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lc257's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- 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? No
3.0
sarnacle's review against another edition
I was only listening with one ear anyway and I have enough whiney teenagers in my real life that I kind of didn’t want to listen to a fictional one too. Kudos to Bahni Turpin for making that character sound so authentic. I just can’t right now. Maybe I’ll start it over sometime when it’s not so close to my reality.
juliee181's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
sad
fast-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
4.0
shundt33's review against another edition
5.0
beautifully written, extremely engaging, and captivating story. any shame in reading a young adult novel as a non-young adult was immediately lost just a few pages in.
a story of how you have to move backwards to move forwards
a story of how you have to move backwards to move forwards
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
I just couldn’t do 422 dense pages of journal entries and emails, even if it was about a Miami girl who goes to Haiti. Abandoned within the first 50 pages.
rachelbookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
A tale of a girl finding her Haitian roots and dealing with a family curse and her mom’s secret, Dear Haiti is told in letters and documents as the story is wound together. Alaine has very tongue in cheek humor, nothing I laughed out loud for, but very smart and quippy. Reading about her mom’s illness and the emotional repercussions and understanding Alaine experiences as a result was an interesting experience, as this disease hasn’t come up in other books I have read up to this point. I loved reading about the history of Haiti, as I’ve met many Haitian people living in South Florida, and this is the first contemporary YA book I’ve seen exploring the culture. The curse that Alaine contends with, partially as a metaphor of her journey in understanding her mom’s illness, wasn’t my favorite part of the book, but is a part of the culture explored in the book. I do think this book is an important part of the YA growth we are seeing as more stories are being told, and I’m glad it exists for people to pick up and learn more, or see themselves in the story told. Personally, the star rating is only representative of my enjoyment level. I was a bit bored and just couldn’t connect with the characters in the way I usually like to, which colors my impression on the book, but that is just my personal experience with the book. I fully support the very sweet sisters the book was written by and wish them much success.
aviv18's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible book - definitely the best YA book I've read this year. Lots of unexpected elements. Far exceed my expectations.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Solid YA book from sister writing team Maika & Maritza Moulite. I’ve heard great things of them and wanted to read their first book in advance of their newest release this month. Exceeded expectations - a really smart, strong lead character who has to deal with prejudices at school, her dysfunctional family, a tragic medical issue with her mom, and a family curse. When an epic Carrie-esque school presentation goes sideways, Alaine gets sent to spend time with her Mom in Haiti working as a volunteer. She gets to know more of her Haitian family and roots and comes to appreciate where her parent’s grew up. I really enjoyed the sensitive treatment of having a parent with early-onset Alzheimers and learning more about Haitian history and culture. Definitely looking forward to their next book.