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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
If you haven’t read Leah Johnson's debut book You Should See Me in a Crown, you absolutely should!
In the novel Rise to The Sun, we follow Toni and Olivia’s POV through a three-day span at a musical festival. Overall, this book is okay for me. I believe the timeline of three days was way too quick for true character development. However, I do believe this book can be important to some. Especially, Queer Black Girls. This book also tackle some very deep issues such as racism, gun violence, anxiety, grief and sexual harassment.
Overall, I just wanted more from this book. I truly enjoyed the beginning of the book but eventually, it became repetitive and I feel as if we weren’t getting anywhere. If you are into musical festivals and insta love tropes this book is for you.
In the novel Rise to The Sun, we follow Toni and Olivia’s POV through a three-day span at a musical festival. Overall, this book is okay for me. I believe the timeline of three days was way too quick for true character development. However, I do believe this book can be important to some. Especially, Queer Black Girls. This book also tackle some very deep issues such as racism, gun violence, anxiety, grief and sexual harassment.
Overall, I just wanted more from this book. I truly enjoyed the beginning of the book but eventually, it became repetitive and I feel as if we weren’t getting anywhere. If you are into musical festivals and insta love tropes this book is for you.
lighthearted
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
I really enjoyed this novel. Toni and Olivia's relationship develops quickly but sweetly. I like how they are able to help each other grow. I also like the side relationship of Peter and Imani and the way everything gets revealed. Johnson's writing is just fantastic, and I look forward to her future YA novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Biphobia, Mass/school shootings
Finally finished this one.
When I first started reading this, I found the writing cliché and the plot slow. I didn't like the characters much because they felt like they could be a number of teenagers out there.
It did get better. The gunshot elevated the story a little, brought some higher stakes which helped with sympathy for the characters and investment in the story arc. Overall, however, it was not redeemed for me. Some of the dialogue and narration just didn't seem true to life, to the teenagers I've known. I know I'm not a teenager anymore, but still. The texts between Olivia and the other girl whose photos were almost leaked (sorry I forgot her name!) felt unrealistic to me.
The romance was cute at times, but the writing of it felt too calculated for me to fully enjoy. Besides, the fact that she screwed Imani over and over again and Imani still forgives her easily and is okay with her running off to Toni right after the concert does not work for me. Imani was glossed over as a character for most of the book and we really don't know who she is or how she's feeling (beyond the few mostly plot-motivated arguments between her and Olivia). Imani deserved better.
When I first started reading this, I found the writing cliché and the plot slow. I didn't like the characters much because they felt like they could be a number of teenagers out there.
It did get better. The gunshot elevated the story a little, brought some higher stakes which helped with sympathy for the characters and investment in the story arc. Overall, however, it was not redeemed for me. Some of the dialogue and narration just didn't seem true to life, to the teenagers I've known. I know I'm not a teenager anymore, but still. The texts between Olivia and the other girl whose photos were almost leaked (sorry I forgot her name!) felt unrealistic to me.
The romance was cute at times, but the writing of it felt too calculated for me to fully enjoy. Besides, the fact that she screwed Imani over and over again and Imani still forgives her easily and is okay with her running off to Toni right after the concert does not work for me. Imani was glossed over as a character for most of the book and we really don't know who she is or how she's feeling (beyond the few mostly plot-motivated arguments between her and Olivia). Imani deserved better.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-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
These main characters (specifically Olivia) were kind of insufferable and the drama felt contrived and very middle school. Not my favorite, but readable.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes