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pey333's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, and Car accident
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Stalking
kar2005's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Child death
cboddie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Child death, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia
kayladaila's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Death, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Biphobia
anna_23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Violence, Suicide, and Homophobia
Minor: Stalking
booktribe's review against another edition
Moderate: Car accident, Child death, and Death
kaseycanread's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Suicide
mari1532's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I first heard about this book on Instagram and after reading the synopsis and a few reviews I was desperate to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Synopsis: Mira and Layla are best friends and high school seniors taking a road trip for spring break to check out the colleges to which they have applied. Visiting New York, and Nashville, they are headed to Chicago before returning home.
Mira's motivation for the trip is to help Layla make an impression with her dream university which has waitlisted her for their photography program while in Chicago.
Layla's goal is to get Mira out of the house and perhaps take her mind off her grief.
However, fate has different plans for Mira and Layla. When their car breaks down just outside the little town in Indiana they are forced to stay at the Wildwood Motel while Mira's car is repaired. When strange things start to happen to Mira the girls must solve the mystery of what is happening with the help of another hotel guest and a few hotel employees. As Mira and Layla begin to unravel the menacing history of Room 9 it might already be too late.
Thoughts: The last hour of this book was insane in the best possible way for a book with a mystery component. I sat with my mouth agape as the plot unfolded and I can honestly say that until events unfolded I had no idea what was coming.
This book is a bit of a slow burn with regard to the resolution of the mystery, but it did not feel as if the plot was dragging along to the resolution. The dual viewpoints of Layla and Mira's experiences really held my attention. I also really liked how Metoui was able to weave typical teenage worries with, the experience of being children of immigrant parents, and the struggles of coming into one's own. Layla and Mira felt three-dimensional and were well-constructed characters that you were rooting for throughout the book. It was also really great how in the audiobook they were each given their own voice actor. Both of whom really brought the characters to life.
If you enjoy suspense-filled, mystery books with teenage angst and a friends-to-lovers story arch I highly recommend this book.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Grief, Child death, and Death of parent
oldandnewbooksmell's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Child death, and Grief
Moderate: Death and Suicide
goatsinspace's review against another edition
2.75
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the complexities faced by Arab American teens with immigrant parents. The insight into their struggle to hold onto traditions in a foreign land while feeling disconnected from their mother country resonates deeply. The exploration of grief, stemming from the loss of a sibling and a parent, adds emotional depth to the narrative, although it may be challenging for some readers. It certainly was for me.
The use of black and white photos in the story enhances the eerie atmosphere and brings an artistic element to the book. The small-town setting contributes to the overall creep factor, adding to the mystery and suspense. It's important to note that A Guide to the Dark delves into darker themes and doesn't offer a happy ending. The horror elements and emotional depth make this a compelling yet unsettling read.
Overall, a thought-provoking and captivating tale that combines elements of ghostly mystery, horror, and coming-of-age struggles. It's a tough yet rewarding read that offers unique perspectives and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Child death
Minor: Car accident and Abandonment
Drowning