Bri wants to become one of the biggest rappers of all time. But she has big shoes to feel. Her father, a rap legend in her neighborhood, left them with a reputation she just can’t seem to shake free from. But she tries her best–working with her aunt to cook up lyrics she hopes will lead her to her dreams. Hopes that will lead her to make it big. Even in the midst of her crumpling world, filled with past due bills, and her mother, fighting through past addictions. But when everyone knows you just as the daughter of a gangsta rapper, how do you find your own place? How do you find who you are?

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is a moving contemporary centered around family, dreams, and finding your place in a world set up against you. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, after reading Thomas’ The Hate U Give (THUG), I had to read her other books. On the Come Up did not disappoint.

I finished this novel over the course of a month, due to lots of busy days. But I read it in points of binging. Sitting down with Thomas’ voice again was a joy–her characters, the themes and fight in every line. Angie Thomas had dreams to be a big hit rapper in her childhood, so I love that this novel gives her a chance to live out that dream in the eyes of her characters. Through out the novel, we get to see Bri grapple with all the decisions and movements the music industry can bring: bad publicity, greedy managers, the true weight behind every song. And the pure power, behind every line.

“Unarmed and dangerous, but America, you made us, only time we famous is when we die and you blame us.” – On The Come Up, Angie Thomas

What I Liked

Oh, where do I begin! I feel like I always go on about this for Thomas’ novels, but as always, her characters and character relationships are so real. On the Come Up is set in the same neighborhood as The Hate U Give, and while we don’t see any of the same characters, we get the same feel–if not a bit rougher–as Thomas’ debut. Bri’s story is stunningly real–she’s a character in this novel, yes, but across the country there are thousands, if not more, young Black teens and children reaching for this same dream.

Thomas paints the entire picture of the industry so beautifully too. In the novel, Bri struggles with a song she writes, where she knows the lyrics to mean one thing. A statement. Not a threat. But not everyone sees it like that. It really makes you think, about the power music can have. And the emphasis made in every single line.

The pacing and story of this novel is wonderful as well. You want Bri to succeed, to do what’s right. You want her brother to reach his dreams, her mother to be okay, her friends to be happy. You want every character–besides the villains, of course–to be okay. You feel for them. As humans. It’s mastery. It’s stepping into a world of tension and bills and not-enough-food-in-the-fridge that not everyone can relate to, but so many can. And it’s beautiful.

(If you can’t tell, I’m writing this review right after I finished the book, so yes, I’m still very moved by the emotions of the novel. It’s a wonderful feeling.)

“Look, you can’t be worried about what folks think… There will always be someone with something to say, but it doesn’t mean you gotta listen.” – On The Come Up

What I Disliked

Honestly, there’s not much. While I don’t think On the Come Up moved me quite as much as THUG did, I really enjoyed this novel.

“And I think you’re brilliant, talented, courageous, beautiful. You’re my miracle. But you’re the only one who can say who you are with authority. So, who are you?” – On The Come Up

Content Warnings

Plenty of language, as usual for Thomas’ books thus far. Some kissing scenes, and a mysterious fade to black (that I’m 90% sure was just kissing). One main side character is gay, along with various other prominent characters. Drug use and drugs are common points in the book. There are a couple police brutality scenes, though there’s nothing gory. Mentions of guns, miscarriage, prison. The death of a parent is another prominent theme.

“That’s what we call our goal, the come up.” – On The Come Up

Conclusion

On the Come Up is another novel I’m setting on my everyone-needs-to-read-this list, purely for the truth and message of it all. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the realistic back-and-forth struggle Bri dealt with throughout the entire novel. While I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed The Hate U Give, I would reread this after a while and enjoy it.

I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel for ages 14+, for fans of Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give and readers who enjoy moving stories and seeing into people’s lives.