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abbyl819's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/3.75 stars
Overall, this book was good. The story was entertaining and I never got bored with it and didn’t get sick of the characters too often, although Bri’s impulsive nature and willingness to pick a fight definitely annoyed me at times. So many of her problems only existed because of her stubbornness and lack of ability to think think through. One thing that bothered me throughout the book was the extreme influx of pop culture references, like Black Panther and Star Wars. I didn’t think it was necessary or added anything to the book, and I think it will ultimately hold this book back from aging well. There were so many names and references dropped throughout the entire book that it bothered me when we got to the end for Bri to get a fantastic opportunity from someone who is apparently a famous rapper, only for them to not even be named. I understand that she may not have been able to pretend a real person would have said they wanted to work with her, it could have just been a made up person, but I thought that was frustrating since there was no holding back with names through the whole rest of the book, so it didn’t fit that she didn’t do it then. I just did not think that the overall theme and plot events of this book was at the same level of importance and or was as hard hitting as The Hate U Give was, and simply doesn’t measure up.
Overall, this book was good. The story was entertaining and I never got bored with it and didn’t get sick of the characters too often, although Bri’s impulsive nature and willingness to pick a fight definitely annoyed me at times. So many of her problems only existed because of her stubbornness and lack of ability to think think through. One thing that bothered me throughout the book was the extreme influx of pop culture references, like Black Panther and Star Wars. I didn’t think it was necessary or added anything to the book, and I think it will ultimately hold this book back from aging well. There were so many names and references dropped throughout the entire book that it bothered me when we got to the end for Bri to get a fantastic opportunity from someone who is apparently a famous rapper, only for them to not even be named. I understand that she may not have been able to pretend a real person would have said they wanted to work with her, it could have just been a made up person, but I thought that was frustrating since there was no holding back with names through the whole rest of the book, so it didn’t fit that she didn’t do it then. I just did not think that the overall theme and plot events of this book was at the same level of importance and or was as hard hitting as The Hate U Give was, and simply doesn’t measure up.
roannasylver's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing I can say that hasn't already been said better, but holy crap. I can't really compare the two and say one is better than the other, but I think I got a better sense of who Bri was and what she wanted, which made everything in this hit just a little harder. (And like I said in updates, this made me Actual LOL and tear up, so that's a win any day)
rasmustache's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
akookieforyou's review against another edition
4.0
*3.75*
“I'm more of a "yes, people exist, but that doesn't mean I need to talk to them" person.”
This story was a little slow in the beginning, but once it picked it got really good. I found a lot of things about Bri's story very relatable, as I've dealt with recovering parents, and the stress of growing up a bit poor. I really appreciate reading books with characters and stories that feel so authentic and real. And the rap verses were fire!
“I'm more of a "yes, people exist, but that doesn't mean I need to talk to them" person.”
This story was a little slow in the beginning, but once it picked it got really good. I found a lot of things about Bri's story very relatable, as I've dealt with recovering parents, and the stress of growing up a bit poor. I really appreciate reading books with characters and stories that feel so authentic and real. And the rap verses were fire!
jenhurst's review against another edition
4.0
I personally preferred the hate U Give and Concrete rose over this book but with saying that I still think it’s a really good book. The writing is stronger than THUG and Bri is a more interesting character. Starr is inherently likeable but Bri is not very likeable. But because she’s interesting, it’s easy to get drawn to her in the book. The racism in this is a lot more subtle and I’m happy the book drew attention to it. My issue was I don’t like music books or films. The rapping just did not interest me whatsoever.
alexarn9393's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
georgialilyw's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a perfect version of what it needed to be. I got on with it better than THUG #1, maybe this was because I listened to the audio? Would definitely recommend that as this was the first book i didnt find irritating when a character sang, as i heard it rather than read it
_ren's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Racism
Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Grief, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Mental illness
Minor: Emotional abuse and Vomit
shanhautman's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the ending and the plot lines focused on Bri's family and her "come up" as a rapper. I found the narrative sections dealing with her school and relationships to be less interesting. At times the plot lines felt pretty disconnected and like they could almost be separate stories. I'm not the target audience, though. The YA dating - romance didn't quite keep me entertained as well as Thomas's first book.