Scan barcode
daffodildyke's review
- 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
This is a powerful story of hope and the experience of young black men in particular in the prison system. But it is also about hope - the authors say that in the authors note too - Amal is the main character and Amal’s name literally means hope.
I am so glad I was able to listen to this in audiobook form because I think so much of its power is being read aloud, and the rhythm and flow of the words was done such justice by the narrator.
The fact this story is inspired by true events, the style with which it managed to balance hope and the power of art and creativity with the brutality and cruelty of racism, of racist institutions and the prison industrial complex is masterful.
I feel like I would have given it 5 stars aside from the fact I felt like the ending was too abrupt and came too soon considering. I imagine this was intentional, but as a narrative it left me wanting more and needing to know conclusions that we do not get.
Overall, an impeccable read that I would recommend to anyone, but especially to white people because Amal’s story is a gentle, lyrical but hard hitting account of the struggles in a racist society and we owe everyone who suffers under that to educate ourselves!
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Police brutality
esm_359's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and Violence
mandkips'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
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Confinement, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Slavery
kryskross's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
thewordsdevourer's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
zoboi and salaam masterfully use the verse form to their advantage, visually depicting the oppressiveness and sense of being trapped deeply felt by amal and many black boys and men everywhere under the american prison industrial complex. how the system and the white ppl who both consciously and inadvertently uphold it are illustrated w/ nuance and a keen eye, their ignorance and racism so ingrained they arent even aware of the power of their words or actions, and all of it maddening esp in the juvie setting. this book's also abt art and its power, and the structure and incorporation of drawing and many visual elements rly complement the aforementioned themes.
tbh the novel's content and msg arent anything unfamiliar, but i think what truly makes it unique is the whole absorbing experience the one feels reading it. the emotions it evokes are near total, and one feels strongly connected to amal and what he's going thru. perhaps the fact that salaam himself has been thru the very same thing as amal has sth to do w/ it, and he's able to channel it all very well here.
overall, this is a very emotionally absorbing and powerful book. it's not rly plot-heavy but its form and structure are surprisingly effective and impactful.
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Confinement, and Police brutality
Moderate: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Violence
blainereads's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racism and Violence
berglindsh'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
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Hate crime, Physical abuse, and Racism
space_bandit'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: Racial slurs, Police brutality, and Racism
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
stekka__'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Cursing and Hate crime
Minor: Death of parent
toadlovesreading's review
- 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
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Classism, and Violence