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by Robin Sharma
On the Come Up summary
Brief summary
On the Come Up is a captivating novel by Angie Thomas that tells the story of Bri, a talented young rapper who fights to make her voice heard amidst the challenges of poverty, racism, and family struggles.
Table of Contents
On the Come Up
Summary of key ideas
Struggles and Triumphs in On the Come Up
In On the Come Up by Angie Thomas, we are introduced to sixteen-year-old Brianna Jackson, or Bri, who dreams of becoming a successful rapper. She lives in the Garden Heights neighborhood, the same setting as Thomas's previous novel, The Hate U Give. Bri's father, an underground rapper, was shot and killed before he could make it big, leaving her mother, Jay, to raise Bri and her older brother, Trey, on her own.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Bri's family is struggling financially. Jay loses her job, and they face eviction from their apartment. Bri decides to pursue her dream of becoming a rapper to help her family. She participates in a rap battle at her school, but her performance is misunderstood, leading to a physical altercation with school security. This incident further fuels the negative stereotypes associated with her and her family.
Challenging Stereotypes and Finding Her Voice
Despite the challenges and stereotypes she faces, Bri remains determined to make it as a rapper. She starts recording her songs and uploads them online, hoping to gain recognition. However, her lyrics, which reflect the harsh realities of her life, are misinterpreted as promoting violence. The situation escalates when a local radio host plays one of her songs, leading to more negative attention.
As the pressure mounts, Bri struggles to navigate her identity and the expectations placed on her. She grapples with the fear of being labeled as a stereotype and the desire to stay true to herself and her art. Throughout the novel, Bri's journey is a powerful exploration of the impact of societal stereotypes and the importance of finding one's voice in the face of adversity.
Family, Friendship, and Resilience
Amidst the chaos, Bri finds solace in her family and friends. She shares a close bond with her brother, Trey, who is determined to protect her from the harsh realities of their neighborhood. Bri also forms a deep friendship with Sonny, a talented artist who supports her in pursuing her dreams. Together, they navigate the challenges of their environment while striving for a better future.
Despite the setbacks, Bri's resilience shines through. She refuses to be defined by the stereotypes imposed on her and continues to pursue her passion for music. Her journey serves as a testament to the strength and determination of young people facing adversity.
Empowerment and the Power of Art
As the story reaches its climax, Bri is faced with a pivotal decision. She must choose between compromising her artistic integrity to gain fame or staying true to herself, even if it means facing more obstacles. In a powerful moment, Bri decides to reclaim her narrative and perform a song that reflects her truth, challenging the negative perceptions surrounding her.
In the end, On the Come Up is a story of empowerment and the transformative power of art. It highlights the importance of self-expression and the impact of societal expectations on young individuals. Through Bri's journey, Angie Thomas delivers a poignant narrative that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of marginalized voices.
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What is On the Come Up about?
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is a powerful novel that follows the story of Bri, a young aspiring rapper who is determined to make a name for herself in the music industry. Set in the same neighborhood as Thomas's debut novel, The Hate U Give, this book explores themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
On the Come Up Review
On the Come Up (2019) tells the story of Bri, a young rapper aspiring to make it in the music industry while dealing with poverty and prejudice. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its insightful portrayal of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, it offers a powerful social commentary that resonates with readers.
- The book explores the struggles and triumphs of a young artist, highlighting the importance of pursuing dreams in the face of adversity.
- Through its authentic and relatable characters, the story captures the raw emotions and complex realities of teenage life, keeping readers captivated.
Who should read On the Come Up?
- Teenagers and young adults who are interested in the hip-hop culture and music industry
- Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong, relatable protagonists
- Individuals who appreciate authentic and unapologetic portrayals of social issues and diversity
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On the Come Up FAQs
What is the main message of On the Come Up?
On the Come Up explores the power of voice, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read On the Come Up?
The reading time for On the Come Up varies depending on the reader's speed. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just a few minutes.
Is On the Come Up a good book? Is it worth reading?
On the Come Up is worth reading for its authentic characters, gripping plot, and themes of self-discovery and resilience.
Who is the author of On the Come Up?
On the Come Up is written by Angie Thomas.
What to read after On the Come Up?
If you're wondering what to read next after On the Come Up, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau