Scan barcode
halem13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Car accident, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Mass/school shootings, Self harm, Violence, Racism, Death of parent, Grief, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Slavery
hckilgour's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
There’s a lot to say about racism, the double standard that children of color face, and anxiety in this book. And it portrays these things and what they mean and can look like very well.
I also thing this book shows an “anti toxic masculinity”. That men can have fears and show emotion.
I think there’s a lot of young men and children of color in the world who might find a little piece of solace and hope in the story.
Moderate: Racism, Mass/school shootings, and Child death
sunshinesyst3m's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Gore, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Racism, Child death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Police brutality
lilifane's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really good book with great anxiety representation (second book in a row, what are the odds). Loved the characters (a little too much), loved the writing and the atmosphere and how themes like toxic masculinity, intergenerational trauma, internalized racism but also black joy were discussed here.
As an older sister this was hard to read on so many levels. I loved the way the brothers interacted and talked with each other, got to know each other again. But uff, my poor heart. They both had to go through so much.
There were some things that didn't work for me in the plot/logic of the story when it came to some decisions Alex made. But overall this was a really great although emotionally very painful read.
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Grief, and Gun violence
Minor: Self harm, Car accident, Medical content, Police brutality, and Slavery
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, Racism, Car accident, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Slavery, Alcohol, and Colonisation
amradio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The way they tackled fear was excellent was well as Alex forging his own meanings to life and what it means "to be a man"
The complex relationship between Alex and Izzy
Not to mention Talia was one of my fav characters and I love when a book includes Spanish since I know Spanish as well
Graphic: Grief, Gun violence, and Racism
Moderate: Car accident, Child death, and Death of parent
amplawrence's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Violence, Death, Mental illness, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Slavery and Rape
intonewrealms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Alex is only sixteen, but ever since he lost his parents he’s been experiencing visions every time he touches anything or anyone with his hands. Sometimes they are mundane, like touching an ice cream scoop at work and seeing himself use it. Other times they hinder his ability to get close to people, like how he can’t do anything more than kiss his girlfriend because he sees visions of them breaking up. And sometimes they’re devastating, like when he sees his twelve year old brother’s death.
The author’s dedication ‘To all the Black boys who had to grow up too early‘ really encapsulates the message of this book. I really don’t want to say anything more than the basic premise for fear of spoiling it, but just know that if you want to have your heart ripped apart and put back together again several times in the process of reading a single book, this is the one for you.
Graphic: Child death and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
aus10england's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I enjoyed the representation of anxiety, and how that related to the characters. The characters themselves were quite well written, the relationship between Alex and Isaiah specifically made the entire reading experience worth it.
This this would be a great read for a YA audience in understanding racism and gun violence in America.
Graphic: Gun violence, Child death, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse
thataudaciouslady's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Car accident, Child death, Death of parent, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism