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The Cost of Knowing
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A novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus is trying his best. He tries to be the best employee he can be at the local ice cream shop; the best boyfriend he can be to his amazing girlfriend, Talia; the best protector he can be over his li ...more
Sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus is trying his best. He tries to be the best employee he can be at the local ice cream shop; the best boyfriend he can be to his amazing girlfriend, Talia; the best protector he can be over his li ...more
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Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
April 6th 2021
by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Brooke Nadzam
I don’t see any LGBTQ+ characters. There are black and brown people represented as well as people of low socio-economic status.
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Start your review of The Cost of Knowing

“To all the Black boys who had to grow up too early.”
The dedication above encapsulates this story perfectly. It’s a love letter and a wake up call bundled together in a package both heartbreaking and beautiful.
~★~ What is this book about? ~★~
The Cost of Knowing follows Alex, a teenage boy who lost his parents in an accident years ago. He now lives with his aunt and little brother Isaiah, who are some of the few pieces of happiness left in his life. Alex has the strange ability to see the fut ...more
The dedication above encapsulates this story perfectly. It’s a love letter and a wake up call bundled together in a package both heartbreaking and beautiful.
~★~ What is this book about? ~★~
The Cost of Knowing follows Alex, a teenage boy who lost his parents in an accident years ago. He now lives with his aunt and little brother Isaiah, who are some of the few pieces of happiness left in his life. Alex has the strange ability to see the fut ...more

Mar 30, 2021
jenny✨
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
bipoc-rep,
black-authors,
author-of-colour,
ownvoices,
arc,
2021,
ya-sci-fi,
ya-contemporary,
siblings
i have mixed feelings, but one thing's for sure—the love between alex and isaiah hit me so. hard.
first, though: can we just take a sec to appreciate this stunning cover art by alvin epps????
thank you netgalley and simon & schuster canada for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
the cost of knowing is, above all, brittney morris' love letter to all the Black men who had to grow up too early.
four years ago, alex rufus lost both his parents i ...more
first, though: can we just take a sec to appreciate this stunning cover art by alvin epps????
thank you netgalley and simon & schuster canada for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
the cost of knowing is, above all, brittney morris' love letter to all the Black men who had to grow up too early.
four years ago, alex rufus lost both his parents i ...more

TW for death of a loved one, racism, and anxiety
This one is definitely a lot to read and so hard to rate. Ever since his parents died, Alex has been able to see the immediate future of anything he touches. He's learned to live with it, but it's affecting his relationships with his girlfriend and his brother, especially when he has visions off is girlfriend angry with him and his brother dying. Every single vision of his comes true, so Alex must race to spend time with his brother and protect him ...more
This one is definitely a lot to read and so hard to rate. Ever since his parents died, Alex has been able to see the immediate future of anything he touches. He's learned to live with it, but it's affecting his relationships with his girlfriend and his brother, especially when he has visions off is girlfriend angry with him and his brother dying. Every single vision of his comes true, so Alex must race to spend time with his brother and protect him ...more

⭐️ 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Alex Rufus is trying to do the best he can in his life. He tries to be the best employee, he tries to be the best boyfriend for Talia, and he tries to be the best brother for Isiah. But Alex always manages to come up short. For Alex, it’s hard for him to stay in the present when every object he touches shows him the future. When he touches his car, he sees it totaled and underwater. When he touches Talia, he sees them at the edge of breaking up. When Alex touches a photo of his f ...more
Alex Rufus is trying to do the best he can in his life. He tries to be the best employee, he tries to be the best boyfriend for Talia, and he tries to be the best brother for Isiah. But Alex always manages to come up short. For Alex, it’s hard for him to stay in the present when every object he touches shows him the future. When he touches his car, he sees it totaled and underwater. When he touches Talia, he sees them at the edge of breaking up. When Alex touches a photo of his f ...more

Brittney Morris is determined to screw up my soul and my heart. I knew that this was going to be sad, but I don't think I realized how sad this was truly going to be. 4.5 Stars
In the beginning of The Cost of Knowing, Brittney Morris identifies this book as a love letter to Black boys. Some people will feel like this isn't a love letter and that it focuses too much on the trauma of Black boys and men. However, when I thought about this more I feel like this love letter is meant to say "we see you ...more
In the beginning of The Cost of Knowing, Brittney Morris identifies this book as a love letter to Black boys. Some people will feel like this isn't a love letter and that it focuses too much on the trauma of Black boys and men. However, when I thought about this more I feel like this love letter is meant to say "we see you ...more

