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reading_thefineprint's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This a coming of age that double as a coping with grief journey. The connections Reynolds makes throughout it also beautifully display how intertwined a city can be, regardless of its size.
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder and Alcoholism
The main character works in a funeral, this is reveled on the back of the book, so there is a significant amount of death. Some of these occur in more intense ways than others, so be prepared for heavy topics.ihatecarlos8's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Matt is really a lovable character and watching his character development was amazing. Jason Reynolds is also an amazing author writing books with great representation.
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Murder
treereads's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Death, and Cancer
Minor: Murder
ivulikkivulik's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
ashleycmms's review
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Gun violence, and Cancer
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Domestic abuse
vulturetime's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I really enjoyed this book; it’s not one with a lot of action, focusing more on the characters (Matt specifically, and how he is trying to deal after his mother’s death). I think the book is fairly well written, though I may be a bit biased, since I lost a grandparent when I was in school and some of Matt’s narration in the beginning really hit close to home as to how I felt when that happened.
The only reason this didn’t get five stars from me is because I felt like the plot got a bit weaker in the second half of the book—we moved away from some of Matt’s relationships to focus on his budding one with Love. This would have been fine since Matt is pretty solid in his relationships, except I really felt like there would be a reconciliation scene or something of that sort with his father, and that didn’t come. Additionally, I felt like the progression of Matt and Love’s relationship happened a bit too quickly. However, that critique comes in retrospect; when I was reading this book I still greatly enjoyed it.
There was also one tiny detail I got annoyed about—Jimmy and Mike in the beginning have Matt’s narration saying that their names are actually Ahmed and Tahir, and then those names are never used again, so I wonder at the point of that.
The only reason this didn’t get five stars from me is because I felt like the plot got a bit weaker in the second half of the book—we moved away from some of Matt’s relationships to focus on his budding one with Love. This would have been fine since Matt is pretty solid in his relationships, except
There was also one tiny detail I got annoyed about—Jimmy and Mike in the beginning have Matt’s narration saying that their names are actually Ahmed and Tahir, and then those names are never used again, so I wonder at the point of that.
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism
manderz219's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
4.5
This is my first Jason Reynolds book and dang can he craft a story. I didn't know this was young adult heading into it, but boy do I wish I had this book growing up! And I still took a ton away from it as a thirty year old - ha. This book centers around death and grieving without being down. It's just very matter-of-fact, relatable, and pure. I loved the characters in this book - so full of little details that bring them to life. I don't know that I have anything to compare this book to, but I can say I'll be back for more Jason Reynolds!
Graphic: Death
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