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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
A beautiful tale of grief and its effects, racism and its effects, and belonging, and its effects.
"Memory's got nothing to do with old and grey and faraway gone. Memory's the muscle sting of now. A kid reaching brave in the skull hum of power. "And if you can't memory right" he said "you lose"."
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Thoughts~
Read this book! I had it on my tbr pile for so long, and I'm so glad I finally read it!
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It's a brilliantly written novel exploring themes of identity, race, mother-son relationships, and masculinity. Chariandy prose are mesmerizing as he writes about Michael and Francis. Two brothers with different dreams. Then one day a tragic shooting changes everything!
I couldn't put this down, an emotionally powerful novel! Highly Recommended!
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For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
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Thoughts~
Read this book! I had it on my tbr pile for so long, and I'm so glad I finally read it!
•
It's a brilliantly written novel exploring themes of identity, race, mother-son relationships, and masculinity. Chariandy prose are mesmerizing as he writes about Michael and Francis. Two brothers with different dreams. Then one day a tragic shooting changes everything!
I couldn't put this down, an emotionally powerful novel! Highly Recommended!
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
I really enjoyed the Scarborough setting of this story - a beautifully detailed picture of the frustrations of life for immigrant families in the outer suburbs. You could feel it/hear it/taste it/smell it. The pacing and the dialogue were perhaps a little weaker than the portrait-drawing, but it was a powerful story that made important points.
Some quick thoughts b/c I actually really liked this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect because I was reading it for my English class where I didn’t finish the last book, but this story is one you can devour in only a few sittings. The themes in this book reminded me a lot of others I have read which hit me hard, both The Outsiders and The Hate U Give. (Friendship, family, music, race, police brutality, violence) The way the narrative jumps from present to past chapters really makes for a unique experience and I want to go back and reread parts, now knowing what I do about the ending. It was short, but no less impactful. I definitely think more people should give Brother a read.
4.5 stars: Chose this as the book I first wanted to read for Canada Reads and I’m so glad I did. It did not disappoint at all and although I’ve only read one of the five shortlisted so far, I think it is going to be a real contender for the winner this year as it can be read by absolutely any Canadian. First, the book is short, a really easy read, and super accessible to all audiences (despite some of the strong language). I can see teens reading this book, young adults and adults reading this book, and learning something from it. It is a coming of age story of these two boys, but also a commentary of discrimination and violence against the Black and brown community and particularly youth. It is a story of mental health, grieving, and family. I would 100% read this book again and recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Powerful and touching. Amazing how much David Chariandy has packed into this short novel.
Powerful. This is an incredibly beautiful- and heartbreaking- coming of age story about Brothers growing up in Scarborough against the backdrop of race, prejudice, heavy handed policing, and the maternal dream of a better future.
The narrative is clear, coherent, and emotion inducing. You truly feel as if you are there. You can hear the sounds, feel the emotion, and smell the smells. This is a strong literally work, and easy to read. Chariandy writes poetically about coming of aw in Scarborough. He shows the life and dreams that live in its all to often stereotyped streets.
At the centre of the book is the story of what (societies unfairly) low expectations, the neglect of the immigrant experience, and race can do to young men, the emotional bond of a family, and the strength and weaknesses of relationships. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
The narrative is clear, coherent, and emotion inducing. You truly feel as if you are there. You can hear the sounds, feel the emotion, and smell the smells. This is a strong literally work, and easy to read. Chariandy writes poetically about coming of aw in Scarborough. He shows the life and dreams that live in its all to often stereotyped streets.
At the centre of the book is the story of what (societies unfairly) low expectations, the neglect of the immigrant experience, and race can do to young men, the emotional bond of a family, and the strength and weaknesses of relationships. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is so good and the story is so beautifully told. The book will leave an impression no matter what because the theme in the book is very topical. I think that everyone should read this book once in their life.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes