Scan barcode
rainmisoa's review against another edition
4.0
gloomybookworm2002's review
5.0
“The House You Pass On the Way” by Jacqueline Woodson is a captivating novella that gracefully weaves themes of adolescence, identity, and belonging into a delicate tapestry. Woodson's poetic prose is on full display as she depicts the world through the eyes of her teenage protagonist, Staggerlee Canan. Her vivid storytelling allows readers to witness the beauty, vulnerability, and complexity of Staggerlee's emotional journey.
Set in a small, rural community, the story revolves around Staggerlee, who struggles to find her place in the world. This is a universal struggle that resonates with readers of all ages. What makes Staggerlee's story uniquely moving is the intersectionality of her identity; as a young girl grappling with her biracial background and emerging sexuality, the depth of her experiences are richly portrayed.
In conclusion, “The House You Pass On the Way” is a gem of a novella that deserves a place on every bookshelf. It's a gentle, reflective narrative that speaks to the soul and reminds us of the fragile beauty of youth and the importance of finding one's voice.
Set in a small, rural community, the story revolves around Staggerlee, who struggles to find her place in the world. This is a universal struggle that resonates with readers of all ages. What makes Staggerlee's story uniquely moving is the intersectionality of her identity; as a young girl grappling with her biracial background and emerging sexuality, the depth of her experiences are richly portrayed.
In conclusion, “The House You Pass On the Way” is a gem of a novella that deserves a place on every bookshelf. It's a gentle, reflective narrative that speaks to the soul and reminds us of the fragile beauty of youth and the importance of finding one's voice.
theperksofbeingmarissa's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this quick read! I think this book could’ve been fleshed out a bit more though!
I really enjoyed the backstory of Staggerlee’s grandparents. I would’ve liked a flashback in the middle of the book about Staggerlee’s grandparents It would’ve helped give more meaning to Evangeline taking that name.
Some people didn’t like the ending, but I did. I think it’s realistic. Maybe Trout is straight or queer…Who knows? She’s a teen, and she’s figuring herself out! Trout briefly mentioning that she became closer with Ida once she got a boyfriend is so heartbreaking to me. In my eyes, their relationship only improved because Trout decided not to act on her feelings that Ida shamed her about before.
I really enjoyed the backstory of Staggerlee’s grandparents. I would’ve liked a flashback in the middle of the book about Staggerlee’s grandparents It would’ve helped give more meaning to Evangeline taking that name.
Some people didn’t like the ending, but I did. I think it’s realistic. Maybe Trout is straight or queer…Who knows? She’s a teen, and she’s figuring herself out! Trout briefly mentioning that she became closer with Ida once she got a boyfriend is so heartbreaking to me. In my eyes, their relationship only improved because Trout decided not to act on her feelings that Ida shamed her about before.
mtreads719's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
sunflowerjess'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? No
4.0
My only complaint with this book is that it was way too short for me. We just got a brief, touching glimpse of Staggerlee and Trout, and I wanted more. But I trust the author knew what she was doing and had a reason for this, so I'm going to keep reflecting on it.
julietkayreadstoomuch's review against another edition
5.0
When I finished this book, I thought: “where is the rest? I feel so confused.”
That was until I realized that that was the point. I was supposed to feel confused like trout and stag. After all, they are teenagers trying to figure out their sexuality with no guidance whatsoever. I questioned a lot of things while reading this book. I realized that I don't know much about the people who are also a part of me. And it reminded me of how I felt when I was figuring out my sexuality for the very first time. I rarely write reviews, but this book really did something to me. I think I'll think about it for a really long time.
That was until I realized that that was the point. I was supposed to feel confused like trout and stag. After all, they are teenagers trying to figure out their sexuality with no guidance whatsoever. I questioned a lot of things while reading this book. I realized that I don't know much about the people who are also a part of me. And it reminded me of how I felt when I was figuring out my sexuality for the very first time. I rarely write reviews, but this book really did something to me. I think I'll think about it for a really long time.
jamietherebelliousreader's review
3.0
3 stars. Not a favorite of mine from Ms. Woodson but it wasn’t bad at all. The writing is so good and I liked what this was trying to do but I don’t think it reached its full potential. It’s a coming of age tale of a thirteen year old girl coming to terms with growing up, her sexuality and her identity as a biracial person. Everything really could’ve been expanded upon more because this feels a bit unfinished. It’s a quick read though and I’m glad that I picked it up.
mel_fck's review
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
2.5
v1rgo's review
lovely writing. i think due to my repressed childhood lesbianism i completely forgot that i had already read this as a kid. strange ending