Scan barcode
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, and Abortion
mfrabbiele's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Gun violence, and Abandonment
Minor: Infertility, Racism, and Murder
beckbrl's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Miscarriage, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Abortion
catladyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
aguattery's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Gun violence and Infertility
Minor: Abortion
ekmook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Infertility, Miscarriage, Racism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
elissareadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Homophobia
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Miscarriage
bookmaddie's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
The beginning of this story is heartbreaking. It really hit me, and provided necessary context for the rest of the story, which weaves back and forth in time and between characters. While this structure was a bit confusing at times, Coster did a great job of making each section count. Sometimes a character is only followed for short periods, yet you really get to know each person deeply. Each personality radiated across the page, and it was really fascinating to see how individual decisions impacted their lives across time (and across families).
This story centers around the integration of a high school in North Carolina in the early 2000s, so there is a heavy focus on racism and classism. Even when people deny that their actions are fueled by racism (lmao this rlly reminded me of conversations I've had at home w family), Coster makes it crystal clear how racism is fuels people's actions and words. Reading about Gee and his friends trying to fit in at a (previously) all-white high school was really powerful and affecting.
What I found most unexpected was the beautiful focus on family and finding your own path in life. Because this story covers such a long period of time, you are able to zoom out and realize the circular nature that life can take at times.
Even though I felt really close to this story, it hasn't stuck with me the way I thought it might. I think it's a really impactful read and would encourage anyone to give it a read!
Graphic: Gun violence, Abortion, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Racial slurs, and Racism
internationalreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, and Murder