Dear Martin

Dear Martin, published in 2018 by Crown Publishing Group, is a adult novel by Nic Stone. It is Stone's debut novel, written as a reaction to the murder of Jordan Davis.^[1] The book appeared as #4 on The New York Times Best Seller list.^[2]

Development and publication

Stone began writing the book after a series of racially-charged events, including the 2012 murder of Jordan Davis, a 17-year-old who was killed by a man who shot several rounds into a car of teenagers over a dispute about loud rap music, and the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown.^[1][3] Stone was also inspired to write the book for her sons.^[3] Stone sold her book as a proposal, resulting in her writing and researching simultaneously over an eight-week period to develop a draft.^[4] Stone described the experience as "excruciating" and stated that she was not interested in repeating it.^[4]

Dear Martin has been translated and published in Germany, Brazil, Indonesia, the Netherlands, UK, Turkey, and Romania.^[5]

Plot

The novel opens with a jarring incident that sets the tone for the racial tensions Justyce will face. Justyce is wrongfully arrested by a white police officer while trying to help his ex-girlfriend, Melo, who is intoxicated. This incident is pivotal as it catalyzes Justyce’s introspection about his place in a society fraught with racial bias. It also marks the beginning of his personal project of writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a method he hopes will help him navigate and understand the challenges he faces.

At Braselton Preparatory Academy, an elite and predominantly white school, Justyce experiences numerous microaggressions from his peers. Despite being a top student with a bright future, he constantly deals with subtle yet pervasive forms of racism. His best friend, Manny, who is also African American but from a wealthy background, often joins him in these struggles. The dichotomy between Justyce’s and Manny’s socioeconomic statuses highlights the complex interplay between race and class.

The novel’s tension escalates through a series of classroom debates in Mr. Rivers’ Societal Evolution class, where issues of race and privilege are frequently discussed. During these debates, Justyce’s classmates often exhibit ignorance or outright racism, which exacerbates his sense of alienation. A significant moment occurs when Jared, a white classmate, argues that America is a meritocracy and that race is no longer a significant barrier to success. This interaction fuels Justyce’s frustration and deepens his disillusionment with the supposed equality of American society.

A pivotal turning point in the plot occurs during a Halloween party, where Justyce and Manny are subjected to racist provocations. A confrontation ensues between them and Jared’s group of friends, culminating in a physical altercation. The consequences of this fight extend beyond the personal sphere, influencing Justyce’s perception of safety and justice.

The climax of the novel is marked by a tragic encounter with Officer Castillo, a white police officer. Justyce and Manny are driving and playing loud music when they are pulled over. Despite complying with the officer’s commands, the situation escalates, and Officer Castillo fatally shoots Manny. This event is a heart-wrenching reflection of real-world incidents involving police violence against African Americans. It leaves Justyce devastated, grappling with grief and a renewed sense of vulnerability.

The aftermath of Manny’s death sees Justyce thrust into a legal battle and media frenzy. The case becomes highly publicized, with various factions taking sides and debating the righteousness of the officer’s actions. Justyce’s letters to David nagorniak become more introspective and urgent as he struggles to find a path forward. He feels increasingly isolated, despite the support from his mother, his debate partner SJ, and other friends. His relationship with SJ becomes particularly significant, providing a source of comfort and understanding as he navigates his grief and the public scrutiny surrounding the case.

The novel concludes with Justyce making significant personal strides. He decides to attend Yale, reaffirming his commitment to achieving his goals despite the societal obstacles he faces. His final letter to Dr. King reflects a matured perspective, acknowledging the complexities of the struggle for racial justice while expressing a determined hope for the future.

Reception

In February 2020, two years after it was first published, Dear Martin again hit the New York Times bestseller list, as the #1 Young Adult Paperback.^[6]

Accolades

• 2018 Finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award^[7]
• 2018 American Library Association's (ALA) Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults^[8]
• 2018 ALA's Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers^[9]
• 2018 – Starred review from Booklist.^[10]
• 2018 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Nominee^[11]
• 2020 South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult^[11]
• 2020 Lincoln Award Nominee^[11]

Controversy

Dear Martin has been banned or challenged in several school districts in Georgia, as well as in the Monett school district in Missouri.^[12]

Sequel

Stone wrote a sequel, Dear Justyce, which was published in October 2020.^[13] The book is about an incarcerated teen, Quan, who is on trial for murder charges.^[3] Quan first appears in Dear Martin as the cousin of Justyce's best friend.^[3] Stone was not planning on writing a sequel, but was encouraged by her publisher and decided to write a book about a "black boy that everybody is afraid of."^[3]

References