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ixnsindhu's review
1.0
Listened to the first two CD’s. Lots of nice writing, not sure it’s a very accurate depiction of the time. Good attention to WI details. Characters flat, even the narrator. Her dispassionate attitude toward her own abuse and the author's skimming over it just didn’t seem real. Could not get into this. Note to audio book readers: it's important to know how to pronounce things. The word is brat as in hot, not brat as in hat.
sushai's review
4.0
Well-drawn characters and multi-layer, sensitive plot nearly ruined by an over-the-top climax and awkward prologue. Still worth the read.
kstorms13's review
5.0
I picked up this book because it is the "spotlight" book of the year at my library, and Nina Revoyr is making an appearance in October.
Let me just say... this is one of those books that you CAN'T put down, and there are not a lot of those for me. It's an extremely easy read, and the characters aren't extremely developed, but it is an overall excellent story about race, equality, abandonment and perseverance. On top of it, it has an ending that you do not expect. It takes place in Wisconsin (where I live), so it really hit home; however, the character is writing from her point of view as a grown woman in California, so everyone from anywhere can relate.
If you liked "To Kill a Mockingbird," you'll want to check out "Wingshooters!"
Let me just say... this is one of those books that you CAN'T put down, and there are not a lot of those for me. It's an extremely easy read, and the characters aren't extremely developed, but it is an overall excellent story about race, equality, abandonment and perseverance. On top of it, it has an ending that you do not expect. It takes place in Wisconsin (where I live), so it really hit home; however, the character is writing from her point of view as a grown woman in California, so everyone from anywhere can relate.
If you liked "To Kill a Mockingbird," you'll want to check out "Wingshooters!"
cindy_todd1's review
4.0
This book reads like nonfiction. Trapped in Wisconsin in the 70s. A small town is so prejudiced and ignorant of the world.
I wanted to take the main character Michelle and bring her to a world where acceptance of all color is a reality. But sadly this time period was still on rocky ground and people only believed what their forefathers had put into their heads.
It reminded me of the 80s when I was growing up and AIDS was a thing. People didn't care if you weren't contagious on the outside, victims were shunned and rarely touched. It took awhile before we realized that it was a fluid transfer, but the stigma was still there. I feel like this was the same when we started to integrate people of all color into our society and schools. It's a shame to think so many people were ridiculed and persecuted for the color of their skin or nationality. I so wanted the characters in this story to get out of their asses and see that people are people, regardless of color or background. This book did a great job of showing what life was like in small, rural towns. You sided with your best friend regardless if you agreed with them or not. It was a support system. So many things God wrong in this book, but ultimately it comes back to color of skin. How one town can't seem to see beyond it.
Great, quick story. Heartbreaking and eye opening.
I wanted to take the main character Michelle and bring her to a world where acceptance of all color is a reality. But sadly this time period was still on rocky ground and people only believed what their forefathers had put into their heads.
It reminded me of the 80s when I was growing up and AIDS was a thing. People didn't care if you weren't contagious on the outside, victims were shunned and rarely touched. It took awhile before we realized that it was a fluid transfer, but the stigma was still there. I feel like this was the same when we started to integrate people of all color into our society and schools. It's a shame to think so many people were ridiculed and persecuted for the color of their skin or nationality. I so wanted the characters in this story to get out of their asses and see that people are people, regardless of color or background. This book did a great job of showing what life was like in small, rural towns. You sided with your best friend regardless if you agreed with them or not. It was a support system. So many things God wrong in this book, but ultimately it comes back to color of skin. How one town can't seem to see beyond it.
Great, quick story. Heartbreaking and eye opening.
radballen's review
4.0
Another strong showing by Nina Revoyr. While this book was a good bit different than the previous two I've read, it really won me over. She does a great job dealing with the harsh reality of racism in small, homogenous towns without turning characters into one-dimensional rubes. It is always a pleasure to read her wonderfully written, thoughtful novels.
winniehost's review
1.0
So heavy handed. Readers really can think for themselves. I am not sure why the author thought she had to explain every little point. There was nothing subtle about what she was trying to say, and certainly nothing new.