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kaitlizcolby's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. I’m definitely not opposed to a little grittiness, but grittiness for the sake of being gritty is a big turn off for me. The writing style also makes you feel pretty disconnected from the characters (though I recognize that may have been an intentional choice), so the first half of the novel essentially felt like Washington was just trying to shock me and I didn’t care about the characters. There was a little more tenderness as you went, though. If all of the stories had the heart of the chupacabra story, it would have been great. Some high points, but overall not my cup of tea.
lesbianlis's review
medium-paced
2.25
Beautiful writing, but this is my least fave of his trad-published books. It felt boring and hard to get through.
abbyperryman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kristinlorette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
wildfires_within's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
keoc333's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
helena_dobbs's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed the main story and kind of wish that was just a book in itself. Some of the other ones were good but mostly difficult to get behind because it was confusingly written. Ended up skipping a couple.
theythemsam's review against another edition
3.25
This wasn’t bad and I really liked a few stories, it just wasn’t something I would necessarily pick up again
lydiam1003's review against another edition
4.5
A unique collection of stories that offer a glimpse into the inner workings of love, family, and what it means to be American. Both beautifully written and hauntingly real.