i_sane's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
akingston5's review against another edition
“For too long we said nothing. There was something moving through me like a razor in my chest—I didn’t know then if it was rage or sadness or fear. Maybe [my mother] felt it too because she moved closer to me, rested her hand on the back of my neck, and pressed her lips into my hair. I wanted more, though—a hug, a kindness whispered into my ear. I wanted her to tell me I was beautiful, that she didn’t care what music played, that she loved me. I wanted her to laugh with me about the ridiculousness of garters and stockings.”
•••
Short, but beautiful and powerful. Woodson crafts intersecting narratives of various family members that stretch over years of births, deaths, and life decisions that center on the 16th birthday of Melody whose own mother, Iris, had her at 16. There’s a lot in here about the complicated-ness of family, particularly relationships between children and parents, as well as the decisions and moments that move with us throughout our lives. It’s a fast read, but so worth your time!
•••
Short, but beautiful and powerful. Woodson crafts intersecting narratives of various family members that stretch over years of births, deaths, and life decisions that center on the 16th birthday of Melody whose own mother, Iris, had her at 16. There’s a lot in here about the complicated-ness of family, particularly relationships between children and parents, as well as the decisions and moments that move with us throughout our lives. It’s a fast read, but so worth your time!
prgaldiaries's review against another edition
5.0
The book was super well written, a short way to explain so many intricate stories that are all intertwined. Such a great read.
whethered's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
truleejenann's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
mrstiabee's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written story of two families from different classes joined together by an unexpected pregnancy. I don’t know how Woodson was able to create a book with so much depth in less than 200 pages. I read this book in less than a day and couldn’t wait to pick it up again each time I had to stop. An instant classic. Will Read again.