49 pages • 1 hour read
The Boy in the Black Suit
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2010s
2015
YA
12-18 years
HL760L
Super Short Summary
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds follows Matt Miller in his senior year as he navigates life after his mother's death and his father's hospitalization. Matt finds solace in working for Mr. Ray, a local funeral home director, and gains comfort from attending funerals. Meeting Love, who also experienced loss, helps Matt cope with his grief and find hope and strength in their connection. The novel addresses themes of grief, loss, and healing.
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
9,431 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds excels in its emotional depth and relatable characters, particularly through the protagonist Matt's journey of grief and resilience. Critics praise Reynolds' authentic dialogue and portrayal of urban life. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable at times. Overall, it's a compelling and heartfelt read.
Who Should Read The Boy in the Black Suit?
Readers who would enjoy The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds are teens and young adults who appreciate heart-touching, realistic stories about grief, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything will find similar emotional depth and relatable characters.
9,431 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Daisy Miller (Mom)
Daisy Miller (Mom)
Matt's deceased mother, remembered for her cheerful and caring nature, who left a recipe booklet for Matt that reflects her love and personality. Her memory significantly impacts Matt's journey through grief.
Jackson Miller (Dad)
Jackson Miller (Dad)
Matt's father, who struggles with drinking following his wife's death and is hospitalized after an accident. His recovery and absence add complexity to Matt's grieving process.
Mr. Willie Ray
Mr. Willie Ray
A neighbor and funeral home owner who hires Matt and serves as a mentor and caretaker, sharing wisdom from his own experiences with loss and offering guidance to Matt.
Love Brown (Lovey)
Love Brown (Lovey)
A senior girl who captivates Matt with her poise and empathy, influencing his journey through grief with her strength and kindness. She shares a meaningful connection with Matt, rooted in mutual understanding of loss.
Chris Hayes
Chris Hayes
Matt's best friend, who offers steadfast support and normalcy after Matt's mother dies. He provides comic relief and critical insights that help Matt navigate personal challenges.
304
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2010s
2015
YA
12-18 years
HL760L
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