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prettypious's review against another edition
3.0
Probably more like a 3.5. I wanted to like it but I found it to be just, “meh”. There were some interesting stories, characters and possibilities within but some of the more interesting plot points never got fully explored or developed and the central relationship was kinda boring and drawn out and I figured the twist pretty early on. If I had never started or even finished this book I would have been fine. The writing style reminded me a little of Jodi Picoult’s.
desilu94's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
shrimpybear's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
akacya's review against another edition
4.0
2024 reads: 126/250
2024 tbr: 57/120
when a county initiative draws students from the predominantly-black east side to the predominantly-white west side high schools, two students’ lives and families are tied together for years to come.
on one hand, we have gee, an anxious black teenager whose mom wants him to have the best opportunities. on the other, we have noelle, whose mother is immediately against the integration. gee and noelle get closer through the school play, and we follow their story in the past and the present.
first of all, i had no idea this book had a dual timeline! i love this aspect, so i was excited when i realized that was how this book was structured.
i also feel like we got an adequate backstory for both of our main characters, which helped explain their personalities and actions in the future. gee lost his father to murder at a young age. noelle’s father has been in and out of her life since she was young. they also both have interesting relationships with their mothers.
this book reminded me of why i want to read more literary fiction. i loved how three-dimensional the characters were and how topics important in the real world were discussed in this one. i will definitely be on the lookout for more from naima coster!
joanapsanches's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
vtsarahd's review against another edition
4.0
A slower but thoughtful read with lots to think about after the story ends.
seymone's review against another edition
3.0
I was left with quite a few unanswered questions. The character development of Lacey May and the sisters was lacking. What was the purpose of the sisters, the story would have flowed without them included. Why did Gee turn out to be the way he is, as an adult? The reasons given didn’t add up. What the heck happened to the father?
This novel could have been a 4-5 stars, if the characters were developed, more.
This novel could have been a 4-5 stars, if the characters were developed, more.
webbhkg's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5