Scan barcode
lilmxguillotine's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
brodydollywood's review
4.0
I tore through this novel that had a sense of urgency to it, especially leading up to the Bonnie & Clyde-esque ending. A unique look into those affected by violence and abandonment. I found it slightly difficult to get into at first, but after the riot began at South Shore, I couldn't put it down.
steel_city_peach's review against another edition
3.0
Quirky
I’m not sure that I know how to describe this coming-of-age story. I struggled to catch the rhythm of the writing in the first quarter. It felt like he was writing in a staccato cadence. It did become more fluid as the story continued. The lead character was downright pitiful. I kept hoping he’d blossom into something more likable. He did not. I found myself pushing forward just to be done with this book. The one bright spot was the comic relief that Paul’s character brought to the story.
I’m not sure that I know how to describe this coming-of-age story. I struggled to catch the rhythm of the writing in the first quarter. It felt like he was writing in a staccato cadence. It did become more fluid as the story continued. The lead character was downright pitiful. I kept hoping he’d blossom into something more likable. He did not. I found myself pushing forward just to be done with this book. The one bright spot was the comic relief that Paul’s character brought to the story.
jiddian's review
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rory_o_rama's review
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
amelias's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
johnnyb1954's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I would love to see how Gabriel Bump would write this book ten years from now. It’s a good debut novel but could be better.
Claude is a lump of clay being molded by time and place and people he lives with. Most everyone in his life leaves one way or another until he finally leaves his family for college in Missouri. But he can’t escape being black on America.
The book is like a series of scenes put in chronological order. More character and message based than plot based. It is a short book and not all the key characters are really fleshed out.
The white characters are ridiculous stereotypes, which I assume is intentional - just the way white authors often create back characters.
The humor in the book doesn’t always work for me but I appreciate the attempt to balance drama and lightness.
Some of the scenes seem like they don’t contribute to the story but maybe I missed the point.
Most of the book was compelling, though.
Claude is a lump of clay being molded by time and place and people he lives with. Most everyone in his life leaves one way or another until he finally leaves his family for college in Missouri. But he can’t escape being black on America.
The book is like a series of scenes put in chronological order. More character and message based than plot based. It is a short book and not all the key characters are really fleshed out.
The white characters are ridiculous stereotypes, which I assume is intentional - just the way white authors often create back characters.
The humor in the book doesn’t always work for me but I appreciate the attempt to balance drama and lightness.
Some of the scenes seem like they don’t contribute to the story but maybe I missed the point.
Most of the book was compelling, though.
carleymcbing's review
5.0
How is the average rating of this less than a four? This book is awesome — stunning, rapid, anxious, hopeful, hilarious! I loved every minute. Couldn’t put it down.
semiiii's review
4.0
A beautiful quick read - they aren't lying when they say it crackles and pops right off the page. Strong unique characters.