Promise Boys opens with the murder of the principal of an all-boys high school that is intense for its school culture centered around rules and discipline. It is told from multiple perspectives (the 3 teenagers who are suspects, various family, family and community members) along with various other source materials (e.g., interrogation transcripts, media reports, etc.). Each chapter is short (ranging from a paragraph to a few pages) so this a very fast read with a lot of action taking place from start to finish. I appreciate getting to know the three main characters over the course of the story through their own perspectives while also getting a sense of how others viewed them. There's also acknowledgment that everyone messes up and makes mistakes along the way (including and especially the adults). The story wraps up neatly and tidily and reads almost like a movie. Overall this was a 4.5/5.0 for me - very entertaining and could be great to discuss with others.
Many thanks to Bookish First and Henry Holt & Co for the early copy.
Many thanks to Bookish First and Henry Holt & Co for the early copy.