Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro Published by Tor Teen on May 22nd 2018
Genres: Contemporary, LGBTQIA, Young Adult
Goodreads
A story of resilience and loss, love and family, Mark Oshiro's Anger is a Gift testifies to the vulnerability and strength of a community living within a system of oppression.
Six years ago, Moss Jefferies' father was murdered by an Oakland police officer. Along with losing a parent, the media's vilification of his father and lack of accountability has left Moss with near crippling panic attacks.
Now, in his sophomore year of high school, Moss and his fellow classmates find themselves increasingly treated like criminals by their own school. New rules. Random locker searches. Constant intimidation and Oakland Police Department stationed in their halls. Despite their youth, the students decide to organize and push back against the administration.
When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. This does not influence my thoughts on the book or this review.
I’ve heard so may great things about Anger is a Gift and as it is Tor Teen’s first contemporary release, I knew I had to read it. I’m so glad I did because this debut novel is devastating but definitely worth a read.
Moss Jeffries’ father was murdered by an Oakland police officer six years ago. Since then, Moss has dealt with panic attacks as the media vilifies his father and the police have yet to be held accountable. When Moss and his classmates’ latest year at school comes with a police presence and intimidation, the students decide to push back. When tensions rise, Moss has to accept that his anger could be a gift.
Moss was such a real character. His voice in Anger is a Gift was just authentic and Oshiro’s writing was phenomenal. I’m sure that my summary above does not do the book justice. It’s not as plot-focused as it may seem. The novel is really about Moss trying to figure out who he is, and I loved it.
While Anger is a Gift was a heart-breaking novel, it is so well written and so character-driven that it is worth a read. If you read one book this year, I hope you make it this one.
