Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

17 reviews

fkshg8465's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked the intention of the book more than I did the story. I also had trouble reading at my normal speed because the speech was written in late 90s urban talk. So I had to do a tiny bit of decoding in my brain, the way I do when I’m trying to think in a second language, though with less difficulty.

I do like a happy ending (your definition of happy may differ from mine).

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bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition

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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

4.0

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emily_mh's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

Tiffany D. Jackson is an auto-buy author for me, okay? She is SO TALENTED and I can just trust that her books will be a hit with me. This was no different.

There are two major parts to the plot of this book: Jasmine, Quadir, and Jarrell trying to get their dead brother and friend Steph a record deal, and them trying to solve his murder. The music side of the plot paced the story well from the beginning. It brought some levity to it as the MCs were made to navigate the challenges brought about when you’re trying to get a record deal for someone who is no longer alive. It still had a huge emotional impact though, because it was through Steph’s music that the MCs were processing their grief and mourning for him. The murder mystery plot line mirrored the music one in that through trying to solve Steph’s murder, the MCs were seeking closure and also justice for Steph. And it certainly kept me guessing till the end! Inextricably woven into all of this was nuanced discussion of racism, classism, and sexism, and the way they manifest in social issues (that directly impacted and influenced the story itself) such as police brutality, lack of access and opportunity, and gun violence.

The MCs were excellent. Individually they all had amazing character development, coming so far from where they started out at the beginning of the book. This really is a coming-of-age story, where Jarrell, Quadir and Jasmine are learning a lot about themselves, each other, and the world around them.

The friendship shown in this story was beautiful. Not only was it written so naturally, but the MCs had such loyalty and love for one another, and for Steph. The lengths they went to make his dreams come true and get justice for him spoke to their deep devotion. I also liked the romance between Quadir and Jasmine, and generally loved how community was depicted in people showing up for others when they needed it.

Finally, I loved learning about 90s hip hop culture, like what different artists were known for and the impact their music had on listeners. On that note, Malik “Malik-16” Sharif’s lyrics were incredible in how expressive they were and and how they perfectly tied into the narrative.

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tahsintries's review against another edition

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3.5

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bkyng313's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

I loved this book. It had some feel good moments and also some spots where my heart truly ached for the characters. All in all a good read.

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dlrosebyh's review against another edition

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emotional 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

3.25

1998, Brooklyn. Things have altered, as Biggie Smalls predicted. But that doesn't mean Quadir and Jarrell are okay with leaving their best buddy Steph's music under his bed after he's murdered—especially because his lyrics could transform any Bed Stuy corner into a party.

They devise a strategy to market Steph's music under a new rap persona, the Architect, with the assistance of Steph's younger sister Jasmine. Everyone soon wants a piece of him. When a hotheaded music label rep notices his demo, the three must show Steph's skill from beyond the grave.

Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the reality about what happened to Steph as the pressure to conceal their secret rises. Each, however, has something to hide. And, with everything hanging on Steph's popularity, they must decide what they stand for or risk losing all they've worked so hard to keep—including their other.

This is my first Tiffany D. Jackson novel, and while I didn't love it, I'm pleased I finally know what her writing style is like. The beginning was fascinating, but towards the middle, I had lost interest. It became extremely slow, which is one of my major pet peeves—inconsistent pacing. With that in mind, I downloaded the audiobook, and I wish I had done it sooner—it was so much better.

I became emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. Normally, I dislike novels with lyrics, but I like this one. As a huge music fan, I was quite interested in the musical components of the book, such as establishing a band, rehearsals, or the composing process— everything involving music piqued my attention.

Aside from the beginning, I really like the ending. It made me weep so hard, something I didn't anticipate given that I went into this book blind. I'm delighted I read this book, and I'm eager to read more by Tiffany D. Jackson.

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