Scenery

Simply from the first few pages, I can picture this neighborhood in my head. The busted and boarded up windows, the broken down buildings with fire ashes decoration the brick walls, the broken blacktop that has been left to disinagrate under the barefoot feet of the children. I can even see the people and children they describe playing around the small weed-like trees growing out of the tar. I see them, and they don't see me. A priviledged child on the outside looking in. Not knowing a clue of what's going on. Not being able to hear the thoughts in the adult mind of this small child. Whether he's carelessly playing or cautiously watching for the next tragedy to strike. Wondering if "tragedy" is the norm to them. What is my norm?

Honestly thus far, this book makes me question my street smarts. I know I'm not completely naive. However, I didn't have to grow up watching my back as a toddler. I could go outside and explore my neighborhood and feel safe. I wonder what kind of talks their parent has to have with their child abnout being safe, if they even do talk. What is going through the parent's head when they send their child outside that door? The thoughts, worries and scenarios running through a mothers' mind as she watches the evil in the world just linger. I see the smile she portrays as she sends her child out to meet their friends. I see her instant facial expression as soon as they close the door behind them. Her face turns into a sorrowful and pained frown. Not knowing if her child is coming home. But will she ever show anything but a smile to her child? Never.

I see the things they don't see. I hear things they don't say. And they know things I will never understand.

Before I Read

I'm actually very excited about starting this book. It looks like I could really get into it. Since Black History month is approaching, I feel more inclined to read material such as this. I feel as if this will be a good book to start on.From the looks of it, this book seems engaging. I already love reading so this shouldn't be hard to get into. Once I start reading I can guarantee that I won't want to stop ! :)