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oliviabrcka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
Allegedly follows 15 year old Mary Addison, who has been in "baby jail" for the last 6 years and has just been let into a group home in New York City. Mary is serving time for the alleged murder of 3 month old Alyssa Richardson, who Mary was babysitting with her mother at the time. For years, Mary has let the truth slip under the radar of the justice system, but now that she's pregnant, she has decided to come forward with the truth in an attempt to make a better life for her unborn baby. Mary is trying to gain the trust of those around her, but the real question is: can Mary trust herself?
I picked up Allegedly after having it recommended by Regan (PeruseProject) and Jananie (thisstoryaintover) and I am so glad I did. I went in with very little prior knowledge and this was an absolutely gripping story from cover to cover. I rarely pick up mysteries but this may be one of the best I have tried so far. I was captivated by Mary's story and things are truly left up in the air until the last page. I have never read a story like this! (I am attempting to be vague in this review because I think it is best for readers to go in without a lot of information)
This was my first Tiffany D. Jackson read and I am so impressed with her writing. Every word on the page drives home the bleak setting and overall feeling of this book. She speaks with Mary's mind; as Mary gains more knowledge, her point of view becomes more mature and more elegantly spoken. The pacing was just right and keeps readers guessing throughout the story.
Mary Addison is our main protagonist, and Mary is a complicated character. Even though we are seeing the world through her eyes, it is hard to get a good look inside her brain. Her life is screwed up to the max, and that is reflected in the choices she makes. Her relationships with the other girls in the group home, her mother, Ted, and her caretakers are each important and unique. She is so complex and interesting and mysterious, something that works so well in this particular story.
This book does an amazing job of pointing out the failures of the American criminal justice system and reminding the reader that although some may kid about the state of our prisons, they really aren't a joke for the ones living inside of them. Allegedly brings to light issues of race as well as sexual assault. I would look up content warnings before going into this book.
I would definitely recommend Allegedly, especially for readers who enjoyed Sadie by Courtney Summers. I am looking forward to picking up more books by Tiffany D. Jackson!
I picked up Allegedly after having it recommended by Regan (PeruseProject) and Jananie (thisstoryaintover) and I am so glad I did. I went in with very little prior knowledge and this was an absolutely gripping story from cover to cover. I rarely pick up mysteries but this may be one of the best I have tried so far. I was captivated by Mary's story and things are truly left up in the air until the last page. I have never read a story like this! (I am attempting to be vague in this review because I think it is best for readers to go in without a lot of information)
This was my first Tiffany D. Jackson read and I am so impressed with her writing. Every word on the page drives home the bleak setting and overall feeling of this book. She speaks with Mary's mind; as Mary gains more knowledge, her point of view becomes more mature and more elegantly spoken. The pacing was just right and keeps readers guessing throughout the story.
Mary Addison is our main protagonist, and Mary is a complicated character. Even though we are seeing the world through her eyes, it is hard to get a good look inside her brain. Her life is screwed up to the max, and that is reflected in the choices she makes. Her relationships with the other girls in the group home, her mother, Ted, and her caretakers are each important and unique. She is so complex and interesting and mysterious, something that works so well in this particular story.
This book does an amazing job of pointing out the failures of the American criminal justice system and reminding the reader that although some may kid about the state of our prisons, they really aren't a joke for the ones living inside of them. Allegedly brings to light issues of race as well as sexual assault. I would look up content warnings before going into this book.
I would definitely recommend Allegedly, especially for readers who enjoyed Sadie by Courtney Summers. I am looking forward to picking up more books by Tiffany D. Jackson!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Racism, and Violence
sunnyreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I was a little bit afraid to read Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson because well, at the time it was published, there was a lot of hype around it, and since then Tiffany D. Jackson has written and published more YA contemporary books that people praise, and well, I was afraid I wouldn't like it as much as everyone else.
But I did. I did love Allegedly and understand the hype. Wow, such a brilliantly written book. The last chapter takes your breath away. And it's so voicey, which I love voice. I love voicey YA contemporary, and Mary's voice is so loud and in your ear, like she's telling you her story while sitting on your couch.
However, I didn't like all the fatphobia and ableism present in Mary's thoughts; it made me VERY uncomfortable, and I think it was unnecessary. Does it make Mary realistic and like a teenager? Oh, yeah, definitely. I loved the scenes with the other girls, especially the therapy sessions, but I did find myself wishing the fatphobia and ableism wasn't present so much in the text; I didn't think it added anything to the story, especially since she doesn't learn that those thoughts are wrong.
But I did. I did love Allegedly and understand the hype. Wow, such a brilliantly written book. The last chapter takes your breath away. And it's so voicey, which I love voice. I love voicey YA contemporary, and Mary's voice is so loud and in your ear, like she's telling you her story while sitting on your couch.
However, I didn't like all the fatphobia and ableism present in Mary's thoughts; it made me VERY uncomfortable, and I think it was unnecessary. Does it make Mary realistic and like a teenager? Oh, yeah, definitely. I loved the scenes with the other girls, especially the therapy sessions, but I did find myself wishing the fatphobia and ableism wasn't present so much in the text; I didn't think it added anything to the story, especially since she doesn't learn that those thoughts are wrong.
But that was the scariest part. They CAN just do that. They can do whatever they want. (22%)
“What does it mean when you love and hate someone at the same time?” I ask. He laughs. “It means they family.” (27%)
"They’re pushing for the death penalty and don’t even realize executing this little girl is no different than murdering that baby.” (37%)
But I’m only the weakest part of angry; I’m hurt. Hurt makes you want to lay in the middle of the street, dead on the ground, muscles gone limp. (54%)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, and Racism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Homophobia
raivyn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Child abuse, Cursing, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
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