After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay

 

After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay is a PHENOMENAL READ! I read it in one day-I simply couldn't put it down. The story is told in alternating perspectives of Bunny, a high school basketball phenom, and Nasir, Bunny's longtime friend. Bunny and Nasir both live in Whitman, a run down city where people constantly struggle to make ends meet. When Bunny gets recruited to attend a private school called St. Sebastian, he jumps at the offer without telling any of his friends. This causes many of his friends to shut Bunny out.

While being a basketball star and chasing a state championship might sound glorious, being one of maybe six black kids in his new school is challenging for Bunny. He feels alone (though he does have his Whitman girlfriend named Keyona), but he wants a better life for himself and his family.

Nasir, on the other hand, feels alienated and hurt because of Bunny's decision. Nasir's life gets even more difficult when he finds out his cousin Wallace is on the verge of being evicted and has resorted to gambling on high school basketball games in order to help with the bills. Pretty soon, Nasir finds himself torn between rooting for Bunny's success and trying to help Wallace dig himself out of the hole he has made for himself.

This is a great story about friendships, decision making, and understanding what truly matters in life. This would make for an awesome book club discussion. The author, Randy Ribay, deals with some very important issues in the most genuine and authentic way. Definitely a must read!

-TK

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