Naughts & Crosses

I gave this book 5 stars because I started reading it, thinking I would see a different dynamic in the world if the Europeans had not taken part in imperialism. Needless to say there was no difference sociologically, there was inequality rampant. This book showed how prejudiced mind sets all combine to ultimately (and inevitably) make a racist society. We can directly apply this to real life, and I hope readers of privileged groups could see why the naughts were all antagonistic towards Sephy. She wasn't the direct source of prejudice, but she was one who did not have to feel the harmful effects of being "lesser". I do feel like the last 100 pages of the book were a little rushed, but I liked how Callum and Sephy changed over the years. I also wished the author described the physical difference between the naughts and crosses to show how that happens everyday in real life inconspicuously.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR TEENS AND OLDER TO DISCUSS RACE AND PREJUDICE HAPPENING IN TODAY'S WORLD. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT FOR ANY CLASSROOM!

Man what a great book. She took different themes and rolled them 'll together for one twist and turn the entire way. I was constantly like why would she write the characters to do that and that like I was yelling at the stupid person in a horror movie. So many open ends at the end of the book is ish would have been answered but still an amazing read. It was really cool to see the roles switched. T ha k you for writing this awesome novel.

This book took me back to the 1950's and 60's, a time when segregation was being fought by the likes of Rosa Parks, Martin Lurther King Jr., to name a few. I wasn't alive back then, but we have all seen the images of the 4 or 5 black students walking into a all white high school for the first time. I could only imagine what it would of been like to of been one of those students walking up those steps. This book is about a world where the crosses(blacks) are the first class citizens and the Naughts(whites) are second class. The author has taken history and flipped it on its head. Malorie Blackman did an amazing job bringing this world together, almost to well. The story focuses on two main characters, Stephy a Cross, and Callum a Naught. The two are childhood friends, by way of Callum's mom being employed by Stephy's parents. The book follows how they manage their forbidden relationship in a world of pressured segregation. See, the Crosses are not to mingle with the Naughts and vice versa. The prose was simple and flowed beautifully. I read this book in a day, I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book I have read that is narrated by the two main characters. Malorie Blackman did a wonderful job flowing one voice into the other. I was never confused on who was talking. Warning, if you are looking for a happy ever after, this is not your book. The story is sad and tragic, but also beautiful and heartfelt. I cried several times throughout the book and ugly cried at the end. I loved this story and it has earned a place in my top favorite books of all time.

I saw the British TV series before I read the book. There is a tremendous difference in the story line. It makes reading the book worthwhile, as it is really a terrific commentary on race relations, making it more relevant ( for recent news) today than when originally written!