Read this as part of the NBRC Book Of the Month- June 2017 
 As the blurb says Starr is a witness to her best friends shooting and the book revolves around the aftermath of this incident. I loved the first hand account that we are given. Especially now that we see so many news stories on incidents like these. The book is extremely relevant to the current situation a lot of colored people are facing around the world. 
 I went through a riot of emotions while reading this though primarily it was fear. Whether it was the police inquiries or the threats to the family my gut was clenched through most of this book. But there was also a lot of anger for the discrimination one has to face because of the color of their skin. 
 Also this is not the first time I have come across a scene where colored people are supposed to walk or talk a specific way when stopped by the police. In fact in some sitcom (I do not remember the name) they actually make fun of how a person would definitely be stopped by the cops if they walked the way they did. At the time I laughed along with the audience but now when I think about it it just makes me angry. 
 Coming to the characters, I loved Starr's family especially her momma and brother Seven. The writing is also very simple making this a fast read. The ending was a tad bit predictable (view spoiler)[ Like Khalil not getting justice and the police officer walking free with no repercussions though the riots and tank on the streets had me aghast (hide spoiler)] 
 I highly recommend this book to everyone. Hence the 4.5 stars. 
 On a side note I used to watch the Fresh Prince of Bel Air when I was in school and was excited to see it mentioned here. Yes it is about a quirky guy goofing off in his new rich surroundings but now I see that it is also about someone from a different neighborhood adjusting to his new surroundings and dealt with issues such as race and class as well. It is also about staying true to your roots. Time to re-watch this series.