Reviews

Push by Sapphire

yoquiero's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense fast-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

Eye opening book about a 16 year old girl with PTSD, trying to establish a life for herself in Harlem whilst overcoming her trauma. Recommend it 100%, although the theme and the language in the book might be upsetting for some.

The writing style is unconventional and beautifully conveys the main character’s personality as well.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Excrement, Adult/minor relationship, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, and Rape

essenceandhoney's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

“Push" by Sapphire is a harrowing, gripping, and raw narrative that delves into the life of Precious, a young Black girl facing unimaginable hardships. This book is not for the faint of heart; it's filled with explicit, vulgar language and graphic depictions of abuse that make it a challenging read. However, these elements are essential in portraying the brutal reality of Precious's world.

Sapphire masterfully captures the raw pain, anger, and resilience of a girl trying to push through the hand life has dealt her. Each page is a poignant reminder of the struggles many children endure, making "Push" a powerful and necessary read. Despite its difficult content, the story's authenticity and emotional depth leave a lasting impact, shedding light on the systemic issues that perpetuate such suffering. This book is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the fight for survival against all odds.

riderred97's review against another edition

5.0

So very glad I read this. My dear friend Eric from my book club let me borrow his copy and I feel overwhelmed(?) by this very short book.

Precious is an extremely powerful narrator. I don’t think I could ever appropriately express how simultaneously distressing, devastating, and empowering this novel is.

I would place this on the same pedestal as The Color Purple, and I’ll be sure to buy my own copy to lend to friends as well!

ashleyreneeliving's review against another edition

4.0

This is kind of a difficult read because of the way its written but its a great book.

unicarrot's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad

• 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

tinky47's review against another edition

4.0

This was one tough book to get through-raw, painful, but unfortunately reality for some.

notaturnip's review against another edition

5.0

Short, sharp and positively bleak. A really powerful read.

heathercottledillon's review against another edition

3.0

I'm still processing this book and I'm not sure yet what I thought of it...but I can safely say that it has made me think about how blessed I am to have the family and the opportunities that I do.

katsugirl's review against another edition

4.0

Hard to read through at times, I had to put it down sometimes. That said, very beautifully done and reminds me about the power stories have to affect us so deeply.

amandacolman's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-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? It's complicated

5.0