crosskitelines's review
5.0
wow. I just love books and the ability just disappear into someone else's life. The love the verse. It felt kinda claustrophobic and with poetry, a lot of the time the white space on the page is just as important than the words and I really felt it. Just so good. I mean I'm heartbroken but it was a real experience.
readingalex's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
desi129's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
macknificent's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was amazing! The way the author explored grief and masculinity was poignant, but I also appreciated the way the 'hood was presented without judgement. Although the story is about a traumatizing event all of the characters move through the setting with dignity, that can be rare.
A truly stunning work, made all the better by the author's narration of the audiobook. Loved it!
A truly stunning work, made all the better by the author's narration of the audiobook. Loved it!
vanitas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
ostrowk's review
5.0
Jason Reynolds, what the heck! This book cracked me open—even more than his others.
"IS IT POSSIBLE
for a hug
to peel back skin
of time,
the toughened
and raw bits,
the irritated
and irritating
dry spots,
the parts that bleed?" (199).
This book is that hug is yes. In this novel-in-verse, Reynolds resurrects the ghosts of senseless—but not rule-less—gang violence to help our narrator, Will, break those rules, to break the cycle. I will put this lightning-fast read in the hands of my most reluctant readers and delight in watching them devour it.
"IS IT POSSIBLE
for a hug
to peel back skin
of time,
the toughened
and raw bits,
the irritated
and irritating
dry spots,
the parts that bleed?" (199).
This book is that hug is yes. In this novel-in-verse, Reynolds resurrects the ghosts of senseless—but not rule-less—gang violence to help our narrator, Will, break those rules, to break the cycle. I will put this lightning-fast read in the hands of my most reluctant readers and delight in watching them devour it.
vici24kl's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5