Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this novel. I enjoyed this a lot. It paints a nuanced picture of the aftermath of a racially based set of tragedies, modeled on the killing of a black teenage girl by a Korean business owner in the early 90s. I remember the coverage of that crime, and much of this book brought back vivid and visceral memories for me. I recommend this book.

I am a huge fan of Steph Cha's Juniper Song mysteries, so I was really excited to read her new book. This one does not disappoint; it was amazing. I didn't know much at all about the plot before I started, just that it was about race in LA, both today and in the post-Rodney King 90s. I think if I'd read the description before picking up the book some of the plot would have been more obvious, so I'd recommend avoiding the synopsis. At any rate, Cha is an enormously talented writer. She brings her characters to life, particularly Shawn and Grace, and the way she juxtaposes them is brilliant. Cha explores who gets to make mistakes, who gets second chances, and who gets to grow up. Society allows Grace an extended adolescence, while Shawn is forced to become an adult at age thirteen. This book is about race and justice and unconditional love, and I found myself thinking about it whenever I wasn't reading it. Highly recommended. I can't wait to read whatever Steph Cha comes out with next.
As an aside - if you haven't read the Juniper Song books, do it!

I just read @stephycha’s upcoming YOUR HOUSE WILL PAY and am reeling. It’s stunning, one of the best novels I’ve read in a year of good books. It’s rich and complex - set in LA’s sprawl and painful history - and she goes deep to avoid easy answers. Also, it’s just a great read.