Despite this, there are a lot of dangerous people – in different ways – that surround Bri and her community, and she doesn’t always make the smartest decisions.
Some of the characters that I really loved were Bri’s brother and her two best friends, Sonny and Malik. I thought they were nicely developed and it was great to see how they always just wanted the best for Bri, even if she’s not listening to them or taking their feelings into consideration. Honestly, I would love a companion novel that focuses on Sonny and his boyfriend – who I won’t reveal, as it’s a secret for much of the book!
I definitely need to read The Hate U Give now!
This is one of the ones I just ordered!
I really enjoyed Hate U Give and have this on my list.
The Hate U Give is one of my favorites! I read it several years ago, and actually watched the movie for the first time yesterday. It’s SO RELEVANT to what’s happening in the world right now, and I think they did a wonderful job of staying true to Thomas’ story.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
The Hate U Give was my favorite of the two, but I still really liked On the Come Up. I listened to the audiobook and just loved being able to actually listen to Bri’s rapping.
I really enjoyed The Hate U Give but I haven’t read On The Come Up yet. It’s on my list, though! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I will have to pick it up soon 🙂
I’ve had The Hate U Give on my list forever, but haven’t read it yet. I’ll add this one too!
I should get this, I keep hearing so many good things about the author!
I haven’t read The Hate U Give, but I did read this one and I thought it was amazing — I liked the premise, and Bri’s talent and need to make it big and become famous. I hear you on her aunt though — that was frustrating.
This sounds AMAZING. Added to my Goodreads!
The Hate You Give seems to get all the attention so it’s great to see this one talked about and get the spotlight.
Great review!
I’ll probably read this at some point. But I’d like to read The Hate U Give first 🙂
Both are on my list of books to read! Thanks for the review!
I haven’t read this one yet, but I enjoyed The Hate U Give. I hope you get to pick it up soon!
Lovely review! I read The Hate U Give and really enjoyed it, I can’t wait to read more from the author now 😀
I haven’t yet read either of Thomas’ books but I own T.H.U.G. and I think I need to get this one too! Great review, that quote you picked out was really impactful. I love meaningful lyrics.
I really need to read this one! I read The Hate U Give, which was incredible, and I have been saying I’ll get to On the Come Up for ages! Love your graphic too, that is such a powerful quote! Wonderful review!
I really enjoyed The Hate U Give and it is such an important book – it should be read in school.
I need to read this one. Your review just makes me that much more interested in it! Great review!
This sounds interesting, Lauren. I’ve heard lots about The Hate You Give. The rap lyric is powerful. I will check this author out. Thanks for sharing an honest review.
I liked THUG, but I’m not sure if I want to read this one because I tend to hate books about music. I’ll probably end up with a copy of it eventually. I’m glad you liked it!
I definitely need to read this one. I loved THUG, and this book looks really great too.
I need to snag this one!! Great review!