Reviews

Before Takeoff by Adi Alsaid

rebecca_w28's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

At the start, this book was confusing because the points of view kept jumping around but as I read a few more pages, I was able to catch on to the second person pov and then I was really hooked on the book from then on

darnfeinbookthoughts's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-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

2.75

story_sanctuary's review

5.0

This is only the second book I've ever read by Adi Alsaid, but of the two, this one is my favorite. I felt like the point of view always switched at exactly the right moments, just when I needed to know something or when it heightened the tension. I love that!

I also loved both the main characters: Michelle and James. I loved the snippets of their lives outside the airport that we got to see and the way they were with each other. I loved the way the minor characters played into the story-- especially Michelle's mom and Rosa.

It's been at least a week since I finished reading the book, and I'm still thinking about a lot of the moments in it. I definitely need my friends to read this one so I have more people to talk with about it. Ha!

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

taylorretter'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? No

3.25

ljg765's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

taliwa's review against another edition

1.0

recommended by Cassi

 

Never during this book did I know what was going to happen next. It gave Jumanji vibes, but not in a good way. This was an interesting plot idea, but the execution was lacking. 

july2104's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

energyrae's review

4.0

In the author's acknowledgments, he mentions that this is a "weird trip of a book." And I think that's apt for Before Takeoff. I made a lot of notes while reading this, so bear with me because this review might be a bit messy.

Let's talk about James and Michelle. Michelle is so very funny that I liked her instantly. She helped to bring James out of his shell, and we see a young man with many thoughtful things to say. He gives Michelle's funny bone a run for her money. But she's going through some things right now, and she has her moments of reflection. It's careful and deep. This story is so much about their friendship, getting to know each other than just the airport. However, the airport is truly an adventure, highlighting many societal issues we're facing today.

The characters were richly detailed. I liked Roger and his font of positive vibes. I think when he finally met up with our crew, it felt complete.

Randomly, I found myself asking, How is the PA system working? Until I remembered that this is labeled fantasy, and we were going on an adventure of sorts. Without a doubt, this is a unique book. The directions taken are what make this book shine. I feel this book will appeal to upper YA and adult readers alike. Overall, this is an amusing and thoughtful read, nicely done.

hasnita_singh's review

3.0

This was an interesting one, to say the least.

Set in an airport where, James and Michelle, two strangers press a green button and turn the lives upside down for everyone present. Suddenly, no flights are taking off, messages are being blocked, and there's absolute chaos.

I just can't decide how I feel. On one hand, it was intriguing and kept me reading. The characters were interesting and there was a lot going on, a lot of topics addressed. On the other hand, I just didn't get it. It was too out there.

ani_a_1's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0