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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
I liked that this wasn't your typical "spy novel," but found myself struggling to get into it.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Book club book. Felt confused by what was going on, too many characters… not my favorite.
I my head I thought I'm "not a spy book person". But this book is on so many recommended reading lists I trust that I thought ... let's see!
Lauren Wilkinson's American Spy is a fascinating tale of the experience of a young Black female FBI officer in the 1980's. Our protagonist Marie's, story is one of complicated family bonds, an increasingly unsatisfying job with the FBI and then evolves into one of love and ethics and even more complicated family bonds.
Others have noted in their reviews that the author's way of telling the story - Marie is writing down her story for her sons to have in the future - is a bit slow and too reflective - and I don't think they are wrong. But it didn't ruin the book for me.
It's compelling and I appreciate how the spy elements are woven into a story of self discovery and finding ones truths. I now see I might be a "spy book person" after all.
Lauren Wilkinson's American Spy is a fascinating tale of the experience of a young Black female FBI officer in the 1980's. Our protagonist Marie's, story is one of complicated family bonds, an increasingly unsatisfying job with the FBI and then evolves into one of love and ethics and even more complicated family bonds.
Others have noted in their reviews that the author's way of telling the story - Marie is writing down her story for her sons to have in the future - is a bit slow and too reflective - and I don't think they are wrong. But it didn't ruin the book for me.
It's compelling and I appreciate how the spy elements are woven into a story of self discovery and finding ones truths. I now see I might be a "spy book person" after all.
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I could give this 2.5 stars, I would. I felt like there wasn’t much of a plot.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The pacing seemed off at times or maybe it was the way parts were narrated. Overall I liked it and thought the action was good.
I went into this not knowing much except it was recommended by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Barack Obama, so I’d thought I’ll give it a go. And well, OK. It was just standard for me, B-. I wasn’t extremely impressed with the writing style but it flowed ok. I was most intrigued by the main character’s sister Helene. I wanted to learn more about her. Anyway, I’m not sure why they liked this book so much, maybe I’m missing something.
I loved this book!
American Spy has a unique story and protagonist. I won't be confusing this book with any other that I've read--ever! ;) The focus on moral choices dealing with loyalty--both familial and national, and how to create political change--including necessary (?) compromises, hooked me. I love moral ambiguity, and this book delivers!
American Spy has a unique story and protagonist. I won't be confusing this book with any other that I've read--ever! ;) The focus on moral choices dealing with loyalty--both familial and national, and how to create political change--including necessary (?) compromises, hooked me. I love moral ambiguity, and this book delivers!