A review by kearstinreading
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

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

2.0

"We Ride Upon Sticks" transports readers to 1989, back to the very town where the infamous witch trials originated. In this small town, the Danvers High School Falcons field hockey team will stop at nothing to secure victory, even if it means delving into witchcraft.

I'm an avid reader, and it's a rare occurrence for me not to finish a book. Yet, in the case of "We Ride Upon Sticks," I found myself slogging through it out of sheer discipline. This novel just didn't manage to capture my interest. The characters lacked the compelling qualities that draw readers in, and the storytelling failed to grip me as I had hoped. I really wanted to like this book, but alas, it didn't quite deliver.

Nostalgia is a powerful force, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the wave of nostalgia-driven shows like "Stranger Things" and the campy vibes of similar books. However, in my view, "We Ride Upon Sticks" didn't quite hit the mark when it comes to the comparisons with these beloved nostalgic shows. The unique charm and allure I expected to find were somewhat off-base.

One of the most striking features of this book is its dense prose. The writing is incredibly dense, making it a challenging read for those who aren't particularly drawn to such a style. 

In summary, "We Ride Upon Sticks" didn't quite meet my expectations. It's a dense and challenging read, with characters and storytelling that failed to captivate me. While the premise held promise, the execution left something to be desired, and the nostalgia factor fell somewhat short.