Manjani is essential reading because it:

• offers a rare stare into the issues pertinent to today’s young black revolutionaries

• is the first novel to take place at a sovereign Black Nationalist military school

• fills the need for enlightened spiritual characters alongside dogmatic religious ones

• criticizes cultural mis-education and faulty political structures

• discreetly teaches through mentioning prominent leaders, books and historical events

• criticizes the sadism of homophobic aggression

• is satirical and literal at the same time

• demonstrates that personal power is developed through struggle

• encourages utilizing unique gifts to make change instead of glorified, ready-made roles

• is a controversial book that must be read in order to participate in its subsequent debates