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camiereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Graphic: Police brutality and Racism
missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
reading_diaries's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The way this story is told through poetry and art is amazing. The audiobook is amazing to listen to and really paints a vivid image of Amal’s struggles in the detention centre. The way this story is told in verse is incredibly beautiful and again, listening to the audiobook made it that more impactful to hear.
Overall, an incredibly impactful and moving story.
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Islamophobia and Blood
a_alves00's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
effect3cause's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, and Violence
amradio's review against another edition
- 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
3.25
Wasn't expecting the book to end when it did so I was a bit disappointed (reading from my ereader) and it felt a little abrupt because of that
Otherwise it was a solid read, not my most favorite book but not a bad one probably in the middle ranking star wise
I do love how they use art throughout the book
I will also say
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Confinement and Classism
rosie722's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Violence
daffodildyke's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a powerful story of hope and the experience of young black men in particular in the prison system. But it is also about hope - the authors say that in the authors note too - Amal is the main character and Amal’s name literally means hope.
I am so glad I was able to listen to this in audiobook form because I think so much of its power is being read aloud, and the rhythm and flow of the words was done such justice by the narrator.
The fact this story is inspired by true events, the style with which it managed to balance hope and the power of art and creativity with the brutality and cruelty of racism, of racist institutions and the prison industrial complex is masterful.
I feel like I would have given it 5 stars aside from the fact I felt like the ending was too abrupt and came too soon considering. I imagine this was intentional, but as a narrative it left me wanting more and needing to know conclusions that we do not get.
Overall, an impeccable read that I would recommend to anyone, but especially to white people because Amal’s story is a gentle, lyrical but hard hitting account of the struggles in a racist society and we owe everyone who suffers under that to educate ourselves!
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Police brutality
mandkips's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Confinement, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Slavery
kryskross's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality