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sam_finch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
5.0
lcbg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
becarnold's review against another edition
Couldn't latch onto the characters or the storyline :(
spatterson12's review against another edition
5.0
This one is heavy. What makes it heavier is that it’s a reality that exists in our country. In the author’s note, Mottley referenced learning of a similar case in 2015 Oakland, so not only does this story exist, but it’s less than a decade old.
TW: sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, trafficking, abandonment.
Kiara is 17 years old and is expected to survive on her own. Her older brother Marcus is too focused on a future in music to get a job to help with rent, and her mom has been removed from their home, incapable of providing any support. Running low on options, Kiara finds herself in the world of sex work, despite her best friend advising against a life on the streets. She also becomes responsible for her young neighbor, whose mother leaves him for weeks at a time to feed her addiction.
The storytelling is so immersive that you feel the anger and sadness for Kiara’s feeling of hopelessness. That you can feel the protection and weary she shows for Trevor, her young neighbor. That you can feel the fear and anxiety of being trapped by powerful officials who threaten her livelihood.
It’s a standout debut that’s hard to shake off.
TW: sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, trafficking, abandonment.
Kiara is 17 years old and is expected to survive on her own. Her older brother Marcus is too focused on a future in music to get a job to help with rent, and her mom has been removed from their home, incapable of providing any support. Running low on options, Kiara finds herself in the world of sex work, despite her best friend advising against a life on the streets. She also becomes responsible for her young neighbor, whose mother leaves him for weeks at a time to feed her addiction.
The storytelling is so immersive that you feel the anger and sadness for Kiara’s feeling of hopelessness. That you can feel the protection and weary she shows for Trevor, her young neighbor. That you can feel the fear and anxiety of being trapped by powerful officials who threaten her livelihood.
It’s a standout debut that’s hard to shake off.
sneha_sarcar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.75
izzy_reads7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
relaxing
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
mollymdull's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Police brutality
Moderate: Drug abuse
squidsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75