This Is Not A Drill

This Is Not A Drill cover
Good Books rating 3.77
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Technical
  • ID: 4483
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
greenchristian.org.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
good 3.50

This Is Not A Drill is an anthology featuring black authors telling stories of black teens. The collection offers a variety of perspectives and representations, with some stories standing out more than others. The review highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the individual stories, providing a balanced overview of the anthology.

This Is Not A Drill is an anthology that has been highly anticipated by the reviewer, featuring some of their favorite authors as well as up-and-coming writers. The collection is a purely a set of black authors telling the stories of black teens being teens, which is something that means a lot to the reviewer. The anthology offers a variety of perspectives and representations, with some stories standing out more than others. The review highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the individual stories, providing a balanced overview of the anthology. The reviewer enjoyed the collection from start to finish, appreciating the different types of representation within the novel. However, some stories felt rushed or lacked depth, while others were heartwarming and poignant. Overall, the anthology is a valuable addition to the genre, offering a diverse range of voices and experiences.


Quick quotes

    What are the cultural threads that connect Black people all over the world to Africa? How have we tried to maintain certain traditions as part of our identity? And as teenagers, do we even care? These are the questions I had in mind when inviting sixteen other Black authors to write about teens examining, rebelling against, embracing, or simply existing within their own idea of Blackness.

    It truly means a lot to me to also see the several different types of representation within this novel.

    This was just too complex and there were too many things left to unpack, so it absolutely didn’t work as a short.

researchgate.net · Unknown · 2025-08-22
insightful 4.00

Black Enough is a collection of short stories offering insights into the lives of young black people in modern America. The stories address universal themes like love and identity while highlighting the significance of race. The book is praised for its ability to foster empathy and understanding, making it a valuable read for all students.

Black Enough is a collection of short stories that provide a range of insights into the lives of young black people growing up in modern America. The stories address many issues that affect us all, such as falling in love, navigating friendships, and working out who we are and what we stand for. At the same time, they provide an exploration of what it means to be a young black person in America. These stories transcend race and yet force us to recognize the huge significance of race upon the lives of so many. Great stories ask us to consider issues and events from the perspective of others, and this book does just that. It provides an awareness of the lives of others and allows us to see aspects of our own reflected back. The book is praised for its ability to foster empathy and understanding, making it a valuable read for all students. One reviewer enjoyed the book for its universal themes and the way it highlights the significance of race. Another reviewer, who doesn't typically enjoy short stories, found some stories boring but appreciated the important topics covered. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable tool for fostering empathy and understanding.


Quick quotes

    These stories transcend race and yet rightly force us to recognise the huge significance of it upon the lives of so many.

    Great stories ask us to consider issues and events from the perspective of others.

    Once you start reading it, you’ll find it hard to stop.

earthbound.report · Unknown · 2019-06-17
intriguing 3.80

The anthology 'Black Enough' offers a diverse collection of stories about the experiences of young Black individuals in America. While some stories are captivating and thought-provoking, others fall short in their execution and impact.

The anthology 'Black Enough' is a star-studded collection that delves into the varied experiences of young Black individuals across different backgrounds. Edited by Ibi Zoboi, the book features stories from renowned authors like Jason Reynolds and Renee Watson, as well as emerging voices. Each story offers a unique perspective on what it means to be young and Black in America, covering themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the struggles of growing up. While many of the stories are compelling and resonate deeply, a few feel less impactful and somewhat confusing. Overall, the anthology is a valuable addition to the literary landscape, providing a rich tapestry of voices and experiences that are both relatable and enlightening.


Quick quotes

    The story discusses code switching, being woke, and pretending to be something you’re not.

    Story focuses on the theme of finding yourself and being who you are.

    The sandwich acts a metaphor for bringing cultures together and celebrating diversity.

    I was honestly lost reading this whole story and wasn’t really sure of the plot.