Dear Martin meets They Both Die at the End in this gripping, evocative novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death, from the acclaimed author of SLAY.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus is trying his best. He tries to be the best employee he can be at the local ice cream shop; the best boyfriend he can be to his amazing girlfriend, Talia; the best protector he can be over his little brother, Isaiah. But as much as Alex tries, he often comes up short.
It’s hard to for him to be present when every time he touches an object or person, Alex sees into its future. When he touches a scoop, he has a vision of him using it to scoop ice cream. When he touches his car, he sees it years from now, totaled and underwater. When he touches Talia, he sees them at the precipice of breaking up, and that terrifies him. Alex feels these visions are a curse, distracting him, making him anxious and unable to live an ordinary life.
And when Alex touches a photo that gives him a vision of his brother’s imminent death, everything changes.
With Alex now in a race against time, death, and circumstances, he and Isaiah must grapple with their past, their future, and what it means to be a young Black man in America in the present.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and she can count me as a confirmed fan.
Alex and his younger brother, Isaiah, were orphaned four year ago after the family was involved in a car accident. Since then, they’ve been raised by their aunt. Sixteen-year-old Alex is trying to be all things for everyone he knows – his employer, his girlfriend, his brother, and even his deceased parents. He also suffers from panic attacks. Since the car accident, every time he touches someone or something, he sees the future of that person or object. After seeing Isaiah’s death, he’s determined to repair their relationship and close the distance between them that developed after their parents’ passing.
Much of this book is spent in Alex’s head with his swirling thoughts, fears, and visions. The author does an incredible job at making the reader feel the grief, anxieties, and pressures Alex experiences nearly every minute of every day. It’s far too much for someone his age to have to carry. And then there are the racial issues. The brothers live in a predominantly white, upper class, gated community. Neighbors who claim not to be racists very clearly are, but fail to see it.
This book is heartbreaking in so many ways and will absolutely wreck you. But it’s also a powerful story that includes joyous bonding moments between Alex and Isaiah. The vivid supporting characters seem to rise from the pages. Talia, Alex’s girlfriend, is a delight, and Aunt Mackie is a strong, successful woman who loves her nephews unconditionally. Although I dreaded what was coming, you couldn’t have pried this book from my hands over the last thirty percent. It’s bittersweet, but also hopeful and so very timely and important. I can’t wait to see what this author does next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
sounds emotive and with some important topic.Amazing review!
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Thanks, Yesha! I nearly needed a tissue with this one – and that’s saying something for me.
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As a writer, there’s nothing better than having a ‘confirmed fan.’ Great review, Teri!
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Thanks, Jill! Both of her books have been outstanding and have dealt with some important issues.
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I’m torn on this one. It interested me from the moment I heard about it, but I think I’d have to be in the right frame of mind to read it, given I know it will be bittersweet. Excellent review, Teri.
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Thanks, Mae! If you go in knowing what to expect, I think you’ll appreciate the story more. The right frame of mind will absolutely help.
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Excellent review, Teri. It sounds tough at times but also unputdownable! On my list for sure. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Absolutely, Jenn – that last 30% was a killer, but I was all in.
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This book sounds interesting! The premise is really pulling me in. Great review!
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Thanks, Yna! It’s an emotional one, but such a powerful read.
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I’ve often thought being able to see the future is more of a curse than a blessing. I can totally buy in to a character with that power having panic attacks. Sounds like a very compelling read!
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Yep – it’s not something I’d want, and it’s absolutely a curse to this character. I don’t know how someone could live with that.
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I’m having trouble with “heartbreaking” at the moment, but this sounds really good.
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There are absolutely heartbreaking moments, but also some incredible bonds and crucial moments, Staci. It was so worth reading.
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This sounds like a book filled with strong emotion, Teri. Thank you for sharing it.
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I experienced the gamut of emotions, Jan – but so very worth it.
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Sounds like an interesting read, Teri. Thanks for sharing.
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It was a good one, John.
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😊
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It seems to me that he did an amazing job at showing rather than telling!
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In the literal sense, Sophie.
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I’m SO glad you think it’s worth reading! it’s in my TBR 😍👏🏻
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It was wonderful. I really hope you enjoy it as much, Sofii!
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This is a terrific review, Teri. It sounds like a very emotion ride.
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Thanks, Robbie! It sure was. Sooo many emotions – a rollercoaster.
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