Tuff by Paul Beatty

Set in the gritty streets of Harlem, this novel follows the tumultuous life of Winston "Tuffy" Foshay, a 19-year-old overweight, street-smart hustler with a penchant for trouble and a heart full of ambition. As Tuffy navigates the challenges of his environment, he finds himself at a crossroads, torn between the allure of the street life and the potential for a brighter future. With a cast of eccentric characters and a narrative infused with humor and raw honesty, the story explores themes of identity, redemption, and the struggle to break free from the cycles of poverty and violence.