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A review by intonewrealms
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TW: racism, anxiety attacks, grief.
Alex is only sixteen, but ever since he lost his parents he’s been experiencing visions every time he touches anything or anyone with his hands. Sometimes they are mundane, like touching an ice cream scoop at work and seeing himself use it. Other times they hinder his ability to get close to people, like how he can’t do anything more than kiss his girlfriend because he sees visions of them breaking up. And sometimes they’re devastating, like when he sees his twelve year old brother’s death.
The author’s dedication ‘To all the Black boys who had to grow up too early‘ really encapsulates the message of this book. I really don’t want to say anything more than the basic premise for fear of spoiling it, but just know that if you want to have your heart ripped apart and put back together again several times in the process of reading a single book, this is the one for you.
Alex is only sixteen, but ever since he lost his parents he’s been experiencing visions every time he touches anything or anyone with his hands. Sometimes they are mundane, like touching an ice cream scoop at work and seeing himself use it. Other times they hinder his ability to get close to people, like how he can’t do anything more than kiss his girlfriend because he sees visions of them breaking up. And sometimes they’re devastating, like when he sees his twelve year old brother’s death.
The author’s dedication ‘To all the Black boys who had to grow up too early‘ really encapsulates the message of this book. I really don’t want to say anything more than the basic premise for fear of spoiling it, but just know that if you want to have your heart ripped apart and put back together again several times in the process of reading a single book, this is the one for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief