I absolutely loved this story. The sisters Moulite are some of the best storytellers there are out there. This book was fun at the same times as being heartfelt. I highly recommend their books.

What an ending. What a book. This was very well organized with the timelines, perspectives, and pieces of the story. Each perspective was included for a reason and helped weave the story together. It’s significant how the narrative of one of the good ones is highlighted, scrutinized, and questioned throughout. The twist went further than I expected but added a mystery element later on. An unforgettable story that ties in valuable history and questions.

This packed a whole lotta book into relatively few pages. Without giving too much away, this deals with police accountability, the devaluing of Black lives, murder most foul, the Green Book, lynching, coming out, judgy parents who judge, and several other hot button issues. And it was all handled very well and was a great example of a good use of multiple POVs. There was a part towards the end that felt super forced (you’ll know it when you see it), but otherwise it was a wonderful story with a lot of talking points. Librarians: total book club rec.

4.5

Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly… wow.

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Not to say that I was expecting it to be bad it just was not what I expected and I was hooked. It took me three days (during the work week) to read this. I found it very hard to put down I was hooked by the characters the mystery the drama and it went in a direction that I didn’t expect.

The story follows many different characters and has a few character perspectives from completely different timelines and they all mesh together at the end which I absolutely loved.

This book talks about some serious topics like race and injustice in America, police brutally and how racism is still alive today. That is just a brief description of all the important topics that this book brings up.

The only reason it’s not a full five star for me is because I found the way the book resolved at the end was a little too much based on luck and coincidence. it’s hard to explain without going into details.

Despite that, I absolutely love this book I think it is a must read for many people and if you are a fan of Angie Thomas or Tiffany D Jackson you will love this book.

The history and themes in this novel are important and I love that they are being written in YA books. I really enjoyed reading this book and it made me think about the idea of "one of the good ones" differently. At the same time, I found some things in the novel wrapped up too cleanly (too many things lined up too well), while at the same time many things were not resolved or even dealt with (relationship with parents/uncle).. Maybe the novel tried to do too much, maybe it needed to be longer. The end felt rushed and contrived and many issues touched on needed more exploration. Still, I will suggest this novel to my students and put in on my classroom shelf.

Honestly one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. Complex characters embedded in a nice hefty plot with some thorny twisty turns. I never quite knew where this genre-bending social aware realistic fiction, historical fiction, mystery was going. The interplay between the sisters was great and the insight into non-curriculum based history was enlightening.

This definitely definitely should be on everybody’s list. This was... a lot to take in but 100% worth it. I was kind of worried because contemporaries usually are not my cup of teas but this one was definitely worth it. The writing, the intricate plot, the way it was told all pointed towards a powerful central story that I think is SO important during these times. Will pick this up in the future to re read because it definitely deserves it.

I don't tend to seek out contemporary books for myself because, in the past, I've only ever enjoyed a select few. However, I have to say, I loved One of the Good Ones! From the very first page, I was pulled into the story and needed to know what would unfold. It pulls at the heart strings with each turn of the page and there is a twist that I wasn't expecting. With many timely themes throughout, One of the Good Ones is a book that I would encourage everyone to read - you won't regret it.

I really enjoyed the writing and how well the story pieced together. The sisters have stylized writing and took on the tasks of jumping around history and different characters. At first, I was confused and wondering why, but quickly took it back. The story truly does come together as a wonderful surprise. This truly is not your typical contemporary. However, because of all the perspective I would oftentimes become confused about the story but either way I 100% recommend it.

CW: racism, police brutality, violence, exploitation of minor, kidnapping

i really love this book. Maika Moulite explores a lot - racism, police brutality, the identification of Black people as “good” or “worthy,” Black girls being viewed as easily replaceable, how when Black girls go missing our society often doesn’t care, the history of how white supremacy has shown up in america, what it means to be safe in america for Black people, white people trying to appease their guilt, family relationships, identification as a young gay teenager, activism, and so much more!

i was extremely impressed with how Moulite wove together the history with the present. it was incredible. also just a good, relevant story with twists and turns and heartache and joy. high quality writing, loveable (and some horrible) characters - all of the things.

Actual rating: 4 stars

In the beginning this book was very slow for me and I didn't think I would like it. It was really dragging, but I heard the ending was crazy and that there was an amazing twist, so I decided to push through, and I'm so glad I did. The plot twist at the end had me absolutely floored, and I didn't see them coming at all. Despite the dragging this story was actually executed very well and the pieces really came together.

I loved all the discussions about Black History and the struggles of people of color in this day and age. The internet has upended and changed everything including discrimination of people of color. The internet is such a powerful tool but can also bite you in the butt. This book really made me aware of that and made me reevaluate how much of my life I share online.

This book also did an amazing job with the characters. The character development in the beginning was a bit confusing because of all the characters and the timeline, but it all came together. The sister relationship in here was so powerful, and it really showed that this was written by sisters. They got the relationship and dynamic so right.

Overall I enjoyed my time reading this book and while I had a couple issues I think this book was phenomenally written and beautifully crafted.

Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kezi Smith went to a protest, after the police murdered a Black man, and at the rally she was wrongfully arrested (for stating her rights and the rights of a man who was being harassed by the police). Kezi did not make it out of the police station alive. Three months later, her older sister Genny, her younger sister Happi, and Kezi's two friends Ximena and Derek are taking a road trip, which Kezi had been planning for months. They are doing it to honour her memory and to post to Kezi's social justice Youtube channel (the one she was filming for the day she was arrested and killed).

This book was not at all what I was expecting, but in the best way possible. This is not just a straight social justice novel, it is an intricate look at the history of violence against the Black community.

The book switches between Happi's viewpoint in the present, Kezi's viewpoint the day of the arrest, a random girl's viewpoint the day of Kezi's arrest, and Kezi's grandparents/great-grandparents. The moments that take place in the distant past are used to highlight what is happening in the present, and explains the upbringing of the Smith girls and the impact of past racism on their family today. The past and present instances also combine to show how little has changed in terms of the treatment of those in the Black community. Kezi's viewpoint is a heightened awareness that something is going to happen to her. I was on the edge of my seat, constantly worried for her and wondering how she possibly could have died.

The book was part road trip, part coming-of-age, part historical fiction, part contemporary romance, and part thriller. There was a lot going on, but it never felt overwhelming or too complex. The novel was told in a way that kept me interested and wanting to continue. The book also continuously points out the issues with the phrase "one of the good ones". The saying insists that who someone is, what they do, how smart they are, makes their life more important than others. Or, that there is a scale of worth for Black people, and your life is expendable, depending on where you fall. The more you live up to some unattainable ideal standard (created by a country that is always working to keep Black people at the bottom of the social hierarchy), the more the world will care if you are murdered (which is completely disgusting and degrading). "One of the good ones" continues to place importance on the wrong aspects of murder; no matter who you are, your life should matter.

This novel rattles, it angers, it saddens. I went through so many emotions while I followed along with Happi and the group on their road trip. Felt their highs and lows. Experienced their pain while crossing those places where other Black people had been unjustly murdered, by people who got away with the crimes. Feeling their loss whenever they thought about Kezi and how amazing her itinerary was, how significant, and how she will never experience the journey. Learning about The Negro Motorist Green Book was fascinating; the history, the routes that Black people had to follow in order to be safe within the United States. Truly terrifying that you can both love a country and be fearful of living in that country. That to take one wrong turn or to run out of gas in the wrong part of the State could mean death. Honestly, caused goosebumps.

This is also a novel about family and familial connections. Happi is so distraught by her last conversation with her sister, with realizing she never really knew Kezi, that she is working hard to strengthen the bonds with Genny. As well, it shows how the past adversely affects the present, both in harming those within the Black community and continuing to accept the blatant racism and prejudice from the white community towards BIPOC. It focuses on how connected we all are to those past atrocities and what it truly means to be an ally.

The Review

This was such an emotional and impactful read. The authors did an incredible job of not only world-building and character growth, but of really infusing a much-needed theme into the narrative while also keeping an air of mystery. Immediately the story hits an emotional chord, focusing on the impact the loss of a family member to senseless violence and police brutality has on their loved ones. The narrative also takes unique and important steps to establish multiple-perspective chapters, not only for the various members of the family but the several others who have had to endure prejudice, racism, and violence as well over the course of several decades.

The authors pack a lot of genres and themes into this one narrative, and yet it never feels over-complicated or mishandled. Instead, the narrative feels layered and engaging, exploring themes of racism, violence, sexuality, family, and in many ways a mystery. The book will leave readers shocked and on the edge of their seat, as the narrative takes a massive turn towards the climax of the narrative that they won’t see coming.

The Verdict

A memorable, heartbreaking, and valuable YA contemporary mystery and thriller, authors Maika and Maritza Moulite’s “One of the Good Ones” is a must-read novel of 2021. The authors have created a book that will leave readers talking long after they’ve turned the final page, and the important messages the authors convey about relevant topics in 2021 throughout the narrative make this a true must-read novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Part family drama, part road trip narrative, part thriller.

Much of the book deals with friends and family coming to terms with the loss of Kezi, a young social activist and victim in the fight against police brutality. Kezi becomes something of a martyr. But the book makes sure to point out how troubling this narrative is, that she was "one of the good ones," because of what it implies about the lives of those who don't have family and friends there to attest to the fact that they too are among the "good ones." And that even if they're not, it shouldn't matter.

This book ... just... wow. I hope to have a better review tomorrow after letting everything settle in my head. For now, my review will be very general because I definitely don't want to spoil anything.

So this book starts with Happi's POV of yet another event they're attending following her sister's arrest, and death. Her parents being pastors and specifically her mother being a great speaker, they took it upon themselves to talk in as many places about what happened to their daughter.

From there, we slowly back up to the day before 'the arrest' which is the time stamp used to help with chronology. We follow different perspectives, mostly Kenzi and Happi, but we also have Shaqueria's POV, who is another girl that 'could be one of the good ones', but after years spent in the 'system', she decides to move out and live alone and pursue her dream.

This book doesn't shy away from talking about systemic-racism, generational trauma, police brutality, LGBTQ themes especially regarding religion, difficult family dynamics, and mostly, grief. Considering it's a fiction, it won't necessarily be a book to learn about these issues, but instead, it brings you in the front seat of these experiences, and I will say I had to put the book down at least twice at some specific scenes because I could feel myself living through this stress and fear and anger. Grief is also a constant theme, and I think it's dealt well enough between the sisters, and we even get a bit of a perspective of the parents which would've been interesting to know more about with a small POV of more conversations added.

What I loved and learned more about was : the Green Book. To think that up until 1-2 generations ago, Black people could not just travel around and had to be extremely careful of 'sundown cities' and had to plan ahead for accommodations where they were allowed to go. This book plays a big part in the story, starting with the fact that it is one of the bases of Kenzi's AP history paper and where she explores how her family (specifically her grandparents) used this book to travel from state to state.

If I were to bump it down to a 4.5, it would be solely because there was a small storyline that included romance, that despite being developed slowly, felt unnecessary to the story. I almost feel like it was added to check the YA novel box of a teenage romance.

Again, I really hope this review made sense, but mostly I hope it made you want to add it to your TBR! It's my first Goodreads 5 star of the year, and I hope it ends up in more people's shelves.

** P.S. : I haven't seen an #ownvoices review yet, but I'm curious to see more more reviews and maybe come back with my fully formed thoughts.

Kezi Smith—a social activist high schooler—is killed after a demonstration while in police custody. Her death is a catalyst that propels the story as her family and friends are impacted by her death. Her sisters and two friends undertake a road trip along Route 66, which Kezi had planned before her death, to visit places of historical significance to African-Americans and to their own family history.

The road trip, like the story, has many twists and turns. If you have any empathy you will find aspects of the story difficult, but it is appropriate that they are. I will leave it to the reader to determine what the title of the book—One Of The Good Ones—really means. It is part of the journey, after all.

One very compelling aspect to the book is that it is told in many voices, past and present. We get to hear from each of the Smith sisters—Happi, Kezi, and Genny—as well as from people further back in their family tree. Each entry is dated in relation to the day of Kezi’s death. The story of the Smith family is strongly tied to the history of African-Americans in our country. Elements of that history that have largely fallen out of current consciousness are highlighted as their trip progresses. I found many of these historical events/people to be fascinating and eye-opening.

As the story unfolds it is difficult to not think of the characters as real people enduring real trials. I understand that sometimes readers find books written in several voices difficult to follow. I did not have much difficulty following at all. For some it may take a little effort, but it will be well rewarded.

I would offer some content warnings as some might find elements of the story triggering. Police brutality, murder, and violence—along with vivid descriptions—would top the list. Grief and its many manifestations are an integral part of the story. Issues of religion, religious tolerance/intolerance, and LGBTQ issues are also integral. The girls’ parents—pastors of a Baptist Church—are unaware that Kezi has a girlfriend, Ximena.

I especially find Kezi’s voice compelling. Her understanding of history and her moral compass make her an effective activist and spokesperson against racial injustice. We see each of the sisters grow in terms of their relationships and understanding. This growth contributes to the authenticity of the characters.

I heard an interview with Maika and Maritza Moulite, the sister authors, and I have nothing but admiration for their abilities and thoughtfulness.

When the oldest of three sisters dies at a social justice protest, questions are raised as to how she died and who was at fault. Soon Kezi (the oldest sister) is remembered as angelic and perfect....one of the "good ones." After finding out more about the circumstances of her sisters death, the two younger sisters go on a road trip to memorialize their sister. However, the more they hear the Kezi was one of the "good ones" the more they wonder why only certain people are deemed to be "good". Brings in Green Book history and BLM Movement into the story. #NetGalley #OneOfTheGoodOnes

I was a big fan of the sisters' first book and had high expectations for this one, and it delivered! The different point of views were very interesting and it was fun to try and piece out in my head what happened. I definitely recommend it!

Thrilling and unexpected! Not only did this author address the personal stories of the family of a young woman killed, but also took an unexpected turn of a mystery! Highly recommend!

Wow. Just...wow.

Obviously, I will defer to own-voices reviewers first, but I found this to be a powerful book wonderfully told, and so much good going on here. Maika and Maritza Moulite balanced multiple perspectives with jumps in the timeline between them, have a strong voice, well-drawn characters, and holy cats, a BIG twist I didn't see coming.

(I know, I know - it blurbs an unexpected twist. Their twist went in a totally different direction, one that at one point I did say "wait a minute, and flipped back to an earlier scene, then thought "naw..."

I can't (won't) write any more about the twist because it's best if you find it yourself (so avoid any spoiler reviews), other than to say it takes the book in a bit of a different direction than you might think. I read some reviews that were disappointed by this, but I enjoyed it.

There's a lot of family dynamics at play here, and the Moulites depict and balance all the different parts and personalities really well.

But ultimately, the message here is about how society judges - no, measures - a person's worth. The juxtaposition of Kezi's story (told from both her viewpoint and her sister Happi's) and that of Shaqueria's illustrates it painfully well.

Says Shaqueria "So you think I'm 'one of the good ones'? The kids that aren't too messed up, that you can put on your government website?...No one thinks of me that way. No one thinks of me at all, really..."

Alternately painfully heartbreaking and hopeful, this was just an incredible story that reminded me that as a society, we need to do better, and be better. THE HATE YOU GIVE plus GET OUT is a great comp for this contemporary fiction with a dash of thriller. Five stars from me, who was wishing she'd gotten to this much sooner..

Many thanks to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy of this book.. All opinions are my own.