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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Content Warnings: off the page death, voter suppression
4.5 Stars
Why is this my first Brandy Colbert book?!? She did some pretty amazing things with this book. I'm not sure what I was expecting in my read of this book, but I'm always down for a cute YA contemporary. However, the The Voting Booth was so much more. This story takes place over the course of an election day and I'm always weary of books that have that set up; nevertheless, Colbert does an amazing job.
I think the most important aspects of this book was Colbert's ability to weave in some timely issues. After Obama's election there was a significant decrease in the individuals that came out to the polls to vote. Colbert discusses this by working with the narrative: "my vote doesn't count so why should I even attempt to vote." She utilizes her main character Marva to counter that narrative and I loved it. Marva is a high school senior that is super involved in the political arena. She's an advocate for those who experience voter suppression, for issues that are important to her, and to the Black community overall. I loved her ambition and her commitment to her beliefs. In comparison, Duke comes from a family that isn't necessarily as vocal about political issues, but had a family member that was avid about protesting and changing the narrative about the Black community. He comes off as strong and very put together, but through the text the reader quickly learns that he has insecurities like so many around him. When Duke is unable to vote on election day, Marva sets out to assist him and their day turns into a whirlwind of an adventure. Neither character is perfect and each has experienced a lot (which the reader finds out in flashbacks). They learn from each other and see the world in a different way by getting to know each other. I think there was chemistry between the two from the beginning; however, I love that Colbert respected the fact that Marva has a boyfriend even though their relationship was doomed to end from the beginning of the book. She doesn't rush things and their attraction wasn't the main focus on the book.
Colbert also takes time to address other issues that impact the characters. These issues include police brutality, voter suppression, interracial dating, the perception of Black people specifically Black males, and Black identity. I loved the conversation about Black identity. Duke is bi-racial and Marva attends a predominately White school. Both go through periods in their life where they question their Blackness. I know a lot of young Black people who have gone through this including myself. You question whether you are Black enough especially when you feel caught in the middle. This conversation is covered through two different perspectives and I loved it.
The one-day narrative was done very well and I honestly forgot that it was taking place over the course of one day because Colbert did such a fantastic job weaving the stories together. I also think that the flashbacks helped build a better and fuller picture of each of the characters and their families. This book deserves all the buzz and I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author. This is definitely an important book considering that this is an election year.
4.5 Stars
Why is this my first Brandy Colbert book?!? She did some pretty amazing things with this book. I'm not sure what I was expecting in my read of this book, but I'm always down for a cute YA contemporary. However, the The Voting Booth was so much more. This story takes place over the course of an election day and I'm always weary of books that have that set up; nevertheless, Colbert does an amazing job.
I think the most important aspects of this book was Colbert's ability to weave in some timely issues. After Obama's election there was a significant decrease in the individuals that came out to the polls to vote. Colbert discusses this by working with the narrative: "my vote doesn't count so why should I even attempt to vote." She utilizes her main character Marva to counter that narrative and I loved it. Marva is a high school senior that is super involved in the political arena. She's an advocate for those who experience voter suppression, for issues that are important to her, and to the Black community overall. I loved her ambition and her commitment to her beliefs. In comparison, Duke comes from a family that isn't necessarily as vocal about political issues, but had a family member that was avid about protesting and changing the narrative about the Black community. He comes off as strong and very put together, but through the text the reader quickly learns that he has insecurities like so many around him. When Duke is unable to vote on election day, Marva sets out to assist him and their day turns into a whirlwind of an adventure. Neither character is perfect and each has experienced a lot (which the reader finds out in flashbacks). They learn from each other and see the world in a different way by getting to know each other. I think there was chemistry between the two from the beginning; however, I love that Colbert respected the fact that Marva has a boyfriend even though their relationship was doomed to end from the beginning of the book. She doesn't rush things and their attraction wasn't the main focus on the book.
