Scan barcode
mushbop's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
thepetitepunk's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Algonquin Books for providing me with an e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Twenty year old Maddy Donaldo, a homeless woman in San Francisco, has lived a relatively simple life until she and her dog Root witness the murder of a boy in Golden Gate Park. Now, everyone seems interested in Maddy and what she saw, ultimately changing her relationship with people both new and familiar. From friendships, estranged family members, shelters, police, and understanding oneself, At the Edge of the Haight gives a glimpse into what it's like to be young and homeless.
This was a very easy book to read, full of interesting characters and conversations. It definitely gave me a better idea of what homelessness can look like and made me consider some things that I haven't thought about before. Although this book is centered around homelessness and a murder, it's a relatively quiet book that has a heavier focus on characters and themes rather than plot. I think the pacing was a bit abnormal compared to the other contemporary realistic fiction novels that I've read, but I still thought it was enjoyable. The writing style is simple in the way that it leaves readers with vivid descriptions, well-thought-out internal conflict, and memorable characters, without being overwhelming to read. This novel is marketed as an adult novel, but I think young adult readers would enjoy it too due to the style of writing. (I think new adult would be the best age group to categorize this book!)
Overall, At the Edge of the Haight is a thoughtful book about homelessness and discovering what one wants in life. I would recommend this to YA contemporary readers and anyone looking for a quiet book that deals with heavy subjects.
3.5 stars
Twenty year old Maddy Donaldo, a homeless woman in San Francisco, has lived a relatively simple life until she and her dog Root witness the murder of a boy in Golden Gate Park. Now, everyone seems interested in Maddy and what she saw, ultimately changing her relationship with people both new and familiar. From friendships, estranged family members, shelters, police, and understanding oneself, At the Edge of the Haight gives a glimpse into what it's like to be young and homeless.
This was a very easy book to read, full of interesting characters and conversations. It definitely gave me a better idea of what homelessness can look like and made me consider some things that I haven't thought about before. Although this book is centered around homelessness and a murder, it's a relatively quiet book that has a heavier focus on characters and themes rather than plot. I think the pacing was a bit abnormal compared to the other contemporary realistic fiction novels that I've read, but I still thought it was enjoyable. The writing style is simple in the way that it leaves readers with vivid descriptions, well-thought-out internal conflict, and memorable characters, without being overwhelming to read. This novel is marketed as an adult novel, but I think young adult readers would enjoy it too due to the style of writing. (I think new adult would be the best age group to categorize this book!)
Overall, At the Edge of the Haight is a thoughtful book about homelessness and discovering what one wants in life. I would recommend this to YA contemporary readers and anyone looking for a quiet book that deals with heavy subjects.
megluevano's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
alyson_m's review against another edition
3.0
It was good, a bit choppy though. I didn’t like that the first chapter started with describing someone like a pitbull in a negative connotation (we really need to move beyond this), but I rolled my eyes and continued.
edendecker's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myriadreads's review against another edition
3.0
There were truly beautiful moments in this book, but also moments of real discomfort and sadness, because it is a story about young people living on the streets. I found it very hard to read about kids and animals living homeless, in danger and hungry. The suffering of the pets wrenched my heart even more than the humans, because they were loyal to their people and were not making a choice. More detailed review to follow, I need to think about this one.
novelvisits's review against another edition
4.0
It’s not often you read a book where the main character is homeless, but in AT THE EDGE OF THE HAIGHT Maddie, 20ish, had made the streets of San Francisco home for a very long time. When she stumbled upon a murder in Golden Gate park, Maddie’s precariously built world, slowly began to crumble. What I appreciated most about Maddie’s story was the homeless perspective. For Maddie, it was normal, even a comfort. Despite the daily struggles, she feared losing herself if she let it go.
At the Edge of the Haight was all Maddie and because of that I think it skewed a little YA. As interesting as her journey was, the story might have been richer with a little more focus on some of the other’s in her world. The parents of the murdered boy played a big role which at times I struggled with, but overall I found this a very solid read.
At the Edge of the Haight was all Maddie and because of that I think it skewed a little YA. As interesting as her journey was, the story might have been richer with a little more focus on some of the other’s in her world. The parents of the murdered boy played a big role which at times I struggled with, but overall I found this a very solid read.
craftygoat's review against another edition
4.0
Slow in some places, then others made me wonder if I had skipped a page. As a work of fiction, I felt like there were spots it could have worked better. But as a work of eye-opening, empathy-growing story building, it was very nicely done.
staystitchy's review against another edition
3.0
At the Edge of the Haight started out with a bang. I was all set to solve a mystery with Maddy and her pup, Root. Then it felt like slow motion for most of the book.
I appreciate this story and it puts a spotlight on some very valid issues. It was heartbreaking and fascinating at times but I feel like it set up a good story and then kind of lost the plot.
Thank you to @belletrist for sending me this arc!!
I appreciate this story and it puts a spotlight on some very valid issues. It was heartbreaking and fascinating at times but I feel like it set up a good story and then kind of lost the plot.
Thank you to @belletrist for sending me this arc!!