chaoticgirlie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
5.0
mayormccheese's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
ryn_k's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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
4.25
julesreadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot even begin to tell you how important this book is, especially in the world we live in today. Although this took place during the LA riots, it’s still a very fitting an accurate book on race, racism, police brutality and classism.
Ashley is a young black teenager trying to navigate life, like most teenagers. However, she has to navigate life during the LA riots. Ashley’s family is very wealthy and Ashley attends a predominantly white school, which you can imagine during this difficult time. It’s extremely uncomfortable. Throughout the book, you see the way that Ashley handles life, throughout these difficult moments. Ashley has been a sheltered child her entire life and her parents have basically protected her from the “real issues of racism” so her view of the Rodney King riots is viewed as emotionless from being in her predominantly white influenced life.
The story overall is a well-written, smooth read that kept me intrigued the whole time. I personally think that a book like this is so important for everyone (no matter what race) should read, as the situation still rings true to this day.
Ashley is a young black teenager trying to navigate life, like most teenagers. However, she has to navigate life during the LA riots. Ashley’s family is very wealthy and Ashley attends a predominantly white school, which you can imagine during this difficult time. It’s extremely uncomfortable. Throughout the book, you see the way that Ashley handles life, throughout these difficult moments. Ashley has been a sheltered child her entire life and her parents have basically protected her from the “real issues of racism” so her view of the Rodney King riots is viewed as emotionless from being in her predominantly white influenced life.
The story overall is a well-written, smooth read that kept me intrigued the whole time. I personally think that a book like this is so important for everyone (no matter what race) should read, as the situation still rings true to this day.
megelizabeth's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This was very much a 'just okay' book for me. It deals relatively well with some important themes, and I enjoyed some of the developing relationships, but ultimately I struggled to really connect with the characters or the story. I also wasn't a fan of the writing style, and to me it really didn't feel authentic to the 90s setting (some reviewers have said that this highlights how things haven't really changed in that time, but I personally feel this message could have been achieved without sacrificing the sense of time).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Suicide, Death, Racism, Murder, Violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Homophobia, War, Sexual harassment, Blood, and Suicide attempt
delicatewatkins's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5 but I round down. Pace really slows in the last 100 pages.
lexireed's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
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? Yes
4.0
kimberlyanna91's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
donttakemybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Such a good coming of age story. My only complaint is that the ending was disjointed and drawn out, but I was really impressed with all the rest of this.