Book Review: Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez

I’m typically drawn to stories that distract me from reality. Fantasy and Science Fiction rank high on my TBR list. Sure, the themes from these books still explore the human condition, at least the good ones anyway. Something about the worldbuilding and fantastical magic systems softens the blow when I face uncomfortable scenes.

Such is not the case with Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez. Hernandez writes about the lives of multiple characters in a borough in Toronto called Scarborough. Scarborough, like most inner cities in North America, deals with issues on poverty, racism, violence, crime. If there’s a great example of showing rather than telling in writing, it would be Hernandez. She writes high emotional scenes that punch you right in the gut where it hurts. And when it comes to the book’s villain, she was able to make you hate him yet understand him at the same time.

As bleak as the themes are, Scarborough will leave you hopeful. I’m still reeling from the emotional roller coaster as I read this in just two days. Read this if you want to increase your awareness on what’s happening outside of your social realm. Read this if you want a reminder to be grateful that you are lucky enough not to worry about the issues the characters face. Read this if you want a powerful book that will change your life.

I’m very much looking forward to her upcoming book, Crosshairs.

5/5.