Concrete Rose Audiobook By Angie Thomas cover art

Concrete Rose

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Concrete Rose

By: Angie Thomas
Narrated by: Dion Graham
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International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.

If there's one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it's that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad's in prison.

Life's not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav's got everything under control.

Until, that is, Maverick finds out he's a father.

Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it's not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he's offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he's expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he's different.

When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can't just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He'll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.

©2021 Angie Thomas (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Fiction Emotionally Gripping

Audible Questionnaire with Angie Thomas

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Editor's Pick

Worth the wait
I have been waiting for Concrete Rose ever since Angie Thomas told me in a post-interview chat back in 2019 that she was working on Maverick’s story. And—no surprises here—it has been worth the wait. This is Thomas’s first novel from a male POV, but the authenticity in her storytelling remains unmatched. And Dion Graham’s performance is transportive—he effortlessly switches back and forth between '90s slang in dialogue (set in 1998, this is actually considered historical fiction) and the emotional inner monologue of a 17-year-old who’s just learned he’s a father. Thomas’s love for this character shines through as each chapter unfolds, and fans of The Hate U Give will appreciate learning more about Maverick’s origins as well as the origins of other people in Starr’s world—including Lisa, King, and even her Uncle Carlos. —Katie O., Audible Editor

Compelling Storytelling • Authentic Characters • Emotional Depth • Vivid Dialogue • Immersive Performance
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Lately, I find reading a chore (as well as listening to books). This book... I looked forward to reading this book more than I did my next meal or sleep. This book is SO engaging.

The narrator was PHENOMENAL. The way his voice cracked at the right parts, his slight change of tone per character... the way he spoke. Eloquent and talented! He gave this book LIFE.

As for the book, it was beautiful, deep, and so well-written. I don't want to give any spoilers so all I will say is this: this book is WORTH a listen. I generally hate sequels to books or movies so for me to wish there was a sequel to this book says it all.

I haven't felt this way about a book in YEARS

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To be brought into this unfamiliar world and yet find myself entangled with the emotions of these characters, I found this story riveting.

Riveting

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Excellent story from the beginning to the very end. I love how the main character, Maverick, Goes through some amazing changes.

Wonderful writing

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I love Angie Thomas's stories, and this is no exception. Maybe her best yet. It broke my heart when a character was introduced from THUG, because I knew some of their fates. Every chapter had me living in this world for the first time again. Their world is authentic, and real.

As for the performance, if I could have given 20 stars I would have. I would listen to this narrator read absolutely anything and be grateful. He is so incredibly talented, I had a hard time remembering that this WASN'T his personal memoir. He did a glorious job.

amazing story, amazing performance

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This book should be required in school. People need to see this perspective, it is pivotal learning that our society needs.

Wonderful!

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One of the best narrators I’ve heard! Definitely recommend! Angie Thomas does it again. If you love THUG you need to check this out.

Amazing Narrator

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Loved every moment. Even the angst-filled, tough moments, we’re so well narrated that I felt I was right there. 11/10

Incredible story, amazing narrator

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The narrator was perfection. The story was heartfelt- it had me laughing, contemplating life, and at one point I was on the edge of my seat. A beautiful story that I would listen to again.

Fantastic

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This was a really good story line left me wanting more on the charters which is how a good book should be.

Great Book!

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This book had amazing writing and the narrator did amazing voices. I loved it and I would recommend. There was some vulgar parts but still amazing!!

AMAZING

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