bites_of_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
This was a fantastic book that delves into social horror. This is really about what fear can do to people who feel like things are getting out of their control. We follow Maddie, a young girl who passes as white and is suddenly found out to be Black. This starts a series of events that start with Maddie finding out she has the power to move things with her mind and end with a tragic prom night to top it all, many years later, a true crime podcast that's trying to find out what "really happened" that night.
The supernatural aspect of this book was done so well, it doesn't overpower our main character and also gives us a lot of intrigue as to what really is happening with her powers. This has been described as a Carrie retelling and I feel like it keeps the spirit of Carrie while Jackson gives it her own twists and style.
I listened to the audiobook, which was awesome because it has a whole production with almost a full cast, and really helped immerse me in the story.
This is a very difficult book to read because there is a lot of outright racism, bigotry, mysoginy, etc etc. Do take care when reading, check for all content warnings!
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror that focuses more on the horror that humans are capable of and also if you want characters who are multidimensional and who go beyond what you expect from them.
The supernatural aspect of this book was done so well, it doesn't overpower our main character and also gives us a lot of intrigue as to what really is happening with her powers. This has been described as a Carrie retelling and I feel like it keeps the spirit of Carrie while Jackson gives it her own twists and style.
I listened to the audiobook, which was awesome because it has a whole production with almost a full cast, and really helped immerse me in the story.
This is a very difficult book to read because there is a lot of outright racism, bigotry, mysoginy, etc etc. Do take care when reading, check for all content warnings!
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror that focuses more on the horror that humans are capable of and also if you want characters who are multidimensional and who go beyond what you expect from them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Gore, Body horror, Bullying, Grief, Gun violence, Blood, Murder, Child abuse, Classism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Cultural appropriation, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Sexism, Toxic friendship, and Violence
toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
5.0
This is a "Carrie" retelling, and I've never read that book nor have I seen the movie. This was so brilliant though, I don't think I'm ever going to even need to read the original. This book didn't even read like YA for me, I really think that any fan of horror could pick this up and appreciate it. The main characters are complicated and well drawn, the character development (for better and for worse) is off the charts. I also really loved the podcast element that ran all through the book. It reminded me of the best parts of "Sadie" which is a book I loved in 2020. If you do pick this up, keep a tissue box nearby, mind your triggers, and enjoy.
Also: Tiffany D. Jackson I LOVE you.
Also: Tiffany D. Jackson I LOVE you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship, Racism, Hate crime, Police brutality, Murder, Ableism, Violence, Child death, Mass/school shootings, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Blood, Infidelity, Mental illness, Bullying, and Animal death
Minor: Slavery and Self harm
there is no mass shooting in this book BUT there is a mass murder and i felt like i had to note it somehow.
More...