I obtained an advance reading copy of this book as a freebie from the publisher through LibraryThing's early readers program. It is the best one I have been sent so far. The writing is stellar, the dialog and the characterization of most of the characters is thrilling. It is a story of growing up in difficult and unusual circumstances in a Chicago Ghetto. The love story is tender and sweet. The story line involves finding that police officers do not offer protection to a child caught between themselves and gang members, and that a college professor thinks that studying the diversity history of the college is a good fit for the only two African-American students on the school newspaper staff. I am not sure I believe the plot line of the last few pages, but I loved reading the book for the skill of the writing and the glimpse into his world. The book is to go on sale on February 4, 2020. I recommend it. ( )