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srjennings's review against another edition
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Racism, Drug use, and Domestic abuse
ahopper7's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Racism, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Drug abuse, Violence, Grief, Mental illness, and Murder
stephcgagnon's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence and Rape
Moderate: Racism
writingcaia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Such a powerful story, and voice. It hurt, it dug deep, and it opened my eyes.
Through a power passed to her by her aggressive, addicted mother Echo starts on a journey of magic in the middle of a life that tries her at every turn, brothers that fall into the pits of poverty and follow the path of their fathers, men than abuse women, her.
It is only through her gift and her perseverance, and the help of others like her that she will escape the rotten fate planted for her and plant herself anew.
And, there is also her Persian best friend also in a ride of her own, through religion, through queerness, through parents expectations and fighting to free herself.
And, her mother, whose life has dealt such hard blows and sunk her so deep in the darkness of life, but who will be given a chance through her daughter to change her life, but will she?
Inspired by her own story the author explores the difficult reality of growing up a black woman, excluded by color and gender, put in a box from where most don’t want her to leave, especially the men and white people. But, there’re exceptions and she will thankfully meet some.
Absolutely incredible book that I hope everyone picks up (baring in mind the content warnings).
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Rape, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Islamophobia, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Murder, and Racial slurs
lydiabader's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Please be wary of triggers before picking up this book, it covers many different delicate subjectsvaleriabee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The book walks the line between memoir and novelization, reminding me a bit of Capote's In Cold Blood. It was stylistically reminiscent of Toni Morrison's Beloved, in particular the tone and the use of magical realism.
I loved the way the narration of this novel played with time. There were many instances in which Echo is recounting the details of various moments at the same time, as if they are happening at the same time. The style and format reminded me of cuts in movie scenes where it jumps from one scene to another by panning similar environments or movements. Or when two different conversations are being had in a movie and the scene jumps between them smoothly by connecting their words so it is as if the dialogues complete each other whilst being completely independent of one another. The fact that Brown created that visual effect in literature is astounding and incredibly powerful.
I love this book for its style and for its content. I love that it is set up in lessons and each chapter could be a stand-alone, it could be a short story but they work together to tell Echo's story. I love that the book is not shy, the characters are not shy. It is all very real and very forward and written so beautifully.
I found myself thinking about the ways that this book could be taught in the classroom, especially because of the way it is chaptered off and written into lessons, one wouldnt have to use the whole book (because you know how some schools are mad sensitive about the content they share with their students despite their willingness to require books about white supremacy, imperialism, and the enslavement of black people).
One of the most appealing things about this book is that it dares to show the bad with the good, show that greatness can be achieved. It provides hope whilst remaining honest about the pain.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Islamophobia, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Bullying, and Confinement
Minor: Genocide, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Hate crime, Ableism, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Slavery
readandfindout's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Themes: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Racism, Drug abuse, Addiction, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Alcoholism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Pedophilia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death, and Domestic abuse
itsmeyseniab's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE STOP AND PICK UP THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK, NO REVIEW WILL DO IT JUSTICE.
I rarely cry while reading books, but this brought me to tears on several occasions. This novel tackled some incredibly difficult topics, and what's even more difficult and heartbreaking is knowing that this is autobiographical. The way that Echo Brown told her story was so raw, beautiful and impactful. I loved the way that she incorporated magical realism into this novel and how each chapter ended with a lesson (it felt like a hybrid of both the personal development and memoir genres). The symbolism that she used was superb - the "black veil" representing depression and the description of "wizards" were the two that stood out to me the most. I adored how many of the females within the novel were described as wizards - I felt as though that gave them power in situations that were meant to make them feel powerless at the hands of others. It truly was incredible and brought tears to my eyes.
Echo did a great job with describing all of the characters and developing their interpersonal relationships. The way that she described her relationship with her mother in particular was the most impactful in my opinion. Her mother was so flawed, but the love they both share for each other (even when they don't see eye-to-eye) made me so emotional. We really got to know Echo through her relationship with her brothers as well - hearing how she had to step into a motherly role at such a young age really helped to embody her spirit and allowed readers to understand her thought process and decision making throughout the rest of childhood and teenage years. Her relationship with her teacher was a great example of how families and communities can come together to help each other overcome adversity as well.
Although this was extremely difficult to read due to the subject matter, I think it is an extremely important novel and can impact readers of all ages. I believe that everyone gain something from this story! I highly recommend the audiobook as well - it is narrated by Echo Brown herself and adds even more emotion and depth. I truly can't recommend this novel enough. I am looking forward to seeing more from Echo in the future!
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Violence
locdbooktician's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
jenn_the_unicorn's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Violence