Pritty

     Keith F. Miller Jr's Pritty is a love story,  a social justice story, a story of gangs and loyalties, a story about the importance of family and community... Told through two truly memorable narrators, Jay and Leroy, it's hard hard to think what territory it doesn't cover and cover beautifully. 

     Since their dad was sent to prison almost six years earlier Jay's older brother, Jacob, has been the self appointed man of the house, turning down a full-ride athletic scholarship to his dream school to raise Jay. Their mother has worked multiple jobs to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Jay is keenly aware of their sacrifices. "I've had only one goal: to  make it up to Jacob (and Momma) by earning the highest grades, acing the SAT, and then getting a full-ride scholarship to the same university so Jacob no longer has to give up his dream."

     Leroy goes to a different school--one in which he's always getting in trouble. "They call it a school, but Buford High aint nothin but a jail wit a different coat of paint--don't matta they aint got no cells or bars on the windows." As the story begins he seems to have gone too far. If he can get into a GED program he can at least earn a high school completion certificate. Like Jay, he doesn't have two parents at home. He's being raised by his slightly older brother, Taj.

     Before vanishing Leroy and Taj's father had created the Black Diamonds a coalition of gangs protecting the Black neighborhoods of Savannah. "To errbody who need em, the BDs an open secret, always there to help you get yo rent paid, family fed, legal support. And to those outside of the community--lyin politicians, crooked popos, and anybody doin our people dirty--the BDs are a black box you know exist but can't see inside of."

   The abrupt start of a series of violent incidents leaves the boys and their people with a lot to figure out.

    What's going on? Are the gang alliances fraying? Is a powerful gang from outside moving in? Or could it be something much more sinister?

     Can the incidents be stopped?

     What is the meaning of a cryptic symbol found near where each incident has happened?

     How can Jay and Leroy's budding relationship have a chance when Leroy decides that the only way he can protect Jay is to stay out of his life?

On a purrrsonal note, the family get together at Amber and Brian's was truly special. The best moments of my life are the ones I spend with my core family--Eugene, 💕 💛 💖 💓 ❤️, our kids, and their significant others. Amber gave me an advance (for reviewers) copy of her first solo book, Little White Flowers, the first volume of a trilogy. I've started reading it while doing my time on my exercise 🚴‍♀️. Fortunately it came into my hands at the beginning of spring break so I can read it straight through without braking for homework. And the minute I finish I'll let you know how awesome it is. 

A great big shout out goes out to my core family and our beloved 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️ 🐱 s.

Jules Hathaway 

     

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