Point of View

The point of view is spread across that of 10 characters, with five of them having more chapters and space dedicated to their thoughts. Jennica, Kimberly, Tina, Tyrell, and Reverend Sloan tell the majority of the story and all come from such different angles and perspectives on the incident that the reader is able to get a fuller picture than otherwise would be possible.

The author does this so that not only will more detail be available for the reader, but to also depict the types of personalities this type of poverty and violence develops in the inner city. The themes revolve around the points of view and the characters, all of which are designed to point toward the plight of poor black youths trying to break free of a cycle of violence, fear, and poverty in the areas in which they live.

Language and Meaning