Reviews

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

maggiesasha's review

5.0

I loved everything about this book.

emilyorrwhat's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Overall, it’s just fine. It was fun to get immersed in the 80s in New England and was good for a casual read, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone for the following reasons:

 I found the writing style hard to follow. I read it over the course of a few months, so it was hard to track the nuances of each character.

I also felt that the ending was a bit lazy. It felt like there a lot of build up, just for it to end the way it did.

Maybe I’m alone in this, but I also thought the representation felt a bit performative at times?

For example, Sebastian — the  stereotypical flamboyantly out kid — becomes a drag star. I did really like the storyline between Julie’s mom and Heather Houston’s mom, but other representations fell flat for me.

I also found it really strange how the end of the book tries to justify an adult/minor relationship? Maybe I’m out of pocket for taking that away from the ending, but the whole “oh Coach Mullins was only in his early 20s so it’s actually not that bad!” Tidbit at the end really threw me for a loop, especially since the rest of the book felt like it was pretty progressive?? It was giving Aria and Ezra Pretty Little Liars vibe and I was not a fan

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship

allisonschoneschmetterling's review against another edition

3.0

I had such a hard time getting into this book (took me two tries to get past the first chapter) but I’m glad I did! I’m a sucker for a coming of age tale of witchcraft and sisterhood in New England. I think the ending was a little rushed but overall it made me grateful for my friends and our sisterhood and how we’ve grown beside each other. I think the narrative voice just isn’t for me- it reminded me a little or Grady Hendrix in My Best Friend’s Exorcism in that over-sharing, diary-like first person narration that is a bunch of tangents and anecdotes that are mostly funny but just not my cup of tea.

greataukeve's review against another edition

The language was veerry dificult for me. 

a0ri's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

4.25

Just plain fun to read

hg_not_wells's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Loved each character and overall plot, not sold on the wrap-up.

owlfacewitch's review against another edition

4.0

Ok I love this book a lot, but it was kind of a slog to get through. Until the second half of the book the characters are approached in a group context, and it makes you feel very distant from each individual. I found myself asking “why should I care about this?” Often. However, there was a point where it suddenly started coming together, and I was hooked. Four stars because I think that point could have been earlier in the story.

superdewa's review against another edition

4.0

Or maybe 4.5? I am not sure how I heard about this book, but based on the cover and description, I thought I was in for a light and easy read. I was mistaken, but in the best sort of way. This book was laugh-out-loud funny but dark and clever insightful and a wild ride.

thehutonfowlslegs's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

nerdywerewolf's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

5.0

Someone threw this out to read it I'm currently missing Yellowjackets (I am 😭) and it was PERFECT.

1989. Ladies Field Hockey. Danvers, MA...you know, used to be part of Salem? What happens when girls *really* bond?

I could believe it's this. I loved all the 80s/90s references and the girls were a blast to get to know. I loved flirting with the idea of the supernatural and all the witchy history. A+