“The weight of what has been lost is always heavier than what remains.”
Life choices at a young age have a great influence on the progression of our lives and futures. This coming of age story highlights the power of these choices in whom we become in both positive and negative ways. It is quite depressing that the time of our lives that determines our future is the most impressionable time in life. The youngsters in the story are no exception with Nadia engaging in underage sex and drugs even ending up pregnant which she terminates. Therefore at a young age much can be lost that cannot be mended and it can become baggage forever.
“Black boys couldn’t afford to be reckless, she had tried to tell him. Reckless white boys became politicians and bankers, reckless black boys became dead.”
The book explores the lives of young black people and the challenges that they have to contend with in American society. In the current climate, young black males are marginalized and harbor double-consciousness in how they navigate through life. It demonstrates the limited avenues and opportunities for young black kids to make something for themselves for their future. Even when the opportunities are secured the systemic racism and prejudice still inhibit progress and chances. Black boys have to face the dread of falling victim to police brutality or gang violence in their communities unlike their white counterparts with privilege.
“She wanted this baby and that was the difference: magic you wanted was a miracle, magic you didn't want was a haunting.”
The novel’s overarching themes are the subjects of abortion and religion, as both are sources of conflict in the plot. It explores early and unplanned pregnancy through Nadia, as she has to contend with either keeping it or not. She terminates it with the help of a religious leader, therefore, becoming more sensitive within the story and for the reader as well. The author focuses on the topic of young motherhood and unwanted pregnancies that turn to burdens for young girls. But at the same, the religious teachings and societal stances on abortion put on pressures on how to handle such situations.
