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clea's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Very powerful and honest story. It reads like a stream of consciousness, with a chaotic timeline and not much of a plot. But I really liked how the book was written, as it feels all the more personal and raw without a strict, "normal" narrative structure.
Joshua Whitehead doesn't shy away from anything, shows us the repulsive and ugly sides of life but also fills his novel with many beautiful, sincere moments. (I especially liked Jonny's relationship to his grandmother and mother. It was really nice to see such a loving and supporting family members.)
The reason why I didn't give it a higher rating, is because I found it sometimes hard to follow the story without drifting away. Maybe I would've been more immersed if I had read a physical copy, instead of listening to the audio book (but Whitehead narrating the audio book made the story feel even more intimate). Also, there is a lot of sexual content and a heavy focus on bodily fluids, which sometimes was a bit too much for me.
But I still highly recommend to read it! Its topics and perspective are all too often ignored or looked down upon and it is really important to give those stories a voice.
Joshua Whitehead doesn't shy away from anything, shows us the repulsive and ugly sides of life but also fills his novel with many beautiful, sincere moments. (I especially liked Jonny's relationship to his grandmother and mother. It was really nice to see such a loving and supporting family members.)
The reason why I didn't give it a higher rating, is because I found it sometimes hard to follow the story without drifting away. Maybe I would've been more immersed if I had read a physical copy, instead of listening to the audio book (but Whitehead narrating the audio book made the story feel even more intimate). Also, there is a lot of sexual content and a heavy focus on bodily fluids, which sometimes was a bit too much for me.
But I still highly recommend to read it! Its topics and perspective are all too often ignored or looked down upon and it is really important to give those stories a voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Colonisation, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Racism
homewithyou's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Homophobia, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
mk_books's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Racism
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