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abbby_6's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
udfirefly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amanda_speights_author's review against another edition
5.0
"The Reformatory" is a poignant and powerful novel that resonates deeply with the realities of racial injustice. Through its fictional narrative, it mirrors the true struggles that many families face, reflecting a spectrum of emotions from anger to hope. The book serves as a stark reminder of the past's shadows and a call to prevent them from darkening our future. It's a compelling read that stirs the heart and provokes thought, making it a must-read for those who value the lessons of history and the importance of empathy and understanding.
just_jack's review against another edition
I found the characters to be a bit annoying and whiney, I didn't really care about any of them, found the plot to be too much telling and not enough showing. After 25% of the book I already passing I can honestly say that I did not care about any of the characters or about the plot at all. Very disappointed because this book hits a lot of topics/genres that I typically love in books.
pattyspages's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
5.0
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!
Wowwwwwzers! I am forever moved and so grateful for the privilege of reading something written with so much intense insight and restrained beauty.
With Gothic tones and moments in American history being retold, this is a great one for spooky season even though it's not actually spooky (it's more scary/tense because of what the characters have to endure).
After Robert and his sister are accosted by Lyle McCormack, Robert finds himself sentenced to 6 months at the Gracetown Reformatory School for Boys where it's sinister past insists on haunting it's way into the light.
This book made me mad, it made me laugh out loud, it made me sob into my pillow and it was hands down my best reading experience of 2024 so far.
The storytelling is immersive, it's flawless, it's gorgeous and it's addictive.
Every time I sat down with this book, I was excited to see what would happen next.
You guys know that anything set in Jim Crow Florida is a HARD PASS for me, so it is a testament to the writing that I was so hooked on it.
Due did a brilliant job of stressing me the f@ck out without traumatising me and bringing a lightness to certain moments without ever diminishing the depth of the story, allowing the reader to take a much needed breath.
I am so sad it's over because the characters are still with me and I cannot wait to read her other works now!
IT. WAS . STUNNING
Wowwwwwzers! I am forever moved and so grateful for the privilege of reading something written with so much intense insight and restrained beauty.
With Gothic tones and moments in American history being retold, this is a great one for spooky season even though it's not actually spooky (it's more scary/tense because of what the characters have to endure).
After Robert and his sister are accosted by Lyle McCormack, Robert finds himself sentenced to 6 months at the Gracetown Reformatory School for Boys where it's sinister past insists on haunting it's way into the light.
This book made me mad, it made me laugh out loud, it made me sob into my pillow and it was hands down my best reading experience of 2024 so far.
The storytelling is immersive, it's flawless, it's gorgeous and it's addictive.
Every time I sat down with this book, I was excited to see what would happen next.
You guys know that anything set in Jim Crow Florida is a HARD PASS for me, so it is a testament to the writing that I was so hooked on it.
Due did a brilliant job of stressing me the f@ck out without traumatising me and bringing a lightness to certain moments without ever diminishing the depth of the story, allowing the reader to take a much needed breath.
I am so sad it's over because the characters are still with me and I cannot wait to read her other works now!
IT. WAS . STUNNING
kimgunn's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I had such high hopes for this book because the whole internet was 5-staring it and saying "best of 2024"...plus, it seemed to fit the beginning of spooky season vibes.
Nope.
The book was definitely well written and well researched, and the story itself is representative of a part of American history that should be accurately depicted and retold in every classroom across the country. But at almost 21hrs, it was a doozy. I'm all about setting the scene and getting to know the characters, but the first 60% just dragged on and on. The last 40% is where all the action takes place. I'm glad I audiobooked this one so I could speed it up. If I had been reading a physical book it would have taken me foreveeeerrr.
Nope.
The book was definitely well written and well researched, and the story itself is representative of a part of American history that should be accurately depicted and retold in every classroom across the country. But at almost 21hrs, it was a doozy. I'm all about setting the scene and getting to know the characters, but the first 60% just dragged on and on. The last 40% is where all the action takes place. I'm glad I audiobooked this one so I could speed it up. If I had been reading a physical book it would have taken me foreveeeerrr.
bookbiter79's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
beccak126's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0