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ekmoore11's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
pseudoliterature's review against another edition
Ever since I finished the series I wanted to read the book, and now I'm conflicted. I do love the series, and I really like the changes they did with the character of Townes, and the development of Beth's relationship with her adoptive mother.
However, TW// sexual assault, there is a scene in the beginning of this book that is a very explicit sexual assault to a minor, and i know it got cut from the show, but the rest of the story didn't, it left a bad taste in my mouth, and this is full spoilers but it is also an important topic, he used the only character of colour in this book to reinforce a incredibly harmful stereotype, it didn't add anything to the story, it wasn't explore later, it was never mention again, it wasn't something to explore abuse in orphanages, it was him thinking the best way to show Beth's vulnerability was through sexual assault, and he chose the character who was going to commit it, villainized it, and then abandoned it. it was unnecessary, only harmful.
I'm a believer that you can enjoy things, but must also be able to recognize its problematic aspects and critique them, specially when it's straight up racism dressed as "commentary".
I'm not saying you should just ignore this book, there are good scenes in here, but it is also full of problematic things outside the main story and heavily integrated in it.
But that it's also what the book is about, destruction, determination, ambition. The mind of a teen through the lens of an adult man.
However, TW// sexual assault, there is a scene in the beginning of this book that is a very explicit sexual assault to a minor, and i know it got cut from the show, but the rest of the story didn't, it left a bad taste in my mouth, and this is full spoilers but it is also an important topic, he used the only character of colour in this book to reinforce a incredibly harmful stereotype, it didn't add anything to the story, it wasn't explore later, it was never mention again, it wasn't something to explore abuse in orphanages, it was him thinking the best way to show Beth's vulnerability was through sexual assault, and he chose the character who was going to commit it, villainized it, and then abandoned it. it was unnecessary, only harmful.
I'm a believer that you can enjoy things, but must also be able to recognize its problematic aspects and critique them, specially when it's straight up racism dressed as "commentary".
I'm not saying you should just ignore this book, there are good scenes in here, but it is also full of problematic things outside the main story and heavily integrated in it.
But that it's also what the book is about, destruction, determination, ambition. The mind of a teen through the lens of an adult man.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Religious bigotry
bethendsley's review against another edition
The childhood rape was too much for me & alcohol use became triggering
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
briony99's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was drawn to the book because of the popularity of the Netflix series which I'd never seen. Despite not knowing anything about chess, this book was really accessible for those with no chess knowledge. Tevis knows how to delicately combine the intricacies of the game with the emotional world of the protagonist.It was an invigorating read throughout. However, I felt the beginning was a lot better than the end. Despite that, I enjoyed it all as the characters were complex and realistic. Additionally, the characters supported the story well. Overall it is a coming of age story that tackles addiction as well as trying to fit in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault