One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.
Praise for the Moulites’ debut novel, Dear Haiti, Love Alaine
“I couldn’t put Dear Haiti, Love Alaine down!” —New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory
“An enchanting and engrossing novel full of wit and laughter.” —Edwidge Danticat, author of Breath, Eyes, Memory
“Remarkable, funny, and whip-smart.” —Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street, National Book Award finalist
“Maika and Maritza Moulite have created quite the masterpiece.” —NPR.org
“Alaine’s sarcastic quips…are worth the price of admission alone.” —HYPEBAE
“A beautiful story from start to finish.” —Buzzfeed

Why Did I Listen To One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite?

Honestly, I ended up listening to One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite because I stumbled across the audiobook on Hoopla rather than physically read it. And straight up, I do not regret that decision one little bit. Overally, I had picked up this book to read because I am trying to prioritize reading books that are both MORE diverse and books that interest me (there’s a huge overlap between interesting and diversity for me). I am so glad I took a chance and listened to this book because it’s one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in awhile.

What’s The Story Here?

One Of The Good Ones follows sisters Happi and Genny whose other sister Kezi died under mysterious circumstances after being arrested attending a Black Lives Matter rally. Happi and Genny take a road trip following an itinerary Kezi left behind which uses a guidebook called the Negro Motorist Green Book. Basically, it points out attractions for Black people as well as Black Owned businesses and safe places to stop. The narrative then also includes another young woman who is trying to make it in LA as an actress.

The book explores how the people who pass away due to police brutality and racialized incidents can be perceived. Kezi was a Youtube social justice star. She made excellent grades. Her family seemed like a good family too. So, Kezi is perceived as One Of The Good Ones. Which is in contrast to how some people are perceived as criminals or “thugs” because they maybe committed one little crime or weren’t raised in the same economic class. But still, ultimately the differentiation is racist. And whether someone is “good” or “bad” shouldn’t factor into whether they get to live when interacting with police or not.

How Did I Like One Of The Good Ones?

I know we aren’t super far into 2021, but I feel fully confident in saying that One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Each character is wonderfully written and has interesting character development and progression. There were a few things that I did not see coming. Oh, and there is a huge twist. I saw that some people were divided on the twist. For me, I liked that it took this book into a different genre, almost, but still allowed for exploration of the core message. Oh, and I felt like the twist really made this book stand out to me as well.

The relationship between Kezi, Happi, and Genny is complex. It’s also well written and one of the best factors of this book. As someone with sisters, I love a good sister story. This book does that piece so well, especially during the road trip that Happi and Genny take.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of One Of The Good Ones has three narrators – Bahni Turpin, Carolyn Smith, and Jordan Cobb. It is 9 hours and 49 minutes long. This audiobook goes by so fast. Like, I was so absorbed in the story and what was happening. There is not one weak link among the three narrators. All three sound different. They narrate their chapters to perfection. This is one audiobook that you seriously cannot miss. It will have you thinking and considering and examining. Plus you will be so sucked into the plot and the twist – hanging onto every word. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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