Razorblade Tears

Great book that covers a wide range of topics in such an expertly crafted way: race, prison, lgbtqia+, love, family, and even political nuances. I was deeply invested in both Ike's and Buddy Lee's stories and their ability to learn from each other. I was so hooked that I was up until 3am to finish the last 10 chapters. S. A. Cosby has a new fan in me - I can't wait to read his other novels.

And cue the movie. This one has Hollywood written all over it. Vivid characters, powerful emotions that had me teary a few times. Having gone to college in Richmond, I loved the setting. I found the plot to be complex but easy to comprehend and the characters' ex-con street cred and criminal capabilities were frankly fascinating and like nothing I had read before. They consistently outflanked their enemy with their street smarts and I loved every bit of it. Great read. Highly entertaining. And such a satisfying ending. Now I need to go pick up Blacktop Wasteland. I'm a fan.

Definitely one of my favorite books of 2021. Fast paced, thought provoking and character driven. I loved it.