Scan barcode
gewrgia_lightwood's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The only thing that icked me was the YA-ess of it, -sometimes it was a bit cringy- and the very subtle misogyny against Iesa (slut-shaming)
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Violence, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Blood, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Hate crime, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Misogyny and Vomit
mightymegan25's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Police brutality, Violence, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Gun violence, Racism, Death, and Grief
permanme'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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Racism, Gun violence, Police brutality, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, and Child death
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, and Trafficking
thescenery'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? No
4.0
Starr Carter is a 15-year-old black teenager. Her friend is killed by a police officer in the early chapters of the book, right in front of her. Starr's journey is an attempt to reconcile what she calls "two worlds." As the main witness to Khalil's murder, she watches as some label Khalil as a criminal, others as a drug dealer, insinuating his involvement with a gang and justifying his killing, despite Khalil being unarmed.
The reader follows Starr's process of grieving as she experiences sadness, anger, and the weight of injustice. She also deals with her relationship with her white boyfriend and feels guilt for not being able to help Khalil. Amidst it all, Starr is called to testify and share her account with various legal and media outlets, receiving support from her lawyer, who is also an activist.
Starr's lawyer encourages her to use her voice as a witness and as a young black girl to seek justice not only for Khalil but also for many other children, teenagers, and adults who have been victims of unjust killings. Starr learns that her voice is important, and her perspective is essential.
It was written phenomenally, the characters were amazing, and intense. Some made me angry, some made me love them as the chapters went by. I'm sad I took way too long to read this book, because it's very good. It made me cry, and laugh, even if I'm not a fan of books about teenagers. I super recommend it!
Graphic: Police brutality, Hate crime, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Child death
Minor: Drug abuse and Domestic abuse
bookish_bry'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Gun violence, Police brutality, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Drug use, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
birdie770's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Murder, Toxic friendship, Hate crime, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Cancer and Addiction
madzie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Addiction
cookiecakextravaganza'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: Gun violence, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Police brutality, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse and Blood
Minor: Gaslighting and Fire/Fire injury
Khalil's death causes lots of grief. Some violence from King and his gang. Starr almost dies from a fire(not that bad.)micalyia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It was graphic but damn it needed to be. It needed to paint the picture so people could see the the world Black people have to navigate.
The characters were beautiful, the development was strong and well paced. I loved every second of this story. The character’s growth, the community support, the familial bonds, all 10/10.
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Child death, and Grief
chorglette'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? No
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Racism, Police brutality, Gun violence, Grief, Hate crime, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Physical abuse and Blood
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content