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b10h4z4rd's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
I found this book really beautiful!
With mysteries, I can find them a bit contrived and difficult, but this one unfolded really well. Our plot felt fresh and delightfully new, with Iyanu's photos being stolen in order to stir up drama around the school while the culprit pinned it on her.
Omotoni write delightful characters that interacted in a way that felt natural. All their different, distinct traits were pertinent to the novel, even if in small ways.Iyanu's photography, Marcus's panic attacks, Quincy's baking–all of those traits were actually pertinent as either details or plot points. I appreciate how this novel gives an incredibly nuanced depiction of how predominantly white institutions and their cultures can affect the few students of color there and make them act in less than optimal ways.
My only criticism of this book is that it can be difficult to remember all the characters. There are several characters, each with somewhat equal participation in the plot, but it can be difficult to differentiate them (mostly the guys for me) and keep all their traits neat and tidy in my mind, especially with how short this novel is compared to others. I would have appreciated a little relationship diagram or faces to put to names because I genuinely forgot that some characters were related to others and their ages in relation to each other.
All in all, a lovely and nuanced depiction of how oppressive, stifling environments can change even the most well-meaning of people.
With mysteries, I can find them a bit contrived and difficult, but this one unfolded really well. Our plot felt fresh and delightfully new, with Iyanu's photos being stolen in order to stir up drama around the school while the culprit pinned it on her.
Omotoni write delightful characters that interacted in a way that felt natural. All their different, distinct traits were pertinent to the novel, even if in small ways.
My only criticism of this book is that it can be difficult to remember all the characters. There are several characters, each with somewhat equal participation in the plot, but it can be difficult to differentiate them (mostly the guys for me) and keep all their traits neat and tidy in my mind, especially with how short this novel is compared to others. I would have appreciated a little relationship diagram or faces to put to names because I genuinely forgot that some characters were related to others and their ages in relation to each other.
All in all, a lovely and nuanced depiction of how oppressive, stifling environments can change even the most well-meaning of people.
ebonyessencebookshelf's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
“When the person you want to comfort you the most, it’s the reason you’re in need of comforting”
Listened to the audio while following along in the book.
Overall i really enjoyed this book. There is a mystery that needs to be solved with the polaroids. However, to me the book is not so much the “mystery” but so much more about being black at a pwi. How the cousins see themselves and also the kids/friends they interact with. Their day to day feelings with school, micro aggressions, family and more.
I buddy read this and we felt it also gave coming of age. For me especially with one of the fmc Kitan. There is a lot to unpack with her story when coming to this school and friend group she’s in. Very pleased to see her grow. Her and Iyanu’s conversation was one of favorite moments. As well as the moment that Iyanu had with her little sister. Black girls black women your Crown is beautiful and so are you.
Now if i was basing this of “mystery” alone it’s very much lite work for people. Especially for those of us that love mystery/thrillers but good for people that want to ease a step into this genre. Now if i was going off it being a mystery alone i would probably have given it a 2.5 - 3. Now with the twist at who actually done it I truly did not see coming.
yorit1's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
dkg20's review
DNF page 179. The premise was really promising but at this point it’s boring. Nothing significant has really happened almost 200 pages in. Sometimes I forget whose chapter I’m reading. I’m just not invested and I don’t care to keep reading to find out who done it
ashlee_'s review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
oonawoodbury's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
RTC
stfucatalina's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
the confrontation at the end was so well done. it was a constant oh! as they bounced from person to person.
kittynovaaaa's review
3.0
3.9
Entertaining even though the premise was a little bit boring. Damn near everybody in this shit was bisexual though, which I thought was really fun.
Entertaining even though the premise was a little bit boring. Damn near everybody in this shit was bisexual though, which I thought was really fun.