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A review by mavemarie
Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
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
4.0
A bright and uniquely frustrating exploration of intersectionality in a contemporary young adult setting.
The initial characterizations left me wondering if I was hopelessly out of touch, or if the author was, with today's teens. Every line felt just close enough to believable that it teetered on stereotypical, clearly through the lens of social media. But with a nd sibling who was caught in the throes of pandemic academic life, I think those characterizations might be more accurate than I might have thought to begin with, beyond also being a part of a community I am not steeped in.
The meta of a story about a writer learning about writing and exploring that journey for themselves (and why a story shouldn't do that) was enough to tickle me silly, but compounding that with the narrative voice of a truely neurodivergent mind was a beautiful ride that leaves me craving more. The ride of Lark's trailing mind felt so close to home that being done with this book feels like loosing it's companionship. Where else will I get Hamilton lyrics spliced with intense emotional dialogs?
The exploration of diversity within a single racial community was charming and eye opening on a number of levels, and the social issues addressed and explored by so many different views leaves a lot to dwell on, particularly as a white reader. Sometimes it was a challenging read listening to an echo chamber that mirrors the hatred these characters, (and black society as a whole) were raised in, but undoubtedly worth it. Algorithms keep us in our own corners, and being exposed to the harsher sides of another's is a quick one-two (three, four, five-six) to the gut, which is a reoccurring experience throughout this narrative. But listening and putting defensiveness to the side is necessary for growth, love, and change.
The challenges these characters face are ones we can all learn from regardless of class or creed. From race, age, sexuality, or any other identity we hold, this story is important for you.
Would have rated higher for personal taste in pace and wants for the exploration of character growth, as well as lasting taste in my mouth. Much of this, I think, is attributed to it being for teens. Would have rated it lower if not for how enjoyable a read it was.
For a book that explores accountability, much of it was extreamly surface level, and left me wanting for the main love interest to have found more meaningful progress, specifically in his hand in causing 90% of the harm in this book. He literally begged Lark to keep his secret, and it never gets adressed later, after eveything snowballs. Lots of "sorry"s go around, but Lark is so idyllic that real accountability is rarely given to them. (This can be said for many of the characters.) The snowball of negativity surrounding bullying through social media never really gets addressed as well, except in broad terms that, while realistic given the plot, leave me feeling less than hopeful for it's impact on young readers, and if I didn't enjoy the book as much as I did, I would have rated it lower for it.
The initial characterizations left me wondering if I was hopelessly out of touch, or if the author was, with today's teens. Every line felt just close enough to believable that it teetered on stereotypical, clearly through the lens of social media. But with a nd sibling who was caught in the throes of pandemic academic life, I think those characterizations might be more accurate than I might have thought to begin with, beyond also being a part of a community I am not steeped in.
The meta of a story about a writer learning about writing and exploring that journey for themselves (and why a story shouldn't do that) was enough to tickle me silly, but compounding that with the narrative voice of a truely neurodivergent mind was a beautiful ride that leaves me craving more. The ride of Lark's trailing mind felt so close to home that being done with this book feels like loosing it's companionship. Where else will I get Hamilton lyrics spliced with intense emotional dialogs?
The exploration of diversity within a single racial community was charming and eye opening on a number of levels, and the social issues addressed and explored by so many different views leaves a lot to dwell on, particularly as a white reader. Sometimes it was a challenging read listening to an echo chamber that mirrors the hatred these characters, (and black society as a whole) were raised in, but undoubtedly worth it. Algorithms keep us in our own corners, and being exposed to the harsher sides of another's is a quick one-two (three, four, five-six) to the gut, which is a reoccurring experience throughout this narrative. But listening and putting defensiveness to the side is necessary for growth, love, and change.
The challenges these characters face are ones we can all learn from regardless of class or creed. From race, age, sexuality, or any other identity we hold, this story is important for you.
Would have rated higher for personal taste in pace and wants for the exploration of character growth, as well as lasting taste in my mouth. Much of this, I think, is attributed to it being for teens. Would have rated it lower if not for how enjoyable a read it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Transphobia, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Racial slurs, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Biphobia, Police brutality, Bullying, Classism, Homophobia, Mental illness, Body shaming, and Hate crime