DNF at 48%
Let me just say that this is not a bad book by any means. I think it is very successful in what it's trying to do, but I wasn't expecting some things that made it difficult for me to continue reading. And maybe I should have known as it has been comped to They Both Die at the End, which I had similar feelings about.
The Cost of Knowing is a love letter to Black boys, following a teen boy who has been "cursed" with the ability to see visions of the future when he touches things, ever si ...more
Let me just say that this is not a bad book by any means. I think it is very successful in what it's trying to do, but I wasn't expecting some things that made it difficult for me to continue reading. And maybe I should have known as it has been comped to They Both Die at the End, which I had similar feelings about.
The Cost of Knowing is a love letter to Black boys, following a teen boy who has been "cursed" with the ability to see visions of the future when he touches things, ever si ...more

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
★★★
Whoever makes the rules controls the narrative.
Brittney Morris is incredibly talented; there’s no denying that. There are a lot of wonderful things going on in this novel — finding joy in the face of trauma, ruminating on what is inherited from our ancestors, and forgiving our past choices. For those bits alone, this is a special story. Make no mistake — it is remarkably sad, but it ...more
★★★
Whoever makes the rules controls the narrative.
Brittney Morris is incredibly talented; there’s no denying that. There are a lot of wonderful things going on in this novel — finding joy in the face of trauma, ruminating on what is inherited from our ancestors, and forgiving our past choices. For those bits alone, this is a special story. Make no mistake — it is remarkably sad, but it ...more

~Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!~
Joy in the face of oppression is its own kind of bravery.
My Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first ARC review with Netgalley and it was amazing!
First Impressions\Overall Thoughts: This book drew me in from the start. I absolutely loved how it had fantasy elements while also being centered around real-life issues such as racism, the danger of stereotypes, anxiety, and grief. Brittny Morris did a gre ...more
Joy in the face of oppression is its own kind of bravery.
My Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first ARC review with Netgalley and it was amazing!
First Impressions\Overall Thoughts: This book drew me in from the start. I absolutely loved how it had fantasy elements while also being centered around real-life issues such as racism, the danger of stereotypes, anxiety, and grief. Brittny Morris did a gre ...more

It’s okay to be afraid of the future. It’s okay to be anxious. Men get anxious. Men are afraid sometimes.
The Cost of Knowing is an incredibly powerful story. It’s about toxic masculinity. It’s about brotherhood. It’s about love. But above all, it’s about a Black boy who is never carefree.
Imagine: being Black and male. Always being afraid. Being worried all the time. Being anxious.
Imagine: touching someone and then envisioning what will happen. A break-up, someone in trouble, someone dying.
Imagin ...more
The Cost of Knowing is an incredibly powerful story. It’s about toxic masculinity. It’s about brotherhood. It’s about love. But above all, it’s about a Black boy who is never carefree.
Imagine: being Black and male. Always being afraid. Being worried all the time. Being anxious.
Imagine: touching someone and then envisioning what will happen. A break-up, someone in trouble, someone dying.
Imagin ...more

The cost of knowing is about a brother who can see into the future simply by touching something. So when he sees a glimpse of his brother dying he decides there is things In his life that need to change.
I felt this was well written. I loved the sibling love and also the different topics it covered. I gave this an A-
I felt this was well written. I loved the sibling love and also the different topics it covered. I gave this an A-

The Cost of Knowing is a gripping YA story that explores brotherhood, prejudice, and resilience from the author of SLAY.
The Cost of Knowing follows sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus and his brother, Isaiah. Years ago, their parents were killed in a car accident, leaving Alex and Isaiah to be raised by their aunt in Chicago. After traumatic loss, Alex finds he has the ability to see the future through touch, and after picking up an old family photo, he has a vision that tells him Isaiah might die. Now ...more
The Cost of Knowing follows sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus and his brother, Isaiah. Years ago, their parents were killed in a car accident, leaving Alex and Isaiah to be raised by their aunt in Chicago. After traumatic loss, Alex finds he has the ability to see the future through touch, and after picking up an old family photo, he has a vision that tells him Isaiah might die. Now ...more

When I first saw The Cost of Knowing the cover blew me away! Gorgeous rendition by illustrator Alvin Epps showing two beautiful young black men.
Alex and Isaiah are brothers. They have lost their parents in a car accident. Life obviously has not been the same since their parents death. Each has found their own coping strategies. I loved how Morris developed the relationship between the two brothers. Their closeness, Alex's protectiveness and how he chooses to spend time with Isaiah were a beautif ...more
Alex and Isaiah are brothers. They have lost their parents in a car accident. Life obviously has not been the same since their parents death. Each has found their own coping strategies. I loved how Morris developed the relationship between the two brothers. Their closeness, Alex's protectiveness and how he chooses to spend time with Isaiah were a beautif ...more

