Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
Recently, I have really enjoyed reading novels in verse or vignettes. This book is no different.
I definitely enjoyed the story, the cultural elements, and the unique approach. But that’s not to say this book is without fault.
The story captures the coming of age of Moth, who has recently lost her entire family due to an accident. As readers, we reflect with Moth and see her adapt to grief, sorrow, and love. While Moth often feels unheard, silenced, and ignored, she discovers reassurance in a boy named Sani. Both Moth and Sani have their own traumas, and you can't help but feel their connectedness. To me, this is where this book was most successful. McBride did a great job of exploring the angst and loss between these two characters, making any reader feel the immense sorrow and pain within the story.
That being said, sometimes the language felt out of place for two teen kids. Though beautifully written, there was also a heavy level of repetition and flowery language. This sometimes made it hard to fully connect with the experiences of the characters, as some of the sentences didn’t always feel like they were there to benefit the story but instead to solidify this as a poetic read. I also felt the ending was really predictable, so the twist didn’t feel that shocking to me. But for some, the twist will only reinforce the feelings they have for the two main characters.
At its center, this book is about moving forward, the way in which we carry our ancestors, and grief. It is meant to be sad, though sometimes it can feel like the sadness is beating you over the head. The story left me feeling other emotions as well. I do think that McBride could have done a better job of displaying a less monotonous feeling behind loss and death. Throughout the book, we experience Moth and Sani as characters who feel guilt, abandonment, and being outcast. Though we rarely get to see experiences beyond these emotions. Even the points of longing or desire that we feel are connected to the guilt and loss that these young teens have experienced.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to explore novels in verse and a story that not only feels delicate and emotive but powerful.
I definitely enjoyed the story, the cultural elements, and the unique approach. But that’s not to say this book is without fault.
The story captures the coming of age of Moth, who has recently lost her entire family due to an accident. As readers, we reflect with Moth and see her adapt to grief, sorrow, and love. While Moth often feels unheard, silenced, and ignored, she discovers reassurance in a boy named Sani. Both Moth and Sani have their own traumas, and you can't help but feel their connectedness. To me, this is where this book was most successful. McBride did a great job of exploring the angst and loss between these two characters, making any reader feel the immense sorrow and pain within the story.
That being said, sometimes the language felt out of place for two teen kids. Though beautifully written, there was also a heavy level of repetition and flowery language. This sometimes made it hard to fully connect with the experiences of the characters, as some of the sentences didn’t always feel like they were there to benefit the story but instead to solidify this as a poetic read. I also felt the ending was really predictable, so the twist didn’t feel that shocking to me. But for some, the twist will only reinforce the feelings they have for the two main characters.
At its center, this book is about moving forward, the way in which we carry our ancestors, and grief. It is meant to be sad, though sometimes it can feel like the sadness is beating you over the head. The story left me feeling other emotions as well. I do think that McBride could have done a better job of displaying a less monotonous feeling behind loss and death. Throughout the book, we experience Moth and Sani as characters who feel guilt, abandonment, and being outcast. Though we rarely get to see experiences beyond these emotions. Even the points of longing or desire that we feel are connected to the guilt and loss that these young teens have experienced.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to explore novels in verse and a story that not only feels delicate and emotive but powerful.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't remember why I had selected this book to listen to, but I finally decided to give it a listen, and I couldn't stop. It is written in verse and so it is very poetic. I just loved the word play. I didn't know much about Hoodoo prior to this book, but I had heard of it, but it also brings in the spiritualism of Native Americans. I don't want to give any spoilers, so suffice it to say that I loved this book and will recommend it to many people, including my middle school students.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated