Book Review: Playgrounds & Black Markers by Libby May

Nineteen-year-old Jake Jett always knew what he wanted as his career, but time runs short as his chances to follow his dream seem to disappear. The constant pressure to attend a prestigious college pushes out any hope of pursuing his own desires. 

Feeling unheard, Jake sinks into his hidden addiction.

Rose Johnson has the best adoptive family she could imagine. . . until they receive a new set of placements. Add that to her unexpected reunion with Jake, life is thrown completely off balance. Overcoming his repulsive attitude towards her, she’s compelled to convince him he has the power to quit his addiction and follow his dreams.

When hearts get in the way, confusion settles in. Life is more complicated than anyone could have realized. Is it possible to leave all of the steps and outcomes at the throne of God? Does everyone truly have a destiny?

My rating:

This book was so good, y'all. So good. It started out a little bit slow, but it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story, that's for sure! One of the most notable things for me when reading Playgrounds & Black Markers was how much Libby's writing style/voice had improved. Her debut (also the prequel to P&BM), Dewdrops & Butterflies, was a good book. But I have seen how much she's grown in her writing since publishing D&B, and I am sooo behind it!

Let's start with the themes. Wow. Jake has an addiction to something we wouldn't normally consider addictive: sharpie markers. His story will pull at your heart. I don't have any experience with addiction (or anyone who has had an addiction), so I'm definitely not an expert on the subject, but the way it was handled was fantastic, in my humble opinion. Also, the cause for his addiction, as a whole other theme...yessss. I'm trying really hard not to give spoilers here, buuuut I will say, however, that the way that was resolved seemed a little...I don't know...sudden? Like, *person* had a phone call and suddenly realized the error of their ways? *shrugs* maybe it was just me.

I also loved Rose's part in the story. The way she handled Taylor and Marcus were sooo good. There were maybe one or two things that I might've disagreed with, but it was just personal preference and not anything major. 

What didn't I like? The ending seemed...rushed? Like, the character arcs were complete and all, but the plot seemed to end abruptly, definitely leaving room for a third book. But, since I haven't heard any rumors about a third book, it seemed to end pretty suddenly.

Was there anything in this book that stood out, that put it above all others? No. But though I've never personally dealt with any of the themes—neglect, substance abuse, foster care, relationships—I felt it. I was Rose, wincing in pain when a hurting child kicked her shin. I was Jake, breathing in the fumes of the sharpie as he drug the tip of the marker across his skin. I was Rose, sobbing in the dark because some things in life just hurt too much. I was Jake, desperate for the love and affection he'd so long craved.

This book is full of hurt. Life. Graduations and swing sets. Ice cream and dog tags. It tugs at your heartstrings, and yet...it feels like home.

*I received a copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.