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cassmccaff's review against another edition
3.0
I finally read (listened) to this book after hearing about it for 5 years. And it was totally fine. It was available on my Libby app so I just gave it a shot. I was never really captivated by the story or the characters. I think I would have been if I had read this before 2020. When BLM all happened and these stories were everywhere. Now they’ve become politicized as opposed to a real issue that needs answers. Such is the way with many important issues today.
I will say I was surprised at how much language there was for a YA book.
Enlightening for sure. I would never know what it’s like to live in those neighborhoods where gangs are apart of your everyday life. That would be really hard.
I will say I was surprised at how much language there was for a YA book.
Enlightening for sure. I would never know what it’s like to live in those neighborhoods where gangs are apart of your everyday life. That would be really hard.
beckeal's review against another edition
4.0
I totally enjoyed this book. But I think it fell prey to its own hype. I expected more.
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
What a fantastic, powerful read. I cannot get this book out of my head.
tjeoconnor's review against another edition
5.0
This book is absolutely incredible. It gives a first-person look at what it's like to know someone who was killed by the cops, and to live in the town where it happened. Starr has an amazing voice, and despite the pain and the trouble she's going through, she always has her own voice and personality. I can't do this book justice - it's a must read.
hafeza_libary's review against another edition
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? No
5.0
kitkat962's review against another edition
4.0
I know it's one of the most popular books of 2018, so let's see if it lives up to the hype.
Yes, yes it does.
It touches some of the most important subjects: hate crime, racism, economic gap, having a voice to speak up, etc. The personalities of most characters have certain depths, the plot is interesting enough to keep you turning. Starr's obsession with her sneakers annoys me a lot ( I mean, a lot). And so does a lot of slang and 90s/black references. But exactly the moment I got fed up with her teenage year, deep, philosophical conversations between her and her parents, her uncles pulled me back to the book.
I know that the writing style should reflect the black characters' backgrounds, but I just can't seem to relate to because it's not my taste. So 4-star, as I enjoyed reading it, I would not consider re-reading.
Yes, yes it does.
It touches some of the most important subjects: hate crime, racism, economic gap, having a voice to speak up, etc. The personalities of most characters have certain depths, the plot is interesting enough to keep you turning. Starr's obsession with her sneakers annoys me a lot ( I mean, a lot). And so does a lot of slang and 90s/black references. But exactly the moment I got fed up with her teenage year, deep, philosophical conversations between her and her parents, her uncles pulled me back to the book.
I know that the writing style should reflect the black characters' backgrounds, but I just can't seem to relate to because it's not my taste. So 4-star, as I enjoyed reading it, I would not consider re-reading.
manadabomb's review against another edition
5.0
I was blown away by this book. My IRL book club picked it for our first book of 2019 and, frankly, I'm surprised at the choice. I listened to the audio book and was 100% in it with Starr. Probably through my own ignorance at what is out there, I've never read a book that was this heartbreaking and made me view things in a different light.
Starr Carter is a 16 year old African American living in Garden Heights (the hood). She's met up with her old friend Khalil at a party and, when gunshots ring out, he gets Starr out of there and into his car to take home. Khalil and Starr have know each other since they were babies. Khalil is a good kid but there are rumors that he's been selling drugs. On the way home, Khalil is pulled over by the police for a broken taillight. If you've paid a bit of attention to the news, you know what happens. I was still upset when it happened. Due to "circumstances" (white prejudice), Khalil is shot in the back 3 times. He's unarmed, there are no weapons in the car, but a 16 year old kid is laying on the street dying from being shot repeatedly in the back by a cop. Starr has the gun turned on her as well, until the cop's backup arrives.
The journey from that night to the end, riots in Garden Heights, is Starr's story of how she has dealt and is dealing with seeing two of her best friends murdered. Natasha, her other friend, was killed in a driveby when she was 10. Now Khalil at 16 is murdered. My heart broke a thousand times over for Starr and for everyone in her neighborhood.
This is such a worthwhile read and, actually, so important to read and understand that what you read in the news or see on TV isn't the real story. People get into situations they can't get out of, but that doesn't make them bad or make them deserve to be murdered.
Starr is one of my literary heroes. She shines.
Starr Carter is a 16 year old African American living in Garden Heights (the hood). She's met up with her old friend Khalil at a party and, when gunshots ring out, he gets Starr out of there and into his car to take home. Khalil and Starr have know each other since they were babies. Khalil is a good kid but there are rumors that he's been selling drugs. On the way home, Khalil is pulled over by the police for a broken taillight. If you've paid a bit of attention to the news, you know what happens. I was still upset when it happened. Due to "circumstances" (white prejudice), Khalil is shot in the back 3 times. He's unarmed, there are no weapons in the car, but a 16 year old kid is laying on the street dying from being shot repeatedly in the back by a cop. Starr has the gun turned on her as well, until the cop's backup arrives.
The journey from that night to the end, riots in Garden Heights, is Starr's story of how she has dealt and is dealing with seeing two of her best friends murdered. Natasha, her other friend, was killed in a driveby when she was 10. Now Khalil at 16 is murdered. My heart broke a thousand times over for Starr and for everyone in her neighborhood.
This is such a worthwhile read and, actually, so important to read and understand that what you read in the news or see on TV isn't the real story. People get into situations they can't get out of, but that doesn't make them bad or make them deserve to be murdered.
Starr is one of my literary heroes. She shines.
clumsylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0