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dezeremartin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
areidbarnes's review against another edition
5.0
Let me wipe all these tears away.
This is easily the most breath-taking, beautifully devastating book I have ever read. With the AIDS crisis of the 80s as the central event, we witness America's homophobia and harassment of our community. This book is a snapshot of an integral part of our history. My heart broke over and over again to see what people had to survive day in and day out and all the sacrifices they made to create a world in which I can live more free than they ever could. The saddest bit? Most of us still face harassment for living our lives openly. Most of us still don't come from accepting families. Reading this book is a reminder of where we came from and how much further we need to go.
Thank you, Carter Sickels, for this amazing story.
This is easily the most breath-taking, beautifully devastating book I have ever read. With the AIDS crisis of the 80s as the central event, we witness America's homophobia and harassment of our community. This book is a snapshot of an integral part of our history. My heart broke over and over again to see what people had to survive day in and day out and all the sacrifices they made to create a world in which I can live more free than they ever could. The saddest bit? Most of us still face harassment for living our lives openly. Most of us still don't come from accepting families. Reading this book is a reminder of where we came from and how much further we need to go.
Thank you, Carter Sickels, for this amazing story.
madmollyann's review against another edition
5.0
This book was desperately heartbreaking. Seeing how Brian was treated by his loved ones and the animosity towards him, his disease, and his sexuality was cringe-y, as the kids would say. But seems sadly on point for 1980s Ohio. You will fall in love with the whole family, especially Mamaw (sp? I listened to the audio).
towering_tbr's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Hard-hitting, wonderfully immersive story about young man with AIDS in the 1980s. Nearly cried several times. Will definitely read more of this author in the future.
gothgf1567's review against another edition
5.0
This book, this book. I tried to type more but couldn't put into words what I wanted to. God, this book.
sarahbob's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
kellysarah731's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up to 5!
This was a powerful book. That said, if you read this, please go into it with the knowledge that it will likely be an unsettling read, and is a bit graphic.
This book takes an unflinching look (I totally feel like a professional book reviewer when I use that phrase, but I digress), at the AIDS crisis. It is heartbreaking and jarring and unsettling and important.
-.5 stars due to a tiny bit of slowness at the beginning and in the middle.
This was a powerful book. That said, if you read this, please go into it with the knowledge that it will likely be an unsettling read, and is a bit graphic.
This book takes an unflinching look (I totally feel like a professional book reviewer when I use that phrase, but I digress), at the AIDS crisis. It is heartbreaking and jarring and unsettling and important.
-.5 stars due to a tiny bit of slowness at the beginning and in the middle.
kristinvdt's review against another edition
4.0
A book that was quick to read, but with images that will stay with me. A sad, and unfortunately realistic account.
sweetbeetle's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0