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thebobsphere's review against another edition
4.0
Much has been said about Leila Mottley’s debut Nightcrawling and I will say do believe the hype because it is very good.
Kiara does not have an easy life: her father is dead, her mother is in a halfway house, he brother is unemployed and is pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper and Kia also has to look after her neighbour’s child. To add to this, Kia also cannot find a job and turns to sex working to pay the rent.
Things get further complicated when Kia starts turning tricks for policeman and as things happen, she is put in a position where her ethics are questioned.
Generally with a plot like this, there is a problem of overstuffing and melodrama. Rest assured that everything is paced well and emotions are reigned in. There are definitely some moments that verge on the depressing but the writing is good enough not to create a weight on the reader.
In it’s own way Nightcrawling can be quite shocking, Leila Mottley’s depiction of corruption within the police force is unsettling and clearly displays how people in power can act behind the scenes. Considering that the events in the book are based on real life happenings makes Nightcrawling an even more uneasy read.
Nightcrawling is a first novel with swagger. Mottley’s writing style is distinctive, balancing both poetic with the rough and coupled with a topical plot makes this an impressive book. I am quite amazed at the fact that Nightcrawling is the work of a first time author and , I don’t like saying statements like this, I am eager to see what will be next.
Kiara does not have an easy life: her father is dead, her mother is in a halfway house, he brother is unemployed and is pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper and Kia also has to look after her neighbour’s child. To add to this, Kia also cannot find a job and turns to sex working to pay the rent.
Things get further complicated when Kia starts turning tricks for policeman and as things happen, she is put in a position where her ethics are questioned.
Generally with a plot like this, there is a problem of overstuffing and melodrama. Rest assured that everything is paced well and emotions are reigned in. There are definitely some moments that verge on the depressing but the writing is good enough not to create a weight on the reader.
In it’s own way Nightcrawling can be quite shocking, Leila Mottley’s depiction of corruption within the police force is unsettling and clearly displays how people in power can act behind the scenes. Considering that the events in the book are based on real life happenings makes Nightcrawling an even more uneasy read.
Nightcrawling is a first novel with swagger. Mottley’s writing style is distinctive, balancing both poetic with the rough and coupled with a topical plot makes this an impressive book. I am quite amazed at the fact that Nightcrawling is the work of a first time author and , I don’t like saying statements like this, I am eager to see what will be next.
notkellyprice's review against another edition
2.0
I think imma avoid any book that Oprah raves about cause this wasn’t it for me. DNF
helloashluna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
toejben's review against another edition
5.0
This is an absolutely perfect novel. Started at 17 and published by the time she was 20, Nightcrawling is a stark reminder of the lives that people live. That they have to live just to survive. But life and survival aren't always synonymous with each other.
nellyreadsalot's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
emilyy_hayess's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
elliekoepke's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-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
4.5
pbbookz's review against another edition
4.0
The pace was slower than I expected, but I still liked the book. Probably for its references to Oakland and the writing style. I liked how the author depicted character motivations (someone thinks they’re helping another, but it’s actually selfish).
bella613's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Trafficking, Alcohol, Rape, Sexual content, Blood, Toxic relationship, Child death, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Police brutality, Sexism, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Violence, and Vomit
its_aydreee's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.75