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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The author's characterisation is very strong and all five teenager characters are very distinct from each other. Given the extremely limited backdrop, it's the characters that are the centrepiece of the novel, and their interactions felt authentic and realistic. However the plot was somewhat limited by the locked setting.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I picked up this weird looking little book at a used book sale for $1. I thought I'd read it for a laugh. To my surprise, it was harder hitting and more compelling than I expected.
However, the fatphobia was hard to digest. I get that it's supposed to be a metaphor for the greed and gluttony of the rich but like...come on. A bit more creativity here would go a long way...
However, the fatphobia was hard to digest. I get that it's supposed to be a metaphor for the greed and gluttony of the rich but like...come on. A bit more creativity here would go a long way...
I liked the point that was being made here and the awareness of the book. I think this was written for a younger audience & a certain time period, and I do appreciate that.
But I do admit that I feel like I didn’t feel too inspired by the book because it wasn’t for my age or reading level I suppose. Also, did not like the fat shaming that was in the book. I don’t think that was necessary.
But I do admit that I feel like I didn’t feel too inspired by the book because it wasn’t for my age or reading level I suppose. Also, did not like the fat shaming that was in the book. I don’t think that was necessary.
I missed this book when I was younger and picked it up after reading Laura Miller's New Yorker article about dystopian young adult fiction. It does what it does really well: striking, memorable images, driving action and characterization sufficient to the purpose at hand. It feels more like a short story than a novel, but that is as much a strength as a criticism.
tense
fast-paced
4/10
pc: 166
This book would’ve been really interesting if one of the main characters entire plot wasn’t just fatphobia. A bunch of kids are stuck in this place with stairs leading everywhere and they are trying to figure out how to survive/escape. Some themes it touches on were classic conditioning, the prison industrial system, and power balances. It’s a little out-dated since it was published in 1991. Somehow I ended up with a signed copy, which is cool. Wish I could’ve enjoyed it more.
pc: 166
This book would’ve been really interesting if one of the main characters entire plot wasn’t just fatphobia. A bunch of kids are stuck in this place with stairs leading everywhere and they are trying to figure out how to survive/escape. Some themes it touches on were classic conditioning, the prison industrial system, and power balances. It’s a little out-dated since it was published in 1991. Somehow I ended up with a signed copy, which is cool. Wish I could’ve enjoyed it more.
Loved the premise!
Simply felt like a stupid resolution/ending, very unsatisfying
Also no one dying of slipping or being pushed or even suicide by falling or jumping off the stairs felt really unrealistic, or not attacking the doctor
Simply felt like a stupid resolution/ending, very unsatisfying
Also no one dying of slipping or being pushed or even suicide by falling or jumping off the stairs felt really unrealistic, or not attacking the doctor
I loved this book when I was little. It was so frightening.
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes