Scan barcode
evieskirrow13's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mtzbookworm64's review against another edition
5.0
A very good book especially dealing with social issues currently in our society - white versus black, people versus the cops, poverty versus having what you need, ghetto versus middle class. Take note - this is high school / adult language and situations (the f*** word is used many times.) Well written commentary for today.
chelseatm's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
This book didn't always grip me and sometimes I wasn't sure what the purpose of the story was (what was I looking for, what was the character's arc etc) but it was powerful. By the conclusion, it was obvious what the purpose and arc were.
While the writing and the protagonist were in the YA genre, the story and gravity of the message was very adult.
It begins with the shooting of an unarmed black teen and follows the aftermath for the witness, Starr Carter. During the story, the characters were tackle many issues such as white normalization (normal names vs abnormal), the divisiveness of a person's character when they have to deal with different personas and representing their race, and the justification that the public may give if an unarmed black person is shot.
It was very powerful and despite being passionate about this issue, there were things I hadn't considered. If you are white, you will need to check your privilege at the door. You will hear about a different experience that you may not understand, but it's not for you to judge or to determine the accuracy. As you read, just as in Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, you just need to accept the characters' experiences. That is their truth to present, not yours to discern.
This is a great book to be introducing to young people and I wish we had this growing up to help expand our awareness of others. I really hope this book has a big impact with many ripples. Highly recommended.
This book didn't always grip me and sometimes I wasn't sure what the purpose of the story was (what was I looking for, what was the character's arc etc) but it was powerful. By the conclusion, it was obvious what the purpose and arc were.
While the writing and the protagonist were in the YA genre, the story and gravity of the message was very adult.
It begins with the shooting of an unarmed black teen and follows the aftermath for the witness, Starr Carter. During the story, the characters were tackle many issues such as white normalization (normal names vs abnormal), the divisiveness of a person's character when they have to deal with different personas and representing their race, and the justification that the public may give if an unarmed black person is shot.
It was very powerful and despite being passionate about this issue, there were things I hadn't considered. If you are white, you will need to check your privilege at the door. You will hear about a different experience that you may not understand, but it's not for you to judge or to determine the accuracy. As you read, just as in Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, you just need to accept the characters' experiences. That is their truth to present, not yours to discern.
This is a great book to be introducing to young people and I wish we had this growing up to help expand our awareness of others. I really hope this book has a big impact with many ripples. Highly recommended.
itswandy311's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mayankamal18's review against another edition
4.0
This was a rather refreshing read from the regular "ya novel" stereotypes.
The author writes in the spoken language and is actually relatable. Tell you the truth, I've read so many ya novels where the writer tried too hard anc came off sounding fake or corny, so the fact that Angie Thomas manages to deliver such a clean message in such an easy -close to the reader- way is really appreciated.
Oh, and one more thing, this is a tear jerker. I cried my way through it and got emotional at every corner. Hence if you're looking for a feel good kinda book, this isn't the one for you. Though the message it delivers marks it as a must read for teens and adolescents. Definitely one of my all time faves.
The author writes in the spoken language and is actually relatable. Tell you the truth, I've read so many ya novels where the writer tried too hard anc came off sounding fake or corny, so the fact that Angie Thomas manages to deliver such a clean message in such an easy -close to the reader- way is really appreciated.
Oh, and one more thing, this is a tear jerker. I cried my way through it and got emotional at every corner. Hence if you're looking for a feel good kinda book, this isn't the one for you. Though the message it delivers marks it as a must read for teens and adolescents. Definitely one of my all time faves.
dorotheafromthesea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Racism, and Gun violence
melodys_library's review against another edition
5.0
Ignore the fact that this is a Young Adult book. The themes are heavy and relevant. The main character/narrator is raw, honest and relatable. She struggles with inner conflicts, community conflicts, race conflicts, law conflicts... Everyone that reads this book can learn something from it.
cosmetic_wave's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fq3i0's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0