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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this book was so interesting. The concept wasn't like a normal school shooting book, which I have read many, so that made it stand out.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Gun violence, Mental illness, Mass/school shootings, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gore, Self harm, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
This book was easy and quick to read, which is why I think I was able to finish it - otherwise I certainly would have DNF'd it.
To me there was very little development of the plot. I do not necessarily want to get too into it, as the premise is a hard one to talk about (especially for me, an American), but I really can't figure out why this book was written. If there was supposed to be some sort of moral to the story... well, I missed it.
I really can't pinpoint how I feel about the characters. Other than Isabelle, who I found extremely infuriating and vapid (which makes me sad, because I WANTED to like her), the characters had potential to have depth and be more than surface-level, but just... weren't. I do think that there was decent representation of the autism spectrum (I think Pignat did a good job with the nuances in in particular).
Just wish there was more development in everything overall.
To me there was very little development of the plot. I do not necessarily want to get too into it, as the premise is a hard one to talk about (especially for me, an American), but I really can't figure out why this book was written. If there was supposed to be some sort of moral to the story... well, I missed it.
I really can't pinpoint how I feel about the characters. Other than Isabelle, who I found extremely infuriating and vapid (which makes me sad, because I WANTED to like her), the characters had potential to have depth and be more than surface-level, but just... weren't. I do think that there was decent representation of the autism spectrum (I think Pignat did a good job with the nuances in
Spoiler
XanderJust wish there was more development in everything overall.
The entirety of this book takes place over an hour during a lockdown in a school. The main characters are trapped in a boy's bathroom, in what at first seems like a standard drill. However, they quickly learn something sinister is in progress and that everyone in the school is in danger. This is pitched as a fresh take on The Breakfast Club mixed with We Need To Talk About Kevin, but I think a better comparison is Thirteen Reasons Why.
Alice is described as a nerd and is very much a loner due to caring for her autistic brother, Noah. Noah also makes an appearance as a main character later in the book. Isabelle is the seemingly perfect Class President and stereotypical popular girl. Hogan is a mix of the jock and bad boy stereotypes, with a deeper story than most people realize. Xander is a socially awkward loner and photograph, who likelt has some developmental issues.
While this book started off slow, it became a page turner after about page 100. I so enjoyed learning more about the characters and seeing how their realities were so much different from their public personae. I'm drawn to stories about school violence for some reason, but this was unique from what I've read/watched. The complexities of the plot of violence were well crafted, yet still felt possible albeit terrifying. I also enjoyed all of the parallels beween he characters' lives and comics- in particular the X-Men.
Alice is described as a nerd and is very much a loner due to caring for her autistic brother, Noah. Noah also makes an appearance as a main character later in the book. Isabelle is the seemingly perfect Class President and stereotypical popular girl. Hogan is a mix of the jock and bad boy stereotypes, with a deeper story than most people realize. Xander is a socially awkward loner and photograph, who likelt has some developmental issues.
While this book started off slow, it became a page turner after about page 100. I so enjoyed learning more about the characters and seeing how their realities were so much different from their public personae. I'm drawn to stories about school violence for some reason, but this was unique from what I've read/watched. The complexities of the plot of violence were well crafted, yet still felt possible albeit terrifying. I also enjoyed all of the parallels beween he characters' lives and comics- in particular the X-Men.
This book was fantastic. Well written, fast, paced. Difficult subject matter - but very well treated.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated