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kruton's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
3.0
This is a re-read for me, and I do think the memory i had of this book was better than it actually was. But besides that is is very clear to me that this is Lavalle's first Novel. His first book is a short story collection, and I am no sure he made the transition particularly well. There are parts of this book that are spectacular: the concept is strong and the story is great for about 50%. It loses it's way in the last 100 pages. The tense switches don't make sense completely and it feel like shirt stories woven together. But overall not bad.
franklyfrank's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
baron_jelly's review against another edition
Not the story I expected it to be. It was a lot more grounded and less thrilling so I ended up feeling kinda bored. Not for me
mimooo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
3.0
i feel like there were some loose ends and muddled character motivations (so what did solomon clay want? what was going on with him? when did ricky learn to drive?)… also not sure about the whole weaponization of the homeless plotline and could have been a lot more (para)political in its message (the rise of the despised) but it was written with a lot of verve and humor with lovable characters . a fun read
meganpkin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
This put me in a reading slump and I realise now I definitely don't do well with timeling jumping. Though I've handled it well before, it slowed this story down so so much and it was hard to remember why I cared to continue but I did because it was a part of a reading challenge I gave myself. There was some beautiful writing in it, definitely mystery and magic/otherworldliness which I enjoyed. Even half way through the book There was a new mystery which would open and most weren't really resolved or satisfactorily resolved anyway. Personally I dislike when male writers attempt writing about abortion or pregnancy and it doesn't feel worth it, it can be done well as LaValle did in The Changeling but this didnt have the same justification and felt more of a male centered view that was supposed to explain the protagonist and it didn't feel worth the possible triggers would bring to a reader. I'm glad I finished it but juxtaposed to my experience with his other works so far, I didn't enjoy this one.
Moderate: Addiction, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Abortion, Mass/school shootings, Child death, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Drug use, Murder, and Mental illness
Minor: Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Transphobia, Medical trauma, Vomit, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
candiecane333's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.0
Love the writing, characterization & world building. However the story itself is slow, boring & makes no sense to me. So many things happened, but nothing really happened
unboxedjack's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-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
3.5
fracturing's review against another edition
3.0
As a rule of thumb, the thriller genre is usually only slightly better written than romance novels. In that regard, this novel is outstanding. The fact that it could even pull off some light fantasy is even more commendable. But I'd still hesitate to call it great writing. The narrator's voice is a bit too contrived at times, like a middle aged guidance counselor trying to talk cool and hip to a bunch of high schoolers. It comes off forced. And some of the devices just got tiresome, like the toggling between two timelines during the climax of the book.
Overall though it was an enjoyable if slightly mindless read.
Overall though it was an enjoyable if slightly mindless read.
j_e_n_n's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.5