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annabi's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
I'm having trouble evaluating this book. the writing was very straight forward and plain, and normally I'd consider that a downer, but I think it fit Darius' narrative/personality. as an Asian American who grew up in privileged northern Virginia, I can't relate to the gang violence, drug problems, or general phenomena that occurs in NYC, so I feel like I can't evaluate that aspect of the novel. I loved Darius & twigs relationship-- they both better each other by being themselves and being honest w each other. I also enjoyed the threads that carried thru the whole story (Fury, Darius' story) and how they developed as shit went down. the story seemed a little choppy, jumping from topic to topic seemingly randomly, and pacing heavily affects how I view a novel. yeah. idk. the book wasn't life changing, but I'm glad I read it, u know? I think Darius and twig have a lot of insight and empathy that's cool to see play out
I'm having trouble evaluating this book. the writing was very straight forward and plain, and normally I'd consider that a downer, but I think it fit Darius' narrative/personality. as an Asian American who grew up in privileged northern Virginia, I can't relate to the gang violence, drug problems, or general phenomena that occurs in NYC, so I feel like I can't evaluate that aspect of the novel. I loved Darius & twigs relationship-- they both better each other by being themselves and being honest w each other. I also enjoyed the threads that carried thru the whole story (Fury, Darius' story) and how they developed as shit went down. the story seemed a little choppy, jumping from topic to topic seemingly randomly, and pacing heavily affects how I view a novel. yeah. idk. the book wasn't life changing, but I'm glad I read it, u know? I think Darius and twig have a lot of insight and empathy that's cool to see play out
kyera's review against another edition
4.0
Darius and Twig is a short contemporary novel set in Harlem. It follows two best friends, Darius and Twig, as they struggle to figure out who they are and where they want to go in life. Darius is a writer and dreams of having his stories earn him a scholarship to get out of Harlem. Twig just loves to run. He doesn't want to lose that love by selling out to scouts and reporters who just want a hand in the 'next big thing' or to get a running scholarship for school because he doesn't know if he even wants to go to college. They each have dreams and live for each other's achievements, although Darius celebrates vicariously through Twig much more often than the reverse.
Myers does what he always does in his books, which is focus on the characters. He illuminates their worlds, the good and the bad, and writes stories about real life. They struggle and they can't always cope with the bad around them. They want to escape. They want to be more than they are, yet they're told every day that they will never be more than they are. That authenticity is what makes Myers' books shine and make them so relatable for so many people. They also give an insight into a world that doesn't always get authentic representation and is not experienced by everyone, so there is a sense of empathy and understanding that might be gleaned from the reading of Myers' books. No, you won't understand the plight of people in Harlem like you might if you experienced it yourself - but perhaps you will be a little more open-minded and knowledgable in the future.
Myers does what he always does in his books, which is focus on the characters. He illuminates their worlds, the good and the bad, and writes stories about real life. They struggle and they can't always cope with the bad around them. They want to escape. They want to be more than they are, yet they're told every day that they will never be more than they are. That authenticity is what makes Myers' books shine and make them so relatable for so many people. They also give an insight into a world that doesn't always get authentic representation and is not experienced by everyone, so there is a sense of empathy and understanding that might be gleaned from the reading of Myers' books. No, you won't understand the plight of people in Harlem like you might if you experienced it yourself - but perhaps you will be a little more open-minded and knowledgable in the future.
sunflowerjess's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? No
4.5
This is my second book by Walter Dean Myers, and I continue to fall in love with his work.
mxsunny's review against another edition
4.0
Rest in power Walter Dean Myers. I've been reading his work since middle school. this book is about a young writer and his friend the standout runner. both have questions about how to make it through this life and they've got each other's support and friendship.
foreveryoungadult's review against another edition
Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: I Give It the Bird
Drinking Buddy: Yes
Testosterone Level: Slow Burn
Talky Talk: King Walter the First
Bonus Factors: Non-White Racism, Writing
Anti-Bonus Factor: Reading Rewards Program
Bromance Status: I'm Not Worthy
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: I Give It the Bird
Drinking Buddy: Yes
Testosterone Level: Slow Burn
Talky Talk: King Walter the First
Bonus Factors: Non-White Racism, Writing
Anti-Bonus Factor: Reading Rewards Program
Bromance Status: I'm Not Worthy
Read the full book report here.
kevinhendricks's review against another edition
4.0
A quick story about two friends, a high school writer and a runner, both from the hood, striving to find their place and rise above what society expects of them.
peyjturner's review against another edition
3.0
Not gonna lie: I'm only reading this because of work reasons, but it's still a good read. Yes, it follows the trope of "friends in a bad neighbourhood get out through their special talents", but Myer's writing makes it so much more. A tough, but recommended read to all YA fans.