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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
I listened to the audiobook for this, and I think the narrator did an excellent job of bringing this story to life with his narration. It worked really well for the story, and helped a bit in adding suspense. It worked especially well for Jay's voice.
The story itself is timely and important, and akin to something like Jason Reynolds or Angie Thomas. However, there were times where the pacing of the story felt off to me, and things felt a little too wrapped up nicely at the end. The book itself doesn't shy away from difficult topics, though, and this might be a great novel to use for a class discussion. There's plenty to talk about in this book!
All in all, this is a timely read that will leave you thinking at the end of it.
The story itself is timely and important, and akin to something like Jason Reynolds or Angie Thomas. However, there were times where the pacing of the story felt off to me, and things felt a little too wrapped up nicely at the end. The book itself doesn't shy away from difficult topics, though, and this might be a great novel to use for a class discussion. There's plenty to talk about in this book!
All in all, this is a timely read that will leave you thinking at the end of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Racism
Moderate: Violence, Drug use, and Racial slurs
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Gun violence
eslsilver's review
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, Racial slurs, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual assault
heatherinjapan's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Infidelity, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
foreverbookwandering's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When Jay's sister Nicole goes missing, no one seems to be looking for her, least of all the police so Jay sets out to find her. Initially I thought this would have similar vibes to Monday Is Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, which is also about a Black girl who goes missing but this is a very different storyline.
Every avenue Jay explores, he seems to make slow, if any progress and so the mystery deepens with each turn of the page. But it's not just a story about a missing teenager, it's also a story of prejudice. Of how, people assume that because Nic is from a rundown area, hangs out with a drug seller and disappears for a day or two on occasion, she isn't worth searching for, of how everyone assumes Jay is good for nothing because of where he lives and the colour of his skin - all things relevant to today.
The last 50ish pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat. With books such as these, unfortunately we know so often from real life how these things end, which means you are never quite sure how the book will conclude. Essentially it is a story of family, of friends, and how they will always be there no matter how many times you push them away.
I really enjoyed this book and definitely think it is worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Drug abuse, and Drug use
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