Play Book Tag discussion

This is a novel written in entirely in poetry, and it really works. The audiobook is read by the author, with the rhythm and intonation he intended. It provides a great sense of urgency. The story is very effective, emotional, and even humorous at times. The audio is not long, so you can listen to it one sitting to get the full power. I wanted to hear some parts again right away. The author spent time talking to kids in high security juvenile detention prisons, about their lives and the role of revenge in gang life.

15 year Will’s brother was just killed. At home that night he can hear his mother crying, miserable, in pain. She is quiet only when she picks up the glass to take a drink. Then he can take a breath. He cannot cry. Rule # 1 is no crying, ever. Rule #2 is no snitching. Rule #3, you must take revenge. He knows where Shawn’s gun is hidden. The next morning he gets into the elevator at 9:08 to get to the man who shot his brother. The rest of the story takes place in the elevator as people he once knew arrive at each stop.. Hint- the author describes the idea of the story as Boyz in the Hood meets A Christmas Carol.