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evamilly87's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
sweetrosegirl76's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this! I don't read poetry books often so I'm happy to have seen this. I don't wanna compare this to the other 2 poetry books bc I did like this but I loved the other 2 more (Poet X and The Black Flamingo). This one surprisingly took longer to read than expected considering how short the poems were. Maybe bc it was a lot? But it did inspire me a lil and I did end up writing a few things bc of this book so that's nice. I wanna give it a 5 but the other 2 were a 5 so I'll give it a 4 but really it's 4.5
laurenb's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read! I’m also first-generation Puerto Rican born in the states. I could relate hard to some of the things Sarai says. The ending isn’t the happiest but it’s real life and it would be unrealistic if it had ended differently.
tinysongstress's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mayenk's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
I loved it, especially the audiobook, I don't know if this is a memoir but it felt like that at times, with how personal and moving most of the poems it was. It takes you back to a certain time period (80s or 90s New York) and it is written in such an immersive way. The last act boosted the book for me. I loved it.
somekindofmiriam's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
When We Make It explores ethnic identity against a backdrop of mid-90’s Brooklyn. Sarai knows many people consider her neighborhood of Bushwick dangerous and disorderly, but to her it’s just home. Many of her neighbors are viewed as criminals, but she sees the hopes and dreams that go along with their failures and flaws. She sees them as imperfect people who are trying, in whatever ways they can, to “make it.” The book also explores race and culture. As a Puerto Rican girl who’s lived in Brooklyn her whole life, Sarai wonders how much of her ethnic background and identity she has a right to claim, and she longs to learn more about her roots.
When We Make It doesn’t tread lightly; it portrays the truth of living in poverty and tackles such weighty topics as sexual assault, domestic abuse, drug use, teen pregnancy, postpartum depression, miscarriage, racism, and misogyny (to name a few—I’m guessing I missed some). This is the reality that Sarai lives in, but she also sees beauty and a sense of solidarity in her community. And in the end, she realizes that “making it” doesn’t mean she has to leave Bushwick and the building blocks of her life behind.
When We Make It explores ethnic identity against a backdrop of mid-90’s Brooklyn. Sarai knows many people consider her neighborhood of Bushwick dangerous and disorderly, but to her it’s just home. Many of her neighbors are viewed as criminals, but she sees the hopes and dreams that go along with their failures and flaws. She sees them as imperfect people who are trying, in whatever ways they can, to “make it.” The book also explores race and culture. As a Puerto Rican girl who’s lived in Brooklyn her whole life, Sarai wonders how much of her ethnic background and identity she has a right to claim, and she longs to learn more about her roots.
When We Make It doesn’t tread lightly; it portrays the truth of living in poverty and tackles such weighty topics as sexual assault, domestic abuse, drug use, teen pregnancy, postpartum depression, miscarriage, racism, and misogyny (to name a few—I’m guessing I missed some). This is the reality that Sarai lives in, but she also sees beauty and a sense of solidarity in her community. And in the end, she realizes that “making it” doesn’t mean she has to leave Bushwick and the building blocks of her life behind.
yaddyv's review against another edition
5.0
This book gave me inspiration to write about my neighborhood. While reading it I was inspired to write.
cyberdumps's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
beautiful, beautiful writing and history. absolutely devoured this book.
goreadwithgomez's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0