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ktb_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ruby4sure's review against another edition
5.0
V original take on a hugely important topic. The narrator is very engaging and unreliable, keeping you on your toes. As you start to guess the twist, it just demonstrates how well the message of the book has been gotten across. Very rarely will you find a book capable of making you laugh and break your heart within the space of a page
riderred97's review against another edition
4.0
It takes a little while to get going but hits full stride in the second half. I understand the humor was likely necessary to keep the book from being too serious, but sometimes it’s ok to just be serious. Overall I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to everyone for the insight of being a black man in America.
nikischmidt's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
october528's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bhnmt61's review against another edition
5.0
I’m pretty sure this book is brilliant. It’s complicated, and beautiful, and heart-breaking, and I didn’t always understand exactly what was happening. But it’s not difficult to read- I read a review ahead of time that intimidated me, but even though there were a couple of times I just had to keep going without being 100% sure what was going on, for the most part the pages turn themselves. It’s an entirely unique reading experience with a lot of meta elements- the narrator is figuring out how to tell the story as he’s telling the story, which sometimes involves contradicting himself or retelling a moment he’s already narrated in slightly different way. I’m not doing a good job of convincing you to read it, I know, but if you’re at all interested in race and social justice, and particularly if you’re interested in writing and the creative process, Hell of a Book is not to be missed. Fascinating.
vannychopiny's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-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
3.25
kluwes's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ndrewfan's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aclopez6's review against another edition
3.0
This review is entirely based on my own preferences in writing style and writing pet peeves. It is not a reflection of the book's values-highly recommend checking out other reviews! This was just not for me.