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mizdoss's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! Tough to read at sometimes but sad to say I was numb a bit from the familiar theme. Enjoyed both perspectives. The title is perfect for the story and life.
ahicksreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
juliee181's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book club selection
lisakerd's review against another edition
4.0
Accurately reflects on both sides of a sensitive and all too relevant topic. Poses interesting discussion topics and food for thought.
slflorence99's review against another edition
4.0
I'm going with 4.5 on this one. I've read plenty of reviews, and I get how they are split. I also would love to read more reviews from Black and Brown readers. So here are some thoughts:
Is Jen annoying at times? For sure. Is their friendship underdeveloped? Ok, maybe. However, I'm wondering if that sentiment is comes from people who have never had a childhood friendship with someone vastly different than they are? Jen was enveloped into Riley's family, her culture, and I can completely understand how she likely took that for granted. I also understand how maneuvering/maintaining childhood friendships in adulthood can be tricky.
Ultimately, Riley's perspective was what won me over. The topic tackled here is not easy. Obviously there are a lot of talking points that would start good book club discussions, but I didn't see them as trite in this case. So many current novels breech a wide range of controversial topics and feel like the author is preaching to you the entire time. This is not one of those books. It does challenge us to be willing to listen to our BIPOC friends and uplift their voices. It demonstrates that honesty in our relationships is incredibly important. Share your pain with someone. Share your joy with someone. Move through uncomfortable moments and build trust.
Is Jen annoying at times? For sure. Is their friendship underdeveloped? Ok, maybe. However, I'm wondering if that sentiment is comes from people who have never had a childhood friendship with someone vastly different than they are? Jen was enveloped into Riley's family, her culture, and I can completely understand how she likely took that for granted. I also understand how maneuvering/maintaining childhood friendships in adulthood can be tricky.
Ultimately, Riley's perspective was what won me over. The topic tackled here is not easy. Obviously there are a lot of talking points that would start good book club discussions, but I didn't see them as trite in this case. So many current novels breech a wide range of controversial topics and feel like the author is preaching to you the entire time. This is not one of those books. It does challenge us to be willing to listen to our BIPOC friends and uplift their voices. It demonstrates that honesty in our relationships is incredibly important. Share your pain with someone. Share your joy with someone. Move through uncomfortable moments and build trust.
brownbooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
Took me forever to finish this one but I’m glad I decided to come back to it and finish it. Even though I feel like in some parts it dragged a bit I enjoyed the story and the characters overall.
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
Perhaps my expectations were too high. It felt agenda driven and shallow when I wanted more of the story of the friendship and the deeper parts of it.
valeriedittrich's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
veganheathen's review against another edition
5.0
This book is basically the conversations we all need to be having with each other. The first pages were heart-wrenching and the story dove right into how various people are thrust into and deal with such tragedy. I felt so many things while reading this, which is the marker of a great book if it can elicit such emotion. Such a great premise and a great book.
I feel like Jen is so many white women who think they are woke and don’t feel they’re racist, while simultaneously holding racist beliefs. Society has ingrained that into so many without us realizing it. Choosing to listen and learn and become allies is important, especially if it makes one uncomfortable. Through discomfort, we can grow if we remain open.
I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is still my honest and unbiased opinion.
I feel like Jen is so many white women who think they are woke and don’t feel they’re racist, while simultaneously holding racist beliefs. Society has ingrained that into so many without us realizing it. Choosing to listen and learn and become allies is important, especially if it makes one uncomfortable. Through discomfort, we can grow if we remain open.
Spoiler
I really disliked Jen for most of the book and found her to be a very poor friend to Riley. Right at the end of the book she starts the baby steps of trying. I’m not sure why Riley put up with so many micro-aggressions and I find it hard to believe conversations about race never happened while Jen was growing up immersed in Riley’s family world.I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is still my honest and unbiased opinion.