Reviews

The Boxer by Nikesh Shukla

beelzebub24's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

dhishfish's review against another edition

4.0

I got this from my library as part of a 'Blind Date with a Book' challenge and I did not expect to like it as much as i did!

The main character Sunny gets great character development and the boxing scenes are super well written. Added bonus is that HE'S BROWN! so i could relate a lot to the culture and the way he felt in certain scenarios. It tackles racism pretty well and is pretty enjoyable overall.

sophiabasham's review against another edition

dark informative reflective 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? Yes

3.0

sofiahf's review against another edition

4.0

twas good

lydiahephzibah's review against another edition

3.0

For a book about boxing and racism, this lacked a punch. I think it's just a style thing; I felt the same about Shukla's debut too. I never really connected to Sunny - his narrative felt a bit distant and lacked heart, and at times he was annoying.

emmajh91's review against another edition

challenging reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Islamophobia, Violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying

kinghawk's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-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

3.0

skyeecolee's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• 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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence

piperbunny's review against another edition

3.0

This is the story of Sunny, based on the author's own experiences. Sunny is beaten up by random strangers in a racist attack. This is the story of the aftermath, his mental health, his new friends and family. Interwoven with his story is a boxing match from the future between Keir and Sunny, supposedly friends at the start but the reader soon learns this may not be the case in the futures. It's raw, and shocking, and unbelievably still relevant today.

nmlszx's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

3.25