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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5/5. A poignant tale that's all too familiar: being Othered in your own community, scrutinized and criminalized by law enforcement, and ultimately, the tragedy that unfolds within. A timely reminder where Canadians look smugly to our neighbours to the south, and turn a blind eye to the intersection of police brutality and white supremacy in our own cities.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I am literally crying. The first half, I was like what the hell am I reading and why would I care about the story of two teen boys causing ruckus all around. But then, you understand that beneath Francis’ toughness and “violence” was a love for his friends and his family, an adoration for his mom that whose sacrifices he couldn’t thank the proper, traditional way. This is such a poignant piece about racism, class and police brutality in America. You get attached to the boys, root for them; my jaw dropped so many times. The end is such a 360 moment, that very simple line. This is such a short read, but one I will be thinking about for a very long time. I wonder if Michael’s mom, Ruth, really needed to be so protected, or Michael’s defenses against others became an attack on himself and his mother. The last scene with Aisha’s dad and Francis had me BAWLING my eyes out, talk about daddy issues.
Man, I don’t know if I was emotional already coming into this but I simply love this book. The writing style is so simple yet just so beautiful. Oh my god
Man, I don’t know if I was emotional already coming into this but I simply love this book. The writing style is so simple yet just so beautiful. Oh my god
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A stunning book. Beautifully written. Sharp and concise.
Gorgeous story beautifully told by Chariandy, it reveals a place only a few blocks away from white neighbourhoods in Scarborough, but culturally a world away. Every character is so richly developed, and the pacing was impeccable.
this book is heartbreakingly good, evocative, timely. necessary!
the novel has been longlisted for canada's $100,000 giller prize, and it is now my frontrunner.
chariandy is a beautiful writer.
the novel has been longlisted for canada's $100,000 giller prize, and it is now my frontrunner.
chariandy is a beautiful writer.
so good. second time reading this wonderful novel. chariandy has created a vivid and timely story, full of pain and beauty. highly recommend!