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shereadytoread's Reviews (824)
This book seemed like a cheap grab at political events of 2020 but demonized trauma responses and mental health issues in a lesbian couple.
adventurous
dark
I love the style but the story felt a bit too long. The story puts a lot of obstacles in the way that extend the story. I enjoy a contemporary set YA story with actual stakes, because outside of fantasy I feel like that's not as common. The formatting of the book is a unique with presented evidence in the form of reports, videos, interview transcripts and posts. It may not be the best for audio, but after a little while I didn't even notice it.
challenging
emotional
informative
This book isn't exactly what I expected which was more of a general history of the group with a connection to current members. While you do get that, it is more of a minor piece of the book and the focus is on the individual lives of the newest generation to take over the ranch and program. The book gives an unflinching view of their personal struggles with gangs, addiction, trauma, and their connection to the horses and one another. I greatly enjoyed reading this and if you have a younger reader, I would suggest the adapted version for YA.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence
Minor: Rape, Police brutality
adventurous
This book was a fun little romp through the late 80s and 90s, but while the nostalgia is strong, the plot is weak. The characters themselves are pretty likable but there is very little investment in their connection to one another or the outcome. The queer romantic subplot is a bright spot that focuses on identity acceptance but otherwise I didn't care what happened to anyone and had no investment in the ending. The plot twists were pretty week and there wasn't enough suspense built to make the story exciting. It is more about depressed teenagers and all the actual plot points seem to be background to that.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Obviously the pacing of gothic books is its own thing but if you anyone asked me if I thought what this book was going to be about, I would not have been able to guess no matter what. I think this is a book that succeeds at making you like a pretty unlikable MC (but it's really done by making everyone else in the story the most terrible people ever). The imagery was really well done and the callbacks to details were really good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Racism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Murder
I enjoyed some of the stories but there was no real cohesiveness to the theme, genre, etc so it felt like a random collection. I felt like the "morals" of many of the stories were too in your face and I wasn't a fan of that. I think the strongest stories were early in the book so the second half dragged a lot for me. If you are a fan of a variety of genres, absurdist content and can handle a few gross outs then this one might work well for you.
adventurous
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a middle grade that reminds me how wonderful middle grade stories can be. The story of misfits or outcasts becoming the heroes isn't a new concept but this story is fresh and fun. The story has a fun plot, tackles serious topics, and manages to provide a variety of complex characters that mirror different pieces of society.
I can't wait to read the sequel.
I can't wait to read the sequel.
emotional
funny
informative
This was an excellent book that blended history, industry knowledge and cultural context with a show that is well known and loved. It discusses the impact of the show along with similarities and differences between it and other sitcoms about black families.
I think this is a great book for any fan of the show or TV sitcoms, TV writing, etc to read. It gives a lot of insight into certain choices of the show and the background of the characters and the actors.
The book does have a lot of excellent information and focus on Alfonso, Will and James and a decent amount on Janet Hubert but some characters are given basic glance like Tatyana Ali and some (like little Nicky) not mentioned at all - even though they talk about Janet’s pregnancy which was the reason that a new child was brought into the show.
There is also some skipping around when they discuss the shows episodes and seasons although it attempts (and for the most part succeeds) a chronological timeline.
I think this is a great book for any fan of the show or TV sitcoms, TV writing, etc to read. It gives a lot of insight into certain choices of the show and the background of the characters and the actors.
The book does have a lot of excellent information and focus on Alfonso, Will and James and a decent amount on Janet Hubert but some characters are given basic glance like Tatyana Ali and some (like little Nicky) not mentioned at all - even though they talk about Janet’s pregnancy which was the reason that a new child was brought into the show.
There is also some skipping around when they discuss the shows episodes and seasons although it attempts (and for the most part succeeds) a chronological timeline.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racism, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail