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swbowers's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
lucia_sanchez's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
chelseanagy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pathouser's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
gabbysnook's review against another edition
emotional
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
aliseteehee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
spike979's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
taratearex's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This undoubtedly a good book, it's interesting and well written, but it is one of those books where the structure makes or breaks it for me and I struggle a lot with stories where are there are A LOT of characters. This story weaves through the storylines of many characters that all live in a neighborhood where Black and Jewish people live in 1936. We drop in on one character and then leave their story for another, but that character resurfaces in another person's story since they are all interconnected in this neighborhood. This structure allows for the author to really play with the storylines and characters and there is a lot of interesting commentary on Black, Jewish, poor, and immigrant lives during the time. But for me as a reader the structure made it hard to really get to know some of the characters and it meant I would get a little impatient waiting for a characters storyline to connect back to the main storyline, it also meant I sometimes forgot who someone was because they hadn't appeared for a while, so there were some "wait, who is that?" moments. I think this structure absolutely works for some people and just doesn't for others and I know I'm a person who usually struggles with stories like this. I did overall enjoy it, it's well worth picking up, and I'd definitely pick up another of the author's books.
CW: racism, antisemitism, SA, child SA, child abuse, forced institutionalization, ableism
CW: racism, antisemitism, SA, child SA, child abuse, forced institutionalization, ableism
Graphic: Ableism, Racial slurs, Racism, Forced institutionalization, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
kessler21's review against another edition
4.0
McBride's writing is simple but beautiful, filled with warmth and adjectives. The first part of this book is slow with the style of storytelling bringing the story to a halt many times. But once you get into the third act, the story starts to progress faster, and you are able to stay connected to the events.
Its a wonderful story about community and love. Overcoming the impulse of self to help one another, especially in the face of inequality, and lack of power.
The connection between monkey pants and Dodo is beautiful and was my favorite part.
Its a wonderful story about community and love. Overcoming the impulse of self to help one another, especially in the face of inequality, and lack of power.
The connection between monkey pants and Dodo is beautiful and was my favorite part.