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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
bookin_around's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
This is an incredible debut novel that shines a direct light on the reality of how law enforcement, media, and the general public respond to missing Black girls. It also looks at the systemic issues that allow racism and oppression to remain in our society. Pamela Harris, the author, has a background in school counseling and I think this unique perspective is what enabled her to write extremely relatable characters. The mystery at the heart of the book is that of the main character's missing sister, and there are just enough clues dropped through the novel to keep the reader desperate to know what will happen next, without leaving the ending easy to guess.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence
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