ljtademy3's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A very entertaining premise for a story. This book was a quick and easy read. The twists kept me wondering what would happen next, though I can’t say I was always itching to get back to the book. I enjoyed the drama of it all and feel there was a happy ending (or rather the happiest ending available given the context). I also appreciated the inclusion of how race and socio-economic status impacted the characters without that being the whole focus of the book. They were key factors in driving the plot, but i felt the book was ultimately about the relationships between the characters. Overall, I found the book engaging but not exciting/thrilling. It was thought-provoking though! I would recommend this book to a few people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Racism, Classism, Police brutality, and Violence
Minor: Abortion and Rape
nick_00's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Rape
michaelion's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Presents itself as a book about the inner turmoil of being the center of a love triangle, but really it's about the horrors of the American "justice" system and what American prison does to not just a person but the people they love.
I got emotional twice. Twice!!! That's a great feat. That really doesn't happen often. What beautiful writing too. There were several moments I had to gasp, pause the audiobook, pull back the book, and reread the line. My goodness. Wow. The ending lost me a little bit that's why it's not a 4.75 rating but still. Wow!
I got emotional twice. Twice!!! That's a great feat. That really doesn't happen often. What beautiful writing too. There were several moments I had to gasp, pause the audiobook, pull back the book, and reread the line. My goodness. Wow. The ending lost me a little bit that's why it's not a 4.75 rating but still. Wow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Racism, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Miscarriage, Violence, Abortion, Classism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Racial slurs, and Self harm
Minor: Homophobia
mxry_kat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape
alex_johnson_2021's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Rape, and Violence
hannah_solly17's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Abortion
sanjana_the_book_station's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape
thissagreads's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Even though this book got awards and nods in the writing world, I was confused as to why exactly. The pace was SLOW and I didn't like any other the main characters. Loved the narration and I admire the different style in which the book was written, but that was it. The storyline was a bit predictable and boring and there was too much vagueness even when the characters were speaking from their POV. The best part was the last 2 chapters because the pace finally picked up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Rape, Violence, and Abortion
jennneely82's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An interesting fictional take on a married couple from the south. An innocent black man goes to prison on a 12 year sentence, leaving his young and new bride behind. Life on the inside and outside go in different directions, where does the marriage and their relationship fall?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Abortion
brisha's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Sexual content, Cursing, Rape, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Violence, Grief, Police brutality, Sexism, Misogyny, and Alcohol