Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
High 3 stars, low 4. I liked the characters a lot and the world building a lot, too. I wasn't satisfied with how an important plot occurrence near the end happened. I didn't believe in it's purpose to the story and I didn't think it got the levity it deserved--I also think it was unnecessary, or at least the necessity of it wasn't communicated well enough. But it's quick and interesting, and I loved the short interspersing of characters "stories" that weren't the main narrator. *Especially* Dre's (which is funny that his was my all-time favorite part of the book, since I didn't find any interest in him in any other part of the story).
Also, the cover art is lovely!
Also, the cover art is lovely!
Left me speechless. I listened to her audiobook Pride and will go back to actually read it now
Fabiola is a young protagonist with a complicated, heartbreaking life, but she is also wise beyond her years. I was drawn into her story.
I wish I liked this book more but I was very underwhelmed and honestly confused throughout most of the novel (particularly the end). I think there was a lot going on in this book and it wasn’t tied together very cohesively, like there was a million different plot lines but they weren’t tied to create a bigger picture.
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and I found myself on more than one occasion cursing Fabiola. The way she acted or some things she said just annoyed me.
The writing for this book wasn’t my cup of tea either. For me, I found it too simple. There was hardly any detail, and I’m the kind of reader that loooooves detailed settings, appearances, etc..
I think the whole romance in this book was distracting and unnecessary. It took away from the major plot of Fabiola getting her mother back and I hated how she seemed to ignore everything, including finding her mother, just to fall in love with Kasim. While I liked Kasim’s character, I didn’t like how fast the relationship seemed to develop. It wasn’t even developed really. It fell flat for me.
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and I found myself on more than one occasion cursing Fabiola. The way she acted or some things she said just annoyed me.
The writing for this book wasn’t my cup of tea either. For me, I found it too simple. There was hardly any detail, and I’m the kind of reader that loooooves detailed settings, appearances, etc..
I think the whole romance in this book was distracting and unnecessary. It took away from the major plot of Fabiola getting her mother back and I hated how she seemed to ignore everything, including finding her mother, just to fall in love with Kasim. While I liked Kasim’s character, I didn’t like how fast the relationship seemed to develop. It wasn’t even developed really. It fell flat for me.
This book is so beautiful. Sad, and happy, and fun and angersome and magical all at once
“But then I realize that everyone is climbing their own mountain here in America. They are tall and mighty and they live in the hearts and everyday lives of the people.”
Book trigger warnings: racism, xenophobia, domestic abuse, slutshaming, drugs, death, murder, police brutality
American Street by Ibi Zoboi is a beautiful, heavy, and heart-wrenching story that deals with a lot of difficult, yet very real topics. I loved Fabiola as a character. She had a bit of innocence with her, but was also gritty and determined. The grief and emotions Fabiola experiences throughout the story are presented in a beautiful, raw way.
Although definitely problematic, I really liked Fabiola’s relationship and the way it portrayed the giddy, yet complex feelings of a first love. I also loved the way Zoboi included different elements of Haitian culture and Fabiola’s religion into the story.
And that ending. It was heartbreaking and completely unexpected, but so well done.
Overall, there weren’t many things I didn’t love about this book. I absolutely, definitely, positively recommend this book for everyone.
Book trigger warnings: racism, xenophobia, domestic abuse, slutshaming, drugs, death, murder, police brutality
American Street by Ibi Zoboi is a beautiful, heavy, and heart-wrenching story that deals with a lot of difficult, yet very real topics. I loved Fabiola as a character. She had a bit of innocence with her, but was also gritty and determined. The grief and emotions Fabiola experiences throughout the story are presented in a beautiful, raw way.
Although definitely problematic, I really liked Fabiola’s relationship and the way it portrayed the giddy, yet complex feelings of a first love. I also loved the way Zoboi included different elements of Haitian culture and Fabiola’s religion into the story.
And that ending. It was heartbreaking and completely unexpected, but so well done.
Overall, there weren’t many things I didn’t love about this book. I absolutely, definitely, positively recommend this book for everyone.
A gritty realitic YA fiction, my heart broke for Fabiola as she struggled to navigate a massive amount of change and uncertainty at the same time. She comes to the US, gets to know her very opinionated three cousins, her strict and ailing aunt, and misses her mother all the time, like a missing limb. Because she has no choice, she adapts quickly, almost losing herself in her new life. Her faith and her connection to her mother, with her determination to reunite with her, is what keeps her true to herself.
I took a star off because of how the ending played out.
I took a star off because of how the ending played out.
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Deportation
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Police brutality