Reviews with content warning for Racism - Blacktop Wasteland

This novel is among the apex of modern works of literary fiction. It will come to be understood as a window into a distinct experience within American culture, and for this, it will become a classic that is referred back to in the same way books considered classics today are revisited. Cosby constructs a vivid depiction of people and places dismissed by time and circumstance, leaving readers with an eery feeling of familiarity with those very characters and settings. I was so engrossed by the plot that I turned the last page fully expecting the story to continue, only to be shocked that there was no more left to read. Although some elements were perhaps fantastical at times, this novel never departed from reality in emotions portrayed, decisions made, or cards dealt. This is an enduring tale.

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josie2k's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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rei_reads's review

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challenging dark tense fast-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

5.0

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rwgabbard's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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jhbandcats's review

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

SA Cosby is an extraordinary writer. I can be sitting in my living room reading a book with my body but my mind is completely in the story with the characters, feeling the adrenaline and the tension and the terror. Nothing in my life is remotely like the plots of his books but he makes me feel like I’m there.

The first couple of chapters ease the reader in slowly. You learn about the main character, his problems, his love for family, his violent history. By a third of the way in, you’re trapped - there’s no way you’re getting out of this book without reading it to the end. The first action sequence is mind-bogglingly good and it just gets better and better.

Cosby writes action that doesn’t let up. Everything is clear not just in terms of plot but in logistics. I fear I’m not articulating how bowled over I was by this book.

If you strip away the action and mystery, what’s left is an aching diatribe on the state of the Black man in white America. It’s a scathing rebuke.

Truly fabulous book. I hope Cosby keeps writing and writing and writing. He’s a literary treasure.

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ertrunnell's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

4.0

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