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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
ANGIE THOMAS IS A NATIONAL TREASURE - I didn't know how she could follow up THUG, but this book meets it and yet, is very different from its colleague. I loved the complexity of Bri - she's a typical teenager who sometimes says and does the wrong thing, but finds a way to navigate through it and come out on top. I loved how Thomas addressed so many of the issues in hip hop today - sexism, violence, racism - but stayed true to the essence and realism of her characters and really made me question my own stance on those topics. Loved this book so much!!!
This review contains minor spoilers
I listened to the audiobook, which I honestly think was a really good was to consume it; it really enhanced the rap parts of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the focus on the many different relationships that Bri has in her life. And while it does hurt that the main conflict is her making some bad decisions, I know that's how books work. I loved how nerdy Bri was. I loved the way the relationship between Bri and her mom worked. There were times where her own relationship was strained, but there was never any moment where we as the audience didn't know that her mom loved her. I like that the final solution to the families financial troubles wasn't Bri making it big. I think it really pushed through the message that even though teenagers may feel like they're a burden financially, or that they should have to solve their problems, they don't have to.
Objectively, this is a five star book, but subjectively it didn't get pushed quite to that level for me. I don't know why necessarily. So I will go with 4.5 stars. I did really enjoy the book and would definitely recommend it, especially the audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook, which I honestly think was a really good was to consume it; it really enhanced the rap parts of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the focus on the many different relationships that Bri has in her life. And while it does hurt that the main conflict is her making some bad decisions, I know that's how books work. I loved how nerdy Bri was. I loved the way the relationship between Bri and her mom worked. There were times where her own relationship was strained, but there was never any moment where we as the audience didn't know that her mom loved her. I like that the final solution to the families financial troubles wasn't Bri making it big. I think it really pushed through the message that even though teenagers may feel like they're a burden financially, or that they should have to solve their problems, they don't have to.
Objectively, this is a five star book, but subjectively it didn't get pushed quite to that level for me. I don't know why necessarily. So I will go with 4.5 stars. I did really enjoy the book and would definitely recommend it, especially the audiobook.
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such a good book. I loved how all of the characters storylines connected and grew. The epilogue, I wish was longer or was just another book in general because it was too short for me.
I might've liked this book even more than I liked The Hate U Give, if that's even possible. The Lauryn Hill reference really put it over the top for me.
4.5!
This author’s diction is masterful. Her words and characters are so true and authentic throughout the whole book!
This author’s diction is masterful. Her words and characters are so true and authentic throughout the whole book!
I really enjoyed working through this one! Angie Thomas succeeds in writing an entertaining and authentic story that is as thoughtful as it is engaging and fun. I so so so look forward to reading all her future work.
Much of this novel, however, remains in the shadow of Thomas' first (and excellent) book The Hate U Give. While all the ingredients are there to make On the Come Up just as powerful and revolutionary as her debut, this sophomore follow-up lacks the emotional resonance to really bring those ingredients together fully.
That being said, I really look forward to revisting Garden Heights again and again and again.
Much of this novel, however, remains in the shadow of Thomas' first (and excellent) book The Hate U Give. While all the ingredients are there to make On the Come Up just as powerful and revolutionary as her debut, this sophomore follow-up lacks the emotional resonance to really bring those ingredients together fully.
That being said, I really look forward to revisting Garden Heights again and again and again.
Another riveting YA novel from Angie Thomas, brilliantly performed by Bahni Turpin. I'm such a fan of The Hate U Give, but I think this one is even better. Thomas is a master at creating believable characters and realistic scenarios. I continue to learn from her work and the important & honest perspectives she provides. Great story with a really powerful message... and some great lyrics too.
I loved the Hate U Give and I wanted to love this. I appreciate what this book is trying to do. I think it tackles a lot of important things and is great for #weneeddiversebooks. I also think a lot of kids will like this book. I just could not connect with Bri! She was so hard to like. She was all rough edges. She just wanted to fight everyone at ever turn and I was not invested in her struggle. I love Angie Thomas and I will, of course pick up her next book, but this didn’t do it for me.
Angie Thomas did it again. While reaching the pinnacle that “The Hate U Give” should be impossible for anyone, Angie did pull at another strand that we have to untangle as humans in this world to become better, to learn and grow: our assumptions and biases. This is another genius piece of antiracist literature that I will promote!