Book Review: There Goes The Neighborhood by Jade Adia

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD by Jade Adia Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Author: Jade Adia

Pub. Date: March 7, 2023

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 432

Find it: Goodreads, https://mybook.to/jade-adia 

A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia’s unforgettable debut tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.

The gang is fake, but the fear is real.

Rhea’s neighborhood is fading away―the mom-and-pop shops of her childhood forced out to make space for an artisanal kombucha brewery here, a hot yoga studio there. And everywhere, the feeling that this place is no longer meant for her. Because while their little corner of South L.A. isn’t perfect, to Rhea and her two best friends, it’s something even more important―it’s home. And it’s worth protecting.

But as more white people flock to their latest edgy, urban paradise for its cheap rent and sparkling new Whole Foods, more of Rhea’s friends and family are pushed out. Until Rhea decides it’s time to push back. Armed with their cellphones and a bag of firecrackers, the friends manipulate social media to create the illusion of gang violence in their neighborhood. All Rhea wanted to do was protect her community. Her friends. Herself. No one was supposed to get hurt. No one was supposed to die.

But is anyone ever really safe when you’re fighting power with fear?

Reviews:

“Equally strong in its magnetic messiness and potent candor, the novel plunges into discussions of youth activism, capitalism-fueled displacement, and racism’s myriad forms with fierce vision and conviction. A robust cast of characters diverse across various dimensions gives voice to contemporary perspectives on community-oriented social justice and performative wokeness . . . this one’s a much-needed read. Plain terrific.”――Kirkus Reviews

“In this riveting portrait of community care, debut author Adia paints the pain, danger, and consequences of gentrification with visceral clarity, highlighting changes such as displacement and fractured families via Rhea’s biting and witty voice and her unwavering loyalty to her hometown.”――Publishers Weekly

 

Why Should You Read This?

“There Goes The Neighborhood” by Jade Adia is an exceptional young adult thriller that beautifully captures the essence of community, gentrification, and the struggles of growing up. The novel follows fifteen-year-old Rhea and her best friends, Zeke and Malachi, who have been born and raised in South L.A. but now find themselves caught up in the changes that gentrification brings to their neighborhood.

The book has a beautiful cover that perfectly captures the sense of community and belonging that the story conveys. Adia’s writing is engaging, sensitive, and inclusive, and the characters are all incredibly relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

What sets “There Goes The Neighborhood” apart is how it tackles the issue of gentrification with sensitivity and nuance. The story examines the impact of gentrification on the community, and how it can tear apart the social fabric that has kept people together for generations.

The thriller aspect of the book is also well-executed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Adia has done an excellent job of balancing the social commentary and the thriller elements, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.

“There Goes The Neighborhood” is an exceptional YA thriller that is sensitive, inclusive, and thought-provoking. The book beautifully captures the sense of community and the struggles of growing up, while also examining the impact of gentrification on marginalized communities. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and engaging novel that addresses important social issues.

About Jade Adia:

Born and raised in South LA, Jade Adia writes stories about gentrification, Black teen joy, and the sh*tshow that is capitalism.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethnicity, Race & Migration, and a certificate in Human Rights. She recently survived law school, graduating with a specialization in Critical Race Studies. There Goes the Neighborhood is her debut novel.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD, US Only.

Ends April 7th, midnight EST.

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