Book 233 of 2021
Whewwww. What can I say 😭😭😭 this one broke my heart. It was an absolutely beautiful book tbh and it was just so good!!!
I went into it blind, so I didn't read the blurb. I loved that for me because I enjoyed watching everything play out without knowing what to expect at all. Halfway through the book, I checked the blurb and saw that it was comp'd to "They Both Die at The End" and my heart just sunk 😂😭
This was a wonderfully written book about family, love, loss, and grief. This bo ...more
Whewwww. What can I say 😭😭😭 this one broke my heart. It was an absolutely beautiful book tbh and it was just so good!!!
I went into it blind, so I didn't read the blurb. I loved that for me because I enjoyed watching everything play out without knowing what to expect at all. Halfway through the book, I checked the blurb and saw that it was comp'd to "They Both Die at The End" and my heart just sunk 😂😭
This was a wonderfully written book about family, love, loss, and grief. This bo ...more

3.5 stars!

Kinda Oedipus Rex-y, without any sex... y.
Alex is keeping a big secret. Since his parents died in a car accident 4 years ago, he's been able to see the future of anything his hands touch. The ability is so overwhelming that he's become reclusive from his Aunt Mackie, his girlfriend Talia, and even his little brother Isaiah. But Isaiah has become distant too. He doesn't have friends anymore, and only talks to Alex when he has to. One day, Alex's vision shows him at Isaiah's funeral. In an instant ...more
Alex is keeping a big secret. Since his parents died in a car accident 4 years ago, he's been able to see the future of anything his hands touch. The ability is so overwhelming that he's become reclusive from his Aunt Mackie, his girlfriend Talia, and even his little brother Isaiah. But Isaiah has become distant too. He doesn't have friends anymore, and only talks to Alex when he has to. One day, Alex's vision shows him at Isaiah's funeral. In an instant ...more

4.5 Stars
CWs: anxiety, panic attacks, death/child death/parental death, grief, racism, brief mentions of suicidal ideation and self-harm, allusions to a suicide attempt, police brutality, references to slavery and rape, and mass shooting
Brittney Morris has done it once again. She has written an incredible novel that is very much needed and that offers an outstretched hand to Black youth, especially—one that's all wrapped up in emotion and catharsis. This is a challenging book, and may certai ...more
CWs: anxiety, panic attacks, death/child death/parental death, grief, racism, brief mentions of suicidal ideation and self-harm, allusions to a suicide attempt, police brutality, references to slavery and rape, and mass shooting
Brittney Morris has done it once again. She has written an incredible novel that is very much needed and that offers an outstretched hand to Black youth, especially—one that's all wrapped up in emotion and catharsis. This is a challenging book, and may certai ...more

I received the arc of The Cost of Knowing at no cost from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster. It was my choice to read and review.
I was hooked. I could not pause it. I loved the urban fantasy setting and the fact that the magic system is somewhat explained yet not all the way. Because it's not the focal point. The focal point is Alex and his brother, Isaiah, and their relationship after shared trauma in their past.
The pacing was great, it wasn't too fast or too slow and I got just enough answers ...more
I was hooked. I could not pause it. I loved the urban fantasy setting and the fact that the magic system is somewhat explained yet not all the way. Because it's not the focal point. The focal point is Alex and his brother, Isaiah, and their relationship after shared trauma in their past.
The pacing was great, it wasn't too fast or too slow and I got just enough answers ...more

Tragic, gripping, emotional and brilliantly written, Morris once again showcases her incredible talent for creating characters and narratives that hook onto your heart and don't let go, in this poignant story of brotherhood, male mental health, resilience and prejudice.
TW: racism, prejudice, gun violence, anxiety ...more
TW: racism, prejudice, gun violence, anxiety ...more

This book wrecked me, but in a way that it probably needs to.
Alex is a young man with the gift, and curse, of seeing future events when he touches someone or an item. As much as he is able, he tries to not touch people he loves, not after he saw his best friend's death and was unable to stop it. But an accidental touch of a photograph shows him mourning at his younger brother's grave site. Alex is devastated, and determined to spend as much time with his brother as possible after spending years ...more
Alex is a young man with the gift, and curse, of seeing future events when he touches someone or an item. As much as he is able, he tries to not touch people he loves, not after he saw his best friend's death and was unable to stop it. But an accidental touch of a photograph shows him mourning at his younger brother's grave site. Alex is devastated, and determined to spend as much time with his brother as possible after spending years ...more

