Reviews

This is a devastating story, incredibly unsettling and so beautifully written. Tayari Jones has a way of writing that makes the movie play in my head. So much imagery and powerful metaphors that just really placed me inside the book. I had never heard of the Atlanta Child Murders before hearing about this book, surprising (but is it really?) given how obsessed people are with true crime and serial killers…The way Jones wrote the children in this story felt so believable, this really feels like how children talk and think. This is a coming of age story that so seamlessly captured the way the three children and their classmates and friends were affected by the murders of their friends and classmates. The way anxiety, paranoia, grief, confusion, anger, fear and injustice showed up for them. Wow. This was an amazing book, really looking forward to reading more by Jones.

kyrie's review against another edition

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emotional medium-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? Yes

3.25

akdorman's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative mysterious reflective slow-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? Yes

4.0

drtamikamichelle's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

I was very disappointed with this book. I actually lied the author since reading "An American Marriage" and just expected so much more. I still do not know why this story was written as it was so disjointed and had no true ending. The end was very rushed, parts of the story were just glossed over with no real connection, such as the sexual abuse from the uncle, and other parts just seemed inconsequential. This was an o read and I finished it but very disappointing. I would give this a 2.5 rating.

barbrattybooks's review against another edition

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5.0

My heart is so heavy right now

bmpicc's review against another edition

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2.0

While I firmly believe this is an author to try, this was my least favorite of her books. The story is well put together and the narration is believable. Sadly, I hated the ending and I had issues with several characters. Do not let this deter you if you are looking for a new voice to read.

literary_chameleon's review against another edition

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dark informative mysterious sad slow-paced

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

5.0

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