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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The plot was somewhat predicable. The last 100 pages couldn't go by fast enough.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I read this as an audiobook, and I'm so glad I went with that format. The narration really brought Slocumb's story to life. I loved Ray's perseverance throughout the book, though some parts were difficult to imagine. He certainly made his grandmother proud!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Gaslighting
Very much agree with others saying this isn’t really a mystery. It is a fantastic book, though.
This was unexpected. I knew there were reasons why it was so loved and recommended for the Goodreads Mystery Award!
LIKES:
1) Black MC that’s underestimated- don’t know why this brings me so much joy, but I love the whole stick it to people aspect of it. It was also extremely frustrating that he constantly was and apparently still is underestimated for his talent.
2) a mystery- this book made me so anxious! I’m assuming that was the point! It was so much fun to figure out what happened and (I kind of guessed it all along, but it was still fun!)
3) music- I just lost my dad and he was a composer. Hearing the music between the parts, hearing the love of the music, was just lovely. It made me so happy that classical music has a current bestselling novel connection. I also had to look up the Tchaikovsky Competition because I was completely intrigued.
DISLIKES:
1) where I know that families can be messy, this is the second book I had read by a Black author that makes the black community look AWFUL. I’m so glad for Aunt Rochelle, but seriously, these people were the worst of the worst. Just as bad as the racist counterparts. It would be nice in our society if we didn’t give people any ammunition against our character. You know crazies will take this and run with it.
I’m so thankful to NetGalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review!
LIKES:
1) Black MC that’s underestimated- don’t know why this brings me so much joy, but I love the whole stick it to people aspect of it. It was also extremely frustrating that he constantly was and apparently still is underestimated for his talent.
2) a mystery- this book made me so anxious! I’m assuming that was the point! It was so much fun to figure out what happened and (I kind of guessed it all along, but it was still fun!)
3) music- I just lost my dad and he was a composer. Hearing the music between the parts, hearing the love of the music, was just lovely. It made me so happy that classical music has a current bestselling novel connection. I also had to look up the Tchaikovsky Competition because I was completely intrigued.
DISLIKES:
1) where I know that families can be messy, this is the second book I had read by a Black author that makes the black community look AWFUL. I’m so glad for Aunt Rochelle, but seriously, these people were the worst of the worst. Just as bad as the racist counterparts. It would be nice in our society if we didn’t give people any ammunition against our character. You know crazies will take this and run with it.
I’m so thankful to NetGalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review!
adventurous
medium-paced
Was so invested with the story line and the main character that I finished this book within the same day as starting it. The mystery behind the violin coupled with the harsh reality of modern racism in America and a young black musician’s rise to the top despite any adversity in his way was *appropriately* a symphony of a storyline.
I knew I was going to give this book a 5 star rating as I read and the author’s note at the end confirmed the 5 stars. This is an eye opening story about race first and foremost. It’s also highlights how important it is to support a child’s dream and that sometimes you only need one person to believe in you. I simply loved it.