A review by bybookandbone
Smart by Kim Slater

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

 I can't attest to how well certain depictions are done but for what I do know, they were pretty well done.

This is a sad book,
the happy ending wasn't enough to offset how upsetting the child abuse, domestic abuse and animal abuse was. I was also sad to see that Kieran's mom isn't held accountable in the text. Yes she's a victim and really tries, this doesn't offset the part she has to play in Kieran's abuse by telling him to go upstairs and then herself getting to watch tv in the main room (which he is not allowed to do). Plus, she's just as culpable in the animal abuse.


The mystery itself and Kieran's part in it was interesting and well written. I wish the book was bigger because there is quite a few different threads included outside the mystery. A lot happens that is almost skipped past at quite a rate because there just isn't time to dwell. 
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