Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - As de picas

I wanted to like this more, but I think I'm just not the intended audience. Although exciting, the plot was somewhat predictable, and full of holes. So many characters were introduced for specific plot purposes only to be completely dropped later. And the characters that did stick around were one dimensional and lacked growth. The

quick and neatly wrapped up

ending was lackluster and added to the book's strange pacing. This tackled some big and necessary themes, but ultimately missed the mark for me.

Content Warnings

ohyeahshebomb's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

A high 3.5 stars

This book unfortunately took 7 months to read due to it starting off as a buddy read, but the first 1/3 of the book just agitated me (as a black woman) and just brought back the horrendous encounters I've had and those I'd heard stories of. The story didn't feel like a story. I'm glad I decided to pick it back up and follow through, I flew through the second half of the book within two days.

A few things I think detracted from the book was the copious amounts of love interests/connections. Maybe I'm too far removed from high school, but it was just overkill to me. I also felt like the book could have benefited from more explanations. Specifically how we got to the protesters, Belle, Devon's father, and Dre, but I digress. I also wanted more of a climax, the book it's self dragged on for me but there the climax was so rush, you'd miss it if you blinked.

I hope that the white people that pick this book up see the modern day implications of being Black.

I look forward to reading Where Sleeping Girls Lie!!

Content Warnings

emlyy_who's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I was procrastinating on reading this, but I'm glad I finally did. I can tell why this book made it to the Lincoln Awards. It's thought-provoking and reflective, and brings to light the countless injustices that African-Americans and other minorities continue to face today. It's a chilling read, and the revelations of the covertly racist actions of the entire school community are horrifying. But, the ways that Chiamaka and Devon confront these prejudices and find justice for their communities is empowering. I definitely recommend reading this.

Content Warnings

More...