Scan barcode
_kieralou's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone needs to read this book. If you can't be bothered to read it, just read the author's note. It has the same message just in 4 pages instead of 438 and it is vital everyone hears it.
wishfulfillment's review against another edition
5.0
There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said, but I'll throw in my two cents.
Why I recommend bumping this up on your TBR: It has one of my favorite depictions of parents/parenting. It skillfully discusses very current issues having to do with race and racism/oppression. It also portrays gangs, addiction, non-nuclear families, poverty, and low socioeconomic class (and why it exists). It validates the reader and also explains why validation is important. The messages were important and they were delivered well.
Audiobook Comments: I did not like the audiobook narrator. I thought she took away from the serious tone and made things sounds cuter than they were.
Why I recommend bumping this up on your TBR: It has one of my favorite depictions of parents/parenting. It skillfully discusses very current issues having to do with race and racism/oppression. It also portrays gangs, addiction, non-nuclear families, poverty, and low socioeconomic class (and why it exists). It validates the reader and also explains why validation is important. The messages were important and they were delivered well.
Audiobook Comments: I did not like the audiobook narrator. I thought she took away from the serious tone and made things sounds cuter than they were.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this a week after the Philando Castile verdict made this especially poignant and relevant. So much has been said about this book, that I am not sure what I can add, but I will say this: Like many readers I often get asked what my favorite book is. After explaining it is hard to choose just one, I offer a nonfiction title whose ending surprised me. My answer will now change. I will henceforth answer without hesitation that this is my favorite book.
I know that books, movies, etc. seldom live up to their hype when you put them on a pedestal, but I urge you to pick this one up and read it. You will not regret it.
I know that books, movies, etc. seldom live up to their hype when you put them on a pedestal, but I urge you to pick this one up and read it. You will not regret it.
heidi_mcj's review against another edition
5.0
A very well written book about police shootings from a black perspective. Sad and depressing but uplifting in the end. Rated pg-13 for language.
belanglos's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
justjordie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
benny_sar's review against another edition
4.0
This book is 4.5 stars.
I loved it: I loved the characters, I loved the writing style, I love the message. It was extremely enjoyable and gave space to some thought about our society today.
It surprises me how well this book managed to talk about some cruent issues like racism, gangs and police brutality.
This is a must read, especially if you're white: it brings you in a society and place you have never seen before but are sadly real.
I could not recommend this book enough.
I loved it: I loved the characters, I loved the writing style, I love the message. It was extremely enjoyable and gave space to some thought about our society today.
It surprises me how well this book managed to talk about some cruent issues like racism, gangs and police brutality.
This is a must read, especially if you're white: it brings you in a society and place you have never seen before but are sadly real.
I could not recommend this book enough.
corriejn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
Excellent and engaging novel-- handles issues like racism, police violence, poverty, gangs, drugs, incarceration, domestic violence, code switching, microaggressions, and activism as part of a nuanced story with well-developed characters, avoiding falling into cliches or wrapping everything up with a neat bow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Grief, Gun violence, Violence, Racism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Classism, and Drug use
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content, Alcohol, Vomit, and Alcoholism
timna_wyckoff's review against another edition
5.0
Utterly lived up to the hype I'd read. Somehow managed to comprehensively cover the huge range of the main character's internal reactions and external interactions without ever feeling overdone or preachy. And, was a great read!