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4.52 AVERAGE
4.52 AVERAGE
Everybody should read this book. It will move you. It is rare to find a fictional character that I am actively worried about and rooting for but I found myself crying for James and celebrating his victories that would bring him closer to his beloved Lizzie and Sadie.
Am still digesting this book but want to include a paragraph that I want to remember before returning this copy to the library. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for myself.
James wants to read while Huck is asleep but is afraid of being found out. "I could simply claim to be staring dumbly at the letters and words, wondering what in the world they meant. How could he know? At that moment the power of reading made itself clear and real to me. If I could see the words, then no one could control them or what I got from them. They couldn't even know if I was merely seeing them. It as a completely private affair and completely free and, therefore, completely subversive."
Am still digesting this book but want to include a paragraph that I want to remember before returning this copy to the library. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for myself.
James wants to read while Huck is asleep but is afraid of being found out. "I could simply claim to be staring dumbly at the letters and words, wondering what in the world they meant. How could he know? At that moment the power of reading made itself clear and real to me. If I could see the words, then no one could control them or what I got from them. They couldn't even know if I was merely seeing them. It as a completely private affair and completely free and, therefore, completely subversive."
dark
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This was very well written, but definitely depressing. I’ve never read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so I don’t have anything to compare this to. Let’s just say the goodreads blurb about this book didn’t give much of a heads up haha. There were too many sad and disturbing things that happened for me to be able to say I fully enjoyed the book.
I would hesitate to recommend this one!
I would hesitate to recommend this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Medical content, Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Excrement, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, War, Deportation
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
sad
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
challenging
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I found this book to be a rollercoaster of a read. It has moments that feel exciting, gut-wrenching, introspective, and powerful. I liked how often Everett played with the idea of a ‘good oppressor’ and then quickly reminded us that such a thing doesn’t exist. I loved James’ character, the way he changed from the start of the book until the end as he spiraled into vengeful determination. I also really liked how he chose the name James for himself. It’s not so different from ‘Jim’, but it’s his own, a symbol of the reclamation of his autonomy. As the readers are learning of James in terms of who he is and what’s important to him, Everett is sure to remind us that as a black man in the 1860s his hopes, dreams, and personhood didn’t matter to those who’s did. This, coupled with his descriptions of the evil nature of the white man, provides a thought-provoking reflection of race and identity, and most importantly, of power. If I were to give one criticism of the book, it would be how predictable James’ revelation to Huck was, which kinda had me rolling my eyes 😬. Asides from that, it’s a fantastic, it’s fast-paced without doing the topic injustice, and it’s not to mention quite funny at times. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced