Policed ~ Review

Policed
A Kennedy Stern Novel #3
By Alana Terry

Kennedy's first year at Harvard wasn't what she was expecting, especially her off campus issues. But she's finally getting her panic attacks under control.  And her friendship with Reuben has the possibility of becoming something more...

But Kennedy's life is about to take another unexpected turn when she and Reuben decide to go to the musical Aida.  They never make it - instead they have a highly uncomfortable confrontation with a Boston police officer.  Is this a case of racism or just police brutality?  Kennedy and Reuben are faced with some serious decisions as they deal with the emotional and social fallout of what happened to them.

Feeling as if she is being pulled in multiple directions Kennedy must weight the potential outcomes of coming forward or staying silent. Is she a victim too or is Reuben alone the victim. Does the color of one's skin matter when determining whether or not a crime has been committed? Has Kennedy been blinded by her perceived notions of America?  And can prayer be the answer to help her figure out what she should do?

Policed could be taken from the headlines of today's news. But Alana Terry adds an extra dimension to the headline as she reveals Kennedy's frustrations, fears, and anger both during and after the event. The issue is debated by those closest to Kennedy and Carl and Sandy may once again be the stability that Kennedy needs in this latest storm she finds herself being tossed about by.  There is much food for thought in this book.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.



About the Book:
When Kennedy Stern and her best friend Reuben drag themselves away from their grueling studies to enjoy a night off campus, getting pulled over by a belligerent cop isn’t in either of their plans. When the police altercation turns violent, the media notes Reuben’s dark skin and labels this instance of police brutality a hate crime. 

Those Kennedy trusts the most warn her not to get involved, but she owes it to Reuben to pursue justice regardless of the personal cost. Nothing remains a secret when a frenzied media and an embarrassed police department delve into Kennedy’s and Reuben’s backgrounds. 

Some truths, unfortunately, grow increasingly more painful the closer they get to the surface.