4.3 AVERAGE

hopeful reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes

I have been meaning to read this book for years. It did not disappoint, but at the same time, it was so unexpected. It was real and raw, touching and tear-inducing, blunt and beautiful.
There was so much to love in this coming of age story: an understanding of tenement life, the magic of days old bread turned into tasty casseroles by a crafty mother, entertaining stories about relatives (I couldn’t help but love Sissy), and the love and heartbreak of family.
A favorite part of mine was about a miserable teacher who told the main character, Francie, that her stories about her family were “sordid” and that she needed to write about beautiful things. So many people do not want to see truth and would rather see a beautiful lie. This book shared some hard truths - sometimes, our parents are alcoholics or are unaffectionate; sometimes, we can work unbelievably hard and not get ahead, sometimes, people die or leave us and we have to find a way to go on. Life is difficult. You fight to survive and become stronger because of it.
I loved the characters in this book. They seemed real. I loved how reading, writing, and education was portrayed. I loved that hardship was not the end of hope.
If you have ever told yourself you should read this book - just read it already. It is more than worth the time. It is a wonderful book.
hopeful

wasn’t as blown away as I wanted to be but unfortunately I did tear up when
the cop proposed to the mom and asked to be a part of the family
emotional informative inspiring reflective
emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful slow-paced
hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A great book, all in all. 

World building is impeccable (I would say a lot better than most fantasy books, even). All characters have a unique depth and every chapter had a special story. Dialogue is brilliant and funny.

Such a heartwarming comfort read. I would initially label this as a work of art, but I think a work of love is more fitting.

saltysnails's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 6%

I wanted to enjoy this book so badly but I could not get into it. It may have been the voice acting to be honest so I will try again with the physical rather than the audio. I really enjoyed the writing style and descriptions as well as the childish perspective but it is an abrasive read and I didnt find myself hooked in. 
dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging inspiring 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: Complicated