Reviews

Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

kimskindlereads's review

5.0

Raw & real. The story itself wasn't unique but it was told in such a unique way. I felt so many emotions listening to this. The way their story unfolded, the way both of their lives took different paths, the reasons why. The growth & love. I was invested from the start. Audiobook was really good!

londbowers's review

2.0

I wasn’t a HUGE fan of the writing style of only being letters (which i did see before reading). It was a well told story even though there are big caps occasionally. Decent read.

juleser's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

dannb's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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

5.0

In the first 40-50 pages, I wasn’t sure this one was for me. Written in epistolary format between the two main characters… powerful, raw and encouraging,  while heartbreaking.

jrosenstein's review against another edition

3.0

I picked this up at the library because a student had asked me for it several months ago so I thought it would be worth checking out. One thing that makes this novel unique is that it is an epistolary novel, told entirely through letters sent back and forth between Natasha and her high school boyfriend Antonio, who ends up incarcerated for murder. I had some problems with the believability of why he ends up in prison, but the characters seem very real and the book has enough drama to keep kids interested but also ends with very positive messages. Definitely one for older kids, it has a good amount of profanity and frank discussion of teens having sex.

readbetweendeelines's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad fast-paced

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

4.0

aomidori's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

ledlight's review

emotional inspiring sad tense slow-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

4.5

mbenzz's review against another edition

5.0

I can't give this book enough praise. I absolutely loved it. It was so sad, and so real, that you would have to be a monster not to feel sorry for these kids.

Natasha and Antonio are a young high school couple in Harlem who are separated when Antonio is sent to prison for the murder of his father. The book consists of letters back and forth between the two over a span of 9 years. I was rooting for them both throughout the whole book and loved seeing how much Natasha grew up and came into her own as the book progressed.

I made it through the whole story, then the last page made me cry. These two went through so much together and shared so much of themselves, that I was a little surprised at how it ended. But even though it wasn't what I expected, I loved the ending just the same. I can't recommend this book enough, and I'm going to send it off to my best friend to read. I'm really looking forward to the next book Ms. Buckhanon publishes. She really has a great talent.

eudijo's review

5.0

oh, I loved this book! so many feels ♡♡♡