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heidikundin's review
5.0
This is My America was one of my top books from 2020, so I have been VERY anxiously awaiting the release of Invisible Son. I absolutely jumped at my chance to get my hands on an ARC, and I was not disappointed.
Note: I am not going to add a trigger warning list here, because it would be lengthy, and I’m sure I would likely miss something, but be aware that if you are a sensitive reader, you may wish to seek out such a list before reading.
Invisible Son is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of racial identity, societal prejudices, and the process of reclaiming one's life after a wrongful conviction. The story masterfully intertwines the turbulent events of 2020, including the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the horrific death of George Floyd, and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests that engulfed Portland, Oregon. It thrust me right back into that scene and those months, and I could palpably feel the same type of anxiety, dread, and other emotions that I was feeling at the time.
Johnson's skillful portrayal of Andre Jackson, the protagonist, is one of the standout aspects of the book. Told in the first person, the reader is given an intimate window into Andre's thoughts and feelings as he navigates the difficult circumstances of his life. Johnson effectively conveys Andre's determination to reclaim his identity and seek the truth behind his wrongful arrest. His journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as he grapples with feelings of isolation and a deep sense of injustice.
One of the central themes of Invisible Son is the concept of power dynamics in society. Through Andre's experiences, the novel explores how a few individuals hold the power to shape the lives of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised. The story also delves into the subject of gentrification, as Andre returns to a rapidly changing Portland neighborhood and tries to make sense of the transformations around him.
While the novel tackles heavy subject matter, it also includes a captivating mystery surrounding the disappearance of Sierra's brother, Eric. This subplot keeps the reader engaged and adds a layer of intrigue to the story. As Andre attempts to find Eric, he uncovers truths about his own arrest, and the “picture-perfect” family next door.
The one area where Invisible Son falls slightly short is the development of some of its minor characters. While Andre's character is richly detailed, some of the secondary characters lack similar depth and complexity. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the novel, as the focus is primarily on Andre and his journey. (To be fair, there is quite a large cast of secondary characters, and the most important ones are nicely developed.)
Despite this minor complaint, Invisible Son is a captivating and moving novel that offers a profound exploration of social issues, personal identity, and the power dynamics in society. Johnson's evocative writing, along with the compelling mystery and Andre's emotional journey, make this book a must-read. I highly recommend Invisible Son to anyone interested in a thought-provoking, character-driven story that tackles the difficult subject matter with nuance and empathy.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Note: I am not going to add a trigger warning list here, because it would be lengthy, and I’m sure I would likely miss something, but be aware that if you are a sensitive reader, you may wish to seek out such a list before reading.
Invisible Son is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of racial identity, societal prejudices, and the process of reclaiming one's life after a wrongful conviction. The story masterfully intertwines the turbulent events of 2020, including the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the horrific death of George Floyd, and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests that engulfed Portland, Oregon. It thrust me right back into that scene and those months, and I could palpably feel the same type of anxiety, dread, and other emotions that I was feeling at the time.
Johnson's skillful portrayal of Andre Jackson, the protagonist, is one of the standout aspects of the book. Told in the first person, the reader is given an intimate window into Andre's thoughts and feelings as he navigates the difficult circumstances of his life. Johnson effectively conveys Andre's determination to reclaim his identity and seek the truth behind his wrongful arrest. His journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as he grapples with feelings of isolation and a deep sense of injustice.
One of the central themes of Invisible Son is the concept of power dynamics in society. Through Andre's experiences, the novel explores how a few individuals hold the power to shape the lives of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised. The story also delves into the subject of gentrification, as Andre returns to a rapidly changing Portland neighborhood and tries to make sense of the transformations around him.
While the novel tackles heavy subject matter, it also includes a captivating mystery surrounding the disappearance of Sierra's brother, Eric. This subplot keeps the reader engaged and adds a layer of intrigue to the story. As Andre attempts to find Eric, he uncovers truths about his own arrest, and the “picture-perfect” family next door.
The one area where Invisible Son falls slightly short is the development of some of its minor characters. While Andre's character is richly detailed, some of the secondary characters lack similar depth and complexity. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the novel, as the focus is primarily on Andre and his journey. (To be fair, there is quite a large cast of secondary characters, and the most important ones are nicely developed.)
Despite this minor complaint, Invisible Son is a captivating and moving novel that offers a profound exploration of social issues, personal identity, and the power dynamics in society. Johnson's evocative writing, along with the compelling mystery and Andre's emotional journey, make this book a must-read. I highly recommend Invisible Son to anyone interested in a thought-provoking, character-driven story that tackles the difficult subject matter with nuance and empathy.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
foxytroxy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hannahnoelle531's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
prettypious's review
5.0
Highly recommend this YA. Timely. Great multilayered rich story, great character development. Strong social commentary.
srmbanks13's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
krogstrasu's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
keelreads's review against another edition
5.0
Wow... I finished the book about five minutes ago and have been sitting here in awe and disbelief at the tense and powerful story I just ventured through. The storyline was fantastic and raw, while the characters were very well-written and relatable. This is a book I will not stop recommending.
This novel is jam-packed with tension. Not only is Andre navigating life on house arrest and now fragile relationships, but he also has to navigate a life in which his best friend is missing, Covid is quickly sweeping through his town, and the BLM movement in their city is gaining national coverage.
This is a story about a young man fighting for what is right, despite the trouble he is quickly careening towards.
Andre was framed for a crime he didn't commit, stealing thousands of dollars of items from people at a party. The evidence was planted in his locker, but Andre ain't a "rat" and goes down for the crime and into the juvenile detention center. When Andre gets out a few months later, his world is very different, Eric is missing, his favorite teachers look at him differently, Sierra (his crush and Eric's sister) whom he had chemistry is dating Paul, the boy who called in the stolen items, and the coronavirus is beginning to spread.
Andre is determined to reclaim his life, identity, and the budding relationship that started prior to getting framed. Part of that hangs on finding Eric and getting the truth about what happened out, but no matter how hard he and Sierra try, they can't seem to find the answers they are looking for. The deeper Andre digs, he unearths secrets that change everything for both him and those he holds close.
This novel is jam-packed with tension. Not only is Andre navigating life on house arrest and now fragile relationships, but he also has to navigate a life in which his best friend is missing, Covid is quickly sweeping through his town, and the BLM movement in their city is gaining national coverage.
This is a story about a young man fighting for what is right, despite the trouble he is quickly careening towards.
Andre was framed for a crime he didn't commit, stealing thousands of dollars of items from people at a party. The evidence was planted in his locker, but Andre ain't a "rat" and goes down for the crime and into the juvenile detention center. When Andre gets out a few months later, his world is very different, Eric is missing, his favorite teachers look at him differently, Sierra (his crush and Eric's sister) whom he had chemistry is dating Paul, the boy who called in the stolen items, and the coronavirus is beginning to spread.
Andre is determined to reclaim his life, identity, and the budding relationship that started prior to getting framed. Part of that hangs on finding Eric and getting the truth about what happened out, but no matter how hard he and Sierra try, they can't seem to find the answers they are looking for. The deeper Andre digs, he unearths secrets that change everything for both him and those he holds close.
aalexander8's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25