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teresatumminello's review against another edition
3.0
3 and 1/2 stars (I think I'm giving out more 3 and 1/2 stars for what are basically 3-star books, if only to make sure review-readers know that I did like a 3-star book.)
I bought this book while I was on vacation in North Carolina last week, as I like to go into the local independents and see what is regionally of interest. This was recommended to me by the owner, who said it was well-written, after she asked me what I liked to read. (Literary fiction was my answer.)
Not only is it well-written, but the characters and their development are very well-drawn. It's not only a 'coming-of-age story' for the 13-year-old narrator, but maybe even more so for her mother. It evokes a year (1954) that's before my time, and though I was impressed with all the details of the time period, I feel that maybe there are too many given at some points.
The book starts off slow, imbuing you with place and atmosphere (essential to this tale of racism in the South at a volatile time with things on the cusp of change) and becomes somewhat (too?) plot-heavy near the end. But, all in all, a 'good read,' and a quite important one too.
I bought this book while I was on vacation in North Carolina last week, as I like to go into the local independents and see what is regionally of interest. This was recommended to me by the owner, who said it was well-written, after she asked me what I liked to read. (Literary fiction was my answer.)
Not only is it well-written, but the characters and their development are very well-drawn. It's not only a 'coming-of-age story' for the 13-year-old narrator, but maybe even more so for her mother. It evokes a year (1954) that's before my time, and though I was impressed with all the details of the time period, I feel that maybe there are too many given at some points.
The book starts off slow, imbuing you with place and atmosphere (essential to this tale of racism in the South at a volatile time with things on the cusp of change) and becomes somewhat (too?) plot-heavy near the end. But, all in all, a 'good read,' and a quite important one too.
fairyprime's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic and brilliant. Definitely on my to own list and a must read for everyone.
blueroo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
fekete815's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. It is a very powerful and emotional read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories.
rhondafuller's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- 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? No
3.75
frannieman's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
eagib74's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- 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? No
4.0
bgoral's review against another edition
1.0
This book had absolutely no point other than being trauma p**n for white people
bookishrealm's review against another edition
3.0
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. And it's hard to put them all down but I will say that it was heartbreaking and my goodness it was hard to ready about Mary being the help. I don't know. Having someone in the family who shared her experiences makes this all the more personal and even more difficult to write. I definitely need to collect my thoughts and probably write them out.
limeminearia's review against another edition
5.0
Sad but really great, unsentimental, coming of age story. Good to recommend to people who liked To Kill a Mockingbird. Much better than (the annoying) The Secret Life of Bees and (i suspect) less heavy-handed than The Help.