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dorisede's review
4.0
I loved this book, even though it was hard for me to read. It's always difficult for me to read books about racism because they make me sad and angry. I would never be able to understand how even though slavery ended hundreds of years ago, white people have continued to treat black people like sub humans even with all their lofty claims of being civilized individuals. I loved the message the author was trying to pass, that we have to continue fighting for our right to be treated as their equals even it seems as if we are fighting a losing battle. Even if our victory will be short lived, nevertheless we have to keep fighting.
karamking's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rubyraereads's review
4.0
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Big thanks to Crown Readers at Random House Childrens and Turn The Pages Tours for the eARC via Netgalley!
Yet another moment of silence for that title and COVER OMGGGG IM IN LOVE!!!!!!
Did I just devour this entire book in the just under half a day? Mayhaps so.
I also read this at a very coincidental and kind of perfect time as I’m just about to start a new semester. Not a freshman but still.
I was reading on a bit of a tight schedule so I both read along and listened to this book via audiobook, which I definitely recommend. I thought the narrator did a brilliant job and I could follow along very clearly, and I was going on 2x speeds oops,,,
Let’s start up with how important this story is and how I don’t think such a topic has been discussed in this genre before, which I really appreciated. Racism on campuses is an issue not talked about enough and I think the way Kristen R. Lee approached the topic was impactful and simultaneously very easily accessible!!!
Savannah was a main character full of spunk and I don’t think there was a better character for this novel to follow. Lee told this story through the eyes of a freshman (first year where I’m from) and it made for us as readers to get to experience this college through fresh eyes, which I loved.
This book also had me fuming, and it truly baffles me that a person would say half of the stuff being said to Savannah. On like her first day? Maybe it doesn’t baffle me.
However, my issue lies with the writing and character development. I found this book so easily readable and I flew through it, but I also can’t help but feel that the dialogue was slightly off and it didn’t always feel like they were humans, which made me struggle to connect with them. I also don’t think the author explored her characters enough. I loved Savannah’s mom and Tasha, but I would have liked to see more of them. It felt like there wasn’t enough space between the severity of the activism and for us to get to know the characters, and also see more campus life.
That being said, I absolutely loved the ending and it tied everything together really well. I’m super looking forward to what Kristen R. Lee writes next!!!
Overall, I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something short but still packs a punch, that Lee has filled to the brim with discussions that we need to have. Read for an empowering debut from an author who definitely has more in store <3<3<3
Big thanks to Crown Readers at Random House Childrens and Turn The Pages Tours for the eARC via Netgalley!
Yet another moment of silence for that title and COVER OMGGGG IM IN LOVE!!!!!!
Did I just devour this entire book in the just under half a day? Mayhaps so.
I also read this at a very coincidental and kind of perfect time as I’m just about to start a new semester. Not a freshman but still.
I was reading on a bit of a tight schedule so I both read along and listened to this book via audiobook, which I definitely recommend. I thought the narrator did a brilliant job and I could follow along very clearly, and I was going on 2x speeds oops,,,
Let’s start up with how important this story is and how I don’t think such a topic has been discussed in this genre before, which I really appreciated. Racism on campuses is an issue not talked about enough and I think the way Kristen R. Lee approached the topic was impactful and simultaneously very easily accessible!!!
Savannah was a main character full of spunk and I don’t think there was a better character for this novel to follow. Lee told this story through the eyes of a freshman (first year where I’m from) and it made for us as readers to get to experience this college through fresh eyes, which I loved.
This book also had me fuming, and it truly baffles me that a person would say half of the stuff being said to Savannah. On like her first day? Maybe it doesn’t baffle me.
However, my issue lies with the writing and character development. I found this book so easily readable and I flew through it, but I also can’t help but feel that the dialogue was slightly off and it didn’t always feel like they were humans, which made me struggle to connect with them. I also don’t think the author explored her characters enough. I loved Savannah’s mom and Tasha, but I would have liked to see more of them. It felt like there wasn’t enough space between the severity of the activism and for us to get to know the characters, and also see more campus life.
That being said, I absolutely loved the ending and it tied everything together really well. I’m super looking forward to what Kristen R. Lee writes next!!!
Overall, I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something short but still packs a punch, that Lee has filled to the brim with discussions that we need to have. Read for an empowering debut from an author who definitely has more in store <3<3<3
zbrarian's review
4.0
Savannah moves from Memphis to attend the prestigious, predominantly white, university, Wooddale. Once there, she learns that it's not all that it's cracked up to be & has to fight for her spot at the university. She begins to fight back to prove that she and all other persons of color have earned the right to attend Wooddale, and to prove to herself that she belongs, anywhere she wants.
A very powerful voice in the YA book community. One that had me cringing and then rooting for Savannah. This is a book for anyone who feels that they don't belong. Savannah & her actions prove that they do.
A very powerful voice in the YA book community. One that had me cringing and then rooting for Savannah. This is a book for anyone who feels that they don't belong. Savannah & her actions prove that they do.
cjmedinger's review
4.0
A really great social justice book- also a great look at fitting in, bystanders, when to fight and when to be still, as well as insight into not asking minorities to always do the emotional lifting.
saschwart17's review
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
justinbaumann71's review
3.0
This is going to be a more brief review.
Pros: The topics of discussion on display in this book are incredibly real and I am glad this story was told. The struggles the main character experiences, especially to find her identity from leaving a bad enviornment to coming to what is supposed to be a hard earned dream environment, only to have it shattered is something that to an extent many of us realize just moving from childhood to the disillusionment of adulthood. I was able to root Savannah the whole time and despite at times was a bit of stubborness despite every person around her trying to give her advice in the end she made a meaningful, but hard earned impact to her community and made that decision herself which was a nice character arc throughout the novel.
Cons: I just found this book to be limited by the YA genre and the pacing. I think if this book was plussed up similar to Ninth House where we have a college freshman MC as well who tackles very intense issues over a slower pace this book could have felt more complete to me. In Ninth House the MC has traumatic events happen to her and she actually stews in those feelings prior to action and thus consequence, by contrast, here our MC experiences trauma and is immediately wisked to the next traumatic event with little consequence or insight into how she feels. There is a point where she is present for a robbery while home over break and that whole scene happens within a page or two and then another 2ish pages later she is back at school. The pacing was simply breakneck and jarring a lot of the time.
Overall: I doubt I would read this again, because I feel like I got the complete story. However, I really appreciate the story that was told I just wish it was longer to allow the character to feel like a person who is dealing with these issues instead of the issues just constantly attacking her.
Pros: The topics of discussion on display in this book are incredibly real and I am glad this story was told. The struggles the main character experiences, especially to find her identity from leaving a bad enviornment to coming to what is supposed to be a hard earned dream environment, only to have it shattered is something that to an extent many of us realize just moving from childhood to the disillusionment of adulthood. I was able to root Savannah the whole time and despite at times was a bit of stubborness despite every person around her trying to give her advice in the end she made a meaningful, but hard earned impact to her community and made that decision herself which was a nice character arc throughout the novel.
Cons: I just found this book to be limited by the YA genre and the pacing. I think if this book was plussed up similar to Ninth House where we have a college freshman MC as well who tackles very intense issues over a slower pace this book could have felt more complete to me. In Ninth House the MC has traumatic events happen to her and she actually stews in those feelings prior to action and thus consequence, by contrast, here our MC experiences trauma and is immediately wisked to the next traumatic event with little consequence or insight into how she feels. There is a point where she is present for a robbery while home over break and that whole scene happens within a page or two and then another 2ish pages later she is back at school. The pacing was simply breakneck and jarring a lot of the time.
Overall: I doubt I would read this again, because I feel like I got the complete story. However, I really appreciate the story that was told I just wish it was longer to allow the character to feel like a person who is dealing with these issues instead of the issues just constantly attacking her.
caylieratzlaff's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
I didn't really know what to expect when going into this, but it is very socially aware of racism and classism on campuses in the US -- especially private colleges. I wasn't sure where the plot was going originally, but it became an acknowledgement of white privilege and the paths Black folk walk to make it. I really enjoyed Savannah's journey and her acceptance of her identity -- especially as she went from hiding herself to fit in to becoming a strong, Black woman.
This book is definitely Black Girl Magic, and it discusses realities including slurs, controversial statues, white privilege, and speaking out for your beliefs and protesting. It felt wrapped up by the end, and I could see other stories coming as Savannah continues her path.
Some of the side characters didn't feel super developed, and it felt like the plot was a bit rushed or undeveloped at points. Also, sometimes I just really didn't enjoy reading the book, but I can also acknowledge that I am not the intended audience for this book.
Overall though, this was a good read. It did take me a while to get into, but it has its merits.
I didn't really know what to expect when going into this, but it is very socially aware of racism and classism on campuses in the US -- especially private colleges. I wasn't sure where the plot was going originally, but it became an acknowledgement of white privilege and the paths Black folk walk to make it. I really enjoyed Savannah's journey and her acceptance of her identity -- especially as she went from hiding herself to fit in to becoming a strong, Black woman.
This book is definitely Black Girl Magic, and it discusses realities including slurs, controversial statues, white privilege, and speaking out for your beliefs and protesting. It felt wrapped up by the end, and I could see other stories coming as Savannah continues her path.
Some of the side characters didn't feel super developed, and it felt like the plot was a bit rushed or undeveloped at points. Also, sometimes I just really didn't enjoy reading the book, but I can also acknowledge that I am not the intended audience for this book.
Overall though, this was a good read. It did take me a while to get into, but it has its merits.
daenknight's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
jessoehrlein's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
About being a poor Black student at an elite PWI. Lots of notes of what is the same or different about that experience from being an affluent Black student or a poor white student (which I really appreciated!), but mainly about pushing back on/revealing major acts of racism and classism on campus and the way the university systems rarely result in justice.
Very plot-driven and a quick read, and characters and relationships didn't feel fully developed. But there are moments of a lot of really interesting things -- the relationship to the near-ish by HBCU, the older Black woman that Savannah boards with vs. the Black woman who is president of the university.
Very plot-driven and a quick read, and characters and relationships didn't feel fully developed. But there are moments of a lot of really interesting things -- the relationship to the near-ish by HBCU, the older Black woman that Savannah boards with vs. the Black woman who is president of the university.