Where to begin with this, probably with a disclaimer, I am incapable of fully understanding the trials and tribulations experienced by people of colour due the privilege afforded to me by my own skin colour. It is my duty though to continually strive to educate myself on the experiences of others so that I can stand with them and educate others.I knew when I picked up Dear Martin that it would be representing the prejudice and racism experienced by Black people, particularly the male experience in this book. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I then experienced through reading Justyce’s story.The book is a quick read, only 210 pages but don’t let it being short fool you. Nic Stone has used every page to its full potential with making what Justyce goes through strike you right in the heart. I raged at how he was treated and how he feels the world perceives him, with everything that has happened the last few months I know that his perceptions are not incorrect which is devastating. The events that unfurl had me reaching for the tissues, and I did sob at parts. There are rays of light within the book, for example, sections with Sarah-Jane.Dear Martin is superbly written and pulls you straight into Justyce’s world in a way you can’t put it down. As I’ve hinted the writing is also heavy hitting and hard to process but very much worth the read. The writing also takes you through the plot at a pace that keeps you immersed in what’s happening, this really builds the tension that Justyce is feeling and the importance of each experience Justyce encounters.The characters are well-rounded and I connected with Justyce. I liked him immediately and rooted for his success. I felt for his frustration at being racially profiled, people assuming him to be a dangerous thug or not as intelligent as them. If you are white (like me) there is simply no way we can understand this fully but I’ll repeat it we need to educate ourselves on this to help remove it. All this happens at a time where most teenagers are beginning to understand themselves. I love Sarah-Jane and that Nic had created a character like her, I felt that Sarah-Jane is the example of what we should all be aiming to be.There is nothing to fault about this book. It is potent, powerful and raw! An important and a powerful read for everyone about the reality of being a Black male. The book covers racial profiling, racial injustice and white privilege to name a few which are important topics for us to be aware of. If there was a compulsory list of books that all readers should read this would 100% have a spot.Total recommendation and I can’t wait to read Dear Justyce the second book.