Colbert also takes time to address other issues that impact the characters. These issues include police brutality, voter suppression, interracial dating, the perception of Black people specifically Black males, and Black identity. I loved the conversation about Black identity. Duke is bi-racial and Marva attends a predominately White school. Both go through periods in their life where they question their Blackness. I know a lot of young Black people who have gone through this including myself. You question whether you are Black enough especially when you feel caught in the middle. This conversation is covered through two different perspectives and I loved it.
The one-day narrative was done very well and I honestly forgot that it was taking place over the course of one day because Colbert did such a fantastic job weaving the stories together. I also think that the flashbacks helped build a better and fuller picture of each of the characters and their families. This book deserves all the buzz and I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author. This is definitely an important book considering that this is an election year.
Brandy Colbert is seriously THE BEST and this book was fantastic.
You only have one day to change your future by voting. Marva is dead set on voting and helps people to do the same, while Duke has a legacy to live up to. When Duke has trouble voting, Marva and Duke begin a journey that will test both of them on how they perceive their world. The Voting Booth brings an authentic view of the electoral process and how different individuals view the importance. Colbert weaves political ideals and young adult stress and struggles into the plot. This makes the book both entertaining and educational. Marva is a strong female protagonist who knows exactly what she wants and the intricate workings of the political voting structure. She is flawed with stereotypical views and at times a distorted view of herself. But by talking to Duke and arguing with her boyfriend, she realizes what really matters. Allower her to grow into a full character. Duke personifies the legacy voter, in that it was expected for him to vote because of his brother. He too comes to terms with his own demons and must contemplate if voting is really worth the time and effort. The negative I would say in this book is the lack of female interaction. Marv has most of her deep talks with men and it would have been refreshing for there to be more than the plot surrounding politics and romantic relationships. Or even if the relationship between Marv and Duke were platonic and not have to be romantic.
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Edelweiss!
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Edelweiss!
The Voting Booth
I was excited to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I am loving the recent onslaught of political books in YA. The voting booth did not disappoint, tackling big issues like voter suppression, while still including light and funny moments. Even as Marva and Duke run into obstacle after obstacle, the overall tone of the story remains optimistically hopeful about the difference that one person can make in a democracy. It’s a particularly timely read with the increased challenges that have been seen in primary elections lately and increased voter suppression efforts emerging as we near November. It also does an excellent job tackling issues of activism, social justice, interracial relationships, white privilage, and grief, just to name a few.
One of the biggest strengths in this book was the characters. Marva and Duke were well constructed and nuanced characters. The image that Marva presents at school does not fully show who she is, and throughout the book she explores why she chose to hide or adjust aspects of herself to fit in. Duke’s story delves into his past and how it has shaped who he’s become. Interactions with Marva’s and Duke’s families give even more insight into their characters.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in politics or looking for the inspiration to get more involved in the current election cycle! It certainly made me want to get out and canvass this fall!
I was excited to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I am loving the recent onslaught of political books in YA. The voting booth did not disappoint, tackling big issues like voter suppression, while still including light and funny moments. Even as Marva and Duke run into obstacle after obstacle, the overall tone of the story remains optimistically hopeful about the difference that one person can make in a democracy. It’s a particularly timely read with the increased challenges that have been seen in primary elections lately and increased voter suppression efforts emerging as we near November. It also does an excellent job tackling issues of activism, social justice, interracial relationships, white privilage, and grief, just to name a few.
One of the biggest strengths in this book was the characters. Marva and Duke were well constructed and nuanced characters. The image that Marva presents at school does not fully show who she is, and throughout the book she explores why she chose to hide or adjust aspects of herself to fit in. Duke’s story delves into his past and how it has shaped who he’s become. Interactions with Marva’s and Duke’s families give even more insight into their characters.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in politics or looking for the inspiration to get more involved in the current election cycle! It certainly made me want to get out and canvass this fall!
