Blog Tour – Review: “One of The Good Ones” by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
About The Book
A shockingly powerful exploration of the lasting impact of prejudice and the indomitable spirit of sisterhood that will have readers questioning what it truly means to be an ally, from sister-writer duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.
ISN’T BEING HUMAN ENOUGH?
When teen social activist and history buff Kezi Smith is killed under mysterious circumstances after attending a social justice rally, her devastated sister Happi and their family are left reeling in the aftermath. As Kezi becomes another immortalized victim in the fight against police brutality, Happi begins to question the idealized way her sister is remembered. Perfect. Angelic.
One of the good ones.
Even as the phrase rings wrong in her mind—why are only certain people deemed worthy to be missed?—Happi and her sister Genny embark on a journey to honor Kezi in their own way, using an heirloom copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book as their guide. But there’s a twist to Kezi’s story that no one could’ve ever expected—one that will change everything all over again.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Books-A-Million | AppleBooks | Google Play
Review
I was very excited to read the Moulite sisters’ sophomore novel, One Of The Good Ones, after enjoying their debut novel so much. This time around the story is centered around three sisters. Told in varying perspectives and through different timelines the story focuses on Happi, Kezi, and Genny. When Kezi dies after going to a social justice rally their family is shook to the core. Struggling to grieve, the remaining sisters deal with the loss and try to heal while Kezi is painted a martyr, “one of the good ones” due to her civil rights activism work .
In honoring Kezi’s memory they decide to complete her trip of visiting locations mentioned in their grandmothers Green Book. The journey brings new revelations, healing, and a sense of togetherness while remembering Kezi. This book packed a powerful punch from beginning to end and even threw in some unsuspecting twists in its narrative. It was difficult to read at times and overall had a very heavy tone. Most of all the novel unpacks important discussions about race, civil rights history, and the media. The book dismantles the notion of being labeled as “one of the good ones” and the stereotypes Black people face and how we are portrayed through what others see on media.
“But we are more than the good ones. We are the bad ones. We are the okay ones. We are the amazing ones. We are the nothing-to-write-home-about ones. We are the beautiful ones. We are just… ones.”
Through the journey Happi and Genny learns more about their sister and becomes closer to her by learning more intimate details about her life. I think the Moulite sisters are such great writers and I love the stories they craft. I can’t wait to read more from them. This book is written beautifully and I felt connected to the text deeply. One of the Good Ones had me go through a rollercoaster ride of emotions but it was so good. I highly recommend this novel!
TW: Death, Violence, Racism
Final Verdict:
About The Authors
MAIKA MOULITE is a Miami native and the daughter of Haitian immigrants. She earned a bachelor’s in marketing from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Miami. When she’s not using her digital prowess to help nonprofits and major organizations tell their stories online, she’s sharpening her skills as a PhD student at Howard University’s Communication, Culture and Media Studies program. Her research focuses on representation in media and its impact on marginalized groups. She’s the eldest of four sisters and loves young adult novels, fierce female leads, and laughing.
MARITZA MOULITE graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in women’s studies and the University of Southern California with a master’s in journalism. She’s worked in various capacities for NBC News, CNN, and USA TODAY. Maritza is a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania exploring ways to improve literacy in under-resourced communities after being inspired to study education from her time as a literacy tutor and pre-k teacher assistant. Her favorite song is “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Social Links:
Author Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads
Enjoyed the review. The “good ones” thing is something I’ve thought about as a hypothetical. Sounds like a compelling book.
It’s definitely a compelling book. I like how the authors explored the “good ones” concept.