Reviews

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

saviem01's review against another edition

The prose is just really not my style. I was sold on the plot but really clashed with the writing style 

archangelesq's review against another edition

4.0

Very fun read. Dark academia through the lens of field hockey team dabbling in the occult. I struggled at time with the audio book trying to keep up with the characters, but the story is very charming and engaging nonetheless. I kind of thought about halfway through that there was no actual magic involved, just the power of persuasion and teamwork. The team comes into their own in individual ways, and become more complete women thanks to “Emilio”. I very much enjoyed that Abby figured out that there was no magic and made the sacrifice of the championship to show the rest the error of their ways.

kgriffin3227's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

I thought this was a pretty original premise.  I've not seen a plot-line quite like this one before and I really enjoyed the novelity of it.  I also loved the late 1980's setting.  The focus on the hair styles and the fashion was such fun nostalga.  The story itself was a bit odd but entertaining and I laughed out loud frequently.  At the same time, the book wasn't just funny, there were definitely messages and lessons to take from it.  I liked seeing the growth of the characters through the progression of the book and I thought the ending was great.

lliizz12's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious slow-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

joabroda's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

A clever take on the Salem Witch trials, filled with a lot of reference to 1980's, big hair and the music of that day,  I was in my early 30's during the time of this story, but I can remember a lot of  pop-culture that began in the earlier 80's. It gave me some laughs, and dug up some memories.

The problem for me was the references to certain things got a little old, and by mid book I was wishing it were shorter. 

Having played Field Hockey in High School. I related to this book and had some fun reading it. However, shorter might have been better for me. 

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

4.0

It’s amazing what a little dark magic can do to a 1980s high school field hockey team. A super-original fantasy that was a lot of fun to read. If it hadn’t been an Alex Award winner, I doubt it would have been on my radar, so hooray to the committee that chose this as one of the best adult books with crossover appeal for teens!

the_magic_bookstar's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I liked certain parts of the ensemble like at the end but overall I thought it was an okay book with lots of telling not showing and info dumping.

heatherp23's review against another edition

dark funny reflective medium-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

3.0

moxiereads's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted slow-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

4.0

sophieguillas's review against another edition

5.0

The epilogue got pretty cheesy but all the stuff in the 80s was so fun and spooky. I think it really captured how exciting and terrible it feels to be a teenager.