Scan barcode
alenezela99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Child death, and Racism
oliviabrcka's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Biphobia, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Racism, and Violence
olliesbooksnbeads'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
Graphic: Abandonment, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Murder, Racism, and Toxic relationship
puzzledbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
theastj's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Racism, Racial slurs, Child abuse, and Child death
colbsbookshelf's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, and Racism
sunnyreads's review against another edition
- 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
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%)
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, and Racism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Homophobia
simonlorden's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a dark book. That's fine. I knew it was going to be a dark book. It was a solid 4 stars for me, up until the last chapter, which kinda ruined the whole thing for me. I couldn't really articulate the disgust and disappointment that came over me at that last chapter, but it just felt like the twist really cheapened the entire book and erased all the development before it.
Graphic: Child death, Animal death, Child abuse, Racism, Bullying, and Cursing
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Vomit