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stories's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Excellent. Everybody is flawed, and everyone has things they’re dealing with in their life, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help others.
I don’t know Hamlet well, but I know enough to be confident that deeper knowledge would merely make this more compelling.
Flavours of Inkheart, as Selby reads herself into the world of Hamlet, crossed with my favourite trope: the power of storytelling. A really clever take on the way stories are eternally retold for the societies of the present (I’d love to be able to quote the explanation directly, but that’s a hazard of audiobooks I guess).
Fast paced, authentic, and not without humour when Hamlet is faced with modern day English class, even as it is full of heart, as Selby seeks to save everyone.
This would make an amazing read alongside or in comparison to Hamlet, or even just as a kid-language friendly exposure to the storyline (and themes).
I don’t know Hamlet well, but I know enough to be confident that deeper knowledge would merely make this more compelling.
Flavours of Inkheart, as Selby reads herself into the world of Hamlet, crossed with my favourite trope: the power of storytelling. A really clever take on the way stories are eternally retold for the societies of the present (I’d love to be able to quote the explanation directly, but that’s a hazard of audiobooks I guess).
Fast paced, authentic, and not without humour when Hamlet is faced with modern day English class, even as it is full of heart, as Selby seeks to save everyone.
This would make an amazing read alongside or in comparison to Hamlet, or even just as a kid-language friendly exposure to the storyline (and themes).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
morainjay's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Selby is failing all of her classes, and until further notice, she is going to be tutored by her brother's friend, Dan. There's no way this can go well, especially because Dan makes Selby read. Out loud.
But when Selby's reading aloud transports her and Dan into the book Hamlet, Selby really gets more than she bargained for. Hamlet is declaring his love for Selby. Dan is distracted by Ophelia. And all Selby wants is to not be involved. Until Dan points out that their being there is altering the story. Then Selby starts getting ideas of how this story can go...
If you're looking for magic world building, you will not find it here. But this book doesn't need it. Selby's compassion for everyone she meets, Dan's passion for reading, and all of their falling on the floor is enough to carry a hi-lo reader (or any reader!) through this fun Hamlet immersion. Whether readers know Hamlet or not, they will get to know him in Hamlet is Not OK.
But when Selby's reading aloud transports her and Dan into the book Hamlet, Selby really gets more than she bargained for. Hamlet is declaring his love for Selby. Dan is distracted by Ophelia. And all Selby wants is to not be involved. Until Dan points out that their being there is altering the story. Then Selby starts getting ideas of how this story can go...
If you're looking for magic world building, you will not find it here. But this book doesn't need it. Selby's compassion for everyone she meets, Dan's passion for reading, and all of their falling on the floor is enough to carry a hi-lo reader (or any reader!) through this fun Hamlet immersion. Whether readers know Hamlet or not, they will get to know him in Hamlet is Not OK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death and Blood