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Beth Mowbray
Much like her debut novel, SLAY, Brittney Morris’s new novel The Cost of Knowing is a work of young adult fiction which explores the experience of being a young Black person in the United States today. This sophomore effort, however, centers on a male rather than a female protagonist and adds a dimension of magic to create a captivating and moving reading experience.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
...more
Much like her debut novel, SLAY, Brittney Morris’s new novel The Cost of Knowing is a work of young adult fiction which explores the experience of being a young Black person in the United States today. This sophomore effort, however, centers on a male rather than a female protagonist and adds a dimension of magic to create a captivating and moving reading experience.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
...more

(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: racism, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety
The Cost of Knowing explores the concept of the future. If you had the ability to see a snippet of the future, what would you do? I feel like we think about this often, but the actual manifestation of it, and Alex's powers, would actually be terrifying. How would we divert, or prevent, the future? How would we know how much of our life ...more
TW: racism, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety
The Cost of Knowing explores the concept of the future. If you had the ability to see a snippet of the future, what would you do? I feel like we think about this often, but the actual manifestation of it, and Alex's powers, would actually be terrifying. How would we divert, or prevent, the future? How would we know how much of our life ...more

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
First off, let's get this out of the way. Slay was incredible. I genuinely couldn't believe it was Morris's debut when I read it.
The Cost of Knowing is so good that it managed to remind me that Slay was a debut.
16-year-old Alex is trying to navigate having a girlfriend, part-time job, his relationship with his aunt and brother, and the expectations of his dead parents. That's all a lot even for kids without magical c ...more
First off, let's get this out of the way. Slay was incredible. I genuinely couldn't believe it was Morris's debut when I read it.
The Cost of Knowing is so good that it managed to remind me that Slay was a debut.
16-year-old Alex is trying to navigate having a girlfriend, part-time job, his relationship with his aunt and brother, and the expectations of his dead parents. That's all a lot even for kids without magical c ...more

Sometimes a DNF should stay a DNF because dont matter how much you try and push, certain books are just not that good...
Unlike Slay, that I didnt enjoy the first 40% of it, but truly liked the latter part of the book and was truly surprised of how great different topics and social commentary were handled, when it comes to The Cost of Knowing, everything felt all over the place.
The characters didnt have the same charisma and likeness as the other book had and to be completely honest I couldn't ...more
Unlike Slay, that I didnt enjoy the first 40% of it, but truly liked the latter part of the book and was truly surprised of how great different topics and social commentary were handled, when it comes to The Cost of Knowing, everything felt all over the place.
The characters didnt have the same charisma and likeness as the other book had and to be completely honest I couldn't ...more

Going with a 4.5 star rating. This was such a heart wrenching book. I wasn't fully invested until the last half of the book. The "magic" aspect of seeing into the future and the past was interesting. I enjoyed Alex and the mental health representation with his anxiety. I think Alex handled himself as well as he could. He was dealt a terrible hand. I think Isaiah was such a precious child. Talia was low-key annoying...I could have did without her honestly.
The Zaccari's....there are no words for h ...more
The Zaccari's....there are no words for h ...more

Jun 09, 2020
Sana
marked it as to-read-so-bad-it-hurts
'Two brothers are cursed. Alex can see the future. Isaiah can see the past. When Alex, the older, sees a vision of Isaiah dying in a few days, cue a race against time to track where this family curse came from & figure out what it means to be a Black boy in the present.'
I can't waitttt
Source ...more
I can't waitttt
Source ...more

Happy pub day Brittney Morris!
Let me start by saying all the thanks to Simon Schuster publishing and NetGalley for the digital advanced readers copy of this great story! I absolutely loved Brittney Morris' first book 'Slay', so I was extremely happy and excited to receive 'The Cost of Knowing' in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about a 16-year-old boy who had to grow up too soon. Alex and his younger brother Isaiah lost their parents at a young age and are now being raised by their Au ...more
Let me start by saying all the thanks to Simon Schuster publishing and NetGalley for the digital advanced readers copy of this great story! I absolutely loved Brittney Morris' first book 'Slay', so I was extremely happy and excited to receive 'The Cost of Knowing' in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about a 16-year-old boy who had to grow up too soon. Alex and his younger brother Isaiah lost their parents at a young age and are now being raised by their Au ...more

Actual rating 4.25 stars out of 5.
Full review to come later, but I really enjoyed this one!
Full review to come later, but I really enjoyed this one!
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Brittney Morris is the author of SLAY, THE COST OF KNOWING, and MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN: MILES MORALES - WINGS OF FURY. She holds a BA in economics from Boston University and has written for video games including The Lost Legends of Redwall, and Subnautica: Below Zero. She spends her spare time reading, playing indie video games, and enjoying the rain from her home in Philadelphia. She lives with her
...more
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