Reviews

The Fall by James Preller

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Sam Proctor writes in a journal to examine his role in the suicide of a bullied classmate. Though the novel doesn't offer any new insights, it's a timely look at how easy it is for a "nice guy" to follow the herd. See my full review here.

electrikreads's review

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3.0

This was the definition of an okay book. The main character was somewhat unlikable but also that was the point of the book. This handled the topic of suicide better than, say, 13 Reasons Why, but still I found it to be just not super insightful.

esheridan's review

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emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This made you see the world in which we live in are just people following trends even if those trends are very mean to others. Morgan was heavily bullied and still, Sam saw right past that and hid the fact he was her friend. Then after he looks back on that he realizes he could have helped and now it's too late.

ohkaykayreads's review against another edition

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emotional tense medium-paced

3.0

So I liked this one, I enjoyed the journal entry style of writing. I feel the characters could have used more background and depth but I did find that they were likeable. It was a quick read and I did find myself wanting to read more which also lead me to wish this was a longer one with more detail and story added because I really thought the premise was interesting.

justinreads_'s review

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bestdressedbookworm's review

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4.0

Point being, my dad says:
"we all stand one day
On a crossroads,
and we have to decide
About this life."

There was something in the simplicity of just telling the immediate story of Morgan and Sam that made this raw, memorising and unputdownable (Yep thats a word now)
This is my first James Preller book but I really enjoyed the pacing and the way he writes that I will for certain be picking up "bystander"

tallyn1's review

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dark emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! I have reread it a thousand times and it is just such a good quick read and a good one if your in a reading slump

lazygal's review

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4.0

We often talk with students about online bullying, but perhaps it's better to just give them books like this to read, a book about how one person can instigate the bullying, coercing (by sheer force of personality) others into doing it, and how that can backfire horribly. That's the tangental part of The Fall. The greater part is the effect all of this has had on Sam, who isn't sure why exactly Morgan is a target, isn't quite sure what his relationship is with Morgan, and feels... something. Very powerful.

ARC provided by publisher.

heisereads's review

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4.0

A short quick read, mixing poems and prose in a journal like style and voice. A classmate has committed bullycide, and Sam isn't sure how to deal with his possible role. This journal is his way of processing, and also lets the reader know his perception of events and interactions with Morgan. Emotional and honest. Pair with Backlash and 13 Reasons Why.