Point of View

The author writes On the Come Up from 16-year-old Bri Jackson's first person point of view. This narrative perspective grants the reader access not only to the complicated external circumstances of Bri's world, but to her deep emotional and psychological interior. The first person point of view also establishes that On the Come Up is Bri's story. Because the reader gets to move through the novel by way of Bri's thoughts, perceptions, and interpretations of her surroundings, she feels linked to Bri's experiences. This immediate connection with the narrator and her life, makes the reader feel aligned with Bri's frustrations, heartbreak, and successes. Indeed, the reader feels she is coming of age along with Bri, working through her struggles with her, watching her discover her voice and identity.

The author's point of view choice also grants her the liberty to play with language. By writing...