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eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
After I finished reading, this book was on my mind for hours. But it wasn't till I started the review a couple of days later that I realized that I hadn't yet thought about much to write in it. That's very unusual for me, but I understand why. This is a pretty heavy book, and it gives you a lot to think about.
The protagonist is Braden. He's seventeen, his older brother Trey left ten years ago, and his father, the only parent he's known, has been arrested for the murder of a police officer. Because of that, Trey's returned. And throughout the book, we learn of the kind of upbringing Braden had at the hands of his father, we experience his conflict on what to say in court since he's a key witness in the case, and we see what relationship he has with his brother.
And again, I want to say that this is not a happy book. The events range from frustrating to deeply upsetting. And I want to provide a Trigger Warning for physical and emotional abuse, gaslighting, homophobia, and depression.
Now, there's a lot of things I could discuss here. But they're all plot elements, and I feel like you should just read those for yourself. The book moves from past flashbacks leading up to the incident with the cop, (I actually preferred those, for once) to the present with Braden's conflict about his testimony. I had no issues with how the past chapters were done. And the book as a whole is very well-written and definitely delivers on the perspective and emotion we need to understand where Braden is coming from.
The present... I had a few issues. The first isn't really an issue with the story, but just the frustration and anger I often felt toward Braden for some of the things he thought or said. But they made more and more sense as we learned about everything he's been through.
My other issue has to do with all the baseball. Some of the baseball parts were relevant to the story and to understanding Braden, but not all. And the amount of detail the author put wasn't needed at all. At one point, I just started skimming the baseball paragraphs. And maybe it's partially because I know nothing about baseball and don't care to, but caring about baseball shouldn't be a requirement.
I liked the ending. Though I didn't like how much of the jury's decision seemed to hinge on Braden's testimony. He was not the only witness. Also, the prosecution was seeking the death penalty. Did it occur to no one that having Braden testify was maybe not a great idea for various reasons.?
Overall, I thought this book was very well done. I can't say I "enjoyed" it because it was sad as fuck and it slowed down toward the middle, but it was a great read, and I would recommend giving it a try. It'd been on my TBR for over 5 years, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
The protagonist is Braden. He's seventeen, his older brother Trey left ten years ago, and his father, the only parent he's known, has been arrested for the murder of a police officer. Because of that, Trey's returned. And throughout the book, we learn of the kind of upbringing Braden had at the hands of his father, we experience his conflict on what to say in court since he's a key witness in the case, and we see what relationship he has with his brother.
And again, I want to say that this is not a happy book. The events range from frustrating to deeply upsetting. And I want to provide a Trigger Warning for physical and emotional abuse, gaslighting, homophobia, and depression.
Now, there's a lot of things I could discuss here. But they're all plot elements, and I feel like you should just read those for yourself. The book moves from past flashbacks leading up to the incident with the cop, (I actually preferred those, for once) to the present with Braden's conflict about his testimony. I had no issues with how the past chapters were done. And the book as a whole is very well-written and definitely delivers on the perspective and emotion we need to understand where Braden is coming from.
The present... I had a few issues. The first isn't really an issue with the story, but just the frustration and anger I often felt toward Braden for some of the things he thought or said. But they made more and more sense as we learned about everything he's been through.
My other issue has to do with all the baseball. Some of the baseball parts were relevant to the story and to understanding Braden, but not all. And the amount of detail the author put wasn't needed at all. At one point, I just started skimming the baseball paragraphs. And maybe it's partially because I know nothing about baseball and don't care to, but caring about baseball shouldn't be a requirement.
I liked the ending. Though I didn't like how much of the jury's decision seemed to hinge on Braden's testimony. He was not the only witness. Also, the prosecution was seeking the death penalty. Did it occur to no one that having Braden testify was maybe not a great idea for various reasons.?
Overall, I thought this book was very well done. I can't say I "enjoyed" it because it was sad as fuck and it slowed down toward the middle, but it was a great read, and I would recommend giving it a try. It'd been on my TBR for over 5 years, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
ellenmc07's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have not read something this thought provoking in a long time. To the point where, I'm not actually sure how I feel about it. You just want to give everyone in this book the biggest hug possible because they need it. Plus, whew the trauma!! Having said that, it was still a very solid read. Go into this with an open mind and see where it will take you. It certainly didn't take me where I thought I was going but, maybe, that was the point.
danicapage's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Any book that has me thinking about it still days and books later is a good book in my book. This one is a heart-wrenching book in so many ways. It deals with a lot of heavy themes. The writing was great and so were the characters. I was engrossed in this one from start to finish. The author did a great job slowly revealing the story and leaving you in suspense about what would happen.
I did turn off my lawyer brain for the courthouse scenes as you have to suspend belief a little bit, but it's fiction, and it's okay to deviate. One of my favorite young adult books of the year and definitely one I'd recommend. For teen readers, parents may want to read first so they can decide if appropriate for their teens. I'd recommend parents discuss this one with kids who read it.
Content:abuse, child abuse, alcohol, strong language, suicidal ideation I'd put this at 16+.
Love,
Danica Page
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Any book that has me thinking about it still days and books later is a good book in my book. This one is a heart-wrenching book in so many ways. It deals with a lot of heavy themes. The writing was great and so were the characters. I was engrossed in this one from start to finish. The author did a great job slowly revealing the story and leaving you in suspense about what would happen.
I did turn off my lawyer brain for the courthouse scenes as you have to suspend belief a little bit, but it's fiction, and it's okay to deviate. One of my favorite young adult books of the year and definitely one I'd recommend. For teen readers, parents may want to read first so they can decide if appropriate for their teens. I'd recommend parents discuss this one with kids who read it.
Content:
Love,
Danica Page
minwatermlnsuga's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hayleybeale's review against another edition
5.0
A rich and complex debut novel, set in a white conservative Christian community in California's Central Valley. 16 year-old Braden Raynor is a witness when his father kills a Hispanic police officer – but is it deliberate or an accident? See my full review here.
biblioberry's review against another edition
4.0
this was shaping up to be a 5-star read the whole way but GOD I hated the ending (haha god). it was realistic I'll give it that. that's on me for picking a book in the realistic fiction genre. I hated it but it's life. anything for klg though (i don't give a shit about baseball or religion but i breezed through this).
ANYWAY klg did it again she broke me i want to cry (but i won't because I'm soulless):(((
also...trey and braden:') they make me so emotional one of the best arcs ever <3
ANYWAY klg did it again she broke me i want to cry (but i won't because I'm soulless):(((
also...trey and braden:') they make me so emotional one of the best arcs ever <3
bridget1499's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pantsreads's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
Conviction is a powerful novel, but I didn't enjoy reading it. I appreciate the way the book handled the dark issues within, but I struggled with the unexpectedly religious tone, hateful themes, and unlikeable characters.
Conviction is a powerful novel, but I didn't enjoy reading it. I appreciate the way the book handled the dark issues within, but I struggled with the unexpectedly religious tone, hateful themes, and unlikeable characters.