The Reformatory

This book was simultaneously one of the toughest reads I have read and one of the best books I've read.

I will be thinking of this one for years to come. 

This was a work of fiction, but the history was real, the school itself was based on a real school (which closed in the past 20 years), Boot Hill was real, and though none of the characters exist they all existed in some form through history. 

I am so angry how recent this history was based on, my own parents were alive in 1950. I'm so angry a school like this existed. I'm so angry that so much of this happened and still happens even if it's to a lesser extent now. Honestly this book is a must read to get a good level of anger of just how unjust everything can be. 

I loved the characters so much. Robert, Redbone, Gloria, Blue, will certainly stick with me. Their stories were tragic and beautiful all at the same time. 

The ghost story element was a perfect addition to this horror book. But the true horrors? Well the worst monsters are always human. 

I held this book to read for Black History Month and truly couldn't have picked a better one. As of now this will probably be my book of the year. If you haven't read this, read it now. Even if you don't like horror. Trust me it's worth it!