A review by professorbadger
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

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

3.5

I have tremendously mixed feelings about this book. It was a great idea (with a truly perfect title!), and many of the story elements were enjoyable. I enjoyed the cast of characters and their different takes on the world. With a strong editor to force the author to cut about 10% across the board, including the handful of jokes that didn’t really land, it would have been so, so much better. As is, it’s more of a mixed bag. I found the ending stronger than the beginning, so if you start reading and aren’t sure (like me), it may help to know that it *does* get stronger. 
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