I listened to this during the week of the DNC 2020. It was honestly the best pairing possible. More than just a cute romantic story, this book looks at real issues like voting, social justice and activism, the Black experience (especially for younger kids), white privilege, and more. Who knew you could fit so much into one little romance novel? Romance got hefty, y'all.
This book is overall lighthearted and at times very funny, but it doesn't shy away from discussing difficult issues like grief, relationships, racism, and more.
In the end, I definitely felt inspired by Marva and Duke's stories and how fierce and proud they were about casting their vote. I hope this book encourages the YA crowd to get involved early!
This audiobook was gifted to me by Libro.fm.
This book is overall lighthearted and at times very funny, but it doesn't shy away from discussing difficult issues like grief, relationships, racism, and more.
In the end, I definitely felt inspired by Marva and Duke's stories and how fierce and proud they were about casting their vote. I hope this book encourages the YA crowd to get involved early!
This audiobook was gifted to me by Libro.fm.
For a YA book this hot so many excellent marks- so accessible and fun (romance) hard topics (gun violence), family dynamics- socioeconomic issues- just such a good book!!!
I couldn’t put this book down. The plot works perfectly: a brilliant balance of teenage life and romance with important, heavy topics such as democracy, voter suppression, white supremacy, police brutality, etc. Marva Sheridan cannot wait to vote: she has been an activist for as long as she can remember, but this is the first election where she can legally vote. When she meets Duke Crenshaw on her way out of the voting booth, and realizes that he is not able to cast his own vote, she makes it her mission to make sure that he is able to before the end of the day. This is the beginning of a day full of ups and downs and surprises, while the two teenagers get to know each other, and help others vote in the general election.
This is such a timely novel. Voter suppression is a huge issue in this country, especially in areas with large African American populations. While this is one of the main topics through-out the novel, Marva and Duke also evoke how much systemic racism and institutionalized white supremacy affects the lives of Black people on a day to day basis. Brandy Colbert writes in such a way that you actually feel right there with the protagonists, and get as riled up as Marva does about social justice. I feel like this story is a great YA read for those who are passionate about social justice and changing the world, but also for those who love a good teenage romance story. And it’s a great read for those who want to be active but who don’t know where to start, there are so many great pointers in this novel! There are some predictable areas within the plot, but they are also kind of cute, and I enjoyed the ending. (And for anyone complaining about how fast everything happened in the story: don’t you remember what life was like as a teen?!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a timely novel. Voter suppression is a huge issue in this country, especially in areas with large African American populations. While this is one of the main topics through-out the novel, Marva and Duke also evoke how much systemic racism and institutionalized white supremacy affects the lives of Black people on a day to day basis. Brandy Colbert writes in such a way that you actually feel right there with the protagonists, and get as riled up as Marva does about social justice. I feel like this story is a great YA read for those who are passionate about social justice and changing the world, but also for those who love a good teenage romance story. And it’s a great read for those who want to be active but who don’t know where to start, there are so many great pointers in this novel! There are some predictable areas within the plot, but they are also kind of cute, and I enjoyed the ending. (And for anyone complaining about how fast everything happened in the story: don’t you remember what life was like as a teen?!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Marva Sheridan has been waiting to be old enough to vote for as long as she could remember. One election day she was the first in line at her polling spot. As she’s heading out to go to school she overhears a guy her age insisting he was registered, despite his name not being on the rolls. Marva steps in to intervene, and sets off a chain of events she never anticipated. She and Duke, the guy from the voting spot, set off to set the record straight and enable Duke to cast his first vote. The more time they spend together the more they learn about each and the more they learn the more they like each other.
The Voting Booth hits many hot button topics in the news-voter suppression, gun violence, police brutality-in one delightful, whirlwind tale. Loved it.
The Voting Booth hits many hot button topics in the news-voter suppression, gun violence, police brutality-in one delightful, whirlwind tale. Loved it.